In the natural hair community, it’s typical for women to strive for the longest, healthiest hair possible. When I was a little girl I had the same sentiment but I always admired the women in my family and their courage to wear their hair short. Nearly 40 years later, I decided to follow in their footsteps. Here is the journey of why I went from long curls to a tapered cut with no plans of turning back!
It All Started With My Hair Falling Out
Technically I had two natural hair journeys! The first one was a complete accident. I got my first relaxer at 10 years old and continued to get them for 20 years after that. When I turned 30 I was itching to try something new so I cut my hair into a bob. When I was due for another cut, it ended up being a disaster! My stylist cut my hair too short in the front! When I got home I figured I’d just glue some tracks in the front until my hair grew back. Unfortunately, I ended up having a pretty bad allergic reaction to the glue and it caused my hair to fall out in the front. As a result of that incident, I decided to transition to natural hair! Over a year later I did the big chop!
Short Hair Became My New Look
My second natural hair journey started in 2021 when I cut my hair – this time purposely! Even though having long hair was my comfort zone at the time, I admired my mom and grandmother for having the courage to wear their hair short for 30 years! When I turned 40, I made a promise to myself that I would do all of the things I’d been too scared to do! Cutting my hair was on that list. To be honest, when I cut my hair I had every intention of growing it back. I couldn’t have imagined that two weeks later I’d throw away every ponytail holder and bobby pin I owned. This was it! I loved it so much that I decided I would wear my hair short from now on!
Styling My Short Tapered Cut
When I cut my hair, the styling time and the amount of money spent on products reduced tremendously! I currently use Bye-Bye Buildup from Uncle Funky’s Daughter as a co-wash and Squeaky when I need a deep clean. I also use the Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque to deep condition. It’s so creamy and leaves my hair soft and moisturized! Once my hair is washed, I use Thirsty Curls as my leave-in conditioner and Curly Magic to define my curls. This dynamic duo has my wash and go popping and my curls moisturized, shiny, and defined!
Everyone’s natural hair journey looks different, whether you desire your curls to fall down your back or would prefer to wear a tapered cut. Just make sure that your hair is healthy and that you are happy!
xoxo
Desiree (@themotleygirl)
