Two Years Natural!

Hi all! So February is coming to a close and I almost forgot (sometimes my mind likes to go on vacay without me) this month marks my 2-year anniversary of being on #teamnatural!

I can’t believe it’s been 2-years as I still feel like I’ve only just begun this journey. Also looking back at pictures, holy crap has my hair grown! Seeing your hair day in and day out you never really notice the difference in growth, at times I’ve felt it was stuck at the same length, but I’m happy to see that I actually have a pretty thick and fluffy fro going on ;D

In celebration of surviving the past 2 years I thought I’d share the top 5 things I’ve personally learned or discovered about being natural. Hoping this will inspire, motivate, and encourage you all!

1. It’s not as easy or carefree as one might think.

Even though you may not have to make trips to the salon as often (or at all) and have the luxury of doing simple wash n’ go’s (my faves), there is still effort needed to maintain the upkeep of your hair, especially as it grows longer.

2. You don’t have to be a ‘product junkie’.

When I first started out I thought I had to try every product that was out there to ensure I had the best one for my hair, but in reality – ain’t nobody got time for that. If you find a product line that works for you (mine is Shea Moisture) then sticking to it is totally okay! Sure I’ll try something new every now and then, but only if I’m genuinely interested, not because everyone else is using it.

3. Patience.

Patience with growth, patience with detangling, patience with styling, just be patient. Trying to rush through things will only make you frustrated and could cause unnecessary damage to your hair.

4. Be inspired, but don’t compare.

Everyone’s hair is different, that’s what makes us unique! You can always be inspired by someone’s hair (Solange Knowles and Corinne Bailey-Rae are two of my top inspirations!), but never compare or think their hair is better, it won’t get you anywhere.

5. It’s just hair, so have fun!

Don’t be scared to change it up every now and then, you all saw I rocked senegalese twists for a few months because I wanted a change (and I’m thinking about some color for summer!). So color it, cut it, put extensions in it, wear a wig, whatever! While your hair is a part of you, it shouldn’t define you and as long as you feel confident and happy with how it looks then keep doing you!

Here’s to the next 2 years! Thanks for reading!

  • http://indiexrocks.blogspot.com/ Sheriden G

    Happy 2 years! My 2 year natural-versary will be this year too! I agree with everything you said, especially about comparing. It is so easy to look at one natural head of hair and be like, dang why doesn’t my growth look like that? Truthfully you don’t know everyone’s journey and hair is not the same so comparing is pointless. Congrats Ashlei! You’re fierce hunty :)

  • fashionloving

    Your hair looks amazing, happy that you have been natural for 2 years congrats! :)

  • http://www.kendaatlarge.com/ kenda

    congrats on making it 2 years! i couldn’t agree with #4 and #5 more. i really started enjoying my natural hair once i realized this.

  • http://kinksarethenewpink.blogspot.com/ Ashlei

    Thanks Sheriden! I was totally the person who would compare how much growth I had to other people who had big chopped around the same time as me, it drove me insane, totally not worth it!

  • http://kinksarethenewpink.blogspot.com/ Ashlei

    Thanks lady!

  • http://kinksarethenewpink.blogspot.com/ Ashlei

    Thanks Kenda! Totally agree, those two were my biggest epiphanies that really changed how I viewed my hair :)