CURLFRIENDS: Jenika Brackins

What made you decide to go natural?

July 2011 - "Natural Coming Out"

I decided to go natural because I got tired of the constant up keep of having a perm. Being that my natural hair is NOWHERE close to being straight if I didn't perm it every 6 weeks, my hair would look a hot mess.  I dealt with horrible shedding, split ends, chemical burns, dandruff for days, and a hair line that was slowly getting thinner and thinner in the front! Ever since I was little I never liked my hair straight. I always wondered what my natural texture was like but didn't think I had any other choice but to get braids or slap some perm in it. I knew there had to be a better way to take care of my hair! My mom has been natural on and off since 2000. Watching her go through big chop after big chop and seeing how beautiful her hair was I knew that it was the way to go. And after a few pep talks from one of my cousins who is also a natural I stopped talking about it and started transitioning!    

What stage of life were you in when you went natural (personally and or professionally) - Student, working, in a relationship, parent?

Post Locs 2008

Well this is my second attempt at going natural. The first time was back in '08. I was 23 when I started to transition. At 24 I had a decent job, living on my own, in my first serious relationship and at the happiest time in my life. When I went to my appointment to start dreading (locking) my hair I had this picture in my mind of what my hair was gonna look like when it was done. Whoa. When I looked in the mirror for the first time as 100% natural I wanted to like what I saw but I was completely disappointed. For the next 3 months I wore a head wrap to cover my hair because I was so uncomfortable and worried about what everyone would say. 

The second time was this past July. I was 28, single, enjoying life and being a mother.  I can say this time around I am much more comfortable with myself. That is why I have yet to fall back into my old hair routine aka a perm.    

What is the best compliment that you've received on your natural hair?

The best compliment I've gotten was on what I called my "natural coming out".  My parents' friend said, "I like that hair style! It fits you!!" I remember being so nervous before I walked in the room where everyone was because I was worried about what everyone would say. But once I heard that I knew I did the right thing because I thought the same thing. It fit me.

Do you have one tip for a new natural?

My advice to new naturals is to just go with it. There's ALWAYS gonna be someone out here with some smart comment about YOUR choice in going natural. The confidence should come from within you. If it feels like you are doing the right thing by going natural then who cares about what anyone else has to say.  Also keep in mind your hair is your hair. It’s not gonna look or act exactly like anyone else's. Find what works for your hair and like I said before just go with it.

Do you feel like you are part of the natural hair community?

Hmm, I've never thought about it. Honestly until recently I didn't realize one existed! I remember the first time I did a natural hair search on YouTube in January, shocked was not the word. I was completely overwhelmed by the results. (In a good way) I was sooooooo happy to see there were so many other sistahs out there embracing their natural hair. When I'm out and about and see another natural I usually try to get the nerve to approach them and ask questions to make my journey easier.

Do you feel like your natural hair has influenced other parts of your life?

Yes! It's helped me think outside of the box and question how we as black women look & judge each other based on our hair. It's helped me to appreciate the diversity of something that many have considered unprofessional, unkempt, ugly and nappy! How can the way God made my hair be anything other than beautiful??  During this process I've learned that educating myself on how to properly care for my natural hair has made a big difference in how it looks and feels. When the subject of hair comes up I've noticed I'm much bolder in giving my opinion and standing up for myself as a natural. I've had my share of "Why don't you just put a perm in your hair and call it a day?" and "Natural hair isn't for everyone!" comments. It doesn't bother me because I'm learning to love myself in a way I never thought possible by embracing my natural hair.  When I need a little boost or I'm having a bad hair day I have 2 articles I read to lift my spirits.

www.naturalhairrules.com/has-my-natural-offended-you/
www.hair2hopefour.com/blog/2011/05/15/Become-Yourself.aspx

I am FREE to be ME! I am fearfully and wonderfully made ~psalm 139:14

What are your top three hair products or tools?

A wide tooth comb or my fingers, to get the tangles out when washing and styling.

Spray bottle with my oil and water mix, a quick way to add moisture to my hair when I'm in a rush.

And my satin hair bonnet, I never go to sleep without it.

Feel free to friend Jenika on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenikabrackins

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Write by: Unknown - Sunday, December 4, 2011