Yeah I'm really feeling this post. I cut of my hairstylist of 13 years because she's been putting the press on me (no pun intended) to perm my hair. I can't stand relaxers; they badly damage my hair. I've met many people (specially whites) that are intimidated by my braided hair. I'm a black woman, I'm supposed to look ethnic.

When I was in high school, I used to wear super duper long weaves so often, people began to think it was my real hair. 24 inches is more than enough to hide behind. I didn't like the way I looked an didn't want people looking at me.

I so agree on the long straight hair hiding thing. I so agree....

looking good leez, do you. if you feel more "you" rockin the natural then i say viva la natural!! i'm not concerned with you letting it grow back to the way it was before, but i'm curious -- are you going to grow it out to a full fro or lock it, or stick with the twists? i think any would look good on you (my 2cents). anyway, just droppin in, i've been away for a minute so i'm checkin on my dailies. much love.

al

Al - I'm in the process of growing the hair out, more out of curiousity than anything else. I plan on going until next year without doing anything drastic; just chilling it letting go free. I do want a big ass fro at some point...I think. As for locing, I don't see myself doing that until waaay down the road. Maybe in like 5 yrs.

Peace Queen.
I was directed to your site from Siana! After reading this post, I felt like u dipped into my body and stole those feelings from me before i found a way to express them myself. My mom always told me I hid behind my hair. When I expressed an interest in going natural, she supported it all the way. (she should have, since she was the one who permed me) When i'm out and about in Crackka ass Cracka Cali, I get mad attention from men - especially black men when i wear the 12in weave. But let me take it off and wear my natural, short hair....no looks..no greets...nada. I've found it hard to find the strength from within to go natural for good. I stopped perming my hair 6 yrs ago...but kept wearing weave. I let go of the weave a few months ago, and wear head wraps. My hair is about 4 in. of natural hair...now comes the transition. I am tired of folks seeing my Beyonce-image..the contrived image of beauty. I want folks to see me...

thank you so much for what you wrote.
Peace.