Photo of Kezia Lategan

Embracing your natural hair

Big, small; curly, wavy; in, out; up, down – all this forms part of the collected benefits my natural bundle offers. Though, for a measured time, the idealizations around her have been somewhat gloomy. Things like: should I straighten?, use chemicals?, apply heat? and more, have filled my personal probing. But just like an angelic awakening, she has shifted my reasoning.

Sometimes I let nature do its thing, and sometimes I do my thing. Iconic braidings, bo-ho twists or bundled faux locs – my go-to for a sensational love style on my roots. Whether I’m out with my girls or in with my curls, this halo has never let me down. Rescue masks and protein treatments have all been part of the game. And from relaxers to split ends, and split ends to chopping, this crown has worn it proud. The paradigm and bountifulness of my living strands extend far and wide. From roots to ends, and ends that mend. However I prefer my cooped-up style, she always delivers without fail – even if that means working in reverse. Though, do not be swayed that breakage and bushes; kinks and knots; shrinks, and shafts have definitely influenced my thought pattern. One day she might be rocking the best fro and the next, she’ll be serving bed-head all around. You never know with her, but that’s something I quite like about her.

The many trial-and-errors and convoluted strain has tested me but as the saying goes ‘no go backs.’ As much as my exorbitant Denman brush and high-budget hair products might eat at my pockets – and at times fail to work their magic, I would not give them up. I’ve found what works for me, and my many hair tricks and styles have now formed a part of my personality.

Whether I’m feeling young and free or meek and weak, there is always something I can do. I get to incorporate wigs and extensions among many others, while still feeling my resilient self. A highlight to my bouncing hair body is wind in my hair and palms on my roots, there’s no better tranquil feeling. So, as much as she held me down and exhausted my many hair ties, it has certainly been worth it.

What a liberating powerhouse she has given me. From brittle to bliss and gaping to grow, this girl has succeeded in all the tricks of the train. At times we should just let her live a little. Out in the air, waving like she just doesn’t care. This girl surely takes the crown.

Also see:Quick ways to revamp your old braids

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