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There seems to be a great divide between the au natural divas and the relaxed ones. Why is that? Have you ever met a newly natural and self righteous woman who seemingly thinks her hair is 'better' cared for than those who still relax? Wasn't she just in the stylist chair not too long ago? Perhaps all those years past of lye is clouding her brain.
Anywhoo let's compare the pro's and cons of natural vs relaxed from personal experience.
Miss Au’ Natural FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
PROS:
PROS:
- Healthier hair that’s not stripped away of natural oils
- Less breakage, IF KEPT MOISTURIZED. Because natural hair is stronger it can handle chemicals from hair dye better than permed hair. You also have the option to style curly or flat iron for a straight look, although excessive heat should be avoided.
-When it comes to vacation hair, au natural beauties have the option of jumping in the pool head first, although from personal experience the salt water in the ocean as well as chlorine can be very drying. To combat this I apply a lot of condish before I swim and wash that evening as well.
-When wearing my hair natural I am able to achieve a more voluminous look as opposed to the bone straight relaxed hair look. I hated that my hair felt 'see through' after getting a perm.
-To go natural doesn't have to hurt, getting a perm applied to the scalp often leads to scabs and sores.
CONS:
- Major increase in daily maintenance. LONG GONE are the days when you can brush your doobie wrap and go. Also, natural hair needs to be moisturized daily, co-washed (no poo) at least twice a week and detangled as often as possible.
- Straight styles don’t last as long because humidity cases frizz. Humidity does moisturize your hair though, it is like natures steam treatment ;)
- You have to find what products work for you through trial and error without becoming a product junkie. Watching YT videos and reading articles on sites like Long Hair Care Forum are a great start but what works fabulously well for one chica may not do a thing for your hair.
Miss Straight is Great
PROS:
- Easier to manage daily. Relaxers literally “relax” the curl of your natural texture resulting in a straight, less prone to knots finish.
- Deals better with natural elements. Most women I know with a perm will NOT go out in the rain. Chile please, they will wait for it to let up before stepping out into moisture where as natural hair would love a run through the rain.
CONS:
- Hair damage from years of harsh chemical use. Y’all remember seeing women walking around with NO edges due to over processing, tight braids and chemical burn. The chemicals do burn and are super toxic to any part of your epidermis, especially the scalp. Be careful when applying and never let anyone put a relaxer in your hair without greasing your entire head first.
- Hair damage from years of harsh chemical use. Y’all remember seeing women walking around with NO edges due to over processing, tight braids and chemical burn. The chemicals do burn and are super toxic to any part of your epidermis, especially the scalp. Be careful when applying and never let anyone put a relaxer in your hair without greasing your entire head first.
Both naturals and relaxed ladies can have healthy, long and luxurious hair it just takes knowledge and dedication to the art of hair care.
I will say this though, whoever said natural hair was 'easier' surely did lie, this head of mine takes WORK but I wouldn't trade it for a perm any day ;0)
