Perm Virgin: Diary Of A Natural Hair Lifer

In middle and high school, I went to a prestigious  predominantly white college prep school,  so I didn’t have to worry about being taunted because of my hair. In fact, I experienced the reverse. Many of my classmates marveled at the texture of my hair and always wanted to touch it. During his stage of my life, I experiemented. I pressed my hair. I braided my hair. I twisted my hair. I wore it in afro. I even wore wigs and weave. I just never permed it, nor did I have the desire to. There was no need.  I started to become known as “Natural Hair Rana,” and I was pretty OK with that.

I was a bit amazed how much “natural hair” had become the “thing to do” while in college at Princeton. Lots of my friends were “transitioning” and wanted to know all the latest natural hair tips. Many even became product junkies, spending tons of money on the latest life changing, hair transformative products.  Me? I continued using my staple products, things I’d been using since childhood: Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer, Olive Oil, & Shea Butter.  No fancy fixings here.

I think my mother’s refusal to  (and lack of encouragement for)  perming my hair really helped me  build confidence in myself from an early age. Because of my difference, I had to learn to really believe in myself and stand up to naysayers and negativity.  I have no judgment against women who have or still perm their hair.  If it works for them, then so be it. If you like your hair straight or if you like it curly, do you boo.  Heck, my latest obsession has been wigs. I think they are so fun and a great way to try new hairstyles without– you guessed it,– having to trouble my own hair.

I love that this “natural hair movement” has caused so many women of color to reclaim their sense of self and proudfully flaunt (or protect) the beautiful mane of hair they were born with. I love to see women  loving their natural hair and choosing to stand up to societal norms of beauty. Personally, I’ve learned to love my hair for what it is. What could be better than that?

I’m so  looking forward to the day when wearing one’s natural hair is the “natural” thing to do.

Where are all my natural hair lifers at? What has rocking your hair natural for all these years taught you about yourself?

Rana Campbell is a journalist, branding expert, and self- proclaimed “digital butterfly.” Follow her on Twitter , Instagram, or Facebook to connect or check out her website www.ranacampbell.com to read more interesting commentaries.