Natural Hair Sermon

Many have said that African-American women that choose to wear their natural hair are arrogant, extreme or self-righteous. This may hold some truth one way or the other. Allow me to introduce myself, shall I? My name is Chrishelle, most people call me Coco. Don't ask. My favorite fruit is a strawberry and my skin color is, well you know. The hair on my head has been chemical free for a total of 10 months. Before I chose to undo what my wonderful aunt did to my hair, I experimented with just about every hair style you could think of. As long as my hair was fried, dyed (okay really rinsed) or laid to the side, I was a happy camper.

I've always had hair past my shoulders, but I'd always change it up. I used to rock french rolls, rodded ponytails (you know the ones that went in the microwave, uh huh...lol) a layered bob, Rihanna inspired mohawk, 18 inch yaki or deep wave extentions, microbraids, crocheted extentions, fingerwaves, layered, pincurl and stacked ponytails and the list goes on. Out of all the hairstyles I've had, I must say that my hair is it's healthiest in it's natural state. No more pump it up spritz, oil sheen or hair relaxer for me. Believe me when I say that those days are over. Being natural is quite the liberating experience. Let me tell you why. I no longer have to run for cover when it rains. I can go all day not to worry about combing my hair to keep it in place. I can swim or get wet without the headache of putting on a swimming cap. Lastly, I am confident knowing that THIS is how God made me and I am beautiful no matter what!

With that, I must say that just because my hair is natural doesn't make me believe for a minute that I'm better than someone who isn't. This is a decision that I made and I'm proud of it, but I will not judge anyone who chooses to walk a different walk. I get so sick and tired of those women who say that natural hair women think they all that and so forth. Pluhleez stop that madness!!!! First it was light skinned women against dark and now this? Is the new hype of hate that's brewing: Relaxed Hair vs. Naturals? Let's quit all this nonsense and get free. We're all beautiful in our own right. Even the chick you swear up and down is ugly as hell is a star in someone's eyes. Believe that. So let's work on encouraging each other instead of ripping each other to shreads. I mean really...when are we gonna get enough? Being positive is the way to go. So if you see somebody that looks nice, instead of being nasty towards them, just let them know.