Guest Post by: Marita A.
Nik is a natural from Chicago who is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Arizona State University. Between school work and her internship at a domestic abuse agency, she has little time for herself. When she can sneak a little time, Nik enjoys listening to music and making her famous sweet potatoes! After graduation Nik plans on returning to The Windy City!
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Nik: My last relaxer was on January 7, 2011. Shortly after, I decided to “big chop” on April 25, 2011.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Nik: Two main reasons were the documentary, “Good Hair” and the damage I noticed to my scalp after each relaxer. The chemicals in the relaxer were ruining my scalp. When getting my hair relaxed I did not feel my scalp burning, but a week later I would notice huge scabs falling from my scalp.
Marita A: What was the most part of transitioning to natural?
Nik: The most difficult part of transitioning was making the conscious and intentional decision to resist the habit of relaxing my hair. Before I decided to transition, I had a scheduled appointment in January of 2011, for a relaxer. Instead I decided that I would get a hot oil treatment. When I got there, I wasn’t thinking and I fell back into that old routine. Once I realized what happened, I was so upset.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Nik: Everyone, me included, was fascinated by my new texture. It has been sixteen years since we have seen my hair without a relaxer, and twenty years since we have seen it without a press and curl. I’m still making discoveries with my new texture everyday.
Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into naturalistas?
Nik: I spent over a year researching natural hair prior to my big chop. From time to time, I would show my mother pictures of natural hairstyles. My mom is actually considering returning to natural hair. Other than that, the only way I can attempt to convert people, is to let them see how happy I am with my natural hair.
Marita A: How do you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Nik: My skin routine consists of Noxema, SeaBreeze, and St. Ives lotion.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Nik: I would say yes. For me the transformation began in December 2010 after watching “Good Hair” for the first time. That experience caused me to dislike the torture that I was putting my scalp through , just to fit into someone else’s mold. This transformation has helped me to discover myself by not hiding behind chemically altered hair.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Nik: Currently, I have an extremely teeny weeny afro; my curl pattern is really tight and I refuse to put heat in my hair. Instead I accessorize with fashion headbands. I love a huge afro puff; I can’t wait to be able to achieve that style.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who may be considering going natural?
Nik: There is liberation in going natural! The whole concept is to be your natural self; don’t feel pressured to be girly, sporty, spunky, or anything other than yourself. The natural hair community is versatile, you should only feel obligated to live up to your own expectations. Break the cycle of denying your natural beauty, and get off the boring relaxer assembly line!
Thank you Nik for sharing your natural hair journey!
