Saying Goodbye To The Relaxer

I read something posted by Miss Jessie’s that says surveys suggest that by 2011, relaxer usage will decline 23%. That is a big drop! So, why the big decline? Are more women realizing the versatility and beauty of their hair? Is it a fad? Is it rebellion? Is it that we are learning just how unhealthy the relaxer is? Or, maybe it’s all of the above? Whatever the case, I’m proud to be a part of the movement! Why do you think more women are saying goodbye to the relaxer?

I think it is because people are realizing there are so many alternatives to getting your hair straight without all those chemicals... I wish I would have known about this a long time ago I wouldve went natural wayyy earlier!!! But its probably all of the above and times are hard in this economy... A lot of money is used on going to the salon to mantain that chemical relaxed look especially if you cant do hair yourself....

Yes, women are seeing more naturals and realizing that it's an option. I see women looking at me all the time and the look is, "I wonder if I would look good with that style". Once they start researching, it's pretty much over. Natural is definitely the way to be..............

pie wrote:Yes, women are seeing more naturals and realizing that it's an option. I see women looking at me all the time and the look is, "I wonder if I would look good with that style". Once they start researching, it's pretty much over. Natural is definitely the way to be..............

I agree. I've had plenty of women ask me tons of questions about natural hair. Even converted a co-worker without realizing it. She had a short bob one day, the next day, she BC'd to the WHITE MEAT with a nice auburn color. Said it was because of ME and that I inspired her to go back to natural hair. Didn't think I could have that kind of impact. It's kinda cool actually.

Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge is the key!!! Look at all the blogs, websites, products dedicated to natural hair. We didn't have this 10 years ago. More knowledge, more resources, more change.

Yeah, I was a full-fledged relaxed head. But, once I started reading hair blogs and creating a great regimen, I decided to transition, which I'm in my fourth month of doing! I actually enjoy looking at my new growth now.

bludini1 wrote:Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge is the key!!! Look at all the blogs, websites, products dedicated to natural hair. We didn't have this 10 years ago. More knowledge, more resources, more change.

I agree!

I also think that the fact that many more people are turning to the weave/lace front movement is a result of the decline of relaxers. I remember years ago when women used to be embarassed about having a weave, but its way more accepted now.

"Everybody's doin it!"

LOL. But I've definately seen more natural heads lately. Its pretty cool. Whether it's become a fad or not... Eh. Maybe, maybe not. I'll say this. I know many people who want to or have tried to go natural, not to embrace their natural texture, but "Because yours is cute!" Lol.

My hair wasn't flourishing with a relaxer. I have thin to medium thickness. When I would get a relaxer, my hair would just go lifeless and thin. It wouldn't be right until it was time for the next relaxer.

Oh yeah. I also suffered from eczema in my scalp. Dry, flaky skin + Lye = A Hot Scabby Mess.

Honestly, if it wasn't for my hair dresser, the youtube community of big choppers, and you guys, I wouldn't have done it. I always thought that my hair would require so much time and attention. The increased exposure of the possibilities was what made me turn.

I am sure that I am not the only one.

I did it for the versatility. I saw some before and after pictures on someones facebook page and I got her number and went into her shop. She asked me what made me decided to go natural. I said huh? I didn't know that all those pictures the women were natural. The last relaxer I had did some major damage to my hair plus the post partum shedding, I had made my decision. The shop actually only did flat iron so that is how I started my transitioning. I didn't start researching until my 7th or 8th month of transitioning.

bludini1 wrote:Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge is the key!!! Look at all the blogs, websites, products dedicated to natural hair. We didn't have this 10 years ago. More knowledge, more resources, more change.

Now this is true. Info is just one click away!

Bun_Ana wrote:I also think that the fact that many more people are turning to the weave/lace front movement is a result of the decline of relaxers. I remember years ago when women used to be embarassed about having a weave, but its way more accepted now.

"Everybody's doin it!"

LOL. But I've definately seen more natural heads lately. Its pretty cool. Whether it's become a fad or not... Eh. Maybe, maybe not. I'll say this. I know many people who want to or have tried to go natural, not to embrace their natural texture, but "Because yours is cute!" Lol.

You are so right! It used to be a taboo to admit you were not wearing your hair.

BattleKat wrote:I did it for the versatility. I saw some before and after pictures on someones facebook page and I got her number and went into her shop. She asked me what made me decided to go natural. I said huh? I didn't know that all those pictures the women were natural. The last relaxer I had did some major damage to my hair plus the post partum shedding, I had made my decision. The shop actually only did flat iron so that is how I started my transitioning. I didn't start researching until my 7th or 8th month of transitioning.

That is one of the great perks of naturals. Versatility. I love it!