One of the most difficult things to do when it comes to transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is accepting a brand new look. Another thing some women struggle with is overcoming the fear that their new look will interfere with their professional career.
Financial executive Michele Chowtai tells CNN she’s been in the transitioning phase for eight months now. She’s still not sure if she will go “fully natural,” because she fears there is a negative stigma she can’t avoid and wonders, “How am I going to be perceived in the work place after I go completely natural?”
Many hair stylists say most of their clients continue to chemically straighten their hair because they don’t understand their styling options and worry about maintaining what they perceive to be a corporate look.
“It’s important to offer education to women on their hair texture because a lot of women are just under the impression that their natural hair is only going to have to be worn [kinky or curly],” said Anthony Dickey of “Hair Rules” hair care products. Wearing a natural hair style can mean maintaining a natural curly pattern, but it can also include straightened hair styles.
Lisa Price, the founder of “Carol’s Daughter” hair products, is also among those who are educating black women on how to embrace their natural beauty without fear. She is set to re-introduce the “Black Is Beautiful” movement through the “Transitioning Movement,” a website that will be dedicated to going from relaxed to natural.
While there is not a lot of information on what Price plans to incorporate on her new site, which is coming this Spring 2012, it’s sure to add some insight on the step-by-step process of starting new and maintaining a different look.
[mashshare]
