Lessons learned on my journey to Au Naturale

16 months post relaxers to the day...this has been a journey! A journey that I have enjoyed overall.
(Mini rant coming {please accept my apologies} in 3...2...1)
Yes I said overall! Some days have been a challenge for me while others haven't! Some styling methods, mechanisms and styles have been great for me but some haven't. But I will repeat myself...this journey to au-Naturale I have enjoyed...overall...

You wouldn't believe me if I revealed to you how I stalk the Natural Hair Community(NHC) and some people keep it real when speaking about their journey, their styling and their likes and dislikes about their natural hair. But some people will flat out lie to you and say "just try it you will love it" which you will but they give the impression you won't have any bad hair days -and that is NOT true!
So here is what I have learned on my transition to au-Naturale hair journey:
1. There are so many products to use on transitioning or natural hair that you have to choose what works for you...my advice, don't be a PJ (product junkie) like me. Talk to other naturals and see what works for them, try it and stick to it or research for yourself!

2. Natural ladies don't mind you walking up on them in grocery stores or department stores asking about their hair regimen. I met a nice woman by the name of Tamala by doing so...

3. Natural hair products can get expensive but sometimes the results are worth it!

4. When transitioning, it takes a while to get to know the two hair types that come with transitioning but as soon as you do, things get drastically better.

5. I don't have to be gentle to my hair...my hair responds to my heavy hand better than a gentle touch.

6. You don't have to do or try everything you read in the NHC...

7. Transitioning is not for everyone neither is natural hair. So people can't deal with the commitment, the probing about why you went natural or the sometimes uncomfortable feeling you get when others are checking you out in a good or bad way...and it will happen.

8. Everyone will not like your natural or transitioning hair. Especially your friends and family. Those that are close enough to you to voice their opinion to your face...
8b. It's ok to tell them to keep their negative opinions to themselves.

9. Accessories can be your best hair friend

10. Trying different styles, products and accessories can be fun.

What have you learned about yourself or your hair on your natural hair journey? What advice would you give to newly naturals?
Love, peace and hair grease my peeps!