Meet our Tyte members and share their experience with natural hair. Follow them on their journey's through transitioning and making hair raising decisions. If you wish to submit a journey Click Here

Lola A

My Journey into Natural hair started nearly 5 years ago whilst I was at
University. I couldn't travel home to do my hair as frequently as I
wanted at the black hairdressers, and my relaxed hair was increasingly
looking tired. Inspired by a friend at University, I decided to go all
natural. It was a liberating journey and I enjoyed my new freedom.

University is now over and am back into the real world of professional
work , where appearance matters and I am at a cross roads. Should I
continue to wear my Afro big, strong and proud or should I revert into
hiding under weaves, Human hair braids and so on.

I am sad to say that I have chosen the easy option. I have not relaxed my
hair but am back to weaves, braids and anything that covers up my natural
mane. I feel like a fraud. And I guess I am one. I have wrongly brought
into the notion that our hair does not fit into the professional world and
I need inspiration to come back out into the world with my beautiful,
thick, and powerful hair.

Suellyn

Hi.
My name is Suellyn and I'm from the Bahamas. I+ve always wanted to loc
my hair but I recently got the nerve to finally stop relaxing and cut the
straight hair. At around the same time, I was hired to work as a
Receptionist at a Business Center.
The policy here is "no dreadlocks"! I was very saddened by this but am still going to grow my hair the natural way. I'm currently wearing short two strand twists (it's the closest thing
I'm allowed). If there is anyone else out there suffering from the same
prejudice, feel free to email suellynrahming@hotmail.com
so we can share experiences.
Adios!

Lakeshai

Hi tytecurl! I am not sure how much of my story I would like to reveal. But cutting my hair and going natural had so many spiritual, mental, and emotionally liberating meanings behind it that since I have been natural it is almost like I am a new person.
Since my high school graduation last year it seems like absolutely everything has been a struggle for me. This entire year has been full of so many disappointments and negativity's. When I cut my hair it was like I was cutting all the negative people and energies from my life. I knew that in order for me to grow back a healthy head of hair that I had to be healthy inside and out. People and situations that were mentally and emotionally draining for me I had no other choice but to let go.
Don't get me wrong because it still hurts like crazy! But I am doing a lot better. In my journey to letting my hair grow out I have learned to take care of me and mend myself from this year. Taking my vitamins, drinking lots of water and moisturizing were some things that I just did not do in the past. So, for now or at least until I feel like welcoming something new into my life it is about me. Doing good in school, maybe indulging in a new hobby( I would love to learn to play the guitar), and drawing closer to god are top priority. Thanks for hearing me!!

Beautiful Black Butterfly

I cut my hair July 2003 and i was completely natural in september of that same year. my hair was approximately 2 1/2 inches by december of that same year. i have begun my lock journey---->i've been locking since May 4, 2004.

I have come to realize just how trapped i was in that common misconception that straight hair is more beautiful and more convenient. I love myself now!! I feel so free because i can be me!! and if i have to have long straight hair for someone to talk to me or think i am beautiful ....I DON'T NEED HIM/HER IN MY LIFE!!!to all those sisters out there who want to go natural but are afraid, go ahead and get to know yourself!! it feels so good not to try to be someone and something you+re not!
luv, peace, and nappiness!

Blane

I just came back from a weekend trip to Toronto Canada, where I noticed a
number of black women sporting the natural hair look. I envied them all,
for my hair is over processed with chemicals and has lost its natural
beauty. But at the same time their bold styles inspired and confirmed my
decision to take on the Au Naturial journey.
Its been over ten years now since I have had my hair relaxed. I was born
with a beautiful, thick,jet black and soft textured hair. My hair was so thick to a pointwhere a hat would not fit on my head. You are maybe thinking, Its your head that's too big!. But no I truly carried a mass that could cover two
heads.
The turning point to relax my hair came when I hit adolescent. I had watch
music videos and become mesmerized by all these girls with bone straight
hair. I desperately wanted my hair to look the same. So I did my research,
by asking friends about the products they used. Once I bought the product,
which I hoped would do the trick, I went home and presented my Mother with
it.
The next step was to convince her to apply the relaxer on my hair. She was
reluctant, since she did not have the experience in applying relaxer, but I
pleaded with her and she gave in.
So now here I am after all these years, rethinking this straight hair
business. I look back at what my hair used to be even in its early stages of
relaxer, and I see what it has become. There is a big difference, it no
longer has volume, it grows long but once it reaches passed the shoulder
length, it splits and breaks thinning out the ends, and I am sick of it!!
So this summer marks the year where I have decided to reverse the clocks
back. To go natural and to be free, I know it+s going to be a tough journey,
but I am willing to take it.
I have been warned by friends who have traveled the same journey on the
temptations to turn into the relaxer addiction. I hope with their support
and the courage that is within me that I never give up.