There are several key questions to consider before deciding to grow Dreadlocks or grow natural Black hair. Going natural is a very difficult decision for many of us who are so used to wanting and having straight hair. Despite its increasing popularity, natural hair is still considered taboo in many circles. A lot of older people tend to be less accepting of these styles but even some younger ones abhor their natural hair Texture.

For most people, the decision is one that took time and deliberation, but I've heard of women waking up one morning, going to the nearest barbershop and within a matter of minutes exiting au natural. I don't necessarily recommend this tactic but to each her own.

The important thing to remember is that you're not the first to have crossed this path. Many have paved the way for you and if you're smart, you'll learn from their courage and strength.

You can start by getting some valuable advice from our very own naani Models or choosing a topic from the menu on the left.

Dealing with Pressure from Family & Friends
Growing up there were always two options you could use when confronted by a bully; fight back or use your head. Fighting back always seemed like the best option at first but the problem with this is if you lost, the humiliation and bullying only got worse. Using your head achieved better, more consistent results because the best way to combat ignorance is to not succumb to it. Hopefully you were one of the ones who realized that engaging in tit-for-tats only added fuel to the fire. Although there's nothing wrong with a lil' heat now and then, unless you've got the extinguisher in hand, you're sure to get burned.


Learn to pick and choose your battles because not everyone communicates with open ears. The comments from family and friends may cut to the core, but always remember why you made your decision and hold to that thought. In the end, when your hair has matured and you have gained confidence in it and yourself, you may find that a few of those naysayers have actually decided to follow in your footsteps.

But in the meantime, remember that the best combatant to negativity and ignorance is to have your wits about you. In addition, showing your family and friends pictures of individuals with natural hair and dreadlocks will help them envision what you're working toward and will hopefully lead to better understanding. These photos will also serve as a source of inspiration on your Bad hair days.

It's also a good idea to chronicle your progress in a journal or by becoming a naani Model. Your dreadlocking/natural journey could serve as an inspiration to members of the naaniFam or simply help you remember from whence you came.
   
How to deal with pressure regarding your hair in the work place
When you first decide to go natural, you'll be dealing with negativity from virtually every source. It can be especially trying if you're a professional and work in a corporate environment, but recent incidents suggest that workplace discrimination with regards to hair can occur in any sector.

Many employers want you to present a certain type of image and may have narrow-minded ideas of what that image should be. In the past it was, no blacks...now it's no blacks that "look black." Although braids have become more acceptable over the years, many natural styles and dreadlocks are still seen as "unprofessional" by some.

I personally believe that the best solution (short of getting fired and having to possibly undergo legal proceedings) is not to conform and to show that you're confident in yourself and your new hairstyle. Being natural in some areas is like being a martyr. You're never out of firing range until others start to pick up your cause. This is why it's so important to be confident. 

Many people have a hard time negating anyone or anything that appears to exude positivity. Instead of degrading it, they opt to imitate it or praise it for its "uni
queness and individuality." My professors called it appropriation and with "African-style" entering the mainstream, I now know what they meant.

In the end, if you're still apprehensive about sporting your new 'do, try wearing some fly hats, headwraps or scarves until you're ready to let it all hang out.
 
How will you stay positive during the rough times and bad hair days?
Even if you never encounter negativity, there will be times when you'll wonder if you made the right decision. You may see someone with a freshly done Relaxer and remember the days when you too had straight hair. It's times like these when you have to remind yourself of the negatives associated with chemicals and remember why you went natural in the first place.

Everyone, natural or relaxed, is gonna have bad hair days. If you're in a rut and don't know what to do with your hair, consider a change. Being natural doesn't mean you're forced into having the same style forever. If you see someone on the street with a natural hairstyle that you like, politely approach them and tell them you're feeling their hair. Try not to be too pushy and see if you can discover their secret.

In addition, keep your eyes open for the few natural hair articles that appear in magazines or peep out some of the models featured on this site. Try headwraps, decorative clips, even wigs. If you need a drastic change and aren't against all chemical procedures, consider coloring.

All in all, simply learn to be creative with your hair! You'll find that the more you play with it, the more you'll begin to appreciate it and then the more confident you'll become.
   
Should you just cut it all off?
I can't beat this issue into the ground, but it really comes down to this, do whatever you're comfortable with. Going natural is not a science. Although some roads are longer and more trying than others, the end destination is always the same, natural hair.

So if you're prepared to face the stares, the questions, the negativity and the positivity, then cutting it off is for you. If not, there are several ways you can simply grow your hair to an acceptable length before cutting. Either way, the decision is all yours so more power to ya.
   
Will natural hair or dreadlocks look good on me?
The truth is, you really won't know until you try. Unless you're one of the rare ones who's never had a relaxer, you probably don't have extensive knowledge of your natural hair. With regards to moving toward any hairstyle, the only guarantee is that results may vary.

The majority who go natural however are pleasantly surprised with their natural hair texture. Many embrace the very coils, twists and kinks that they so long have tried to avoid through chemical procedures.

There are things you should take into consideration before going natural. Aspects such as facial features and lifestyle should play a part in your final decision. Ask yourself if your face type (rounded, slender, etc...) would take to a short style. If not, maybe you should try growing out your relaxer before cutting. The point is, look at what you got then aim for what you can get.

Due to its relative uniqueness, you're sure to get more compliments and appreciative glances with a natural than with relaxed hair or a weave. You'll probably get a few negative ones too but hey, you can't please everybody. With time your confidence will grow and soon you'll be asking yourself, "Why didn't I do this sooner?"
 
But dreadlocks are permanent.
Once your hair is locked, there's no turning back. And if you think about it, once your hair is relaxed, there's no turning back from that either so what you 'plainin 'bout?
 
With dreadlocks, the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off. With relaxed hair, the only way to get back to your natural beauty is to cut it off.
 
The great thing about the dreadlocks process is that it takes a great deal of time for them to mature.  Granted, this may scare some people off but for those who understand the pay off that they provide, dreadlocks are well worth the wait.

During the course of your first year you may question your decision many times over and although the journey is long and hard, it's also one of personal growth and discovery. This is why people who initially decide to wear dreadlocks simply as a hairstyle gradually begin to realize that their hair means much, much more than they anticipated.  Letting go of dreadlocks is often more emotionally trying for some people than letting go of relaxed hair.

Before you embark on this path, be sure that you're ready to encounter the bends and twists in the road ahead. Dreadlocks wearers need to have a sense of patience that is not attributable to other styles because you can't just instantly attain them (that is unless they're fake and if you want fake dreadlocks, why are you here?)

If you don't think you can stay in it for the long haul, hold off on your decision until you are. In the meantime, seek the advice from others whether it be a professional loctician, individuals with dreadlocks or this site to help lend you the courage to make your final decision.
 
Review photos of dreadlocks for inspiration.  Sometimes all it takes is seeing a set of mature, healthy dreadlocks to inspire some people.
 
Lastly, instead of looking at dreadlocks in terms of forever, think of it as an ever evolving hair style.  You may start with 2 inches of hair but unlike relaxed hair, you can end up with 2 feet.