Just thinking about transitioning to natural hair triggered a flood of memories for me.
It’s amazing how much memory we have, which can be so easily triggered by a 
conversation, something we see, places we go or scents we smell. The brain has such an incredible capability.
When I hear people say they have no memory, I only accept that, if they have had some traumatic experience that causes amnesia.
As I thought about this post, I was reminded of one of my past experiences of putting chemicals in my hair to cause a perm and then putting rollers in to have that curly hair look. This was in the 80s. This was the disco era.
At the time, it was vogue to do that. So many people were doing so, you didn’t feel out of place; at least I didn’t.
It lasted for a few years until the style changed and I had to change or rather, chose to change, with the time. It’s either change or get left behind.
The transition from a chemically treated hair to natural hair took some time. It didn’t happen overnight. New growth had to occur.
This transition seem to be more of a trend among women, especially African Americans or people of color in general. I know that in some countries, the natural hair has always been “in.”
There are a number of reasons that women are leaning to natural hair now than before with one of the major reasons as far as I understand, is health related.
As one who have transitioned from a perm to natural hair and now watching so many women do the same thing, I have discovered these 5 lessons that those in a midlife reinvention can learn from them.
Here are the 5 lessons which you can hear on AUDIO:
1. Have a why … be clear on why you’re choosing this path
It’s important to know why you want to transition from chemically treated hair to natural hair. As mentioned above, many of the women say they’re doing it because of health reasons. Some, to get back to their roots.
This is what keeps them going when they hit any bumps along the way. They no longer have the look they once had. Friends and families who are not okay with change, makes unwanted comments some with good intentions.
Nevertheless, the person transitioning, have to keep going no matter what they face and the motivation for them, is their why.
As one who is transitioning in midlife, you too must have your BIG why. Why are you doing it? Why now?
2. It is a process … it takes time and patience
Anyone who have or is transitioning to natural hair knows that this takes time. New growth have to occur. Some or most of the processed hair have to be cut to allow for new growth.
This may seem like a set-back at first. However it is a necessary step towards the overall goal of having natural hair.
With this comes scrutiny and feedback that may not have been solicited. Pushing through this is of utmost importance. This isn’t the time to abort the process.
This is also true if you are going to be successful in your midlife reinvention. You will have to make some adjustments and possible take some “hits” along the way.
It might come in the form of criticism and unsolicited advice that could determine the outcome of your journey.
You may have to make some sacrifices that feel like a set-back but really is your way of making sure “new growth” occurs.
Remembering it’s a process and not an event is crucial to your success.
3. Discipline and diligence
The discipline of daily care for the hair as it goes through transition is vital to the overall success of the health of the hair.
Not caring for the hair during this process, can do more damage to the hair as it tangles and complicate matters.
As you transition to your reinvention goal, you too must take daily “care” of the process. Encouraging yourself, revisiting your why and continue self-development is key to your overall success.
To stop doing what it is that has brought you to this point, is a sure recipe for failure.
That is what those who are transitioning to natural hair knows. They can’t stop now. For them it’s no turning back.
4. Leave or Make room for reinvention
This might seem like an oxymoron using the word reinvention as one of the lessons but it is very appropriate as you’ll see in a minute.
Because of the fact that most women who are transitioning to natural hair cut most of their hair, they will find ways to have varied looks during the time their hair is growing back.
What I have seen most do, is to wear wigs with different looks, wrap their head with a scarf and sometimes add extensions to their hair.
This allows them to make changes to their appearance so that they don’t become bored with the process.
This process takes time so any changes that shifts the focus while moving towards their goal helps with the “wait.”
5. Surround with like-minded people
This is no new piece of advice. We have heard this from so many different sources. However, hearing and knowing it is one thing; it’s the personal application that makes the difference.
Having the support of people who are also transitioning to natural hair or have done that, is vitally important to this process. Getting the help on how to care for your hair could be the difference between success and failure.
In the same way as you pursue your midlife transition into doing what it is you love – your sideline business or lifestyle business, you too need to surround yourself with the right kind of people.
These individuals have either been where you are or are going through what you are currently experiencing. You need both sets of people.
Having these people in place, can make the difference between success and failure.
It was Jim Rohn who said:
Choose the right people.
Which of these 5 lessons did you relate to the most and why? Leave a comment below.
