" I try to convert permed and relaxed heads to the nappy lifestyle subtly. I will ask them, “Have you ever thought of locing? I think it would really bring out your face.”

I will make also comments like, “I can definitely see you with a beautiful fro and a headband or maybe a flower.” They don’t necessarily run home and burn their relaxer kits but at least they think about going natural. It becomes a possibility."

September 2007 Napptural of the Month

~Button~

BUTTON's NAPPSTATS

Age 22

Location Upstate NY

Occupation Call Center Agent

Time Napptural 3 years

Napptural Method Big Chop!
(big chopped twice - once to get rid of the perm and again to experience a twa)

On Nappturality 3 years

Fave Style 2 strand twist

My hair was chemically processed between the ages of 6 and 19. By the time I chopped my hair off on February 9, 2004 (which just so happens to be the same date that I joined Nappturality) I had no idea what my natural hair was like. On February 9, 2004, I had about 2 or 3 inches of new growth because my last perm was in July 2003. I felt the texture of my nappy hair underneath my limp and dead permed ends and decided that I want to grow it out. I wanted to experience it, embrace it, and get to know it. My closest friend (at the time) and I got on the internet and started searching for information about how to take care of natural black hair. This is when I found Nappturality.
Nappturality helped me to open my eyes to the fact that Black women throughout the world are oppressed into pressing and chemically straightening their hair.

I realized that hatred of our napps is more serious than afros and locs being out of style. There are entirely too many Black women in this world who have entirely too many excuses to perm, straighten, and chemically process their hair. I was blind to the fact that we are taught very young to hate our hair and by hating our natural hair we hate a part of ourselves. Some say it is just hair but if that was the case then we wouldn’t be taunted and harassed when we choose to stop perming our hair and embrace our natural beauty.I have not encountered very many negative experiences. (Not to my face anyhow!) I often encounter other black women who feel as though they cannot wear their hair natural for multiple reasons. The number one reason is that they think their hair is too nappy or ugly. I am often told I can wear my hair natural because I have that ‘good’ hair. I have come to realize that all natural hair is ‘good’ hair.

Personally, if I had it my way every black woman on the face of the planet would wear their hair natural and straightening it would be taboo. I don’t express my views in a forceful manner but I am a militant nappy and anyone who tries to challenge my views on nappy hair or tries to get me to straighten or chemically process my precious napps will get shut down.

The only truly negative and upsetting negative experience I encountered since I have been natural was with a young man who was trying to pursue me. He told me that nappy hair was disgusting and that it was a turn off. He compared it to a woman having really hairy legs. One day he asked me why I wore my hair natural.

I told him because it made me feel beautiful.

I explained that I never felt beautiful with permed hair and with my natural hair I never felt more beautiful. He then told me a couple of weeks later that he was hoping that my natural hair was just a phase in my life. I was also advised that he would fill me with so much love that I wouldn’t feel the need to ‘do that to myself’ to feel beautiful.

It blows my mind that he equated the act of wearing my hair natural as doing something detrimental to myself.

I ended up moving on with my life. I know for sure that there are wonderful men from all kinds of backgrounds who can appreciate my natural beauty.

And for the record, I promise you I never have a problem with men not paying me any attention.

Not to be conceited or anything but being natural most certainly did not result in a decrease in pursuers.

I love my fro, twists, flat twists, headwraps, and twist outs. I have my own style and I love being the unique, beautiful Black Queen that I am. I am very protective of my hair now.

I can count on my hand how many times I let someone pick and style my hair since I went natural. I would much rather take the time and do it myself. I have not used a blow dryer since I had my first big chop back in 2004.
I haven’t straightened it at all either.

I have no intentions of doing either ever again.

When I wash my hair I put it in big twists and let it dry over night. I use four products regularly. Black Soap, Deep Cholesterol Conditioner, Sta Sof Fro, and Shea Butter. One product to wash my hair, one to condition it, and two to moisturize it.

I prevent product junkyism by giving my hair what it needs. I wash my hair every two weeks when I have in my two strand twists and once a week on the rare occasion that I wear my hair out.

I really don’t know what the length of my hair is because I am not concerned with length. Length comes along with the health of one’s hair.

The health of my hair is my top priority.

I have actually big chopped twice. Once when I first went natural and then again a year later just to experience the big chop all over again.

I am so thankful for the support, love, and wonderful friends that Nappturality has blessed me with. Nappturality is my internet home where I can kick off my shoes and stretch out my legs. It’s the first site I go to when I turn on my computer and the last site I see before I turn it off.
Love,
~Button~
She's as cute as a button, with some seriously fierce hair. Button has been on Nappturality throughout her journey and is always so helpful and supportive to everyone. She is one of those women you are always proud to call a friend. Button inspires me. She will inspire you, too. This month we honor a true napptural queen.
~Dee~