Happy Wellness Wednesday! If you have visited my blog before, you know I do a weekly wellness post on a different topic. Shifting focus form my normal fitness/ running posts, I want to share my view on the natural trend.
I cannot recall exactly when this trend, began but for the last two-three years Black women have been ditching chemicals (relaxers, highlights, hair coloring, etc), heat styling products (flat irons, blow dryers) and rocking their natural hair. As a former self-described creamy crack addict (a.k.a. religiously have had relaxers since I was 10-12 years) I recently joined the movement. It's about three-four months, since I began my transition to natural hair. About a week or so ago, I was at my bi-monthly mani/pedi appointment, and the manicurist suggested that I give my nails a break. I almost was in tears, and she worked her magic trying to remove my less than two week old gel polish. Don't get me wrong, she did an excellent job and I left salon with a gorgeous regular manicure. Since then I've really been thinking.
Ever notice that when you go to a nail salon, most of the technician are rocking their natural nails. I've been going to nail salons for years, and this just dawned on me. When it comes to nail aesthetics, you name it I've tried it. Acrylic tips, acrylic overlay, gel power, and now the newest trend is gel manicures. Like chemically processing my hair, getting my nails "did" was just something I did, not really thinking about the long term side effects. Probably since I was about 16, I've always gotten my nails done. I was get whatever was the current nail trend, maintain the bi-weekly fill-ins, and take a break once I realize the damage it was doing to my natural nails. The cycle would continue and continue, until like I said about a week or so ago.
Currently, my nails are thin, brittle, and for lack of better words jacked up. So, like my hair I'm freeing myself and will be rocking my natural nails. If its a special occasion, I'll treat myself to a regular, old fashioned manicure that will only last 3-4 days. Best part it I'll save about $50.00 a month.
If you have natural hair or nails, please feel free to comment and share your experiences. Like with a perm, I'm sure I am not the only one who has had a horror nail story. Moreover, my decisions to forgo the nail trends, has a lot to do with my quest to have a greater quality of well-being.
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