naaniMODEL Cnaboo

February 2002 Journal
How was your hair styled before you went natural or locked?
Until 2 1/2 years ago, I wore relaxers all my life.  I tried braids about 7 years ago.  I liked the braids but hated the long hours it took to get them and then I would hate them after only 2 weeks and take them out.  I wasted my money doing that about 6 times. I finally went natural and sported the "teeny weenie afro" for 2 years before I locked it.

What did you like/dislike about your previous hairstyle?
I loved wearing my TWA. I loved the freedom it gave me to just get up, jump in the shower and GO!  I disliked having to cut it so often. My hair grows fast so I was still spending a lot of money in trims. I hated the braids because I like to be able to "feel" my hair and I couldn't do it when it was braided.

How long have you been natural/had dreadlocks?
I am presently 10 months locked. I started April 4, 2001.

Why did you decide to go natural/grow dreadlocks?
(1) I have had a fascination with Dreads for at least 16 years!!  I thought that people with Dreadlocks were sure of who they were and didn't care to fit into anyone's little box.

(2) All of my life, I wore my hair the way others thought I should wear it (relaxed and long.) As I was turning 30, I decided to do what I wanted to do with my hair and to HECK with what others wanted. This began a process within myself to accept Cynthia for Cynthia.