~Introduce yourself!

Hi! My name is Felicia Mayfield. I’m a 41-year-old wife and a mom to a teenage son and twin daughters.

~When did you go natural?

I went natural in September of 2011. I’m about to celebrate 10 years natural!

~Why did you go natural?

I decided to go natural because I literally wanted a new head of hair. I had been getting perms regularly (approximately every 6 weeks) since I was about 9 years old. A couple of years prior to going natural, I noticed that my hair was changing. It didn’t ‘feel’ healthy anymore. I normally had really thick hair and I could tell it was thinner and that it wasn’t as healthy as it should’ve been. I started discussing it with my stylist at the time, and he told me that I shouldn’t be getting retouches so often. He said my hair didn’t need it. At that moment I realized my hair was over processed. He slowly started the process and pushed my retouches out to 8 weeks, then 10, and by the time we got to 12 weeks he recommended I just stop all together and go natural. That’s when I decided I wanted a clean slate (a new head of hair) so I took the big leap and began what would become a 10-month transition before finally doing the big chop.

~What have you learned about your hair since going natural?

Since going natural I’ve learned about what healthy hair for me really looks like. I’ve learned so much about what my hair likes and dislikes.

~What was your view of your hair…Your kinky, coily, curly hair in general when growing up and then as an adult (before going natural)

Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it because I started getting my hair relaxed at such a young age. Not to mention the fact that my hair was always in ponytails as a kid. My mom would only press it for special occasions, i.e., Easter, pageants, etc.  The main thing I remember when I would get it pressed is that I didn’t like how it would immediately poof up and get big when I would go outside. I always wanted it to be straight if it wasn’t in a ponytail. Once I was an adult, I didn’t want any signs of my hair showing in its natural state – even though I had no idea of what it would actually look like. I was just told it would be ‘nappy’. As soon as I saw the slightest glimpse of new growth, I wanted it to be straightened immediately. To be honest, I don’t think I ever really had the chance to form a real opinion about it.  

~What has been your biggest challenge having natural hair?

My biggest challenge with having natural hair has been forming a real regimen/routine and sticking with it. It’s been almost 10 years and I still struggle to do it. It’s something I’m actively working on because I know it can only help my hair flourish and help me meet my hair goals.

~What is your hope for women of color and the natural hair movement that we’re currently in? 

I would say my hope is that women of color will realize that our hair is beautiful just as it is. There’s nothing wrong with straightening your hair but it shouldn’t be looked at as a way to look better or more appropriate. We are beautiful no matter what.

~What would you say to someone wanting to go natural but is on the fence about it?

Do it! Yes, it can be a lot of work, but it’s so worth it. If you take care of your hair, it can be the healthiest it’s ever been. When you’re natural you have so many options. You can wear it curly or straight, stretched or in its shrunken state. Your texture will give you the freedom to do just about anything.

~What advice would you give a person that has just started their natural hair journey? 

My advice is to enjoy and embrace the process. I know the shock of your new look can be a lot at first but it’s totally possible for you to enjoy it every stage. Search through the millions of Pinterest posts and YouTube videos to find ideas on what to do with your current length.  

~If you could go back what would you do different?

If I could go back, I would’ve gone natural a lot sooner. The main thing I would’ve done differently is taken my own advice and embraced the entire process beginning with my big chop. I would’ve cut my hair into a tapered style instead of trying to save as much hair as possible by going with a baby fro. I would’ve taken advantage of every length and found a style I was happy with instead of being in a constant state of ‘waiting for it to grow out’.  

~Any last remarks, advice, comments?

Don’t let the process or all the information out there overwhelm you. Keep your hair clean, try different things and figure out what works best for you and your hair, and then create a routine from there. Just pay attention and listen to your hair. It will show you what it likes and/or dislikes. Lastly, remember that everyone’s hair is different. No one’s hair is perfect. Admire theirs but love yours!

-Felicia Mayfield 💜