Does it seem like everyone is going Natural?

I've been on the hair bandwagon for a long time and on this site for a couple of years and it seems like everybody is going Natural. I probably would go natural if I had the patience but since I don't I wish we had a lot more discussion on relaxed hair. If this continues I don't know if I'll continue on this site because recently I have been drawn to Youtube and I find that I'm content just to listen to people who are growing long healthy relaxed hair. Am I missing something?

I don't think you're missing anything. Natural hair isn't for everyone. Do you.

I feel the same way! I feel like a foreign species that's inferior on here! It deff is taking over the site. If you have names or links of good YouTubers can u post them if u don't mind. I need the inspiration. good post btw

I feel like lately a few naturals I know are getting the growth they want then going to relaxed.

I've been a member here for years and though I'm glad for the natural movement and the different choices it represents, nowadays I'm only on the hair forum if I'm searching for something specific or on the relaxed threads. We've asked for a separate forum but the answer so far has been no, which I also understand because some would perceive it as being divisive (sp?). In my case I'd love a relaxed forum because I don't like to search through threads on natural hair for one about relaxed hair.
The good thing is, the attitude of some of the newly naturals on the board has changed, in the beginning (like all transitions I guess) there were some negative things said about relaxed heads that made me think about not renewing.

What we can do (and I personally have to pledge to do) is to participate more on the relaxed threads, support each other and keep on giving advice. Relaxed hair (as shown ad nauseam on this board,other boars, blogs and youtube) CAN be healthy, beautiful and attention worthy.

It's how the cookie crumbles on LHCF. One season we go natural, next season we get relaxed, then in the next we get texlaxed. One season we all become type 4. Then we're all type 3.... *shrug*

So no, I don't think everyone's going natural. I think you're seeing that because that's what you're probably paying attention to and the few people who are natural for the first time are asking questions about this NEW venture so more of those posts pop up. Those relaxing may not make a song and dance about it because it is a world they've lived before and so know about it and don't need direction on what to do so don't post about it. Plus if they went natural for some "acceptance" reason, they may not want to appear to have "failed" so they just KIM instead of posting a "help me change my mind" thread.

ETA: danysedai, before you joined LHCF 75% of the threads were about relaxed hair--I think you could count the number of naturals on your fingers and toes. I just think that the reason there are more natural threads is because for many, having natural hair is a first-time experience so many have questions, while relaxed hair was always something they knew. Some longtime naturals who are now relaxed don't even post anymore in this forum because again, they probably have a handle on things, but I do see them thanking posts so I know they are around. No one is asking questions about relaxed hair because perhaps no one has questions, but when they ask they get answered.

Maybe the relaxed heads just aren't as active, not that there aren't enough of them. In threads that I participate in there is a good mix of relaxed and natural because the topic just applies to both. I'm not sure there are that many topics that just apply to one or the other so I don't think we see threads that are primarily for relaxed or natural. JMO

What types of discussion are you looking for that you aren't finding?

If there can be a whitney forum there can be a relaxed forum

This is a pay to post forum so i think listening to what posters would like is only reasonable there are other websites curly nikki...BGLH...naturallycurly... that has much more info for (naturals) and are free..ijs

I use this website for the ET section more than the hair section to be honest

I understand what you mean op as when i joined there was less and less info about relaxed hair and i found the info beneficial for me as i was ''stretching/transitioning'' but on the flip side i can def see where its lacking for relaxed ladies

I actually think if there was a relaxed section more relaxed ladies would post rather then when they come on to the main section they see a bunch of natural hair threads they prob cant be bothered

you have to search more for relaxed threads as a natural i dont have to do that

Nonie said:

It's how the cookie crumbles on LHCF. One season we go natural, next season we get relaxed, then in the next we get texlaxed. One season we all become type 4. Then we're all type 3.... *shrug*

So no, I don't think everyone's going natural. I think you're seeing that because that's what you're probably paying attention to and the few people who are natural for the first time are asking questions about this NEW venture so more of those posts pop up. Those relaxing may not make a song and dance about it because it is a world they've lived before and so know about it and don't need direction on what to do so don't post about it. Plus if they went natural for some "acceptance" reason, they may not want to appear to have "failed" so they just KIM instead of posting a "help me change my mind" thread.

ETA: danysedai, before you joined LHCF 75% of the threads were about relaxed hair--I think you could count the number of naturals on your fingers and toes. I just think that the reason there are more natural threads is because for many, having natural hair is a first-time experience so many have questions, while relaxed hair was always something they knew. Some longtime naturals who are now relaxed don't even post anymore in this forum because again, they probably have a handle on things, but I do see them thanking posts so I know they are around. No one is asking questions about relaxed hair because perhaps no one has questions, but when they ask they get answered.

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I agree that relaxed hair was always something ppl knew but the reason I joined was to learn how to better care for my relaxed hair because I know it can be healthy and grow. It has when I didn't pay much attention to it. Even though being natural is like a new thing people are exited about I am still relaxed over here and paid just like everyone else and would like to feel welcome and like a part of the website not like a other. I want healthy relaxed hair but I guess there is less about it because the relaxed population is dwindling idk

I think we "online hair people" are the only ones 'going natural' at a rapid rate. IRL, I see many of the unhealthy relaxed hair stereotypes and atrocious weaves (with the glue cracking off as they flip their hair).

When I first joined (started lurking in 2003) EVERYONE was relaxed. I believe there is just an ebb and flow, and there's nothing wrong with venturing to YT for more thoughts on maintaining long, relaxed hair.

jazzybklyn said:

I agree that relaxed hair was always something ppl knew but the reason I joined was to learn how to better care for my relaxed hair because I know it can be healthy and grow. It has when I didn't pay much attention to it. Even though being natural is like a new thing people are exited about I am still relaxed over here and paid just like everyone else and would like to feel welcome and like a part of the website not like a other. I want healthy relaxed hair but I guess there is less about it because the relaxed population is dwindling idk

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I think you are as welcomed as anyone. And definitely not an other. I looked at the first 5 pages and the majority of the threads are not specific to natural or relaxed. And there are some relaxed threads and some transitioning threads.

If there is something you want to discuss just jump on in and start a thread on it or bump a thread and keep it active. Even as a natural, I have to make my own place. Other naturals on this board don't have hair like mine so I get my moneys worth by catering threads to what I need support on or what I want to know.

You really do belong and we really do want you here. Just put the threads out there and the relaxed heads will show up and join in.

Misseyl I felt like you did once upon a time but if you join challenges you'll find both naturals and relaxed heads to be supportive and helpful within those threads. We've been keeping a few relaxed threads active but consequently various topics are within those few threads.

Embyra said:

If there can be a whitney forum there can be a relaxed forum

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I had opposed having separate natural and relaxed forums for the last 6 years, but I'm with you on this.

I wonder where all the relax thread disappeared to too, even on youtube the old relaxed girls either disappeared from the face of youtube or went natural. When I was relaxed I use to hang out at http://keepitsimplesista.ning.com/ or hairlista they seemed to have tons of relaxed ladies.

faithVA said:

I think you are as welcomed as anyone. And definitely not an other. I looked at the first 5 pages and the majority of the threads are not specific to natural or relaxed. And there are some relaxed threads and some transitioning threads.

If there is something you want to discuss just jump on in and start a thread on it or bump a thread and keep it active. Even as a natural, I have to make my own place. Other naturals on this board don't have hair like mine so I get my moneys worth by catering threads to what I need support on or what I want to know.

You really do belong and we really do want you here. Just put the threads out there and the relaxed heads will show up and join in.

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thanks..sometimes I think a thread is for both and then I start reading and then it seems like its not or I'm not sure if the same things work for relaxed and natural like co-washing idk if it's too much manipulation for relaxed hair I get confused

I've seen many more of my friends "Going natural" but I don't think they will stick with it. Natural is not for everyone. It requires more time than relaxed. It's an entirely different learning curve for get a hairstyle that you will like.

Since I've been natural for almost 3 years, I've decided to wear my hair out for the the month of June to see if the kinky natural is for me. (I'm a slow grower) I've considered becoming a pressed natural. We'll see!

Wish me luck!

jazzybklyn said:

thanks..sometimes I think a thread is for both and then I start reading and then it seems like its not or I'm not sure if the same things work for relaxed and natural like co-washing idk if it's too much manipulation for relaxed hair I get confused

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I agree with this. It can be confusing. It does take a bit to figure out if the people talking are natural, relaxed, a curly natural, a straight natural, a transitioner, etc...

I have always wished those stats were up in the corner vs where someone is from and the number of thanks and posts.

diadall said:

I feel like lately a few naturals I know are getting the growth they want then going to relaxed.

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That's what I did. I was natural for 3 years and then texlaxed.

I don't think everyone is going natural. Maybe the natural threads are more active because the concept is still new: most of us have gone natural for the first time in our lives whereas we've been relaxed many times for many years.

jazzybklyn said:

I agree that relaxed hair was always something ppl knew but the reason I joined was to learn how to better care for my relaxed hair because I know it can be healthy and grow. It has when I didn't pay much attention to it. Even though being natural is like a new thing people are exited about I am still relaxed over here and paid just like everyone else and would like to feel welcome and like a part of the website not like a other. I want healthy relaxed hair but I guess there is less about it because the relaxed population is dwindling idk

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@jazzybklyn, why don't you feel welcome? I've never seen anyone be treated negatively because they are relaxed. If relaxed people want to talk about relaxed hair, why don't they? Why don't YOU get the ball rolling?

Since 2003, I've been part of the crew against a separate forum. Back then folks wanted a separate forum for naturals. I didn't. Now folks want a separate forum for relaxed? C'mon nah! Why? I mean, when natural folks were the minimum here, I never felt unwelcome. I didn't care that folks were talking more about relaxed hair. Heck I learned most of my current regimen from relaxed folks.

So I don't get what the big deal is. If I wanted more talk about something I value, I'd start the discussion and make it happen rather than whine about the fact that no one is doing it.

ETA: When I have seen a question about relaxed hair that I could not answer, I've tagged people I know are knowledgeable so they can come and answer. Are people shy about being relaxed that they don't wanna stand up and be counted? I mean, I don't understand this "not feeling welcome" or "need for another forum" as if the hair forum is only for a select few. I personally think we don't need any more divisions than we already create unnecessarily. In fact, I'm sure folks who relaxed or went natural did so with a peace of mind because they had access to info that pertained to the new world they were entering thanks to having come across it while browsing the forum. Had this info been in a separate forum, they would never have known how much fun there is on the other side. Plus a lot of info shared by either group is useful to all. And I personally have benefited from LHCF having us all in one place. I think separation will be the downfall of this forum. But that's just my opinion.

I am with @Nonie post

I have been Natural before so it isn't a biggie or taboo to me. I reached a little past HIP relaxed and Honestly wear my hair up so much that it isn't a need for me to relax. I wig it 105% anywho

I am always happy to still chime in as I feel my relaxed hair was pretty healthy

Incidentally, I just looked up threads in the last 4 weeks and found 16 on relaxed hair with very little action. Perhaps if more people with relaxed hair chimed in to answer, it'd make people feel like they have a support system here and not be wishing for a change. Here are some of those (and you'll notice that even naturals are chiming in to help or at least acknowledging the OP's post) so a separate forum would be a mistake IMO:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=619683

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=619389

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=619227

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=616609

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=618031

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=619175

@Misseyl jazzybklyn

I'm Relaxed. I look at it this way: Everyone can:

Cowash
Deep Condition
Oil
Dust
Protective Style
Baggy
Henna/Indigo
Steam/Dry/Blow Dry
Flat-Iron
Deal with Breakage, SSKs, Porosity Issues
etc.....

So I don't look at Natural/Relaxed I look at: Overall Healthy Hair Practices period.

If there is something specifically that only relates to "Relaxed" Hair, then I do a search and go there.

I think there are plenty of Relaxed Heads and just personally don't see it that way.

I tend to look at Overall Hair Care. *tis all*

I agree everyone can do the above or create threads and start them themselves

my issue is why is it that we pay for the for forum and people keep requesting a relaxed forum and its no

every other hair popular free hair forum besides this has sub forums not just one general forum from

transitioning
colour
weaves
Hair types
over 40 hair
locs
henna
twa
styling
general
teens
parents of curlies

etc etc

curlynikki IS a forum for naturals yet even they have a separate section for natural hair support the sub forums are active on CN lots of people clearly like designated areas to post

those people posting in the pet forum could just post in off topics right but no you have your own sub forum

the MJ and whitney could just post in the ET but they have their own because they want a designated area so the main ET section does not get overflowed with mj or whit threads its the same thing creating a sub forum for relaxed heads or any other sub forum people like a designated area

They could at least do a trial run....to see how many people would actually make use of it...

logs off

*waving the relaxed forum flag*

yeah but if you notice a lot of the time those subforums go dead for months at a time...i wouldn't want lhcf to be like that. i like all of the info in one place. I've learned a lot from relaxed heads with respect to styles and products that still work on my natural hair...i mean what's next, now the type 4s need their own forum, the type 3s need their own forum etc? nah son. its fine the way it is...when i joined this forum it was all relaxed people and it was fine, i just looked out for natural/transitioning threads. Or spoke up in a relaxed thread and asked if anyone could translate that technique to natural/transitioning hair.

jazzybklyn said:

thanks..sometimes I think a thread is for both and then I start reading and then it seems like its not or I'm not sure if the same things work for relaxed and natural like co-washing idk if it's too much manipulation for relaxed hair I get confused

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jazzybklyn, just ask to make sure. If someone recommends something that you would like to try but are afraid it may not work, just ask. Sometimes mentioning a relaxed person whose hair you admire can bring them to the discussion and open the door for more people to share.

You shouldn't get frustrated if you find yourself confused. The forum is here to help us all figure this hair-growing maze out. So make the most of it by asking for clarification where you're not sure.

In the internet world, I see more naturals. In the real world, I see more relaxed heads. But I do see more and more women going natural. I think it's cool. I was happily relaxed and now I'm happily natural. Just wanted something different.

Nonie

When I first 'joined' Nonie, you were the very 1st one to "Welcome Me" & pm me(remember) even though I did not start a: "Hey I'm New Thread"...

However, what I did do, was Research, Research, Research before I joined. I knew what my Hair Issues were and I researched those issues before I officially joined.

I made 'notes' of my Overly Porous Hair. My Double/Over/Triple Processed overly Porous Relaxed Hair etc...

I took note/advice of anyone that had success in dealing with Porosity issues.

Moisture/Protein Balancing etc....All the problems I was encountering whether they were Relaxed or Natural I read up on it.

So, by the time I did start "posting" I hopefully had something Intelligent to add to the conversation.

Like I said before, My Goal was to search out Overall Healthy Hair Care Practices because I was looking at going from a 1-2x per week Salon Go-er to a DIY.

jazzybklyn said:

I feel the same way! I feel like a foreign species that's inferior on here! It deff is taking over the site. If you have names or links of good YouTubers can u post them if u don't mind. I need the inspiration. good post btw

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http://http://i41.tinypic.com/2j17yio.jpg

faithVA said:

I agree with this. It can be confusing. It does take a bit to figure out if the people talking are natural, relaxed, a curly natural, a straight natural, a transitioner, etc...

I have always wished those stats were up in the corner vs where someone is from and the number of thanks and posts.

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We should ask for that