Crowning Glory Story: To Perm Or Not To Perm?

The question of the decade (for me at least): to finally part ways with my creamy crack or not? You may be wondering to what I am referring to you, well let me illuminate the situation for you. Creamy crack is my nick name for perms. They are as addictive as crack and often leave behind devastating results most of which are only visible to our trusted hair stylists (they wouldn't dare to share our hair history or secrets with others, right? hmm, we'll get back to that idea later). Trust me when I say that I have been burned badly, to the point of scarring in my scalp. For what? you may ask, for which reason would I willingly undergo so much pain and agony; well, my answer is simple and slightly disturbing, to gain flowing straight hair. There is an ease and flexibility to styling relaxed hair.

The perm relaxes the natural texture of the hair creating a straight finish that is less prone to knotting or tangling up at the end of the hair follicle. Relaxed hair is permanently straightened and less likely to be effected by natural elements (i.e. extreme heat and moisture or rain). The morning process with relaxed hair proceeds something like this: wake up, remove silk scarf, unwrap hair, grease, brush and go. However, with natural hair the process is a bit longer and much heavy labored (you will develop hand and arm strength picking/combing through your hair). Yet, it should be noted that natural hair is often healthier hair that has not been stripped of it's natural oils. If moisturized, natural hair presents far less breakage.

Natural hair is better able to handle harsh chemical such as permanent/semi-permanent hair dye. As it stands, I have permed hair. But, I go through phases when I try to grow my hair out. Then, I become frankly lazy and aggrevated by my hair's inability to comply with my styling demands so I return to my addiction, the creamy crack (perms).  So I return to my original question: to wave the banner of the tribe called curl or not that is the question...?

While I'm pondering that thought, check out this very interesting poem about the idea of natural hair
 http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh00J1HpG7Y9L1bpmY
You may also enjoy this song about one woman's journey around black hair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_5jIt0f5Z4&ob=av3e

Please share your own personal experiences around cultivating, embracing and loving your hair whether it be natural or permed.