You might have had a friend or colleague from an afro-centric background

suddenly declare that they are “going natural” with their hair, but “what does going natural hair mean?”  When someone says they are “going natural”, it can be a signal that the person has come to a crossroads in their life.  The hair is sometimes the most obvious area to make that change or they have finally decided to address an issue with their hair.

You, say a 30 year old female; working; living on your own; cooking and buying your food for maybe ten

years now, would think you can decide to change your hair for whatever reason.  The reason(s) could be: 

• you want a change of hairstyle – you have not seen your natural hair, no relaxer or perm in forever;
• tired of having to chemically straighten your hair because of breakage; 
• having traction alopecia because of stress
• hair has been at the same length, again, forever
• got inspired by a hairstyle from social media
• Found religion, a partner who wants a traditional wife, whatever.

You decide to tell your mother/friend/significant other of your decision. 

The first question will be “what does going natural hair mean?”  Then the interrogation will commence.  Does it mean you will be wearing an afro from now on? Will you be cutting all your hair off?  Are you considering doing braids for a period of time?   You are not thinking of getting dreads? Are you okay?  Are you going to be wearing those wig things? Essentially, if you do not keep your cool, your reputation and future looks will be destroyed by evening.