On a cold afternoon in June 2007 after 9 years of naturalness, I sat on the tube with my little sister Kezia and announced my intention to develop a website. I explained that this website would be a celebration of those whom, despite societal pressures to conform in a world of relaxers and weaves, choose to wear their hair as nature intended.
I would start a gallery that would create role models out of everyday people. A place for them to show off their natural beauty and inspire others. She nodded and said, "Yeah, all the Naturally Sexy people". And that was it - the phrase that summed it all up. 'Naturally Sexy' - an alternative, positive identity to represent a choice that throughout recent black history has been seen as a negative one. A phrase that truly expresses who we are.
Naturally Sexy aims to dispel the stigmas about natural black hair through example. We intend to demonstrate that afro hair is not difficult to manage and more crucially, that it is a thing of beauty that should be embraced and not hidden; a blessing, not a curse.
My Journey to Naturally Sexy
Nine years ago it was pregnancy that stopped me using relaxer. The fact that chemicals had the potential to harm my unborn child made me question the impact on my own body. This epiphany brought about the end of chemicals and the beginning of my natural journey.
It hasn't been an easy ride. I struggled through the first few years using extension plaits and twists during times of major frustration and as my hair grew longer I became a product junkie searching for products that would enhance the curl. Still not being confident with my afro, I tried to achieve what I believed to be a more acceptable 'bi-racial' look. Half a jar of gel would do it but the flakes and the build up weren't favourable.
Then there was the advent of ceramic flat irons, after not being happy with frizzy, short term blow drying results. I was over the moon! Finally I could have straight hair and still be natural. It worked - my hair was dead straight, dead being the operative word! Fortunately heat can straighten hair, but unfortunately like chemicals, heat can also have a damaging effect. Mine began to shed rapidly with some areas losing their afroness and hanging there, lifeless and lank. I had to start all over again. Epiphany no. 2: Learn to love what you got.
So that's what I did. I learnt about my hair. I re-educated myself on how to maintain and get the best out of my tight kinky curls. And with this knowledge I have learnt to love my afro crown, which makes me exude confidence, attracting compliments and a barrage of questions. The internet has been an excellent resource, the ladies in the US (having been part of the natural revolution for many years) have tons of invaluable knowledge. Here in the UK natural hair communities don't really exist, so I created one. I believe that if someone shows you something that is beneficial to you, you have a duty to share it with others. Naturally Sexy (NS) is the vehicle for me to share this knowledge, promote the beauty and diversity of NS hair and to learn from all of you, who are part of the NS family.
Ebony Bennett
Creator of Naturally Sexy