YMIB Circle Sister NaturalReign (featured in the image above..isn't she lovely!) shares 20 things she wishes she knew before going natural! Enjoy!

1. That a relaxer is an acid

2. That after years of feeling like I had to adjust to other people's ideas of what was right, I would listen to myself.

3.That it's not a political statement nor a way for others to judge how 'black' I am. Simply put, It Just Is.

4. That I would be amazed at the texture coming from the roots and being at aw of discovering something so unique.

5. That I would get more compliments on my hair than ever.

6. That it would take LESS time to handle and 'do' my natural hair - even as it's growing in through the tough transition phase.

7. That I would love that it doesn't look like anyone elses hair - not like when I was relaxing and having it Chi Iron Straight while occasionally getting asked: "Is that all 'your' hair?" .

8. That after hearing and seeing the most important person in my life oppose the idea of me going natural. That I would watch her grow to love, and smile as she, my Grandmother, talked about it because of it's unexpected beauty as we both watched it grow.

9. That I could take a shower without a shower cap.

10.That doing my own hair would be a lot easier than I expected and that I don't have to waste so much time and money at a salon .

11. That I really CAN survive without heat and chemicals and have so many hairstyle options, including straight if I chose to go there for a day.

12. That I would not be afraid of the Rain.

13. That for unexpected events I wouldn't have an OMG my hair is not done moment. I can either wash and go or place a wrap around my head and tie it in a knot and still get compliments although it's a bad hair day.

14. That my hands would stay in my hair and I would have to chant "I will not touch my hair, I will not touch my hair"; and at the same time realizing why my son can't keep his hands out of his hair.

15. That I would feel sexy, confident and free.

16. That I would be at peace with God and know that he didn't give me bad hair.

17. That men YES even black men love it and find it strangely exotic and as natural as rain.

18. That we deserve to feel as beautiful as we are.

19. That I would know versatility is the best thing about "black-girl hair".

20. That experimenting with difference is what life is all about.