Because of your inspiration I’ve been working super hard for weeks on creating a place where we can further build community.
I wanted a space dedicated to providing you with valuable information and an even better platform for you to interact with me and other naturalistas and ladies aspiring for healthy hair and a healthy love of self.
In this video I share my natural hair journey including why I went natural, some of my setbacks and my victories. I also come clean about my intentions with this site and I think you’re gonna like them!
Are you struggling with making the choice to go natural? Do you need encouragement to love what you’ve got (even if you don’t want to go natural)? Or, are you just curious to see what this site is all about? Then this video is most certainly for you!
Some people like to be able to read a transcript while watching the videos, or just read the transcript without even listening. If you are one of those people, not to worry – We’ve made the transcript available for you below.
Introductions
Hey ladies! My name is Cassandre from CassandreBeccai.com. In this video, I’m going to show to you my natural hair story.
But, before we go there, I have to share with you what I’m wearing today. I’m wearing this really cute paper bag skirt. Isn’t this so cute? I know!
I got it from a friend of mine from the Passion Fruit Vineyard. You can go check her out. Her name is Asha. She makes these beautiful skirts, and I’m definitely a fan. But, anyway, enough of that.
My Natural Hair Story
I’m just going to tell you about my story and how I got to where I am in my natural journey right now. I was just thinking about the fact that I’ve been natural for seven years now. It was just my birthday this past week, and I’m just thinking that it’s been seven years. I can’t even believe it.
I was Relaxed for Ten Years!
But, when I first started, it was really hard. I was relaxed for about maybe ten years, or so, and I decided that I want to go natural not because I wanted to start a movement, or like black power or anything like that, but because I realized the relaxers were giving me headaches.
Every time I had a relaxer, my scalp would hurt. I would get a headache. I started to take it as a sign from above that there’s something wrong with this process. For the sake of not losing all of my hair, I didn’t lose any hair from those headaches, but I realized it wasn’t a good sign, so I’m definitely not going to have myself go bald, so I decided that December, seven years ago, I think, that I was going to go natural.
Going Natural and Building Confidence
When I started going natural, a lot of what I did was basically, as my roots were growing out, I would braid my roots and do whatever to my ends. I did a lot of curly hairstyles. I did a lot of crimped hairstyles. I just had so much fun during that transition stage.
But, when it was time for me to cut my hair, that’s when people began to share their, I think they were already probably being discussed for my choice, there were women and friends of mine, who were coming up to me asking me why I was doing that. I have such a nice hair.
At the time, I didn’t have an issue with relaxers. Most of the time my hair grew quite a bit, and at that time, my hair was at its longest length. It was definitely inching towards mid-back length.
People were really confused as they saw my hair, my relaxed hair being cut away, and my roots being more and more natural. I even remembered this one time. I was going to work, my mom stood by the door and was like, “What are you doing?” She was just like, “You don’t look good.”
But, even in spite of that, I was like, “You know what? I really think this is the best choice for me.” I don’t really even know what gave me the encouragement or the empowerment to do it because of course, it was during the time when the natural hair movement wasn’t really that much of a movement. I mean, if you’re natural, you probably did it because you were weird, or maybe you lived a lifestyle where maybe you’re a mountainous kind of person, and you’re really into that natural… I don’t know.
A Better Option
Well, anyway, definitely, it wasn’t me. I wasn’t doing this because I was following anyone or because I was an extremist that I had to be a supernatural person. I was doing it because I felt like this would be a better option for me right now.
So, as I grew my hair out, I began to really, really love it. Mind you, like I had a little ‘fro by the time I finally cut off all my relaxed ends, I probably had maybe two to three inches of hair, and you can imagine, Afro-textured hair doesn’t really show it’s lengths, so it’s probably like really small.
But, I did a lot of twist outs. I twisted my hair a lot. As it grew, I began to really love it, and I realized that my confidence just grew as my hair grew out more because I was beginning to learn how to take care of it, how to make it look beautiful, and I was getting compliments left and right even at that short length because I was just learning how to love myself, how to make it beautiful, and captivating even to others who have no idea what being natural is like.
When I finally came to school in Michigan, I was maybe, two or three years natural, less than three years actually, and I had got the hang of this natural thing. I was washing my hair once a week, but nothing too deep. But, my hair was growing. It was doing fine.
But, the hard water in Michigan totally killed my hair. I remember being warned when I stepped foot on campus that the water is going to destroy my hair. But, I was kind of like, “Lo-de-lu-de-lu!” You know, like not really serious about life, but a year later, I realized it was true.
I couldn’t comb through my hair, not that I comb through it that much anyway, but, I mean, when it was time for me to style, it became this big old burden because it felt like a big old piece of tumbleweed. It was really really bad, and I literally just began to say, “Okay, you know what? I really need some solutions here,” and I began to pray about my hair.
Yes, Praying Helps!
Maybe you guys don’t think praying about hair makes sense, but at the time, I was very desperate, and I knew that somehow, this praying thing was going to definitely help somehow.
I began to pray, and I was like, “Oh God! Please help me here. My hair is dying, and I feel like I can’t do anything.” So, I got into just looking into some natural alternatives, and finding ways to take care of my hair in spite of the water.
At this time, I still was kind of like using the water a little bit, but I was mixing stuff out to create something to help my hair.
Seven Years Later, It’s All Natural!
Now, seven years later, my hair is probably the healthiest it’s ever been even though I still struggle with lots, and lots, and lots of different kinds of issues.
Sometimes, I have a whole bunch of split ends. Sometimes my hair is doing the shedding thing, but I realize I feel happy. I feel like this is the best thing I could have done for myself, not only because I know that my hair is beautiful, but I realize now that embracing my natural really taught me how to love how to I am, who I am, what grows out of my scalp is part of me, and it’s okay. It has also taught others around me to appreciate the things that make me, me.
I’m really glad that you’ve joined me on my channel. I’m just going to really just share with you the things that I’ve learned being natural, some of my secrets to natural hair success, some of my recipes I’m going to share with you.
I’m going to share with you how to trim your hair, and I really just want to equip you and give you an opportunity to get to where I am. I also realize that I don’t have all the answers, so I really want you to chime in, too because I’m still learning. Like I told you I’m constantly learning more or trying to get my hair to its healthiest it can possibly be, and I know that there are so many of you watching me even now that know more than me.
I would love for you to just communicate and share, and let’s spread the community to encourage one another to love our natural– not just our natural hair, but who we are and who we’re made to be.
Thank you so much for watching this video. If you have any questions, please leave it in the comment box down here, and I will definitely get back to you. I would love to hear your questions. I would love to hear what you’re interested in seeing from me.
You can also find more videos like this in my blog post, and other stuff that I talk about on cassandrebeccai.com.
Please subscribe and please share. Thank you!
[..YouTube..] Wonderful! Thanks for sharing a little about your journey. Keep on being the best you possible, everyone is taken
aww such kind words! thank you. And keep being the sweet you that you are! xo
[..YouTube..] I love your hair. it looks so healthy and beautiful. I have been thinking of going natural for a while now. Just a bit scared cause i have very thick coarse hair.
thanks so much richlove! I’m sure if I saw your hair, I’d love it too
I encourage every lady to go natural but only if she is ready. Looking forward to hearing your own journey some day!
I love your hair. it looks so healthy and beautiful. I have been thinking of going natural for a while now. Just a bit scared cause i have very thick coarse hair.
[..YouTube..] ooo, how exciting! Looking forward to soooo much more greatness! Lookin’ good!
thanks Intimacythroughmusic
enjoy! xo
ooo, how exciting! Looking forward to soooo much more greatness! Lookin’ good!
[..YouTube..] LOL @ 3:40 “you probably did cause you were kinda weird..” love it! shared with my friends and cant wait for more videos
LOL @ 3:40 “you probably did cause you were kinda weird..” love it! shared with my friends and cant wait for more videos
[..YouTube..] Hi Cassandre! Great video, I really do love that skirt. Question: How did you get your hair to curl that way??? Thanks for posting!
Hi Cassandre! Great video, I really do love that skirt. Question: How did you get your hair to curl that way??? Thanks for posting!
Leslie was right, Cassandre. You are such a natural with the camera.
that’s a huge compliment! thank you Lily
[..YouTube..] Myrthan! no problem. you’re asking a excellent question which I just so happen to be coming out with the answer for in just a few days. It was a bantu-knot out. Can’t wait for you to see it and try it for yourself!
Myrthan! no problem. you’re asking a excellent question which I just so happen to be coming out with the answer for in just a few days. It was a bantu-knot out. Can’t wait for you to see it and try it for yourself!
So proud of you with what you’re doing here Cass. This is gonna be an AWESOME journey. So glad to be a part of it (even though I ain’t no girl)
haha!@”even though I ain’t no girl” LOL! Yay! Thanks Leslie.
[..YouTube..] I love it Cass!
Keep the vids coming 
Glad you finally joined YouTube
-Vimbo-
I love it Cass!
Keep the vids coming 
Glad you finally joined YouTube
-Vimbo-
[..YouTube..] thanks Vimbo! will do!
thanks Vimbo! will do!
[..YouTube..] haha! thx for commenting!
haha! thx for commenting!
[..YouTube..] Hei Cass!!! Love the videos! Glad u finally joined YT. Love u, girl!
Hei Cass!!! Love the videos! Glad u finally joined YT. Love u, girl!
[..YouTube..] This is Angie btw…lol
This is Angie btw…lol
[..YouTube..] thanks Angie!
love you too!
thanks Angie!
love you too!
[..YouTube..] lol mountainous LOL??? Sighhh
lol mountainous LOL??? Sighhh
[..YouTube..] girl- the kind of stereo types I had about who wears natural hair-SMH- lol!!!
girl- the kind of stereo types I had about who wears natural hair-SMH- lol!!!
i can imagine
LOL! <3 <3
lol, your skirt is so cute and cute on you too. soo you
You were a strong sister, even though your mom said something. WOW.
Clean, high standard, straight to the point and adorable you videos -Way to go!!!!!!
thx so much TheVGinia!
at the time I didn’t even think I was being strong! I was just doing what I thought was best for me. thanks for commenting!
haha! i love that skirt!
hi my dear,so happy to know about your journey!i’m six months transitioning,welcoming you in the afro hair care world,it’s good to benefit also from your experience, best wishes!!!love
thanks so much Berenice!
Now we are talking, more of those what ‘am wearing too!! Love your style Casandra!!! that outfit looks gorgeous on you!!
haha! I just love that skirt so I had to show it! I really appreciate the compliment!
I prayed about my hair too! lol..
Beautiful hair, thanks for sharing!!!
Hard water on campus? Did you go to Michigan State? MSU us notorious for that hard water, when I lived on campus there back in college the water killed my hair which is why I went natural.
I tell you that Michigan hard water did a number on my hair! Actually, I attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs. Did you just graduate MSU?
mountainous kinda person? ha ha
would love to see pics!
I know right?! pls excuse my past IGNORANCE!
ok! will try and pull out what I have and post to the blog.
Yay Cass is on youtube! lol
I enjoy, cause I found just what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Inspirational,,SUBSCRIBED
Gurl! I understand! Ppl thought I was sucidial and my own father said I look like a boy
Hey, when you were having issues with the hard water in Michigan, why didn’t you just buy a shower filter?
hey GwendolynRaine- I was very broke at the time
Luv ur videos.
best youtube video on natural hair ever
very nice.. ive been natural for 11 months .. woohoo thankyou join me please
I’m so excited I came across your channel! Love it!
Loved your honesty. Thanks for sharing
I agree with the feelings you described! Going natural, especially wearing my afro, has added to my confidence. Can’t explain it really, but it feels good to know that my hair does/can retain length with the right habits and techniques. It’s not hopeless anymore. Amen. haha
i think pics would help a lot
You are such a beautiful girl! And I mean that in the sense that you are so open and genuine. And then you are also clearly beautiful.
lol But I am just happy that I found you. 
Thank you for sharing your story!
hei cassandre I know this is an old video, but just want to say that you are not the onlyone that pray’s to God above for your hair. I believe that He can teach us how to love our hair and take good care of it, He did create us like this, so asking Him for guidance and advice is the best thing to do.
greetings from Holland
Glad to find your videos
What an inspiration for me. I am currently 10 months post relaxer and transitioning. I’ve just posted my 1st video for transitioning… check it out sometime.
What a lovely natural hair journey story! I wish that I’d had the mental capacity to go natural seven years ago. Thanx so much for sharing!
I don”t know what it is but you are so right. I started transitioning four months ago and I feel better about me my confidence has became more. what do you do to retain moisture? I live in Michigan
I just started transitioning in January and I live in Michigan. How did you handle the cold wind and weather?
Yeah, I like in London, and the water IS hard and it’s cold and windyyyyyyyyyy!
Thanks for sharing and YES, prayer changes things!!!!!
I pray about my hair too!!
DAILY as well as every other aspect of my life! We are supposed to seek God for All things concerning us, from the biggest most important to the smallest. My natural hair journey has brought me closer to myself, if that makes sense.
I pray about my hair 2 God among other things… People may think it’s strange but it definitely works.
I PRAY about my hair all the time. it has worked!