Being 40 + and Natural

Me with 2 of my blogging buddies from
Fro Fashion Week Spring 2012
The Fashionista Next Door and Hair Gurl

I am OVER 40 years old and PROUD of it.  I look good AND I feel good. I decided to return to my natural roots when I was in my late 30's. I think its really cool to see younger naturals of today accepting their beauty now instead of waiting until they get older. In fact, my network Our Natural Kids was created to reach out to moms and kids.  However, as a 40 plus natural in Atlanta I find that we are rarely represented or showcased and that's why I am proud to represent this niche in the natural hair community.  40+ naturals have a different set of issues to deal with when it comes to natural hair styling health and maintenance. Here are a few examples of the things that I have to deal with due to my age...

Gray Hair - Some people gray early.  I started seeing a few gray hairs here and there starting in my late 30's.  Now they are EVERYwhere!  Gray hairs do not behave the same as my other hair.  They are wiry and ornery.

Thinning Hair - My hair is sort fine or thin to begin with.  I have been dealing with additional thinning hair for awhile.  

Age appropriate styling - Do you really want to see me in 2 Afro puffs?  I am not saying that I can't rock them in an appropriate situation.  I just like to keep things mild for my tastes.  My Choice.

Retaining Moisture - The older I get the dryer my hair seems to get.

Finding chicks in the natural hair community that are in my age group! Pleease don't get me wrong I looove my young chicas that allow me to hang with them at events, meet ups, shows etc.  They accept me, they compliment me and they inspire me.  But sometimes I feel like the older Auntee that's still trying to hang!! LOL But seriously...

There are many more that I deal with and I will get into some of my solutions to these issues in a later post.  The bottom line is this.  Ain't Nooobody getting younger.  One day YOU will be over 40 years old.  I am here to tell you that I don't think that I truly began to live life until I turned 40.  I've never felt more alive and vibrant.  I feel beautiful and I love myself.  Don't fight aging.  Be that Fine Wine.  Go with the flow and enjoy life. I know I am and I intend to show you just how much!  It's never too late to live your dreams!!

40+ naturals Talk to Me!!  What are some of your natural hair issues that you feel you may be experiencing because of your age?