ReJeana’s Journey

My name is ReJeana Marigna, I am 24 years old and I have been natural for a year. My first relaxer was at the age of 17. From the age of 14 until I was 21, I was a full-time track and field sprinter. Running allowed me to be able to attend a Division I university on a full athletic scholarship. When I was 17, the summer before my senior year in high school, I asked my mother to allow me to get a relaxer since I thought it’ll be easier to manage and I wanted a change. At the time, it was easier for me to manage. Like every other female as a teen, I mainly wore my hair down in a nice wrap. Surprisingly, after a year of a relaxer I wanted another change. The fall semester of my freshmen year in college I received my first haircut. After that the rest is history. I fell in love with Rihanna and her hairstyles and would always find myself cutting my hair shorter and shorter. I loved my short cuts!

In my heart, I always knew I would one day go back to my natural state but it was a matter of when. In 2013, first year as a full-time employee, due to stress, my hair began to fall out. At that moment, February 2013, I decided that was it, I’ll go back to my natural state. I kept my hair braided until July 25, 2013, that was the day of my big chop. Since that day I’ve loved my decision and I’m never turning back. My natural hair journey has been stress free and one of the best decisions I’ve made as a young adult.