For some women, natural hair is a testament to their self-acceptance, a proclamation of their Black pride or a political statement. For others, it’s simply a matter of convenience. Regardless their logic, here are 10 reasons you might want to go natural…

1. You have serious fro/twists/loc envy.
Every time you cross paths with a fluffy-froed, kinky-twisted or loced sister, you gasp. You’re in awe of her hair’s lushness and her overall regal air. You think, “I’d go natural if my hair could look like that!” Trust us, your hair could and will look just as fly.

2. You think there’s such a thing as good/bad hair.
We’re firm believers at COCO that the only good hair is healthy hair. All textures from the tightest kink to the loosest curl are beautiful in their own way. Different textures can achieve different styles. For everything else, the appropriate product and styling technique will get you the desired look.

3. Your hair is fried and thinned out.
Step away from the creamy crack. Our hair is already extremely fragile due to the shape of its strand. Harsh chemicals like relaxers can weaken them. If your tresses are damaged, strongly consider doing the “big chop” or transitioning. You’ll see your hair’s fullness transform.

4. You suffer from alopecia.
As a result of the improper use of perms, many women suffer from chemically-induced alopecia (especially around the hairline). If you’re one of them and you stop treating it with chemicals and the damage isn’t too severe, you may still be able to salvage your hair.

5. You’re tired of dodging the rain.
It’s exhausting and annoying to have to make a mad dash every time there’s some precipitation. Wearing your hair the way it already naturally responds to moisture will make the weather forecast less daunting.

6. You exercise frequently.
There’s no better feeling after a sweaty workout than a refreshing shower. In the warmer months, having natural hair will allow you to do “wash n go’s.“ Cool water against your scalp will leave you feeling invigorated (and keep odors at bay).

7. Salon visits are burning a hole in your wallet.
Maintaining relaxed hair is best done by a professional and can run you anywhere from $50 to $150. Natural hair requires no chemicals, so you immediately cut your expenses once you stop relaxing. Plus, with natural hair, besides salon visits for trims or haircuts, you can do a lot of the maintenance at home.

8. You’re addicted to your weave.
Chain-weavers repeatedly add extensions without giving their manes time to rest, often times because they’re so attached with their weaves. You and your weave are not one. Repeat after me: I am not my weave. My weave does not make me beautiful. Now go natural and prove it (to yourself!).

9. You want more versatility.
No weaves required! You’ll be able to experiment with curly and straight dos then go back curly again. Twists, twists-outs, Bantu knots, braid-outs and more let you to play with different textures.

10. You can’t remember what your natural texture looks and feels like.
Many of us haven’t seen our hair in its natural state since our preteens. Go natural to fall in love with your kinks, coils and curls all over again.

-Audra E. Lord