The purpose of this study is to analyze and understand why some Black women in Greensboro, North Carolina have made the decision to wear their hair naturally, in its original kinky, curly, non-straightened form. I’ve chosen this topic because “in our society, long straight hair has generally been considered the gold standard for attractiveness” (Rosette & Dumas, 2007, p. 410) and by deviating from that gold standard, Black women are affected, personally and politically. In my perspective, it is important to understand why a woman would opt to make this choice, knowing the potential backlash she faces (i.e. losing her job, rejection in a romantic relationship, or school suspension). To facilitate this purpose, the guiding research inquiries included 10 questions about the woman’s hair journey, at different stages of her life: before perming, while perming, and going natural. In speaking with 10 women from three different generations, I found that the process of going natural is at once complex and simple, is simultaneously gradual and instant, both terrifying and liberating. Ultimately, I learned that even though various factors play a part in this process, “going natural” is a decision mostly directed and determined by the woman standing in the mirror. / MS / The purpose of this study is to understand why some Black women in Greensboro, North Carolina have made the decision to wear their hair naturally, in its original kinky, curly, non-straightened form. I chose this topic because our society has historically and overwhelmingly considered long, straight hair the pinnacle of female attractiveness. In choosing to wear one's hair natural, Black women are affected in many ways (personally, professionally, and politically). In my perspective, it is important to understand why a Black woman would make this choice, knowing the potential consequences that she will face. In this study, I interviewed 10 women from three different generations. Moreover, I used 10 questions about the woman’s hair journey, at different stages of her life: before perming, while perming, and going natural, in order to gather information for this work. In speaking with these women, I found that this experience is both complex and simple. Overall, I learned that this liberating decision is primarily led and guided by the woman in the mirror.