I'm so glad your mom told you to embrace your curly hair, and even made her hair curly to match you and your brother's hair. Usually it's the other way around where some mom's get their daughter's hair relaxed, press it, etc.
I wanted 3 years for this maya 😭😭😭 im so proud of how far youve come. I cut my hair shortly after you did because your confidence inspired me. So i went through my own hair journey and finding myself and being more comfortable in my skin. It changed me in so many good ways and i see it in you. You're blossoming. Keep up the work mama
Your shaved head video is actually what made me subscribe. It popped up on my trending one day while I was going through my own teenie weenie phase. I’d cut my hair off because I felt like it weighted me down as well and ironically I was healing from a divorce as well. I was a black girl with long hair as long as I can remember. I grew my hair out natural after cutting it for two years (shoulder length) never had any major damage until I went to a “kitchen beautician” I’d cut my hair again into a box and decided months later to relax my hair. She colored it blonde over the period of a few weeks and my hair started breaking off so I had to cut it again after I’d grown out the top in a bomb style. I’d been a natural blonde and never had issues. I then realized I am my hair, my damaged hair changed me and I earned a newfound appreciation for my now healthy hair. I am my hair...shamelessly. Every style/length reminds of different phases in my life. Maybe that means I have some more growing to do but whatever, my hair MATTERS.❤️
I totally understand this. After wearing sew-ins with leave out, getting hair blown out, wearing braids back to back seeing the aftermath of my constant styling I NOW understand what it means to just leave my hair the heck alone and let it grow out! You slay with any hair length mama and I love this video.
A blessing to have healthy tresses and to see the transformation throughout the years. Mine was short as a kid also. I prayed for long hair. Now I focus on healthy hair 🤗
So happy to see a curly girl with short hair talking about the struggle. I had armpit length hair and went for a deva cut ended up with a big chop and I hate it. Happy to see that others make hair mistakes and show us that part of the journey too. Love it!
I've been natural for 12 years. I keep my hair shoulder length and would love to dye my hair or try a new style but I'm low maintenance (code for lazy). You're inspiring. From the long curls to the short hair, you rocked the hell of every style. Your growth has been a amazing thing to watch. Stay shameless!
I used to admire your long curly locks as a curly girl who was always getting relaxers in her hair, but when you shaved that head, girl?? I saw a whole new Maya and I thought "this is beautiful" with that big chop you just became so free. All the different looks you've served us with this short hair have been iconic. You also taught me to love your hair doesn't mean to just have it all natural. While being natural is something beautiful in itself, you deserve to have fun with your hair and just do something spontaneous. Also how to work around different unexpected issues that come about like heat damage. I can confidently say this is one of my top 5 favorite hair journeys (girl in my book this is number one) I love you and how far you and this channel have come 💜
I was natural for four years and ended up with a really thick afro. On one hand I was fascinated to see my hair so long but on the other hand I felt like a walking ball of hair, not to mention how much work it was to maintain my curls. Curiosity got the best of me and I cut my hair short a few months ago. Once I cut it I actually felt free to play around with it and wasn't as afraid to play around with heat; I wasn't so attached to my hair. It has been fun. If you're thinking about cutting your hair but you're scared, just remember: it will grow back! It's worth a try.
I love how positive you are ❤️ sometimes we get so stuck in negative situations that we fail to see all the good around us. It is so inspiring to see that you tried to look at the positives when you were going through tough times. It makes me feel like I can do the same x and that sometimes, things aren't as bad as we make it out to be 😌
Whew! I can totally relate to your story. I left my stylist because she moved across town and I started going to someone else that destroyed my hair and it ended up falling out. That was the beginning of my natural hair journey. I had to use wigs and kinky twists to grow my hair out. That was eight years ago and I've had a few set backs here and there (like when some braids snatched a few of my edges) but I'll never go back to the creamy crack. Love your hair! Great vid! :)
Love your hair like that, Maya! I just had a huge setback with my hair and after weeks of crying and wasting money on these "fast hair growth" and "damage reversal" products, you inspired me to just let it go and start again. So while I leave my hair alone to do it's thing I'll be working on a healthy mind and body which will in the end lead to healthier hair! Thank you so much!!!
I love that your so transparent. I knew when you cut your hair off that you were tired of people coming to you obsessed with your hair. You started up on RUclips when Natural Hair was beginning to go crazy. People were starting to idolize anyone with big/long natural hair. Thank You Maya for being you.
Damn Maya! I've been natural for 4 years and my hair is long, but now I'm mad I didn't embrace and enjoy my journey like you did while it was short lol. You got me ready to big chop again and start over.
Missed you Maya! You are the whole reason I went natural. Still going strong! Thank you for your courage and putting your life out there for everyone to see!
I had no idea it's been 4 years since you cut your hair. I've been a subbie since you were married in a roach infested apartment. Loved your curly hair because I had just gone natural with no idea that you weren't attached to your hair. ❤❤❤
I've been about 4 or 5 years natural. I started relaxing my hair when I was about 10 yrs (cause my mom didn't know what to do with it) I'm 27 now. My goal keeps changing. At first I wanted to see what my "real hair" looked like. Then I wanted to grow it really long, but I was getting tired of how much work it is so I wanted to cut it all off (I didn't do that). Now I just want Healthy Hair, which I think is the most important goal. I might still cut my hair cause I really love short hair. I feel like short hair forces me to have more confidence cause there is nothing to hide behind. BTW love this video and love your look. Keep doing you boo❣️
Its so nice to see a youtuber who talks about how much they loved having short curly hair. Everyone else I've watched either hated it or only shaved it that once. Since I'm determines to shave my hair off this December, it's really encouraging to see how much you loved it.
I started watching your videos right when you cut your hair and that was when I was transitioning from relaxed to natural. So, I would go back and watch your previous videos in order for them to get strong and now I'm trying to grow them in length. But, I must say that your many different styles rocks and are always beautiful!! Keep doing you and know that you and your journey inspires us all, you Queen of Shamelessness!! 😘😍 -Sara
I took a huge leap of faith a couple months after my son was born and cut my hair very short. It wasn't a buzz cut, but it was too short to put into a pony tail for many months. Watching your big chop video inspired me. I was afraid my beauty was depended on my hair, but after watching you i realized i could still be dope with short hair. Now, about two years later it has grown back A LOT. lol and its healthier than ever. I love everything you do and you inspire me so much! Stay amazing!!
I can't believe it's already been four years since I watched you shave your head. Time sure does fly. Within that time I went from a TWA to having loc❤️🐚
Omg this video made me feel better. I feel like I’m constantly on a hair journey. I straightened my hair a couple days ago and I hardly ever use heat and I feel like the curls aren’t like how they were. But when I watched this I felt like I have hope. And I will continue to be patient and leave my hair and heat alone. Thank you for this video. ♥️♥️
This really inspires me to not be afraid of when I do my big chop in the future. You showed so much confidence and bravery and I praise you for that. Do You Boo!
I started watching at day 1 pretty much but when you cut off your hair, rockstar! I wish I could do the same thing but my skull is too dented and jacked! 😫😫😫 I’m so happy for you and the journey you have been on! Shameless for life!!!!
*Oooo I LOVEEE THE TEAL!!! I love the story. I think the story says a lot! We really have to learn to love ourselves and be proud of who we are no matter what! Inspiring story Maya*
Throughout this whole video I felt like we are just two homegirls kicking it in our room having conversation about our hair. I adore your transparency, it's truly amazing. I sware I could listen to you talk all day long..lol
A few years back, Maya, you were a large chunk of my inspiration to go heat/chemical free. I’ve always been natural, but I did salons every two weeks growing up, so my hair was always straight. I played with dye, but I watched your vids A LOT. I was sad when you cut your hair because I had to find new help lol, but I loved that you did it. Best wishes🖤
I'm working to grow my natural hair. I'm lived we're hardly ever satisfied with our hair. Women with long hair want it short, women with shorts happened want it long, curl to, straight, straight to curly... It all boils down to how we're feeling about ourselves. In my pic, I'm wearing a, wig, but my hair is med-short, and I love it! I'm rockin a roller set right now as 'we speak'. Keep up those great vids! Your transparency and realness is so refreshing and exudes relatability. Much love, Peace
I'm OBSESSED with your videos Maya! Your personality and your message of loving yourself inspires me and makes me happy. As a Caucasian blonde, my hair is the complete opposite, but you've still inspired me to play and have fun. It's currently purple and teal and I love the confidence it's given me - I feel so much more 'me', if that makes sense? It's a physical representation of me and that helps me get over my 'need' to. Be a people pleaser and ignore my own wishes and desires. Thankyou for the confidence to be shameless!
It seems as though everything you do to your hair turns out beautiful!!!!! Me....If I tried that I wouldn’t have any hair on my head...lol. I’ve been wanting to grow my hair super long, but it doesn’t want to move!!! 6-7inches... that’s where it is stuck!!! 😁 But I am not too worried about hair!!! No perm!!!🚫 for me though!!! I’ll rock braids, weaves and wigs!! Oh I love crochet braiding!! You should try....You can get some that reminds you of your hair in previous years!! Awesome protective style!!! Dang black girls rock!!! We do so much with our hair!!! 😁😁👌🏾👌🏾🤗🤗
You were the first hair girl I watched ❤️ and I know that's not what you wanted to be but you meant so much to me because I had never in my life seen someone comfortable with that hair type growing up in small town iowa. I am biracial but was raised by white parents and they didn't know what to do with my hair so I just rocked out with the biolage gel which barely touched my frizz. After I saw your videos I learned SO MUCH and suddenly was able to be confident in styling my natural hair. Twist outs were a game changer- I didn't have to wake up every morning? Showering at night was completely out of the question before your videos. My texture and shrinkage changed when I got into college and my curls got tighter, so I was really sad I lost so much length. So I grew it out for several years and just last night I had the courage to get layers for the first time and it is SO CUTE and I feel like I'm really exited again about my hair for the first time in forever. Sorry for the book lol. If any curly girls wanna follow each other on Instagram my username is : chrissysadragon
Maya, you look great with any hairstyle. I had long hair most of my life.. I hated it and decided to cut it 4 years ago and will never go back to having it long again. My hair does not define me and I gained a whole new level of confidence after I cut my hair. You look great either way girl.. like you always say.. do you boo ❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey Maya! I've been natural for two and a half years and have considered texturizing more than once. I've cut my hair down to 1/2 an inch 4 times, and always texturized within the first few months... so thick, dense, time consuming. So this is actually the longest I've been 100% natural for this long. I'm starting to understand my hair and love it. and now would not think of changing the texture. It's taken a long time to get here- but for me it's been worth the wait!
Literally just cut all my damage off. As a kid I always used to wonder why I could never go past shoulder length and it was because I continually permed and flat-ironed it. I'm a beautiful baldheaded chicken now and I love it lol.
Finally last month I cut all my damaged relaxed hair off to 1/2 inch!! You inspired me!!! Starting my natural hair journey & as a Jamaican, braids will be my life until it grows out.
I looooooooved your long curly hair, i sometimes watch your old videos to see your gorgeous shiny and moisturized curly hair. I can't wait to see your hair long again. But no matter if your hair is long or short you are amazing !
Love your hair!! I went through the same journey. I had natural hair for 3 years and then I permed it colored it and now I’m just growing it back healthy and long ❤️ thanks for the inspiration 😘
I’ve definitely probably been through all of those steps from not embracing my hair to perming it to damaging it to chopping off to now embracing it and letting my mane live lol
Great video! I discovered your RUclips channel back in June or July 2013 which was shortly after I had my heat damaged armpit length natural hair cut off that May, and it was new for me since I’m known for my long hair (relaxed & natural), but I loved it! My natural hair is shoulder length when stretched, and probably mid back length if straightened. I stopped getting relaxers at 17, and that was 10 years ago. I’ve seen all of your hair videos which have really helped me in my natural hair journey, and I still must learn how to flat twist & cornrow braid, because I love how my twist outs & braid outs turn out when my mother does them. I have loved my hair in braids since I was a child, whether it be cornrow braids with my own hair or regular braids with my own hair or box braids. Before I ended up with heat damage on my natural hair, I played with highlights which I loved, and don’t think it damaged my hair at all.
So I have been following you from your curly hair journey all the way up until now. I did exactly what you did to your curly hair to mine. You helped me to figure out who i was with curly hair. I remember when your cousin Jay cut your hair on that live video and i cried with you ( so emotional) i was going through a miscarriage at that time. I got pregnant again and my hair grew a ton!!! put i was so tired as a new mama that I ended up having heat damage as well. Ive been wanting to cut my hair but this video has helped me to see that it is all a journey and patiences is key. you are like my sister that ive never met and i thank you for all your shamlessness it has made me a better person!
Maya! Girl! My emotions was so up and down while watching this video I went from smiling to eyes tearing up at 7:20 then to cracking up laughing!!! I enjoyed this video! Your hair has been through a lot and through it all you were beautiful no matter what!!! Do you boo! xoxo
I always noticed your hair journey through your videos and it truly inspire me so my relationship with my hair becomes better cause I learned how to love it like you do with your hair
Boo, I love you!!! And I hope you figure things out with your parents... cause your relationship with your hair definitely goes back to your old people. All the best, Maya!
I started following you back when you had the long curly hair... I had recently returned to natural after relaxing my hair for nearly 13 years and I had no clue what to do with it. Your videos helped me immensely, so I thank you for that 🙏🏽
I use to get relaxers/chemical straighteners up until about 4 years ago. I stopped those and stopped heat on my hair. I've seen a tremendous difference in texture, growth and shine! Don't get me wrong I still miss having my hair straight from time to time and may consider a blow out in the future but I have definitely grown to enjoy my curls! In fact I watched your curly hair video when I was trying to figure out how to take care of my hair. So thank you and good luck on your healthy hair journey and reconnecting with your curls :)
Yass Maya!! Grow it out, girl! I've been natural all the way up to high school. then I bleached it and went blonde, then bronze, then orange, then red, then blue. With all that damage and chemical I decided I had my fun. Soi chopped it off!! AND I LOVE IT!!
oh my gosh I'm where you are now!!! I dyed it enough times that my stylist of THREE YEARS screwed it up and used too much of a chemical that effected the texture and turned my thick, kinky curls into WAVES. I am now going to shave it all off eventually and start fresh, this time around, no more heat, chemicals, nada! So now I'm doing all the texture and color fun that I can before the big chop :) Thank you so much for being open about your hair journey, it has been an inspiration and has played a big role in my being okay with my decision. I was always known as the girl with the pretty, kinky curls and it is exciting knowing the journey that will lie ahead for me when I don't have my hair as a crutch to hide behind my personality
I can relate to all of this! I straightened my hair for so long because i never learned how to do my hair curly. My mom didn't understand it and was always frustrated when doing it so I carried her negative energy into adulthood. I recently discovered "mixed chicks" leave in and OMG - life changing. I wash my hair then towel dry lightly- add a lot of the leave in and then brush and brush And keep brushing (while wet) then I add a tiny bit of diva frizz free and WALA!!! It's seriously made me accept my curly hair. I now don't even bother straightening my hair and I get compliments on it all the time. Xo
That's how I was when I was younger with my hair! It was super wavy and big and I always put it in a bun. In high school I straightened my hair or braided it or again in a bun. Now that I'm in my twenties, I love my hair all natural and wavy! I finally love my hair! Love your videos, Maya!! ❤️
GIRRLLLLLLL I'm finally natural after one year i never knew what my natural hair looked like. I had relaxers done to my hair since I was five.. FIVE years old lol I am so happy now. You need patience x10!
My hair journey has been all over the place. Braids, relaxers, locs, big chop, tapered it has been a mess of a journey but it's mine and I love it. I'm debating on if I should let it grow out or start experimenting with colors. I also want to try wigs to which I might do to get me the colors that I want. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you Maya, I am excited!
This video gave me so much life. I found out about your channel a couple weeks before you shaved your head. Your personality is wonderful and your energy is contagious❤
Awwww Love you Maya. I remember that time you started your shameless journay shaved your hair...since then so much changed! Its amazing to watch you grow and beeing more and more succesful. May God always bless you maya. I love your personality! Such an inspiration! Hugs and kisses.
You are so shameless and I love it. The fact you cut your hair because you wanted to and it didn't define you says a lot about your character. Best wishes on your new journey!!!
Girl I love you! You are fierce no matter what! I’m a natural curly girl. I’ve big chopped about 6 times 😱 and had a buzz cut twice. My last big chop was last year and now I can finally get a ponytail so I know that feeling. No more cuts for me just maybe some color. Keep doing you boo
My journey was wanting my hair straight and flowing like the commercials because it was already long. Then I wanted it curly and didn’t know at first that I already had curly hair. So yes, I got a Jheri curl and it looked like my natural hair does today. I’m currently natural in December will be 4 years and I’m just going for healthy and seeing how long it will get. Loved your journey by the way! It seems like it was like an accidental healing and purposeful acceptance for you. 😊
Nicolle I'm one of her subscribers, her hair is really really long, but I agree with you, so Lexi, you do you, I know I wouldn't mind, and I'm sure the others wouldn't eather 😊
Leximarcellaa , yes, we would! We love your hair, but at the end of the day, do you boo😊💗 you have one life, one ☝🏽. Is it you or us that have an attachment to your hair?🤔
I'm currently growing It out. I stopped cutting it sept of 2016 and ive only had a trim since it grew out. I had a buzz cut now when i straighten it, its almost at my shoulders. I haven't dyed it in a long time. Dont plan on it. So i have grey streaks (natural) running thru my hair. I love it. I can't wait to see how yours turns out after letting all the damage grow out! Your hair journey has been amazing! I starting following you after you buzzed off your hair. 💞 patience is definitely everything with growing hair out!! You're doing great!
Loved your story! 4 years ago I wanted my natural.but I was very resistant about the volume. But in 2016 I had a medium.damage hair that I couldn't stand anymore, was disgusting. I was 6 months without put heat and decided to embrace my hair and cut it all the damaged off. Now I have 1 year and half with my natural hair and I couldn't love it, and myself and even the volume more! Good luck in your new journey!
I remember seeing your videos late 2012, back when I decided to stop putting heat on my curls (I was 4 years natural by this time). Your videos were recommended on HeyFranHey's channel and I was just super excited to see more naturalistas on RUclips. Your curly hair routine video definitely left an impression! I thought your hair was beautiful, even though it did not look like mine, but you are such a character that I subscribed instantly! Been following you ever since! When you big chopped, I was like "whew! Not I!" But by the time 2015 came and I reached waist length hair, I realized I was too attached and knew exactly how you felt. So I big chopped and it was so freeing! I didn't like it at first and in my photo history you can see I didn't take selfies much until like 2 months later 😅 but so much confidence came from the frest start as I know it did for you! 💕 now my hair is back to the length it was 6 months before I chopped it and I'm still learning and figuring things out too. Like bleach. Never again. I'll stay my natural color ✊🏽 I know this was hella long, but I just wanna thank you for your courage and shamelessness! You have inspired so many of us and its has been an honor to witness your journey and see that you are not done yet! Love, beauty, and light, Maya ✌🏽💕
Wow! You have come a long way. I watched your videos when you did the big chop and through some of your new hair journeys then I stop watching your videos. I pulled your name up and saw this video. You have always been a positive person on your channel and just a lot of fun. I won't stop watching you again. Very inspiring person.
What a beautiful and touching video Maya!! Thanks so much for taking us on this journey with you! I did the big chop in 2012 and I kinda wish I played around a bit more with fades and various short looks. I'm currently enjoying having my hair in braids at the moment because i'm such a low maintenance kinda girl I just love being able to get up and go!! xXx
OMG!! I remember you!! Okay first, I know this video is 3 years old but I was randomly recommended your video by “RUclips recommend” because I was researching obtaining my PhD in Sweden and it showed me your recent videos of your home there, CONGRATULATIONS!!!, and I decided to start following you. So, I’m looking at your videos, old and new, and I happened upon this video. You are one of the reasons I decided to go natural back in 2013. I remember your videos of your hair journey and then you chopping your hair off and I thought, “She is still fierce and beautiful!!” I can’t believe how this came around full circle. Wow! I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, Bravissima!! Good luck and keep doing you Maya.
I have to admit, I've only been interested in hair videos, the tube has taught me everything about my hair including going back to relaxed hair, my new love. Thank you for being shameless.
You can literally pull off any hairstyle! Also, your jacket today is 🔥🔥🔥
It's from this new company: bit.ly/2hJAhhV
I'm so glad your mom told you to embrace your curly hair, and even made her hair curly to match you and your brother's hair. Usually it's the other way around where some mom's get their daughter's hair relaxed, press it, etc.
Nick Ferreira my mom relaxed my hair and I didn't know what was going on tho but now I know what she did and I hate it
Your curly hair brought me to this channel but your personality is what made me stay.❤
Aleecia Thennis so true
Exactly she remind me of myself
Aleecia Thennis so true
I'm recovering from chemo and I'm trying to grow back my fro again
Panda Shakur95 Will be praying for your health. Hang in there! 😘🙏
Arabesque Jacob 🙏🏽🙏🏽
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sending prayers up for yoy
I'M WITH YOU
I wanted 3 years for this maya 😭😭😭 im so proud of how far youve come. I cut my hair shortly after you did because your confidence inspired me. So i went through my own hair journey and finding myself and being more comfortable in my skin. It changed me in so many good ways and i see it in you. You're blossoming. Keep up the work mama
*She looks exactly the same as she did as a kid... Like Literally!*
Really?! I'll take it!
You and sunkissalba are who made me start my natural hair journey & I'm so glad!💗 So thank you!🙌
Maria C wow u like this channel too?
Your shaved head video is actually what made me subscribe. It popped up on my trending one day while I was going through my own teenie weenie phase. I’d cut my hair off because I felt like it weighted me down as well and ironically I was healing from a divorce as well. I was a black girl with long hair as long as I can remember. I grew my hair out natural after cutting it for two years (shoulder length) never had any major damage until I went to a “kitchen beautician” I’d cut my hair again into a box and decided months later to relax my hair. She colored it blonde over the period of a few weeks and my hair started breaking off so I had to cut it again after I’d grown out the top in a bomb style. I’d been a natural blonde and never had issues. I then realized I am my hair, my damaged hair changed me and I earned a newfound appreciation for my now healthy hair. I am my hair...shamelessly. Every style/length reminds of different phases in my life. Maybe that means I have some more growing to do but whatever, my hair MATTERS.❤️
I remember when you shaved your head. You've had so many beautiful hair styles
I totally understand this. After wearing sew-ins with leave out, getting hair blown out, wearing braids back to back seeing the aftermath of my constant styling I NOW understand what it means to just leave my hair the heck alone and let it grow out! You slay with any hair length mama and I love this video.
your chemistry with the camera is flawless, and you are gorgeous
A blessing to have healthy tresses and to see the transformation throughout the years. Mine was short as a kid also. I prayed for long hair. Now I focus on healthy hair 🤗
Maya you're going to be fabulous for ever!!! Thumbs up for Maya :)
LaToya's Life ILYSM
Latoyaaaaa❤️✨👑
Yasss
Ily!
So happy to see a curly girl with short hair talking about the struggle. I had armpit length hair and went for a deva cut ended up with a big chop and I hate it. Happy to see that others make hair mistakes and show us that part of the journey too. Love it!
When a video that's under 15 mins takes you a half hour to watch cause you keep pausing and replaying 😂
Yes say it louder for the ones in the back DON'T JUST TRUST ANYONE TO DO YOUR HAIR!!
Honestly, you look good in any hairstyle!! Sending you and your subbies lots of love!!!
I've been natural for 12 years. I keep my hair shoulder length and would love to dye my hair or try a new style but I'm low maintenance (code for lazy). You're inspiring. From the long curls to the short hair, you rocked the hell of every style. Your growth has been a amazing thing to watch. Stay shameless!
I used to admire your long curly locks as a curly girl who was always getting relaxers in her hair, but when you shaved that head, girl?? I saw a whole new Maya and I thought "this is beautiful" with that big chop you just became so free. All the different looks you've served us with this short hair have been iconic. You also taught me to love your hair doesn't mean to just have it all natural. While being natural is something beautiful in itself, you deserve to have fun with your hair and just do something spontaneous. Also how to work around different unexpected issues that come about like heat damage. I can confidently say this is one of my top 5 favorite hair journeys (girl in my book this is number one) I love you and how far you and this channel have come 💜
I was natural for four years and ended up with a really thick afro. On one hand I was fascinated to see my hair so long but on the other hand I felt like a walking ball of hair, not to mention how much work it was to maintain my curls. Curiosity got the best of me and I cut my hair short a few months ago. Once I cut it I actually felt free to play around with it and wasn't as afraid to play around with heat; I wasn't so attached to my hair. It has been fun. If you're thinking about cutting your hair but you're scared, just remember: it will grow back! It's worth a try.
I love how positive you are ❤️ sometimes we get so stuck in negative situations that we fail to see all the good around us. It is so inspiring to see that you tried to look at the positives when you were going through tough times. It makes me feel like I can do the same x and that sometimes, things aren't as bad as we make it out to be 😌
Whew! I can totally relate to your story. I left my stylist because she moved across town and I started going to someone else that destroyed my hair and it ended up falling out. That was the beginning of my natural hair journey. I had to use wigs and kinky twists to grow my hair out. That was eight years ago and I've had a few set backs here and there (like when some braids snatched a few of my edges) but I'll never go back to the creamy crack. Love your hair! Great vid! :)
Love your hair like that, Maya! I just had a huge setback with my hair and after weeks of crying and wasting money on these "fast hair growth" and "damage reversal" products, you inspired me to just let it go and start again. So while I leave my hair alone to do it's thing I'll be working on a healthy mind and body which will in the end lead to healthier hair! Thank you so much!!!
Maya, I'm Black and Filipino too my mother is also from Mindanao. Thank you for sharing your story on RUclips.
I love that your so transparent. I knew when you cut your hair off that you were tired of people coming to you obsessed with your hair. You started up on RUclips when Natural Hair was beginning to go crazy. People were starting to idolize anyone with big/long natural hair.
Thank You Maya for being you.
This was presented so well
Damn Maya! I've been natural for 4 years and my hair is long, but now I'm mad I didn't embrace and enjoy my journey like you did while it was short lol. You got me ready to big chop again and start over.
Missed you Maya! You are the whole reason I went natural. Still going strong! Thank you for your courage and putting your life out there for everyone to see!
Black/Brown girls with curls...........heaven.
I used to hide my ex's flat iron on the daily. It was worth the beatings I took, lol.
clyde gallagher cutest thing I've read all day 😊
clyde gallagher love this comment!!
Awww 😍😍
Lol taking one for the team
Wow I was blessed to see this video
I had no idea it's been 4 years since you cut your hair. I've been a subbie since you were married in a roach infested apartment. Loved your curly hair because I had just gone natural with no idea that you weren't attached to your hair. ❤❤❤
Maya you are serving Whitney Huston realness with that do
yas! i thought the same thing!
Me too!!!!
I've been about 4 or 5 years natural. I started relaxing my hair when I was about 10 yrs (cause my mom didn't know what to do with it) I'm 27 now. My goal keeps changing. At first I wanted to see what my "real hair" looked like. Then I wanted to grow it really long, but I was getting tired of how much work it is so I wanted to cut it all off (I didn't do that). Now I just want Healthy Hair, which I think is the most important goal. I might still cut my hair cause I really love short hair. I feel like short hair forces me to have more confidence cause there is nothing to hide behind. BTW love this video and love your look. Keep doing you boo❣️
Its so nice to see a youtuber who talks about how much they loved having short curly hair. Everyone else I've watched either hated it or only shaved it that once. Since I'm determines to shave my hair off this December, it's really encouraging to see how much you loved it.
"Whatever they gave that's free!" lol I love you for being so real!
I started watching your videos right when you cut your hair and that was when I was transitioning from relaxed to natural. So, I would go back and watch your previous videos in order for them to get strong and now I'm trying to grow them in length. But, I must say that your many different styles rocks and are always beautiful!! Keep doing you and know that you and your journey inspires us all, you Queen of Shamelessness!! 😘😍
-Sara
I took a huge leap of faith a couple months after my son was born and cut my hair very short. It wasn't a buzz cut, but it was too short to put into a pony tail for many months. Watching your big chop video inspired me. I was afraid my beauty was depended on my hair, but after watching you i realized i could still be dope with short hair. Now, about two years later it has grown back A LOT. lol and its healthier than ever. I love everything you do and you inspire me so much! Stay amazing!!
You were literally like the first natural hair youtuber I watched and pursued me to go natural in 2015
I can't believe it's already been four years since I watched you shave your head. Time sure does fly. Within that time I went from a TWA to having loc❤️🐚
Omg this video made me feel better. I feel like I’m constantly on a hair journey. I straightened my hair a couple days ago and I hardly ever use heat and I feel like the curls aren’t like how they were. But when I watched this I felt like I have hope. And I will continue to be patient and leave my hair and heat alone. Thank you for this video. ♥️♥️
One of the first natural hair videos I ever watched was your twist out video. I feel like I've been on this journey with you !🤗
omg yesss
You’re such an inspiration ❤️❤️ So gorgeous and positive!
picturing you running around with a lil scarf flying in the wind lmaooo so cute
This really inspires me to not be afraid of when I do my big chop in the future. You showed so much confidence and bravery and I praise you for that. Do You Boo!
I started watching at day 1 pretty much but when you cut off your hair, rockstar! I wish I could do the same thing but my skull is too dented and jacked! 😫😫😫 I’m so happy for you and the journey you have been on! Shameless for life!!!!
Nikki Wiley ""Dented and jacked"😂
*Oooo I LOVEEE THE TEAL!!! I love the story. I think the story says a lot! We really have to learn to love ourselves and be proud of who we are no matter what! Inspiring story Maya*
Throughout this whole video I felt like we are just two homegirls kicking it in our room having conversation about our hair. I adore your transparency, it's truly amazing. I sware I could listen to you talk all day long..lol
You have beautiful hair, so glad to see you growing it back! And please no more chemicals. Be true, be you, boo!
A few years back, Maya, you were a large chunk of my inspiration to go heat/chemical free. I’ve always been natural, but I did salons every two weeks growing up, so my hair was always straight. I played with dye, but I watched your vids A LOT. I was sad when you cut your hair because I had to find new help lol, but I loved that you did it. Best wishes🖤
I'm working to grow my natural hair. I'm lived we're hardly ever satisfied with our hair. Women with long hair want it short, women with shorts happened want it long, curl to, straight, straight to curly... It all boils down to how we're feeling about ourselves. In my pic, I'm wearing a, wig, but my hair is med-short, and I love it! I'm rockin a roller set right now as 'we speak'.
Keep up those great vids! Your transparency and realness is so refreshing and exudes relatability.
Much love, Peace
I'm OBSESSED with your videos Maya! Your personality and your message of loving yourself inspires me and makes me happy. As a Caucasian blonde, my hair is the complete opposite, but you've still inspired me to play and have fun. It's currently purple and teal and I love the confidence it's given me - I feel so much more 'me', if that makes sense? It's a physical representation of me and that helps me get over my 'need' to. Be a people pleaser and ignore my own wishes and desires. Thankyou for the confidence to be shameless!
It seems as though everything you do to your hair turns out beautiful!!!!! Me....If I tried that I wouldn’t have any hair on my head...lol. I’ve been wanting to grow my hair super long, but it doesn’t want to move!!! 6-7inches... that’s where it is stuck!!! 😁 But I am not too worried about hair!!! No perm!!!🚫 for me though!!! I’ll rock braids, weaves and wigs!! Oh I love crochet braiding!! You should try....You can get some that reminds you of your hair in previous years!! Awesome protective style!!! Dang black girls rock!!! We do so much with our hair!!! 😁😁👌🏾👌🏾🤗🤗
You were the first hair girl I watched ❤️ and I know that's not what you wanted to be but you meant so much to me because I had never in my life seen someone comfortable with that hair type growing up in small town iowa. I am biracial but was raised by white parents and they didn't know what to do with my hair so I just rocked out with the biolage gel which barely touched my frizz. After I saw your videos I learned SO MUCH and suddenly was able to be confident in styling my natural hair. Twist outs were a game changer- I didn't have to wake up every morning? Showering at night was completely out of the question before your videos. My texture and shrinkage changed when I got into college and my curls got tighter, so I was really sad I lost so much length. So I grew it out for several years and just last night I had the courage to get layers for the first time and it is SO CUTE and I feel like I'm really exited again about my hair for the first time in forever. Sorry for the book lol. If any curly girls wanna follow each other on Instagram my username is : chrissysadragon
Maya, you look great with any hairstyle. I had long hair most of my life.. I hated it and decided to cut it 4 years ago and will never go back to having it long again. My hair does not define me and I gained a whole new level of confidence after I cut my hair. You look great either way girl.. like you always say.. do you boo ❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey Maya!
I've been natural for two and a half years and have considered texturizing more than once. I've cut my hair down to 1/2 an inch 4 times, and always texturized within the first few months... so thick, dense, time consuming.
So this is actually the longest I've been 100% natural for this long.
I'm starting to understand my hair and love it. and now would not think of changing the texture. It's taken a long time to get here- but for me it's been worth the wait!
Literally just cut all my damage off. As a kid I always used to wonder why I could never go past shoulder length and it was because I continually permed and flat-ironed it. I'm a beautiful baldheaded chicken now and I love it lol.
Wurmin' same here. That shoulder length was a killer.
'baldheaded chicken' 😂😂
Finally last month I cut all my damaged relaxed hair off to 1/2 inch!! You inspired me!!! Starting my natural hair journey & as a Jamaican, braids will be my life until it grows out.
I looooooooved your long curly hair, i sometimes watch your old videos to see your gorgeous shiny and moisturized curly hair. I can't wait to see your hair long again. But no matter if your hair is long or short you are amazing !
Love how your mother would perm her hair to look like you and your brother. So adorable!!
🌻🌻 I'm 4 yrs natural
Sunni Smilez congrats I'm 8 months natural have any tips
Love your hair!! I went through the same journey. I had natural hair for 3 years and then I permed it colored it and now I’m just growing it back healthy and long ❤️ thanks for the inspiration 😘
MAYA!!! You look amazing anyway you rock it! Always bomb
I’ve definitely probably been through all of those steps from not embracing my hair to perming it to damaging it to chopping off to now embracing it and letting my mane live lol
Great video! I discovered your RUclips channel back in June or July 2013 which was shortly after I had my heat damaged armpit length natural hair cut off that May, and it was new for me since I’m known for my long hair (relaxed & natural), but I loved it! My natural hair is shoulder length when stretched, and probably mid back length if straightened. I stopped getting relaxers at 17, and that was 10 years ago. I’ve seen all of your hair videos which have really helped me in my natural hair journey, and I still must learn how to flat twist & cornrow braid, because I love how my twist outs & braid outs turn out when my mother does them. I have loved my hair in braids since I was a child, whether it be cornrow braids with my own hair or regular braids with my own hair or box braids. Before I ended up with heat damage on my natural hair, I played with highlights which I loved, and don’t think it damaged my hair at all.
So I have been following you from your curly hair journey all the way up until now. I did exactly what you did to your curly hair to mine. You helped me to figure out who i was with curly hair. I remember when your cousin Jay cut your hair on that live video and i cried with you ( so emotional) i was going through a miscarriage at that time. I got pregnant again and my hair grew a ton!!! put i was so tired as a new mama that I ended up having heat damage as well. Ive been wanting to cut my hair but this video has helped me to see that it is all a journey and patiences is key. you are like my sister that ive never met and i thank you for all your shamlessness it has made me a better person!
Maya! Girl! My emotions was so up and down while watching this video I went from smiling to eyes tearing up at 7:20 then to cracking up laughing!!! I enjoyed this video! Your hair has been through a lot and through it all you were beautiful no matter what!!! Do you boo! xoxo
I always noticed your hair journey through your videos and it truly inspire me so my relationship with my hair becomes better cause I learned how to love it like you do with your hair
Omg....look at you eating coconut jelly!!! That’s so Caribbean!!! Hahaaa @dodoPlaits...lol...that’s so Caribbean...lolz!!!
Embracing curly hair has been the most challenging but also been the greatest decision ever!! Feeling me and natural ❤️❤️ #loveyourhair
Boo, I love you!!! And I hope you figure things out with your parents... cause your relationship with your hair definitely goes back to your old people. All the best, Maya!
I can never forget those curls!!! Hair always looks great any length or colour fits you perfectly 🔥🔥
I started following you back when you had the long curly hair... I had recently returned to natural after relaxing my hair for nearly 13 years and I had no clue what to do with it. Your videos helped me immensely, so I thank you for that 🙏🏽
I use to get relaxers/chemical straighteners up until about 4 years ago. I stopped those and stopped heat on my hair. I've seen a tremendous difference in texture, growth and shine! Don't get me wrong I still miss having my hair straight from time to time and may consider a blow out in the future but I have definitely grown to enjoy my curls! In fact I watched your curly hair video when I was trying to figure out how to take care of my hair. So thank you and good luck on your healthy hair journey and reconnecting with your curls :)
Yass Maya!! Grow it out, girl! I've been natural all the way up to high school. then I bleached it and went blonde, then bronze, then orange, then red, then blue. With all that damage and chemical I decided I had my fun. Soi chopped it off!! AND I LOVE IT!!
oh my gosh I'm where you are now!!! I dyed it enough times that my stylist of THREE YEARS screwed it up and used too much of a chemical that effected the texture and turned my thick, kinky curls into WAVES. I am now going to shave it all off eventually and start fresh, this time around, no more heat, chemicals, nada! So now I'm doing all the texture and color fun that I can before the big chop :) Thank you so much for being open about your hair journey, it has been an inspiration and has played a big role in my being okay with my decision. I was always known as the girl with the pretty, kinky curls and it is exciting knowing the journey that will lie ahead for me when I don't have my hair as a crutch to hide behind my personality
I can relate to all of this! I straightened my hair for so long because i never learned how to do my hair curly. My mom didn't understand it and was always frustrated when doing it so I carried her negative energy into adulthood. I recently discovered "mixed chicks" leave in and OMG - life changing. I wash my hair then towel dry lightly- add a lot of the leave in and then brush and brush And keep brushing (while wet) then I add a tiny bit of diva frizz free and WALA!!! It's seriously made me accept my curly hair. I now don't even bother straightening my hair and I get compliments on it all the time. Xo
That's how I was when I was younger with my hair! It was super wavy and big and I always put it in a bun. In high school I straightened my hair or braided it or again in a bun. Now that I'm in my twenties, I love my hair all natural and wavy! I finally love my hair!
Love your videos, Maya!! ❤️
GIRRLLLLLLL I'm finally natural after one year i never knew what my natural hair looked like. I had relaxers done to my hair since I was five.. FIVE years old lol I am so happy now. You need patience x10!
My hair journey has been all over the place. Braids, relaxers, locs, big chop, tapered it has been a mess of a journey but it's mine and I love it. I'm debating on if I should let it grow out or start experimenting with colors. I also want to try wigs to which I might do to get me the colors that I want. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you Maya, I am excited!
had my hair down to mid back and got it chopped off in 2013. don't think I'll ever go back to long hair!
This video gave me so much life. I found out about your channel a couple weeks before you shaved your head. Your personality is wonderful and your energy is contagious❤
The whole situation with your mom and her having hair like yours is nice. Your mom sounds awesome!
Awwww Love you Maya. I remember that time you started your shameless journay shaved your hair...since then so much changed! Its amazing to watch you grow and beeing more and more succesful. May God always bless you maya. I love your personality! Such an inspiration! Hugs and kisses.
You are so shameless and I love it. The fact you cut your hair because you wanted to and it didn't define you says a lot about your character. Best wishes on your new journey!!!
It happens to all of us black girls at some point in our lives 😂
Yes, more hair videos, please. I want to see it get healthy, again.
Girl I love you! You are fierce no matter what! I’m a natural curly girl. I’ve big chopped about 6 times 😱 and had a buzz cut twice. My last big chop was last year and now I can finally get a ponytail so I know that feeling. No more cuts for me just maybe some color. Keep doing you boo
My journey was wanting my hair straight and flowing like the commercials because it was already long. Then I wanted it curly and didn’t know at first that I already had curly hair. So yes, I got a Jheri curl and it looked like my natural hair does today. I’m currently natural in December will be 4 years and I’m just going for healthy and seeing how long it will get.
Loved your journey by the way! It seems like it was like an accidental healing and purposeful acceptance for you. 😊
I want to cut mine short but my lilRUclips fam would literally find my address and show up to the door with pitch forks 😭
Leximarcellaa Just do it. It's your hair and the real ones will stick around no matter how long your hair is.
Nicolle I'm one of her subscribers, her hair is really really long, but I agree with you, so Lexi, you do you, I know I wouldn't mind, and I'm sure the others wouldn't eather 😊
Leximarcellaa , yes, we would! We love your hair, but at the end of the day, do you boo😊💗 you have one life, one ☝🏽. Is it you or us that have an attachment to your hair?🤔
Step 1: braid it down
Step 2: get a wig
Step 3: you like it? Cut it
Step 4: live your life.
you need to "do you boo" 😊
I'm currently growing It out. I stopped cutting it sept of 2016 and ive only had a trim since it grew out. I had a buzz cut now when i straighten it, its almost at my shoulders. I haven't dyed it in a long time. Dont plan on it. So i have grey streaks (natural) running thru my hair. I love it. I can't wait to see how yours turns out after letting all the damage grow out! Your hair journey has been amazing! I starting following you after you buzzed off your hair. 💞 patience is definitely everything with growing hair out!! You're doing great!
Loved your story!
4 years ago I wanted my natural.but I was very resistant about the volume.
But in 2016 I had a medium.damage hair that I couldn't stand anymore, was disgusting. I was 6 months without put heat and decided to embrace my hair and cut it all the damaged off.
Now I have 1 year and half with my natural hair and I couldn't love it, and myself and even the volume more!
Good luck in your new journey!
I remember seeing your videos late 2012, back when I decided to stop putting heat on my curls (I was 4 years natural by this time). Your videos were recommended on HeyFranHey's channel and I was just super excited to see more naturalistas on RUclips. Your curly hair routine video definitely left an impression! I thought your hair was beautiful, even though it did not look like mine, but you are such a character that I subscribed instantly! Been following you ever since! When you big chopped, I was like "whew! Not I!" But by the time 2015 came and I reached waist length hair, I realized I was too attached and knew exactly how you felt. So I big chopped and it was so freeing! I didn't like it at first and in my photo history you can see I didn't take selfies much until like 2 months later 😅 but so much confidence came from the frest start as I know it did for you! 💕 now my hair is back to the length it was 6 months before I chopped it and I'm still learning and figuring things out too. Like bleach. Never again. I'll stay my natural color ✊🏽
I know this was hella long, but I just wanna thank you for your courage and shamelessness! You have inspired so many of us and its has been an honor to witness your journey and see that you are not done yet!
Love, beauty, and light, Maya ✌🏽💕
Wow! You have come a long way. I watched your videos when you did the big chop and through some of your new hair journeys then I stop watching your videos. I pulled your name up and saw this video. You have always been a positive person on your channel and just a lot of fun. I won't stop watching you again. Very inspiring person.
What a beautiful and touching video Maya!! Thanks so much for taking us on this journey with you! I did the big chop in 2012 and I kinda wish I played around a bit more with fades and various short looks. I'm currently enjoying having my hair in braids at the moment because i'm such a low maintenance kinda girl I just love being able to get up and go!! xXx
I'm currently growing my natural hair out now. I just hit 2 years Natural in June and still going.
I love that your mother encouraged you to embrace your curls and got a curly perm to match her children's hair.
lokienvy my mom is a true rock star for that!
You go girl! Anything you rock when you add a smile is LIT!
You rock everything Maya! You're gorgeous and your spirit could make anything look good!
This made me laugh so much! The head scarf flying in the wind and the two little ponies! Lmao!!!
OMG!! I remember you!! Okay first, I know this video is 3 years old but I was randomly recommended your video by “RUclips recommend” because I was researching obtaining my PhD in Sweden and it showed me your recent videos of your home there, CONGRATULATIONS!!!, and I decided to start following you. So, I’m looking at your videos, old and new, and I happened upon this video. You are one of the reasons I decided to go natural back in 2013. I remember your videos of your hair journey and then you chopping your hair off and I thought, “She is still fierce and beautiful!!” I can’t believe how this came around full circle. Wow! I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, Bravissima!! Good luck and keep doing you Maya.
I have to admit, I've only been interested in hair videos, the tube has taught me everything about my hair including going back to relaxed hair, my new love. Thank you for being shameless.