You’re Going Through the Five Stages of Grief and You Didn’t Know It

No one tells you the hardest parts of “going natural.”

They talk about curls.
They talk about products.
They talk about routines.

But what they don’t talk about is the emotional journey when you begin unlearning years of heat, chemicals, comparison, and expectation.

At DolledbyDomo, we see the natural hair journey for what it really is: not just a beauty shift, but a process of self-love and confidence. One that often mirrors the five stages of grief.

And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Stage 1: Denial — “My Hair Isn’t That Damaged”

Denial shows up early.

It sounds like:

• “It’s not that bad.”

• “I just need a better product.”

• “My hair just doesn’t grow.”

At pop-ups, we see this stage all the time. People approach the table curious, but guarded. They’ll ask about oils or shampoos, but hesitate when the conversation turns deeper—scalp health, breakage, thinning, or stress-related shedding.

Because admitting struggle means admitting loss:

• Loss of length

• Loss of density

• Loss of confidence

Denial becomes protection.

Stage 2: Anger — “Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me?”

Then comes anger.

Anger at:

• Products that overpromised and underdelivered

• Stylists who didn’t educate

• Systems that normalized damage in the name of “professionalism”

• A beauty industry that profited off insecurity

Stage 3: Bargaining — “If I Just Find the Right Routine…”

Bargaining is the phase of hope mixed with control.

It sounds like:

• “If I stick to this one routine, maybe I can fix it.”

• “If I just give it six weeks…”

This is wanting answers. Hair struggles still feel personal. Still feel vulnerable. Still feel like something to manage privately.

Stage 4: Depression — “Maybe This Is Just How My Hair Is”

This is the hardest stage.

It’s when people stop experimenting.
Stop expecting.
Stop believing their hair can thrive.

It shows up as:

• Low energy around hair care

• Minimal routines out of exhaustion, not intention

• Acceptance rooted in resignation rather than peace

And often, this stage is silent.

People don’t talk about it—especially in public spaces. At pop-ups, we notice how long it takes for someone to admit:

“I don’t even like doing my hair anymore.”

That moment matters.

Stage 5: Acceptance — “My Hair Needs Care, Not Control”

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up.

It means understanding:

• Hair health is wellness

• The scalp is the foundation

• Consistency matters more than perfection

• Healing takes time

This is where the shift happens—from punishment to partnership.

At DolledbyDomo, this is where our conversations finally breathe and we care for hair holistically.

Acceptance opens the door to:

• Gentler routines

• Education over trends

• Products that support

• Confidence rooted in understanding

Why We Talk About This Out Loud

One thing we’ve learned is this:
People are afraid to talk about hair struggles.

Not because they don’t have them—but because they’ve been taught to internalize them.

By naming this journey, we normalize it.

Your hair isn’t failing you.
You’re not behind.
And you’re not alone.

At DolledbyDomo, curl care is wellness-rooted beauty.