Describe yourself in 20 words or less.
I’m currently APL, striving to be WL by 2013. It shouldn’t be too hard since I’m short. 🙂
How long have you been natural and why did you chose to go natural?
Counting from the day of my last relaxer application, I’ve been natural for 2.5 years. A former college buddy of mine had long natural hair and I would inquire about it for a couple years straight. Then, I got pregnant and figured that it was a great time to go natural. I did not want any relaxers while pregnant and I happened to get pregnant two years in a row, so it was just perfect timing.
Did you transition or big chop?
I transitioned for 14 months and did a mini big chop after that.
What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle? How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?
My biggest hair obstacle are tangles and knots. I haven’t overcome them yet. I think that the best way to do it is to henna to loosen my curl pattern in the crown and back of my head. I don’t see this same problem amongst naturals in youtube-land and blogland, but protective styling isn’t doing the trick for me.
What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural?
I love the health, versatility, strength and thickness of my natural hair! Oh, and saving lots of time and money because I don’t have to go to the salon.
What is your current regimen? Has it changed in any major way since you first went natural?
My current regimen is to wash and DC weekly. I co-wash and/or load my hair with conditioner and oils several times a week. My regimen has changed a lot. When I first big chopped, I used to try all kinds of natural food mixes, but I’ve realized that it’s not for me.
What are your Holy Grail and staple products?
My favorite products are: Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner (co-wash), Redken All Soft Heavy Cream (DC), Giovanni Direct Leave-In and my shea butter mixture with castor oil, jojoba oil and olive oil.
What is your “go to” style (share a picture of it, if you have one!)? Do you wear protective and/or low manipulation styles? If so, how often and why?
My “go to” style is the braid out. I’ve finally figured out how to get big hair and I love it. I wear low manipulation styles the majority of the time. I usually keep it in a bun or ponytail puff. It just goes with my schedule of tending to two babies. The weekends are usually when I wear a twist out or braid out. My bunning is also a way to protect my ends and keep my hair moisturized with conditioner and oil(s).
How often do you cut/trim your hair? How do you cut it (salon, DIY, straight, curly, in twists)?
My new plan is to trim my hair twice a year in its straightened state. I plan to do it before Christmas (like a couple days before) and then 6 months after that. The only people raising shears near my head will be my mom or the only stylist that I trust, which is back in my hometown.
Has going natural impacted other areas of your life (i.e. health & fitness, style, environmental consciousness, etc.?) If so, how and in what ways has it affected your lifestyle?
I’m not sure if going natural has really affected other aspects of my life aside from hair products. I was already a pretty healthy person.
Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?
I have hair crushes on HairCrush (aka Chime) from YouTube and Fotki, as well as NikStarWasHere and CheveuxNoir on Fotki!
Who do you follow online (i.e. blog/website, Youtube, Fotki, etc.)?
HairCrush on YouTube, Chicoro, CheveuxNoir and NikStar on Fotki, www.nikstarwashere.com, naturallyleslie.blogspot.com, thegoldensparkle.blogspot.com, www.itsjusthair.com and www.thewritecurldiary.com
Where can we find you online?
loveandtangles.blogspot.com
What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
I think learning your natural hair texture is fun. Go for it! If your hair crush has a texture unlike yours, find a new crush. Its easy to get discouraged or disapponted when you want your texture to look a certain way. It’s okay to admire all hair types, but all 4a’s are not alike, lol! As long as you are keeping your routine simple and consistent, then know that every length phase is temporary. Ignore comments and opinions from non-supporters….including yourself. After a year, you’ll be glad you did!
Anything else that you’d like to add?
My hubby was my main supporter and now I’ve taken on the mentality of Mike Jones, “Back then they didn’t want me, now I’m hot, they all on me.” That’s how I feel about my non-supporters, including my dad. He hates my big hair but, when it’s straight and he sees how long it is, he’s all in my face. Boooo!
hairscapades 