The Ever Beautiful…Kindra!

-How long have you been natural?
I did my last “BC” in August of ’03. So, I’m just over 5 years natural. Not counting the 14 years I was natural before relaxing as a 9th grader.

-What is your regimen?
I try to keep things simple, although I get the itch to experiment now and again. I co-wash 3 times a week. Sometimes more depending on my activity level. I use either Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa conditioner or Elucence Moisture Balancing conditioner. For leave ins, either Elucence again, or Cantu Leave in(mostly during the winter). Styling wise, I’ll use just a leave on, or I’ll use a cream styler such as Vigoral Curling Creme or Biotera Curl Creme.

I also use Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo whenever necessary, and/or clarify using Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo once every month or two months.

-What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie to help her on her journey?
Try not to focus on texture or curl pattern, or lack thereof, and don’t be discouraged or disappointed if it’s not what you expected. Focus on health first and foremost. Oftentimes, people get fixated on what their ideal type is, or what they want their hair to look like. They focus so much on that that they neglect to really pay attention to their hair’s needs and just accepting the hair that grows out of their scalp. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing around with styling techniques, but I know my hair’s limitations. I know what it’s not going to do, but I know what it’s capable of as well and I embrace that.

-How do you maintain length?
LOL! I seem to get scissor happy so I don’t know if I’m retaining length or not but I know that I can cut 2 inches, and then 3 months later find myself at that same length or longer. I don’t do anything special beyond my current routine. Although, I have changed my detangling and conditioning routine, which has resulted in less tangles and less shedding. But the key is to eat healthy, drink lots of water, and minimize friction and manipulation. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase, and utilizing protective styling helps as well.

-What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
Just one thing?! Well, one thing I LOVE is not caring if it’s raining. My hair LOVES the rain. I’ve had some of the best hair days when it’s been rainy AND humid. Go figure. LOL! I can remember being relaxed and trying at all costs not to get wet, and then getting all mad if I did. Especially if my curls went limp, which was quite often. Hahahahaha