-How long have you been natural?
It will be 6 years come December of this year (2008). My last relaxer was around late June of 2002, so I had transitioned for 5/6 months.
-What is your regimen?
Typically, I wash/detangle my hair once a week. I clarify with Aveda Detoxifier, then twist my hair into about 8 big twists. Then I apply a conditioner (lately it’s been Frederick Fekkai’s Shea Butter Mask or my trusted ORS Replenishing Pack). Then I do a “steam treatment”. I just started the steam treatments about a month ago. It seems to be helping with keeping the moisture level in my hair high, as well as contributing to keeping my hair straight when I press it (there seems to be less reversion). To do a steam treatment, I put a shower cap on my hair, then wrap a hot towel that has been placed in boiling hot water and wrung 75% dry immediately over the cap, then a second cap. I sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse. I apply Lekair Cholesterol and detangle each twist, one a time in the shower. Then add Giovanni Direct Leave-in and comb my hair into a bun while still in the shower. I place a scarf on to “set” the waves, then take it off about 15 minutes later or so. I wear a bun 90% of the time, but that has been changing recently because I have become bored with my hair, lol…so I’m beginning to experiment with rollersets. But when I wear my bun, I moisturize with a spray bottle of glycerin/aloe vera juice/distilled water.
-What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie to help her on her journey?
I know this isn’t one thing, but I’d say the following: If your goal is length, don’t let stylists cut your hair off unnecessarily. You can dust your hair yourself or do a “search and destroy”, or just trim the splits off that you can physically see with your eye. Deep condition frequently and do protein treatments as necessary. Take pics of your hair so you can see progress as time passes.
-How do you maintain length?
In the past, I’ve retained length by wearing my hair in a bun (protective styling), and my only pressing my hair 4-6 times a years (minimal blow drying).
-What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
I LOVE the way my hair feels when I’m washing it…and it’s something really satisfying for me to have a part of myself that is so UNIQUE. No matter how many naturals there are, I feel like no 2 naturals are exactly the same, so the diversity amongst women with natural hair is an amazingly beautiful thing! 
