–How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since the summer of 2005. However, from then until October 18, 2008, my hair was pressed hard (bone-straight) every 2 weeks, with the exception of having cornrows or twist extensions during the summer months. I never did the “big chop” because when I decided to go natural, I was already wearing a very short, cropped cut.
–What is your regimen?
My new regimen, after being blessed to find the natural hair websites and YouTube videos is: 1) henna’ing once a week (thanks Nik!) with Punjabi Prime (PP) from Mehandi.com. I follow CN’s routine to the letter. I’ve henna’ed four times so far and it delivered everything it said it would, and then some…my hair is FAB!; 2) I co-wash with BioInfusion The Detangling Conditioner (Walgreens) or HE Hello Hydration, 2-3 times a week and DT once a week with Elasta QP PR-11, honey, coconut milk (Walmart), and EVOO; 3) when I henna, I wash one time, with a small amount of BioInfusion Olive Oil conditioning shampoo (Walgreens) and I detangle my wet hair with a wide tooth comb and my Denman brush; 4) I’m hooked on Nik’s Twist N Curl (see her video). I twist my hair using SheaMoisture and Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist gel on damp hair, sealing my ends with EVOO. I wear this style for 3 days. After the 1st day, I section my hair; run water in my bathroom sink; submerge my hand in the water; scrunch the water into a section of hair; apply more SM to each section; twist the sections (no combing/brushing); seal ends with EVOO, and roll them (22 twists:12 in back, 10 in front; takes about an hour). I go to sleep on satin pillow case or scarf; unravel twists in morning to find lush, tight, and shiny curls…absolutely gorgeous! After 2nd day, I tie loose satin scarf around curls and sleep on them; in morning I finger-pick my curls for a more full and beautiful look (I love BIG hair!)
-What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie embarking on her journey?
The one thing I would tell a newbie, since I’m a newbie myself (smile), is to research hair care products on both YouTube and the various natural hair websites to determine which ones work best, for most people. Then, buy that product on a trial basis. Of course not every product, works for everybody, but this technique worked for me and saved me tons of money in my quest to find what was right for me. ALL the products I mentioned above were recommended on YouTube and natural haircare websites and my hair loved them all, with the exception of Kinky-Curly curling custard. My hair hated it but my daughter’s hair loved it, there’s always a bright side!
–How do you maintain length?
I maintain length by adhering to what I call the BIG NO’s: little or NO heat (I learned this from my former hairstylist), NO chemicals (including dye; I use henna for coloring), and for me, NO protein. I also maintain length by conditioning often and trimming/dusting split ends every few months or so. When you don’t apply heat and chemicals to the hair, your ends won’t split as easily and therefore, you don’t need to trim/dust as often (I learned this from my former hairstylist).
–What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
The best thing about being naturally glamorous is that it’s ME in all my glory!!! I feel like so much of myself when I wear my hair the way God intended. Most of the time, I can’t stop looking at myself in the mirror (smile). And not only do I admire my own natural beauty but I could sit and look at pictures of other Afrocentric women for hours, and believe you me, I have…we are absolutely GORGEOUS! In addition, I’m free to walk in the rain; sweat my hair back, while praising my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and pamper my hair as long as I want, without having to be pushed through an assembly line at the salon. Last but not least, my husband noticed that my decision to go natural has contributed greatly to my mental health…and that kind of benefit is priceless!!!




I’m officially joining your fan group! LOL I love the style =)
WOW!!! I can’t “thank” yall enough for your ecouraging and uplifting comments…thank you, thank you, thank you :-).
lajoliefille – I’m sure the products I use help to keep the friz down and the fact that I do a LITTLE finger combing. The more you separate your curls, the more friz you get. That’s been my experience, at least :-).
Very pretty gosh with all this sucess I may have to break down and try this method lol
thanks serita! in the pix witht the flag in the back is a 2 day old tnc! how do you keep it from frizzing up?!
Serita your hair is marvelous!
Thanks Serita!! I am going to get some!
Your hair is so pretty. Natural is your forte 🙂 Your hair looks healthy and shiny, Keep doing ya thang sis!!
Thanks bunches Precious-Olivia, Country, and Fleurzty!!!
prettysunshyne – Yes, I ordered my SM from Treasuredlocs with no problems :-).
Very gorgeous!! Serita, where did u purchase your SheaMoisture from? I saw a site called treasuredlocs..is that a legit site that u know of?
I love her hair!
Talking about Beautiful, my babygirl is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Ladies, since my baby has gone natural, I’ve seen a different side of her. I absolutely love the change and if that gives her more confidence in being the beautiful black woman that she is, then all I have to say is,”Curl on baby!”
I love you Boo Bear!
Country
Thank you sooo much lajoliefille AND Queen!!!
lajoliefille – the style I’m wearing in the striped shirt is my 2-day old Twist N Curl, with a little finger combing :-). I explain how I achieve that look under “What’s your regimen.” If you have more questions PLEASE post, I’d love to give you all the advice I can.
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phenomenal woman 🙂
I love your attitude!! You look amazing. Thanks for sharing.
i love your hair… how did you achieve the style in the pic where youre wearing the striped shirt