TaraDyan!!!

How long have you been natural?

As of today, I’ve only been fully natural for 3 ½ months. My last relaxer was March 1, 2007; I transitioned for 18 months and cut off my relaxed ends on September 1, 2008.

What is your regimen?

• I co-wash every other day using one of the following: Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut, V05 Silky Experiences (either Champagne Kisses or Lavender Luster) or Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa.
• On the days that I don’t co-wash, I spray my hair with my homemade spritz made of equal parts of rosewater glycerin and organic aloe vera juice.
• I also deep condition once a week, typically using either the Aveda Damage Remedy line or Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner.
• I do protein treatments as needed using Aphogee 2-Minute Reconstructor or Keracare Super Reconstructor (depending on how much protein my hair is craving).
• I clarify as needed using either the Sally’s knock-off of Nexxus Aloe Rid Shampoo or just plain baking soda and water.

What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie to help her on her journey?

I would tell a newbie something that has been uttered time and time again, but is still relevant: what works for some people may not work for you. Don’t expend too much time lamenting over the fact that the latest hot hair product was a bust on your hair. You have to experiment a little to see what you hair likes and dislikes. However one thing remains pretty constant among naturals: moisture, moisture and more moisture is essential for our hair.

I’d also remind her that going natural is as much a mental transition as it is a physical one. If you’re not mentally prepared to accept your natural hair in all its glory, your journey could present itself as a real problem for you. Just remember, some people will never learn to appreciate highly textured hair. Pay these people no mind. We have naturally kinky/curly hair … and it’s beautiful. Embrace it!

How do you maintain length?

I maintain length by protecting my ends as if my life depended on it (LOL). I accomplish this by generously moisturizing my ends (usually with my homemade spritz) and sealing them with either coconut oil (in the summer) or castor oil (in the winter). I also utilize protective styling regularly so that my hair is not out being ravaged by the elements. I rarely do wash-n-go’s, since that particular style wreaks havoc on my ends.

How do you preserve your curls at night?

I always sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet. I also sleep on satin sheets and pillowcases.

What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!

The best thing about being naturally glamorous is simply enjoying the versatility of my natural hair and finally appreciating it. I think back to all the times that I chemically straightened my hair, hated how limp and lifeless it was and immediately slapped some curls in it. All the while, I had naturally curly hair and was rebelling against it (the irony, eh?). Our hair is amazing to me: we can rock straight hair one day, kinky the next, curly the next. Our styles are limited only by our imaginations. For me, natural hair is the best of all worlds. Going natural is definitely the smartest hair decision I’ve ever made!!