CelinaStarr- Naturally Glam!

Meet CelinaStar…a curly that truly has the whole length retention thing under control!

CN: How long have you been natural?
CS: I have been completely natural since May of 2009. I transitioned for 3 years. My last relaxer was May 2006 and I got lots of trims and 3 mini hair cuts during this time.

CN: What is your regimen?
CS: I don’t really have much of a regimen. Lately I have been co-washing daily, because I have been exercising every day. I go no longer than 4 days without co washing.

Here is what I have been doing recently:

I now only use Aussie Moist and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioners. I used to use Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural conditioner, but stopped. The new version now has sodium chloride, which dries out the hair if left in. Every once in a while, usually during the warm summer months, I will co wash with Vo5 or Suave.

I usually finger comb in the shower. Every once in a while I will use my seamless shower comb from Sally’s. I also have a Denman brush which I rarely use. I simply take as much conditioner as needed (I’d say around 3 large hand fulls) and comb it through my hair with my fingers. I don’t rinse all of it out. I stand under the shower head while I comb. I never ever comb my hair dry and without conditioner.

Every once in I while I shampoo my hair. I simply take a little bit of shampoo, dilute it with water, and rub it on my scalp using my fingertips. I then rinse and let it fall through the rest of my hair. I never put shampoo directly on the length of my hair.

After I get out of the shower I either braid my hair into one braid or put it up using an octopus clip or flexi 8. For second day hair I make a bun, put it up, or wear a pony tail. Sometimes I do wear my hair loose, but not all day. I may take it down sometimes but usually put it back up later in the day. I’m trying to wear protective styles more.

At night or when I am just relaxing at home, I keep my hair in one braid and usually cover it with my satin night cap.

I don’t use gels, mousse, and other “stylers”, but am open to experimenting every once in a while.

CN: What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie to help her on her journey?
CS: Do not compare your hair to others. Find a regimen that works for you. Try not to let others’ negativity get to you. Some people may not like your hair in its natural state andwill be very vocal about letting you know that they want it straightened.

CN: How do you maintain length?
CS: I finger comb and never comb my hair when dry. I get my hair trimmed when needed. Trying to keep my hair up as much as possible and co-washing has helped me retain length.

CN: What do you do to your hair at night to preserve your curls?
CS: I braid my hair into one braid at night and wear a night cap. For second day hair and beyond I take a little bit of conditioner in my hands, dilute it with a little water, and smooth it in my hair to get rid of frizz and flattened curls.

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
CS: Freedom. I no longer have to worry about sweating or running from the rain or spending an entire Saturday in the salon getting my hair done. I feel more unique, like an individual not having to hide behind fake chemically processed or heat damaged hair.

My fotki: http://members.fotki.com/CelinaStarr/about/

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