Dominique– Naturally Glam Natural Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I have only had my hair relaxed once, and I was too young to remember. So with that said, I’ve had stages where I wore my hair curly more than other times. From about 8th grade all the way up to about my 2nd year of college I always got the beloved roller set and blow dry from Dominican salons. Then I discovered a Malaysian stylist who used one of those wet-dry flat irons. It cut out the long roasting sessions under the hair dryer and gave me the straightest hair imaginable! Occasionally, I would wear my hair curly but I was not satisfied with it, meaning it was shapeless and lifeless. I then discovered Teri’s tightly curly sight and began wearing my hair curly more often. So to answer the original question, I’ve been natural for about a year, since summer of 2008.
I am desperately trying to grow out the color in my hair. I chopped off 6-7 inches back in March, so I’m looking forward to growing it back out.

CN: What is your current regimen?
M: I really don’t have one, I really try to be consistent but I am so busy! I had a paper due this week and I hadn’t washed it in 4 days!! Lucily, it detangled better than expected.
I adore the co-wash method, which is still somewhat new to me. To think I was shampooing my hair and combing through it at the same time! Terrible.
I am a green queen and refuse to use any parabens, petrochems, etc. I co-wash with Giovanni Direct Leave-in (too greasy as a leave in). After rinsing, I use the Kinky Curly Knot Today and CURLS Goddess Glaze. Recently, I added the Organix Anti Breakage serum before the KCKT and got fab results. Even though the Serum has dimethicone in it, I absolutely love this product. I am looking to get another jar of the Kinky Curly Curling Custard, but for some reason it makes my hair really crunchy and elongates my curls too much. For now, that is what I mostly use with the addition of Aubrey Honey Suckle Rose. I am looking forward to trying some stuff from the AfroVeda line.

CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
M: I don’t! lol This is something I desperately need to work on. After I got my hair cut in March the ends went bad to worse! I think the damage is a result of the dye job. My hair has been growing, as you can see by my serious roots, but I don’t feel as though I have any healthy length. As soon as this semester is over I will be going in for a new cut. As far as moisture, I do think that the KCKT keeps my hair moisturized all the way up to day 3. The bottom line is that I need to invest more time in my hair.

CN: How do you protect your curls at night?
M: I’ve been sleeping with a satin scarf and satin pillow case for the longest time. This habit began a while ago though. At one point I had bad acne and my dermatologist recommended the scarf to keep all the oils, etc from getting on my pillow.

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
M: Don’t believe the hype about hair “pills”– If your diet and lifestyle are healthy then you shouldn’t need them. I mean who honestly lives like a personal training expert?! Eat your fruits veggies and PROTEIN!!! Also, having people who support you and your goals is essential!

Fotki