Pokahontas– Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for about 8 years but I was only relaxed for 4-5 years so I’ve been natural most of my life.

CN: What is your current regimen?
My Regimen:

– I try to use direct heat as little as possible, if at all. I use it maybe a few times a year and I feel that the less direct heat I use, the healthier my hair and the longer it grows.

-I wear my hair straight or in twist-outs in the fall/winter and curly in the spring/summer. I shampoo once a week and co-wash again that same week only in the summer. In winter, I shampoo once a week for braid/twist-outs and every two weeks for straight styles/roller-sets.

-Deep condition on dry hair twice a month, with Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask (my fav.) or Lekair Cholesterol Plus. I’ll either sit under the dryer for 20 minutes or leave on over night covered with a plastic cap.

-Protein treatments once a month using Motions CPR . Follow up with deep conditioner under the dryer.

-Trims/dustings- no schedule, just whenever I see splits or just want to even things up which ends up being about once every three or four months. I can get kinda scissor happy. My hair thrives when it’s frequently dusted. Don’t hold on to those damaged ends ladies…..trust me they will only hold you back!

-Moisturize and seal daily. I like to use as many natural products as I can .

-At night, and when I’m home my hair is always covered. When it’s curly I will pin it back and cover…..for braid/twist-outs I’ll re-braid at night and for my straight styles I’ll cross wrap or band at night.

CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
I maintain length by keeping manipulation as low as I can, only shampooing or co-washing once a week at most, keeping combing and brushing minimal. Not using direct heat also plays a big part in retaining length for me. I will straighten maybe once or twice a year. I moisturize with Karens Body Beautiful Hair Milk and seal with her butter or oil daily. Most importantly, do not hang onto bad ends! They will only set you back and keep you from retaining length.

CN: How do you protect your curls a night?
This has been a hard one! When I do wash n’ go’s I want them to last a week so that is a challenge. After the first day I usually dampen and moisturize my hair and let that dry so the curl is re-activated, then I pin it back with two duckbill clips and cover with a big satin scarf. I have a certain method I use to keep the length covered which is hard to explain but I do have pics in my fotki.

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Do your research, be patient and don’t be afraid to try new things and even if you fail the first time, don’t give up.

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
Natural hair is fly! I love the versatility of it the most. I love having the option to go curly or straight.