Genie– Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for about 5 months and some change now. I BC’d after 9 months of transitioning on June 26; the day after MJ’s passing (love and miss you Michael). I’ll be celebrating my 6 month nappiversary soon!

CN: What is your current regimen?
Ha I wish I even knew. I’m always changing it up for what I think I may need. But my consistent regimen is washing with Herbal Essences Drama Clean and conditioning with Pantene Pro-v Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality. I also deep treat with Hair Cholesterol or Henna n’ Placenta which works really well for my hair.

CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
For length I put my hair in twists/plaits any chance I get and then when they get old I rock a TWA twist-out. Everyone’s been noticing my hair growth which proves that keeping your hair in twists or braids for a while really does give it a break and lets it grow. For moisture, well I usually keep in moisture pretty well after I wash & condition by applying Shine Serum and Garnier Fructis Sleek n’ Shine leave-in conditioner. I also always have my Shea Butter moisturizer or my Olive Oil moisturizer nearby just in case I feel like my hair needs some extra conditioning.

CN: How do you protect your curls a night?
Satin Bonnets and Satin Scarves are my best friends. If I’m sporting a twist/braid-out, I usually just put on my satin bonnet or tie it up with a satin scarf and put my bonnet on top of it. But If my hair is just regular, I usually put it in 6-7 braids or sideways cornrows (to avoid breakage) and then put on my satin scarf/bonnet..whichever feels necessary at the time. Oh! And I also have a satin pillowcase cause I am a crazy sleeper and will sometimes find my scarf halfway off my head in the morning haha!

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
You go girl! Keep experimenting with that hair and trying to find what’s best for it. I’m JUST beginning to realize that just because a style or product works wonders for someone else, doesn’t mean that it’ll be the same for you. Certain styles come out well on others and look a hot mess on me and the same goes with products. Be oh so patient with your hair and take the time to figure out your special needs and what takes your hair to its best.

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
The hair compliments! Everyone loves my hair, white and black friends. Sometimes I have to shoo them away from playing in my hair too much so they won’t mess it up! But another thing is the confidence of having my natural, God-given texture. I can’t even explain it. There’s just this pride that comes with rocking my own curls. I love my hair so much and am never going back.

CN: Anything else you want to add?
I was reading an article on natural hair that I’ve had for awhile and I wanted to share this cute poem:

Nappy Head

“These dancing spirals around my head

twists and kink

curling frizzingly at the ends

into a shiny halo of beautiful African hair.

And you call it nappy?”

– Maria Galati