Luka Lomi- Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for two years and two months. It was very scary at first and I really didn’t know what I was doing. I honestly spent the first few months winging it hoping I would figure out what I was doing. I have done ridiculous amounts of research trying to find the right products for me. Each month has brought its own challenges, but I have managed to stay positive and focused. I stopped relaxing officially in May 2007. I never looked back.

CN: What is your current routine?
I’m pretty lazy about washing my hair so I wash anywhere from once a week to once every two and a half weeks depending on the weather and my schedule. I style my hair with leave-in, gel, and natural oils whether it’s two-strand twists or a twist out. I try to trim knots as I find them but if my hair starts to become unmanageable due to being tangled, then it’s time for a trim. I dust the ends while my hair is still in two-strand twists. I deep condition once a month when I’m busy and twice a month when I have a lot of free time. Right before I deep condition I always clarify with either baking soda or apple cider vinegar and water if it is extremely dirty otherwise I just shampoo. I sleep on a satin pillow case and I do not re-twist my hair nightly when wearing twist outs. I began using henna in November of 2009, it has helped very much with my curl definition. Henna gives my hair weight so it hangs better and I’m able to use less hair products.

CN: What are your go to styles?
My staple styles are twists and twist outs. I love to change my hairstyle constantly. Each state it’s in changes my mood inversely, I change my hair to suit my moods. I love how my hair changes every day. Every night I sleep on it, it gets better and more unique. Curly hair has a mind of its own. I’ve learned to just roll with the punches when it comes to dealing with my mane. If my hair is super frizzy, dirty, or tangled then I put it in a high pony.

CN: How do you maintain length?
I maintain length by leaving my hair alone. I think those times that I am really busy and too tired to do my hair, are the best. As bad as this may sound I will leave my hair in two strand twists for up to three weeks. My hair loves low/no-manipulation. That’s when I notice the most growth. As far as moisture goes, I just play it by ear. Shea butter on my ends is very helpful as well as a good deep conditioning treatment.

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
I have come so far. I feel good knowing when I go out into the world what I’m presenting is a true representation of who I am and what I really look like. I’m not sure about other naturals but initially it was hard for me to be comfortable in my own skin wearing my hair just the way it is. It felt weird. I can definitely say that I have found myself through this hair journey. I love my hair, it is an extension of me. We grow together.