CN: How long have you been natural?
I have been natural (relaxer free) for about 3 years. I did my BC on May 24, 2008. Before that, I transitioned for several months. I had my last relaxer January of 2007, but I kept getting my hair pressed and everyone thought I still had it relaxed. I met my fiance in August of 2008 (3 months after my BC) and he absolutely loved my short hair, I kept cutting it short for him until May of 2009. I finally wanted to let my hair grow out and see what came of it and I am loving it thus far!
CN: What is your current regimen?
I used to shampoo with Pantene Relaxed and Natural shampoo and would leave the Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner in as a leave in. However, for the past 3 months, I’ve been co-washing twice a week with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted and I am loving the co-washing effects thus far. I leave a little in as a leave in (yes, just regular conditioner). It may not work for everyone, but works well for me. I seal it with Shine hair polish or olive oil and have been putting it up in a pull back style for the past couple of months.
CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
With the help of my roommate, I have done a few twist outs to maintain the length and to keep from having to wash my hair daily. I have read that the less you do to your hair, the more it helps with growth. I developed a habit of wanting to wash my hair every day in the beginning, but I am trying to do less with my hair… I use shea butter to moisturize (cantu or organics, something inexpensive from the beauty supply store). Also, my pull back style has helped me to manipulate my hair less. I put a satin bonnet on it at night, and in the morning it is easy to refresh the pull back without having to wash my hair all over again.
CN: How do you protect your curls a night?
For the most part, I throw on a satin bonnet and call it a day. Whatever state my hair is in when I wake up determines what I do with it from there. The bonnet has been great though, I plan to start twisting my hair at night, but haven’t gotten there yet.
CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
I would say stay encouraged and look for as much information as you can. Also, try different things and styles out because we all have an in between stage or a point when we wonder–why did I do this? But in time, you will learn what works for your hair. Also, keep it moisturized!!!
CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
I love my curl pattern and being able to wash and go. The fact that my fiance loves my natural hair is an added bonus. I can’t wait until it grows and I am really able to be more flexible with it.
Love your hair, you could teach some folks a thing or two, will send them your way with questions.. I know someone who's talking about going natural, although their hair is a bit more coarse maybe you can help.
-RRJ
My hair was natural in that pic, just got it pressed out. I only do that about 3 or 4 times a year.
Gorgeous hair and curl pattern. Was your hair natural in the straight pic or was that when it was relaxed?
Nice Article Ebby, your hair looks great.
OMG your hair pattern is great! I love this interview and your styles. Thanks for sharing with us Ebbie
Go EBBIE!! U r really doing your thing and that's nice to see cause u from right round the way!! Continue to prosper.
Thanks so much for the comments guys! I am so grateful for Nikki considering me for the site.
I never used braids. Well, I take that back, I got some when I went to Puerto Rico last summer, but it wasn't to transition, it was just because I felt like some braids. LOL. I say do whatever works for you. Before I did my big chop, I pressed my hair out every two weeks for almost two years! I wasn't ready to cut and like my hair to still look like I had a relaxer. Since I have done my BC almost 2 years ago, I will say that I have only pressed my hair about about 6 times. It works for me and I only do what I feel like at the time… Hit me up on FB Steph and we can chat 🙂
Dope post, yall!!……Shout out to EJ!! You know we gotta get you on MTF
your "pull back" is too cute
EJ I have always been a fan of your hair and you inspired me to go natural. It is a daily struggle buyt I hang in there because I know the ending result will be worth it. I look at your hair and adore your curl pattern. I have been lye free for 18 months and I am starting to get to know my curl pattern. My only hick-up is professionally, it requires me to be highly visible, so I must almost always appear to me "done up". I struggle finding styles for my natural hair for my profession and often resort to blowing my hair out and/or sew ins. Can you talki more about stylng your natural hair? Also, is blowing your hair out bad for natural hair? Did you ever use braids as a method while transitioning?
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