CN: How long have you been natural?
Ten years but I started growing my hair out about 5 years ago. Before then I was more concerned with keeping it styled.
CN: What is your current regimen?
Simple works better for me. Previously I damaged my hair w/color and heat:
1) I detangle my hair BEFORE shampooing using a wide tooth comb and Lustrasilk Cholesterol.
2) Wash every 2 weeks w/diluted poo. My favorite is Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo. I use a color applicator bottle to apply the poo because my hair is so thick. I usually wash my hair in braids or twists.
3) After shampooing I use Hairveda Moist 24/7 conditioner. This is the first conditioner I’ve found that my hair really absorbs. I apply it, put on a plastic cap for about an hour. When I remove the cap I leave the condish in my hair. If there is excess conditioner, I will lightly rinse my hair.
4) I air dry my hair in large braids or twists then style. I usually keep a style for at least 2 weeks. I mainly wear twisted styles and twist outs. If needed I rinse my hair in between.
5) I moisturize as needed and seal w/shea butter.
For a list of her products, click HERE.
CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
The back length of my hair is waist length and the rest is somewhere between mbl and waist. I have been growing it out and slowly cutting out the color that I put in in 2005. I think what has helped me most is limiting heat and keeping it stretched.
This week I used heat for the first time in a year. Heat isn’t bad for everyone but I find that I have to trim more regularly when I use it. So when I’m trying to reach a certain length, I really limit my heat use. I may use it more later on.
Stretching has helped because it limits tangling and knots for me. I can’t really do wash n go’s anymore w/o getting breakage.
CN: How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I moisturize (if needed) and put my hair in big braids or twists to keep it from tangling. I apply shea butter to the ends to help prevent knots . I usually sleep on a satin pillowcase. If I don’t have one I put a large satin scarf on my pillowcase.
CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Don’t be in a rush to reach a certain length, enjoy the journey. Have fun with each length. Also don’t stress trying to get your hair to look like another persons. Do what works best for your hair and stick with it.
CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
I really just enjoy being who God created me to be, kinks and all! I look and feel better IMO. Plus I don’t think my relaxed hair was any easier to maintain. I comb and style it less than I did when my hair was straight. I can pretty much get up and go once my hair is styled. I also stopped having the skin and scalp issues I had when I was relaxed.
CN: Anything else?
I have had people tell me they stopped relaxing or straightening their hair to wear natural styles after seeing my hair. This inspires me to stay natural. It is particularly touching when a child or teenager comes up to me and tells me they want to wear their hair natural. I really believe we can change the way people perceive natural hair and beauty one person at a time, that’s how revolutions begin. This motivated me to start my fotki at http://www.public.fotki.com/ms-lala/. I have updates and youtube vids coming soon.
You are beautiful and so is your hair!!!!! AWESOME!
Lovely hair as always Ms Lala! π
Gorgeous hair! love the feature, can't wait to get a big fro like that π
How do you "stretch" your hair?
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for the lovely compliments. I didn't realize the interview was posted so my fotki was still locked. I opened it so my photos are available for viewing. Please check my fotki for updates. I will post on fotki once I start the youtube vids. My channel is really bare right now so I'll release the name and everything once I really get it going. I am going to be transferring some of the photos to facebook soon. Thanks for the support.
I want hair like that!
Beautiful hair. Love the post. I'd like to see more on the Fotki but it seems to be locked. Help?!
Beautiful hair! This is definitely an inspiration for my hair in terms of length! π
how can i view the pictures… help =)
I am literally awestruck! Fabulous hair!
Your hair looks awesome. I love it. My hair is very thick also and now I have an idea of what it's going to look like when it grows out.
Omg, finally see a lady with a similar hair type to me!
Lovely hair, mine is as thick, but 2/3 inches shorter. You've given me the motivation to continue trying to grow my hair π
http://naturalafrohair.tumblr.com
Wow so thick and luscious, that's definitely two heads' worth of hair!
seriously in love with your hair! it rocks. there may even be a bit of jealousy in there ;).
http://pinkpopmash.blogspot.com
Is there a "Password" mentioned so that we can access the pictures, because the Fotki site is Locked? Your hair is amazing, love the thickness and length of it.
nikki i love you for posting this; this woman is my hair twin! i've been so pissed at my hair lately I was going to bust out the clippers cause i can't get it to grow past my collar bone and i've natural for 8 years. this lady has inspired me to do better and that shaving me hair is not going to do anything unless i start taking better care of it. i take good care of it now but I could always do better. I have a few questions; what's her youtube channel and her fotki password cause the only thing you can see is her tools and products pics w/o it and lastly how does she stretch her hair w/o using heat? i'm so siked about her future youtube vids she has an instant subbie right here. one last last thing… you know her hair is something serious if i posted something i've been on your blog for about a year now and this is the first thing i've ever posted lol keep up the GREAT work i'm so siked to see the baby and i'm sure you'll be a great mommy!
Wow! Just gorgeous.
Did I miss the fotki password? lol
Beautiful.
Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
Salutations,
Love your hair! Thanks for also posting link to fotki and sharing about hair care. Live, Love, Peace. ~ Sweetsop
How do you "stretch" the hair?
FRICKIN' GORGEOUS!!
You've also motivated me to skip cutting my hair down and work with it and its growing length a little longer.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Gorgeous!
Oh yeah…
Do you trim your hair loose or in braids/twists? And how often do you trim?
I'm so glad you submitted this profile! Thanks, CN, for posting. I was starting to consider cutting my hair down again, but now I'm inspired to let it grow more! I've kept my hair stretched more often as it gets longer, and this confirms that I'm on the right track. (I know everything doesn't work for everybody, but I can learn from others.) Lala08, your hair looks just like mine when stretched (just longer). Thanks again for the tips and inspiration. π
Her hair is gorgeous! What is her youtube channel?