Lala08- Naturally Glam Hair Idol

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.