I have been fully natural since February 2010.
CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I would definitely consider myself a long term transitioner. I began my transition on January 05, 2008. I had been getting perms ever since I was in second grade and finally decided to end the relaxing after my hair had pretty much broken off from approximately apl to almost bsl to shoulder length. All of my life I had long hair and never had a problem with it but the trouble all started when I started college and the damage started from a combination of a new stylist who was scissor happy and having someone new relax my hair. I was always curious to see what my natural hair was like and was ready if anything just to get my hair back in good condition.
CN: What is your current regimen?
My current regimen in to wash my hair with Garnier Fructis Color Shield shampoo every two weeks and cowash in between whenever my hair needs it. I then follow up with a deep conditioner (religiously) using Queen Helene Cholesterol conditioner, a shower cap, and a hooded dryer for 30-45 minutes…this for some reason is my favorite part it’s almost like therapy for me :). Also every other week I will do a hot oil prepoo especially if my hair has been straightened. Following the DC, I then style my hair.
CN: How do you maintain Length? Moisture?
I maintain length by using minimal heat. Currently I have been rocking a huge wash and go (I finally mastered a technique for my hair), and my second go to hair style is a twist out or braid out, and if I’m in a rush then a bun it is, lol. For twist outs I always style using a raw shea butter and evoo mix to seal my hair once my leave in is applied and roll my ends on perm rods to maintain the style. This keeps my ends moisturized and tucked away. This usually last me 5-6 days.
CN: Night time routine?
At night I’m usually too tired to fuss with my hair so I normally just retwist using water to lightly spritz and reset the hair and I take the rest of the hair and pile it on the top of my head as if I were doing a pineapple and just tuck it inside the bonnet. This technique ensures that I only sleep on the under side of my hair so my curls are safe from being smushed and all I have to do is shake and fluff the next morning.
CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Patience young grasshopper, lol. The more you focus on the health of your hair and developing a routine the less concerned you are with the growth of your curls. That’s how it was for me. I was so consumed with getting my hair healthy I didn’t even realize that I had grown out my entire perm, I just randomly woke up with all curly hair one day.
CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
The best thing about being natural to me is the big, voluminous hair. I ♥ it. People are sure to notice you.
Have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s a long journey so make the most out of it ;)…..oh and do your research.
*I’ve also started a blog about my personal progress and I hope to start one with my bestie MahoganyCurls so be on the look out.
* My personal blog is www.beautybrainsandall.
Very pretty pics, but please ladies, close the toilet if you just have to take a picture beside it.
Hi Aubrey! Great hair! Is your first pic a wash and go? You mentioned that you just mastered a new technique for your wash and go and I was curious about it. Please share! 🙂
My texture I would say is about a 3c at the crown and in the front and 4a in the back and on the sides……super coarse.
I love your hair, its a nice fit. The BIGGER THE BETTER…. I LOVE BIG HAIR.
Crimson_Butterfly
Isn't it crazy some people want volume. I want to get rid of some.
Beautiful hair!
what is your hair texture
@Jamila: I use Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk as my leave-in and top with a creamy conditioner always……I've tried the Hawaiian Silky but i'm still trying to figure out how that's working for me 🙂
I'm interested in this nighttime routine…My hair ALWAYS get smushed at night, no matter what I do.
Also, what do you use as a leave-in?
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THANX EVERYONE…. it was a long hard process but so worth it 🙂
Your hair looks wonderful.
your hair is great! love the pictures. My favorite thing about being natural is also the big pretty hair that people take notice of 🙂 Stay beautiful!
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Congratulations on becoming Natural it really looks good on you. I love the way that your hair naturally falls in the 1st picture? or did you have it cut that way. I will try the tuck the hair on top of the head to keep it from being mushed, hopefully this will work on my type 4 hair.