On her hair story…
I got my first relaxer when I was 6, and my last one at 28. I did a combination of transitioning and the big chop.
On embracing her natural hair…
I didn’t know what my natural hair was really like until a year and a half ago. But I can tell you this, that new growth between relaxers used to irk me. The longer I waited between relaxers, the more I started to like it. I kept seeing women with great natural hair, and I told myself that I could have exactly that.
On her current routine…
I wash my hair once a week, but I probably co-wash every other day. I’m low maintenance and I like it like that. When I Wash & Go, I wash, deep condition (comb through with conditioner), rinse, and finish off with oil or a leave-in conditioner.
On her hair routine for photo shoots…
To be honest my routine doesn’t really change. I’ve only worked with a few hairstylists that really know how to style black hair period. Having my hair short and natural makes it easy. All anyone has to do is moisturize it and voila!
On her favorite products…
I really like Free Your Mane. I’ve tried other product lines before, but I think this one is perfect for me. The one thing I can’t live without is my Afro Master. Do you remember those? It’s the only thing that will successfully comb through my hair.
On her nightly hair regimen…
I don’t have one, but maybe I should. It just feels nice to have to wrap my hair up like when I had a relaxer.
On the best thing about being curly…
Not having to fuss over my hair. It is what it is, and I embrace it.
Advice for transitioners and naturals…
Love what Mother Nature gave you. It’s your crowning glory. If you hate it, then you’re not loving a part of yourself.
On upcoming projects…
I’ve got a campaign running for Smirnoff, and I’m waiting on a few more to debut. I recently shot in New York with photographers Peter Dean Rickards, Quazi King, and Kwesi Abbensetts. I like creating art whether that’s through my words or photographs.
Her message to the CurlyNikki community…
Whether you’re rocking cropped curls or a big kinky mane, you are beautiful. Squash the hair envy, and love what you’ve got.
love her!!!!
gorgeous hair!
I absolutely love Nikia and her level of self-confidence! All of her responses were positive and encouraging for any woman who may be contemplating going natural. She is an inspiration for all women with afro-textured hair.
AWESOME INTERVIEW… 🙂
I love this article. I love her simplicity. I am pretty simple with my hair routine too. The fact that she is comfortable with herself gives me inspiriation to love all of me. Thank you for this article!
i love nikia! she's is so awesome! her routine really is simple and she still ends up with boss hair. that goes to show you don't need long hair, a certain texture or tons of time in front of the mirror to get hair that is good to go "out of the box"!
I was @ a restaurant & the cashier was a super fair-skinned teenager with freckles & auburn-red hair. Her hair hung well past her shoulders but I looked @ the roots & could tell it was naturally curly (LOL… inspector gadget). Anyway, I started at her in amazement because she was so beautiful. After she helped us, my mother & I start complimenting her profusely, yet geniunely, because she was just that pretty. All the white girls just stood there with their mouths open because they didn't get it (Central Alabama)… Anyway, I like to think we helped her turn her swag up a few notches that day.
Nikia you rock! I heart your freckles 🙂
Lovely ( :
I love her freckles
She is beautiful! love her story
Love it!! I have freckles too and am transitioning! Thanks for the inspiration!! ROCK IT!!!
so cute, love her freckles. just sent to my bestie who has hair like hers, maybe get some inspiration 😀
Vonnie
http://www.socialitedreams.com/
Glad to see she's a low-maintenance WNG woman. I love my WNGs and hope to keep doing them as long as I can. Her hair texture is very similar to mine.
Is "Afro Master" the same thing as a cake cutter?
Thanks for another great interview, Nikki!
I LOOOOOOOOOVE your freckles!!!! I'm a freckle girl & I love them! So glad you don't cover yours. Your hair and you are BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing your story!
~Shawntal
Wonderful advise for the community!
Beautiful hair, beautiful lady!
Love her basic approach and attitude. She's gorgeous.
She has freckles and natural hair just like me. LOVE IT
I think I'm in love!!!! Hair, face, responses, the whole package!
Small world! Glad to see this interview.