Charnika Jett- Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for 8 months. I big chopped in August 2010.

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was definitely a long-term transitioner! I transitioned for a year because I was deathly afraid of wearing a short ‘do. I had long hair all my life and with everyone telling me I had a “fat face” that wouldn’t look right with short hair, I felt as though I NEEDED to gain some length before doing my big chop.

CN: What is your current regimen?
I wash and deep condition my hair once a week. I use either Kyah Alexandria’s Natural Shampoo Bar or Shea Moisture’s Curl Control Shampoo to wash my hair. I like to deep condition with Jane Carter’s Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, but once a month I use CURLS Ecstasy Hair Tea because it has protein in it.

If I’m not trying to do a new style, I twist my hair into medium sized twists and do a protective style for the next 4-6 days and rock a twist-out for the remaining days before I do the same thing all over again for the following week.

CN: How do you maintain Length? Moisture?
Protective styles! I can’t stress that enough! I love twists because you can style them in so many ways AND get them wet and it won’t wreak havoc on your style. I have gained so much length by wearing my hair in protective styles 80 percent of the time and by moisturizing my hair with water and sealing it in with an oil every 3 days.

CN: Night time routine?
If I have twists in my hair, I just fall asleep on my satin pillowcase. If I‘m rocking a twist-out, I’ll re-twist my hair in 10 large twists before falling asleep on my satin pillow case. Easy breezy!

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Do your research! There is so much information about natural hair, but if you take time and sift through it to figure out what is best for you and your hair type, you’ll thank yourself in the long run. Also, listen to your hair! Sometimes we try to force ourselves to like a product just because so and so likes it, but if it doesn’t agree with your hair, don’t force it! You’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and energy, and keep your hair happy!

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
Being naturally glamorous allows myself to creatively express how I am on the inside out! When I had a relaxer, I felt l wasn’t a representation of who I truly was, but being natural gives me the confidence and flare to do so. I also love that I have the freedom to do whatever whenever I want. My hair is no longer holding me back!

CN: Anything else you want to add?
It’ so amazing to see so many women taking the steps (however many they need) to being natural. I see more and more women each day rockin’ their natural kinks and curls and each time I get ecstatic. For your readers who would like to keep up with me on my journey and share more hair tips and styles, check out my YouTube channel!