CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
B: June 26, 2009 is the day I chopped it all off! There was no actual transition for me. My first year of college was almost over, and I was just waiting to go back home and get my hair relaxed. Around 10pm on June 25, 2009, I decided I was going to do something different with my annual haircut. I absolutely loved my TWA. I was nervous while I sat in the chair, but I was no stranger to scissors. I walked out of the salon feeling so light and refreshed. I couldn’t wait to snap a few pictures and show off my natural hair.
CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
B: The first person I sent a picture to was my mother. She was surprised, but not shocked. We were both always cutting our relaxed hair just to try something new, and she had recently loc’d up her hair. Later that day, my closest friends dropped by because they could not believe I had cut off my beloved relaxed hair. They loved it nonetheless. Of course there were the few who couldn’t understand my desire to have “nappy” hair. I just smiled and let them know, “It’s not for you to understand. I’m comfortable with who I am, and I’m fierce with any hair I rock.” I would say most of the reactions were not really about my going natural but that I carried out my decision to go natural less than 24 hours after making it.
CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
B: I decided to go natural because I wanted something new. College is supposed to be the time where you branch out into the real world and discover who you are. My TWA only emphasized who I already knew I was. I wasn’t necessarily tired of relaxers nor did I have a bad experience. I actually adored my relaxed hair, and I was a master at wraps. I just knew that if my hair was healthy then, that it could also be healthy as a natural. Plus, I wanted a big bodacious fro. My mother had recently loc’d her hair, and I loved it on her. I didn’t want locs, but I knew I could rock the natural look.
CN: What do you love most about being natural?
B: The versatility. There are so many things I can do with my hair now. I was a fan of the wash-and-go with my TWA. The longer it grew the more styles I wanted to try. I did twist-outs, frohawks, puffs, and much more. It gave me an excuse to indulge in my shopping habit. I’m always buying new bows, headbands, and earrings. Every hairstyle deserves to be complimented with the right accessories.
CN: As far as products go, what do you use?
B: I keep it very simple. I use the co-wash method. So shampoo isn’t a staple product of mine. I like to make my own conditioner and other hair recipes. The supermarket does the trick for me. I always have honey, olive oil, and coconut oil around. I do use Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Conditioner once in a while. It makes my hair silky and easy to detangle. For twists and roller sets, I’ve used Eco-Styler or diluted Lottabody. Of course, water will always be a hair product staple for me.
CN: Any last comments?
B: Love yourself. Many of my friends love my hair story and beg me to blog about it because of the confidence I have in who I am. I often hear ladies say, “I could never cut my hair off. You weren’t afraid to look like a boy?” Don’t be afraid to take risks because of the labels society might place on you. Be comfortable in your own skin, hair, and body. My motto is that I am somebody, and I deserve to be heard. I chose to be heard through many avenues such as my pursuit of higher education and my expression of self through clothes, my voice, my hair, knitting, my shoes, and accessories. Natural hair is a beautiful thing, and for anyone hesitant about “going all the way,” I am here to tell you not to be afraid. Embrace your kinky curls texture.


In my humble opinion..you look more gorgeous with your hair natural…the way it shapes your face…something about it….it's just more….well….you!!!…..simply lovely.
lol my bad girl its Brittney Smith
i love your confidence!!
Congratulations Britt Bratt! 🙂 Keep Growing!
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments. This was the first web interview I've done.
@anonymous 4:10pm: You can't just drop in and say you went to school with me and not think I would get curious…
LOL at the skin and brow comments. I am thankful I never encountered an acne phase. And these brows can be a hassle :-/
You look beautiful, Queen! I agree with some of the other comments-why am I sitting over here soooo jelly over the thickness of those brows! I have a wish and a prayer for brows like that! Gorgeous!
Her hair is pretty and looks soft, and I like her full and nicely shaped eyebrows. Very pretty. So many people have those pencil thin, barely-there brows.
Love the hair! On your head and your brow lol
Dunno if it's just me, but you look more vibrant and alive with your natural hair.. you and your hair are gorgeous!
And ITA with this: "Don’t be afraid to take risks because of the labels society might place on you."
her natural hair is her best asset! i love it and her smile says she loves it too!
missdeeplyrooted.blogspot.com
Gorgeous!!! You are even more stunning with the natural hair!
Sometimes, as illogical as it sounds, I think i'm the only black girl that will not look right with natural hair even though everyone I've seen looks so much better with it! Beautiful! And your lovely spirit really shines through even in pictures 🙂
Wow! Beautiful girl and beautiful hair! I must cosign Anon 6:32pm- the straight hair does not do her any justice. The naps just light up her whole face so nicely. BTW her skin is flawless. *slightly jealous over here…*
She is gorgeous! One of the prettiest featured. Agree with Anon@6:32 her skin is beautiful.
She is very happy. I love happy people.
I am so happy that you are embracing you hair, because it is simply beautiful. It is so obvious from looking at your pics that God intended for your hair to be just the way it is. The pic of you with straight hair is nice, but the first pic of you with natural hair is to die for. It accentuates the beautiful richness of your very clear skin!
Love it!
She was meant to be natural. Beautiful.
Love the pic with the flower. Not sure what your current style is, but that first one really suits you.
Wow. what a small world. I went to middle school with her but your hair is gorgeous. Keep it up
What a beautiful head of hair and wonderful smile. Your story made me smile!
Love the confidence and of course the hair!!!!