Najah- Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since March 11, 2010.

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term 4-month transitioner from November 2009 until March 2010. Why? To put it bluntly, I was too impatient! Fortunately, this is one occasion where impatience was exalting. Once I did the BC, I received this gust of confidence. For me, it was more than just hair. It was a lifestyle change that allowed me to do the things I wanted, yet neglected. I started working out at the gym and running to stay fit. I wore my hair in Lauren Hill style twists during most of my transitional stage.

CN: What is your current regimen?
I’m easy–wash ‘n go! Every now and then I’ll put a hair clip or two on the side for a half-hawk look but other than that, the kinkier the better! I have an S curl pattern with types 3c, 4a & 4b hair.
CN: How do you maintain Length? Moisture?
In the beginning, I was somewhat of a product junkie–purchasing almost every cutely labeled product on the shelves. Now that I’ve found a hair recipe that works for me, I tend to stay away from buying various products and sticking to what I know works best for me. That said, I use Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner, which also works as a great detangler. I comb/detangle my hair once per week. The other 6 days of the week I just get up and go, or wet and go for a looser curl. I also like Carrot Oil by Root Simulator and Curl Enhancing Smoothie by Shea Moisture. As far as maintaining length, when my hair is in it’s natural state, I have minimal length–major shrinkage (which I am okay with).

CN: Night time routine?
Because I adore the wash ‘n go routine, I don’t prep my hair at night. However, I do sleep on a satin pillow case to help retain moisture and lessen breakage.

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
I often hear stories about strong family influences who are not accepting of our God-given tresses. Some people consider it dirty and untamed. This is far from the truth. I encourage you to exude your pure essence of beauty and utilize makeup and accessories (earrings and scarves) to enhance your femininity if you’re nervous about going for the BC. At the end of the day, you have to satisfied with who you are, not what someone else wants you to be.

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
In recent years, it has become more and more common for multi-ethnic women to retreat from relaxers. The best thing about being naturally glamorous is the ability to embrace what has ALWAYS been beautiful! As I rediscover my urban twists, I’ve discontinued the affirming of others beauty while denying my own. Our black is beautiful, and I’m loving the skin I’m in!

CN: Anything else you want to add?
I must admit, the BC took a lot of getting used to in the beginning. I was unhappy with my appearance during the first several weeks and even went as far as putting towels over all the mirrors in my house so I wouldn’t see what I considered my boy-ish look. Those first couple weeks weren’t easy, but fortunately it was short-lived! I’m so glad that I stuck with it as I now am in love with my curls. In addition, my hair has opened doors to many opportunities, including hair modeling for a couple different companies.