SugaBush- Naturally Glam Hair Idol!

flat twist out- my go to style!

CN: How long have you been natural?
My last relaxer was on my birthday in November of 2005, so almost 6 years now!! :o)

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was definitely a long term transitioner! I was waaaaay too scared for a BC, lol (kudos to the curly girls that do though! After my last relaxer, I would wear transitional and protective styles and cut off the relaxed ends every time I would get my hair pressed (usually twice a year).

CN: What is your current regimen?
Thank God I have found my Holy Grail of products that keep my hair (named SugaBush:o) looking fly! I wash with Giovanni’s TTT shampoo once (or twice) a month and Co wash weekly with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. I deep condition with Jessicurls WDT conditioner and if my hair needs extra love, I’ll use olive oil in addition to my DT or use it as a pre poo oil rinse:o)

As for styling products, I make my own leave in conditioner with water, conditioner, and a special oil blend to keep my hair damp while twisting or braiding. I love (LOVE LOVE. LOVE I SAY!) Oyin’s Burnt Sugar Pomade in the warmer months and Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine in the colder months. Both of these products keep my hair shiny, my ends sealed and moisturized, not to mention I smell like warm maple syrup in summer and an orange creamsicle in winter lol!

Bantu Knot with lots of fluffing lol

CN: How do you maintain Length? Moisture?
I have to say its two fold when it comes to length: one part genetics and one part consistency! My mom has really thick, long hair while my dad has a full head of curls (well his age has left him with thinner curls, but curls nonetheless lol) so I was blessed with both luckily:o)
I also keep things pretty consistent with my styles – even way back when I was relaxed. I wear either cornrows or flat twists or other protective styles such as two French braids or buns. The first two styles allowed for a two-in-one look (wearing the twists or cornrows for a week, then taking them down and wearing them out for another week) while the other two styles allow for little manipulation of the hair through the week ;o) And I have kept this rotation of styles since high school! I will say my flat twist out is my go to style for SugaBush though!

pressed straight for my Graduation!

CN: Night time routine?
I keep a trusty scarf on (I sleep like a log so it’ll stay on through the night lol!) and seal my ends regularly. If my hair is in a flat twist-out or an occasional Bantu knot-out, I’ll oil my scalp and retwist at night or just pineapple and keep a scarf on my pillow. I only deep condition over night as well. (Usually Thursday or Friday night) and style my hair the next morning. 8 -12 hours of marinating does wonders for keep my hair soft and well moisturized!

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
I love the fact that being natural makes me fearless! I’m not afraid of rain, the pool, sweating or anything lol! I’m quite the health and nutrition junkie so I hit the gym everyday and I love that I don’t have to worry about getting SugaBush wet from a hard workout 😉 The versatility is also a confidence booster because I can rock a shoulder length curly fro, Rope-like twists, completely natural in a wash n go, or even pressed out straight! I feel sexy and unique every time!

flat twist out!

CN: What would you tell a new natural or transitioning diva?
I would say do your homework, but at the same time, each Curly Girl is different! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried the “next best thing” only to find it was horrible for me lol! Definitely stick to methods and products that work best for YOUR hair 😉 Also never be afraid to let your hair just ‘be’. I used to think my hair had to look “super defined” in order to look good but sometimes a little frizz is GOOD frizz! Sugabush is a least three different textures and I’m not afraid to showcase them in all its curly, coily glory!

CN: Anything else you want to add?
Don’t be discouraged! When I went natural my hair was NOT happy during the beginning of the transitioning phase lol. And I know there are similar stories for you guys out there as well. Continue to educate yourself and continue to LOVE yourself-curls, coils, waves and all! :o)

PS: CurlyNikki is amzing!!! :o) When I went natural and had no clue there was a whole revolution going on lol! I didn’t even know the styles I was doing on my hair had actual names 😉 But the advice, suggestions and just the all around love is so inspiring! Keep it up!