CN: How long have you been natural?
I transitioned for 13 months from October 2008 to November 2009. So, I have been natural for slightly over a year and a half. I got my first relaxer in high school because I thought I was grown up and I wanted my hair to be straight and bumped under. See, prior to my relaxer, I was always wearing my hair in ponytails, which were age-appropriate at the time. However, with my impending adulthood, I wanted a more grown-up look; hence, the relaxer. At first, I loved it. My hair was long, flowing, and blowing in the wind. But, then the crack in the armor showed up in the form of thinning hair, straggly ends, and burned out edges. Not to mention, I began to absolutely detest the entire relaxer experience. I hated the smell, the burning, and the apparent hair loss. I was also never satisfied with the finished results. My hair was always limp and completely lifeless no matter how I described the look I wanted. I wanted full looking hair with body and movement. After a multitude of events occurring within the salon that unnerved me, I decided I was done with relaxers. I grew my hair out for about a year and cut the relaxed ends off. Ever since then, I’ve been natural.
CN: What is your current regimen?
Currently, I am wearing my hair in some form of a braid-out flex-rod set. I like these styles because, to me, they’re beautiful and full of versatility. I usually wash and deep condition my hair once a week. After I deep condition, I will either braid my hair for a braid-out with flexi-rods on the ends or I’ll do a more complete flexi-rod set. I will usually sit under my hooded dryer because it takes my hair forever to air-dry. Right now I am using Joico shampoos and conditioners. For styling, I am using Organic Root Stimulator’s Lock and Twist Gel. I swear by this stuff. I am also using Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm as a sealer. It’s an all-natural hair oil that provides incredible shine!
CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
I don’t cut my hair unnecessarily; I only trim when needed. Not using scissors helps me to retain length. I also keep my hair stretched most of the time, which, I believe, helps to prevent single stand knots, and therefore, less trimming is required. I also try to stay away from products and shampoos that strip my hair and cause it to dry out which could lead to breakage. I also believe that keeping my hair moisturized helps me to retain length, so, I wash (or co-wash) my hair at least once a week.
CN: How do you protect your curls a night?
I sleep on a satin pillowcase, which helps to prevent dryness, as the satin doesn’t pull too much moisture out of my hair. I also pineapple my curls on the top of my head and wrap a satin scarf around my head for extra protection and preservation of my style. In the morning, I pull the scarf off, let the curls down, fluff/shake a little and I’m out the door.
CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Take some time to learn/understand your hair and accept it for what it is. Running out and buying products in hopes that they will transform your hair texture/curl pattern can be expensive, time-consuming, and ultimately frustrating. Natural hair is beautiful and glamorous! Most importantly, be patient with your hair. Know that it’s okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed sometimes; we’ve all been there. I remember during those times, when I was transitioning or right after my BC, I spent a lot of time on curlynikki.com, naturallycurly.com, and definitely youtube. It helped tremendously, even if only to provide a momentary distraction from having to deal with my hair. Just know that your hair is gorgeous, it will grow, and you will love it!
CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
I love having big huge hair! It’s eye-catching. People stop me in the street and want information about my hair. It’s definitely a conversation starter no matter where I go. All kinds of people are attracted to natural hair; it’s amazing. I love that I can be myself and wear the hair that grows from my scalp in so many different and beautiful ways. I also love helping other women who are interested in going natural. It’s beautiful to see so many women saying no to relaxer and yes to their own gorgeous hair!
CN: Anything else you want to add?
I love natural hair and styling! In fact, I plan on opening a salon that specializes in natural hair care and styling. Other than that, I am now a vlogger and you can catch me on youtube anytime.
Feel free to connect with me:
Youtube: KaiRox146
Twitter: @KaiRoxCurls
WOW! Beautiful hair, speechless!
http://therootproblem.blogspot.com/
you and ur hair are Absolutely gorgeous! As a fellow gal with ALOT of hair-I applaud your hard work!!! As soon as i get enough rods, ima tackle this style too… Thanks for posting it!
Your hair is really pretty
Her hairstyle is very pretty, but I cannot ritualistically sit under the hair dryer every week. My hair would lose all it's natural curl and I hate that hair that looks lifeless from overheating.
Gorgeous hair! Heading over to her YouTube now 🙂
Love it!! Wish I could get my my flexi rod sets to look that great.
Kai is a gorgeous girl, with gorgeous hair and a gorgeous personality!! So excited to see her story featured here!! Congrats Kai!!
Shelli
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Beautiful head of curls!
OOOOOOOOOOH, PRETTY!!!!!
gorgeous!!
What a gorgeous head of hair! I will definitely be checking out her YT later on today!