CN: How long have you been natural?
All my life. I look at it as being fortunate to have a mother who was also natural all her life and she kept the tradition going. She didn’t do a lot of extravagant styles but she kept me and my sister neat. I plan to do the same thing when I have children. My husband has locs so whether we have a boy or a girl, they will have some hair, lol. However, we will also allow them to change their hair if they want (when they are old enough). We don’t want to force our choices on them.
My husband actually had a huge impact on my hair journey. When we met, my hair was straight and a few months after dating he was around one day when I washed my hair and he saw my texture. He suggested I wear it like that more often. That was in December 2004 and I haven’t turned back since.
CN: What is your current regimen?
I co-wash weekly (mid-week) and also pre-poo with oil, shampoo, and deep condition at the end of every week. I try to never miss a week because this routine has yielded my best hair. After each wash session, I use a leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil or butter. I use coconut oil more than anything. I keep my regimen simple because I learned the hard way that complicated regimens and a lot of treatments just do not work well for me. I do henna twice yearly and I do protein treatments monthly because I do have some color in my hair.
CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?
I baby my ends. I don’t apply shampoo to my ends, but I apply my conditioners and oils to my ends first and then move up my length. I actually love protective styles, especially up ‘dos. I created tutorials of some of my favorite updos and put them on Youtube. I usually wear my hair out for events and on weekends. After a day, I am ready to put it back up.
As for moisture, I try to incorporate it in every step of my regimen. Before applying shampoo I make sure my hair is soaking wet, I use moisturizing conditioners, and if my hair feels dry I moisturize with “the juice” – yes, I use what many know as Jherri Curl juice. I prefer the S-Curl brand because it leaves my hair super soft and moisturized without the greasy feeling.
CN: How do you protect your curls a night?
Satin bonnets, scarfs, and pillowcases have been a lifesaver. I use them all so that on those nights when I am exhausted and I just pass out, I am at least still on the satin pillowcase. I even got one for my husband and now his locs are retaining length like crazy.
CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?
Listen to your hair. Don’t let someone tell you what you HAVE to do, it’s your hair and no one knows it the way you do. Trial and error will be your best friend for awhile and what works for one person may not work for you, even if you do have the same “hair type”. Have patience and love the hair you have. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because at one time most of us where clueless and had to ask others for help.
CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
No longer feeling like an invisible mannequin. For years I wore a press-n-curl and I just felt like I blended in every where I went. Now, I see the stares when I walk in the room and no matter what they are thinking (good or bad) I finally feel like ME! My husband has even told me that I seem happier with my hair is in its natural state.
CN: Anything else you want to add?
I truly believe the natural journey is as hard as you make it. Before I discovered natural hair blogs/vlogs, I was taking care of my hair without a headache (although not retaining length). Once I discovered them, I started hopping on bandwagons and spending more time than ever doing my hair and I saw no results. I dropped all those “do that and do this” tips, made my regimen simple and my hair is now longer than ever before. I have actually cut it twice since starting on my journey (it would probably be WL now if I hadn’t) and it grows and retains length after every cut. Curlynikki has great info on her site and was actually the one that motivated me dump the bandwagons. Thanks Nikki for being such an inspiration!
Feel free to connect with me:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/tiashauntee
Blog: http://tiashauntee.blogspot.com
Twitter: @herbesthair
Just wanted to say you are a all around beautiful person. And your hair is very beautiful.
Your hair is absolutely gorgeous… and healthy!!! Love love love it!
Lovely hair!
TheUncommonBeauty.blogspot.com
awesome hair. i love the shot from the back where the wind is blowing through your hair. i'll be checking your youtube vids this weekend. stay beautiful!
beautiful article chica~
for all that have children, i applaud you for taking care of their hair in its natural state. please don't 'give in' to the chirrens when they say they want to relax. i understand that they need to make some of their own choices but speaking as 'relaxee' from a VERY young age, i SO wished my mom would not have introduced chemicals to my system [and she regrets it as well] but lesson learned, moving forward. once she turned the comb over to me, i continued to get relaxers out of habit b/c that's all i knew. it was not until i had a severe allergic reaction [swollen face,ears, and weeping scalp] that i realized that something was wrong with this picture.
i am not anti-relaxer for all b/c some women still have very healthy hair and skin while relaxing but i just happen to have very sensitve skin. however for some, relaxers can cause and/or agitate a myriad of skin problems (i.e. acne, psoriasis, contact dermatitis) and the list goes on. it was not until i stopped relaxing that my scalp and facial skin took a turn for the better. i think we should question why our children want a certain look [relaxer] instead of just telling them 'NO.' could it be peer pressure/self-esteem, the medias image of beauty, etc? many times with understanding, the urge to 'rebel' diminishes and compromise follows. it's best that we educate our youngsters and explain the variables that come along with chemical processes … pros/cons. then at that point allow them make their own decisions once they are eh, 18 …lol. i say if it ain't broke, don't fix it:) Our babies are beautiful just the way they are!
Nice feature, and beautiful, thick hair AND spirit. Her quote made me think "We don’t want to force our choices on them." (referring to children.) I've been adamant about by tween daughters not getting perms; hubby says I'm forcing my choices on them. Originaly, told them they'd have to wait until they get their cycles (10 y-o already has hers, but she's still too young and 12 y-o wants one as well). That was a few years ago and now I say "no" perms at all. I plan to blowdry/press their hair this school year, especially my oldest's hair. Lots of thick hair, WL. Perhaps I'll relent when they get in high school, but ….
tia ist such a wonderful woman. I love her and her beautiful hair! best woman on utube!
"…the natural journey is as hard as you make it." Preach!
Love her creativity! She is one of my hair idols.
Thank you all for the wonderful comments! They made me smile.
Lovely looks and simple routine. I'm also putting in a request for the last set of pics. Although I sort of visualize it as two french braids that are curled in the back. It's a great professional style.
Just lovely! Is there a tutorial on the style in the fourth pic?? If so please let me know, I love that style!
I have so been waiting on this! I love your hair! The 1st and 3rd pic are gorgeous!
Very pretty lady and hair!
I am a product of a mommy that did not do perms, however I grew up on the press n curls too. Its nice to see others with a similiar journey. I have been inspired by Tia and have enjoyed diff hairstyles showcased on her sites.
I read your blog and your hair and spirit are wonderful. I'm glad to see you featured here!
I love her hair. Especially that pic of her from the back. So beautiful!
Your hair is so beautifull.
CN: How long have you been natural?
All my life. I look at it as being fortunate to have a mother who was also natural all her life and she kept the tradition going.
Oh man, it made me so happy to read that. I really, really hope this becomes the norm in black communities around the world.
your hair is beautiful!!!
Love Love Love Tia's Hair!
Confessions of a Blog Vixen