How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for two-and-a-half years! I made the decision to do so because of my daughter. I wanted her to appreciate her natural hair. I also saw how older women in my circle of family and friends had some issues with their hair after so many years of relaxing. Lastly, I noticed that friends of mine in their late 30s and up were starting to thin and have breakage with relaxing. I didn’t even want to go down that road.
What is your current regimen?
Although it is forever changing, my latest regimen is washing and conditioning once a week with Giovanni’s 50/50 Shampoo and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner. I then air dry about 80 percent, apply Kinky Kurly Knot Today leave-in, twist or braid my hair, seal with an oil (almond or castor), and oil my scalp with pure shea butter. When I do DC, I use your honey and EVOO recipe or a similar version.
In the summer, I experienced a lot of growth by co-washing with HEHH conditioner and applying the generic version of Paul Mitchell conditioner found at Sally’s as a leave-in. At night, I would pineapple.
How do you maintain length and moisture?
I maintain moisture by spritzing a light mist of water before re-twisting or re-braiding my hair at night. If I do not have time to re-twist, I’ll pineapple my hair to protect it. I try to sleep on a satin pillow case or use a satin bonnet. A combination of all these things helps me maintain length. I rarely straighten my hair (two times a year, max) and this too helps retain length. Last time I straightened it, I was at BSL. I have a lot of shrinkage.
What is the most damaging thing I have done to my hair?
Hands down, coloring my hair has damaged it the most. A close second has been not trimming my split ends as often as I should.
What is the best thing about being naturally glamorous?
I would say the freedom, versatility and connection to one’s self. When I initially cut the last couple of inches of relaxed ends off (as a transitioner), it was liberating! I really felt a load lifted off of my shoulders! I felt closer to knowing who I was and it gave me a new kind of inspiration. Being natural has helped me connect with new people because of the questions I receive about my hair. I am always happy to share the knowledge I have gained from this site and other naturals to help someone else. Lastly, I love the fact that my decision to be natural has helped my daughter to embrace and love her curls! Mission accomplished!
Anything else?
Nikki, your spirit, your willingness to share, and this site have helped so many people! Often, I will share pictures from CurlyNikki and things I have learned with my daughter. When I told her I was going to be on your site, she was so excited! She asked, “Mommy, is CurlyNikki a celebrity?” LOL!
By the way, she loved the pics of Gia at the salon when you recently got your hair cut. Hmmm – Curly Gia for kids?
This LADY right here is truly SPECTACULAR and I hope SHE wins the contest. She deserves this spot tremendously and has given me advice along my transitioning journey as well.
And those eyes are true stunners. I'm sure it makes her Hubby melt into a puddle of water! I'm so looking forward to trying some CurlyNikki products.
She and her eyes are GORGEOUS!
YAY!!!:-D I'm so glad you finally sent your hair story to Nikki! I was wondering when you were going to get around to doing it. LOL! You know I love your hair Trucurly! MM, is too cute asking is CurlyNikki a celebrity!
Oh, and I'm all for the Curly Gia segment too!;-)
-CurlySwan
You and your family are beautiful!
Hello ANON@ 2:51, HEHH is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner. It can be found in Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, etc.
I have been visiting this site for at least 6 months now but this is my first time commenting. I love everything that comes across the Curly Nikki site. Like eveyone else it has been informative and extremely helpful to a newer natural. Thank you! One more thing can anybody tell me what HEHH conditioner is?? With all the acronyms at work and on one of my favorite sites its hard to keep up. Thanks again!
Thanks to all of you for your kind words!
@ Anonymous 6:33 pm – My daughter's routine is similar to mine except I wash hers every 2 weeks. I also add a 2nd conditioner to hers called Crema by Terax Haircare. Crema really helps detangle her hair. After I apply the KKNT, I braid it in about 6-8 plaits. Once her hair is almost dry I apply shea to the ends and to the scalp. I have to braid hers immediately after I apply leave in because her curls really form quickly and they start to tangle.
Nice hair story and family–those eyes are gorgeous!
What a nice story! Beautifuly hair on you and your daughter. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful post! Lovely family and hair! Mom and daughter! I really enjoy these types of post such a change from what we usually see on the internet, thank God for your blog Nikki!
What a beautiful post. Also, I know I have probably said this so many times, but Nikki, thank God for you, your journey and your willingness to give so much on this website. I am so grateful that I found this website because it is always the perfect start to my day. Even if I don't find the current post relevant, I can go back to my favorites whenever I want…It's all so uplifting. Thank you!
Nikki I have a half dozens Moms I would share information from a Curly Gia segment. I'd love to hear what this Mom does for her daughters hair. They both have wonderful curls!!!
hahaha– i love curly gia! oh my goodnesssss! i love that idea!
Curly Gia is a great idea!
She has beautiful hair no doubt, lose wavy hair. It would have been great to see a picture of her hair in her relaxer/transition state.