Nykeba is Naturally Glam!

Please, introduce yourself!

Greetings Beautiful People! My name is Nykeba and I am 23 years old. I recently graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Global Enterprise Technologies. Sincere returning home to Maryland, I have been actively involved in community outreach promoting professional development within high schools. I have also helped to start, as well as fund, a scholarship for high school students to attend college. I love traveling, shooting with a Canon Rebel, DJing, making headbands, event planning and volunteering.

What is your current hair care regimen?

Although I do not usually stick to a schedule, I typically co-wash and detangle my hair every 7-10 days, occasionally using shampoo when necessary. Using a hot cap, I deep condition twice a month. Like many of us, my go-to style depends on the amount of time I have available.
Lately, I’ve been rockin chiney bumps (bantu knots), twist-outs or using curlformers to stretch my curls.

What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?

My hair type has changed throughout my natural journey. Due to heat damage, I was unable to recognize my hair type for some time. After two dissatisfied haircuts and one trim, I can proudly say I have 4A and 4B type hair. Using moisturizer daily works best for my previously damaged hair. I love using a spray bottle (filled with H2O, conditioner and oil) to freshen up my curls. I’ve also noticed that by frequently sealing my ends, my hair styles last longer than ever (gotta love trial and error)! Although my hair stylist hates that I experimented with Henna, I love conditioning my hair with it. Like Alex, my hair color remained the same, just stronger and
slightly tinted.

What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

Most of my family and friends were initially shocked by my decision to go natural. For months my mom and girlfriends figured I would relapse on creamy crack O_o. Transitioning in the summer was a battle of its own, as I tried to work with having straight ends and curls of new growth. Throughout it all they were intrigued to see how I would pull it off. Thankfully, my family and friends, as well as websites like the this one, Kimmay Tube, naturalchica.com and curlynikki.com supported my natural resolution. As time passed, reactions changed from “why??” to “wow!” – with my mom and several of my girls deciding to become natural also.

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?

I began my natural journey on March 21, 2010. From that day forward, I stopped chemically straightening my hair. During my transition, flexi-rods and my flat-iron (heat damage, yikes!) became my go-to styling tools. I decided to cut my permed ends after transitioning for a year.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

On March 21, 2011, I finally saw my natural hair for the first time since elementary school and I’ve been in love ever since. I could not believe how malleable my hair was, as my stylist cut my transitioning hair, eventually converting it from a full curly fro to a voluminous blow out. It’s amazing how resilient our hair is, in fact, earlier this month, I pressed my hair for the first time and wore it straight for a few days. Missing my curls, I decided to spice up what has now become
boring for me – straight hair. I achieved a wavy and curly look by bantu knotting and pin curling it. Several days later, I looked forward to washing my hair in hopes my kinks and coils would return. Versatility at its finest!

Where can we find you on the web?

iTweet – @nykebacorinaldi
Tumblr – http://nevertooomuch.tumblr.com/

Anything EXTRA you want us to know?

Always remember that everyone’s mane is different, so what works for you may not work for someone else. Embracing our unique roots is key. Be patient with your hair and figure out what works best for you. I also encourage visiting YouTube and healthy hair websites that continue to cultivate our growing community. Thank you very much for inspiring so many of us Alex!