CN: How long have you been Natural?
M: I have been 100% Natural for a little over 1 year (14 months)!
Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a short term transitioner. I transitioned for 6 months. I chose to transition because I didn’t know what my natural hair texture was! I wanted to get reacquainted with my curls and do plenty of research before choosing whether I wanted to continue transitioning or do the Big Chop.
When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
I did my 1st Big Chop in June 2011. During the transitioning process I used heat on my hair to blend the two textures. I didn’t know much about heat damage at the time so when I did my BC, I had MAJOR heat damage. I then did my 2nd Big Chop in July 2011 and cut my natural hair which was about 6 inches at the time down to 1/2 inch!!!!
How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
There were plenty of haters and even family members ridiculed me, but I decided that it wasn’t about what made them happy; it was about what made ME happy. I didn’t want to hide behind the “Creamy Crack” and live a “LYE”…..I wanted to rock what God gave me and be proud to say that I am Natural: Take me as I am!!
What was your transition routine?
I did a lot of Braid-Outs, Twist-Outs and Blow-Out’s. During the transition process I used: Shea Moisture ORSB MR Shampoo, Herbal Essences – Hello Hydration Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner, Coconut Oil and Avocado Butter….just to name a few!! LOL (PJ) 🙂
I would shampoo, condition and deep condition my hair. I would then apply the leave-in conditioner of choice and seal my ends with Coconut Oil. Then I would do my style of choice!
What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I would say that my staple hair style was Braid-Outs. I also had to use small sized rollers at the ends to keep the pattern throughout!
Why did you choose to go natural?
My children! I have 4 kids and they ALL have beautiful natural curls!
What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
My children & my Hubby! They have been my strongest support system! When you surround yourself with positive and supportive people whether it’s family or friends, it makes you feel that much more positive and supportive of yourself!
What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
If it seems that you run into a dead end and say “I can’t’, take a breather and reassure yourself that You Can! Ask for help. Ask a family member, consult with a natural hair beautician, ask a friend, search websites, look at YouTube videos and most of all, DON’T QUIT!
You Can Find Me At:
Blog/Website: http://www.MamaNaturalista.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mamanaturalista
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MarisolCorrea
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MarisolC79
Instagram: @MamaNaturalista
I believe in giving honor where it is due. I just showed my mother and sister your photos and they are impressed! Just followed you on Twitter( I am the image with cupcakes )
Thank you love!
Awww, thank you soooooo much! *blushes* You are so sweet! MUAH!!!! <3
I just realized that I saw you at the Tracee Ellis Ross /Curly Nikki event two weeks ago. I admired you from afar. People,this lady looks WAAAAY hotter in person than these pics will ever give credit for!
You and your kids are beautiful 🙂
I know right.
I had haters my grandmother and aunt I was sad about but I realized that I am going to do me. I liked that she was motived by her hubby and children.
Sometimes family can hate on you worse than anyone else. Glad you understood that it was for you and not anyone else. Your hair looks great and your babies are adorable!
I agree with the statement to surround yourself with supportive, positive people. I do this anyway because whatever happens in life, they will always be there for you.
I agree! I want to look like her when I grow up! lol
Wow! **nothing else to say**
That's awesome!
Exactly! Damn
I second the 4 kids?! comment. I have one and… I'ma just need to get like you, rofl!!! Your hair and your family are beautiful. Love the intent behind your transition.
Awww, thanks Pamela!!!!! <3 <3 MUAH 🙂
GO Marisol!!!!!!!! You look amazing! Love it!!!
Thank you so much! <3 <3
Gorgeous curls and great message for the kids! You look AMAZING!
Ha, ha…You are too cute! Thank you so much! *blushes*
Awww, thanks! <3
Thank you – No prob, anytime! 🙂 That's awesome, having a great support system always helps! Congrats on your Natural Hair Journey!
Thank you! xoxo
Thank you very much! I workout 5 days a week. I do Boxing, Cardio, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Running and Weight Training! WHEW, I also run behind my kids too…that helps! LOL
LOL Thank you! Spanx are my best friend! Ha, ha…
*blushes* Awww, thank you!
Ha, ha…LOL Aww, thank you so much! It's a whole lot of working out and STRESS! 🙂 I run around my kids 24/7, they keep me on my toes! <3 <3 Thank you so much Nikki!
Initially, I wanted to comment on how gorgeous your hair is, but can we talk about how you, a mother of four looks so damn fabulous! All around beauty. You go girl!
This is the first thing I said to her when I met her at the event. I was like… 4 kids?! What the what?!
Good interview!
Right, I was going to comment on her hair and growth which is FYRE!!- then I saw the pic in the dress and just had to sum it up as AMAZING!
I second that emotion! Marisol, you are one hot mama! 🙂 What is your work out routine? Your hair looks fab by the way. Love that twist out in the last frames. You have great growth too.
I'm thinking the same thing! I'm trying to focus on her hair, but can't stop staring at that flat tummy lol.
Your hair is gorg-ois and your kids are just soooooo adorable!!! Thanks for the encouragement… I'm entering my 8th month and hoping to go another year before I BC. The support helps a whole lot and I've had lots of support form my friends and family.
Awesome post Nikki!
4 kids?! You look amazing!!