I have been natural for 18 months. I am 25 months post relaxer.
Did you transition or big chop?
I transitioned for nearly 7 months. From Nov. 8, 2010 to June 04, 2011.
Did you always like/embrace/appreciate your hair texture?
Well, as a child I had natural hair. I appreciated the hard work my mom did to take care of my natural hair and keep it long and above all healthy. Then I had my first relaxer when I was 12 years old. I just wanted to join the relaxed hair crowd. 🙂 A couple of years ago… I was very inspired by other naturals and those who were transitioning to natural. I had a desire to go back to embracing MY natural texture as well. And that’s how my transition began. Once I big chopped my hair was VERY dry. So, I had to do some work getting my moisture level up where it should be. But after that I was able to really enjoy my natural hair. I have never regretted my decision. I love it!
My hair routine is as follows:
I cowash. In the summer I was cowashing weekly. Now that we are in the cooler months I go anywhere from 10-15 days between my cowashes. My favorite conditioners to cowash with are Aussie Moist, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or Suave Shea Butter & Almonds. I shampoo once a month. On the days I wash my hair I use a old cotton T-Shirt to wrap around my head and soak up excess water from my hair for a few minutes. Then I apply my leave in (usually Giovanni Direct or Garnier Sleek & Shine), a small amount of oil (usually EVOO) and oil and massage my scalp. After that I grab a medium sized section of hair, detangle the section with my Denman brush and two strand twist my hair with Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. I continue doing so until my entire head is done. I moisturize daily. I colored my hair recently…so, I deep condition more often now. I don’t do a full blown blowout on my hair (like in my blowout pic) very often. It’s just too drying if I did it too often. However, I do gently blowdry occasionally. And when I do so… I don’t blowdry it completely. Maybe about 75% dry. Just enough to stretch my hair… but not bone dry…if that makes sense…lol. I use the tension method.
Night time routine?
I moisturize and retwist my hair nightly. I usually spritz my hair with my water/aloe vera juice/oil mix and then two strand twist my hair with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It doesn’t take me more than 15 minutes usually…so, I don’t mind. Besides…my hair would probably have a tantrum if I didn’t. LOL!
What’s your favorite thing about being natural?
My favorite thing about being natural is that it’s just ME. And it’s alot of fun to express who I am with my natural hair.
Where can we find you on the web?
I don’t have my own blog or youtube channel… although I am thinking about starting a blog. I don’t know for sure yet though. However, I am a member of a hair forum called Hairlista. You can find out much more about my hair journey there. Member name: inspired mommy.
Anything else to add?
I just want to add that I love your site Nikki! I browse/read it nearly daily! 🙂 I’ve learned so much from the site. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my hair story. It’s an honor. And for those who are transitioning or newly natural…don’t give up! It gets easier with time and is so worth the journey. Love YOUR texture!! It’s beautiful!
