Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I was a slow transitioner from heat damage. I have been natural my entire life. However, I used to straighten my hair daily. I was the girl that was obsessed with straight hair. As a child my mother would not let me get a perm (THANK YOU MOM)! I even carried a flat iron in my purse and anytime I found a wall outlet I used it. I know….that was pretty sad. My hair has always been at least bra-strap length. However, I started a healthy hair journey 4 years ago. It took a natural disaster to keep me away from all forms of heat on my hair. In May 2010 a flood hit Tennessee that devastated thousands of lives. I unknowingly knew the extent of the devastation while in my dorm in college. I had just finished washing my hair and intended to straighten my hair. However, I looked outside and realized that it was storming. Therefore, I didn’t see the point in spending hours straightening my hair just to have it puff out. So, I washed and conditioned my hair and let it air dry. At that moment I remembered that my hair was curly. From that point on I began a heat-free healthy hair journey. Although, I did not do a BIG CHOP, I faced my worse nightmare of cutting my hair off slowly over time. I did my research and dusted my ends for hours for months until all the heat damage was gone. I ultimately learned more about myself. I started taking better care of my health overall. Working out regularly, eating healthy and much more. I also learned to be patient. My hair was not going to be waist-length over night. I am consistently inspired by women like CurlyNikki, chime, longhairdontcare2011, taren916, kimmytube and many others. SO…THANK YOU! I am now a dedicated advocate of embracing and having a deep appreciation for my natural beauty. I now find myself expressing my style through my hair…AND I LOVE IT!
Had you always embraced your texture?
No I didn’t. I used to straighten my hair daily. I thought my hair needed to be straight to be accepted in corporate America. However, that falsehood has been shattered by many natural beauties that have inspired me to be a part of the natural beauty movement. I now wear my big kinky curly hair in the corporate world.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?
My family reacted positively, because they saw my confidence and healthy long hair. Therefore, my family began to consult me for hair tips for styling and how to retain length.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!
1. Water…Water…Water!
2. Co-wash with VO-5 ie: (I’m pretty lazy with washing my hair. I try to wash it weekly. I wash it in eight sections to prevent tangling) If I get tangles, I use a spray bottle with water, olive oil and conditioner to detangle.
3. Deep condition with Elasta QP intense treatment
4. Seal moisture in with olive oil and shea butter oil mix or doo-gro oil…(AND I’M NOT SURE IF DOO-GRO OIL MAKES YOUR HAIR GROW…BUT IT IS A GOOD OIL)
5. I stay away from mineral oil in products
6. I moisturize as needed….daily
7. I protective style at least four times a week i.e.: (any style that hide my ends)
8. Dust…Dust…Dust those ends!!!!!
How do you maintain your hair at night?
I do the pineapple with satin scarves to protect my hair from my pillow.
How do you maintain healthy length?
My hair is now tailbone length. I have maintained the length by protective styling and keeping my hair and especially my ends moisturized. I also make sure I cut off any spilt ends or damaged hair (dusting).
What’s the best thing about being curly?
The freedom of style that comes naturally. Curly hair is so versatile. I am able to embrace my natural beauty, which has elevated my confidence. I find myself caring less about what people think and more about how I feel and what makes me happy.
Where can folks find you on the web?
I am a part of the newly founded “frohappy”, an organization of young women encouraging the promotion of good health: mind, body and soul. Leading and educating the community on what it is to be natural.
We are on Facebook, instagram and twitter as @frohappy. If any readers have any questions please write on the frohappy facebook wall and I will respond…I promise!
