Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)
Slow, for sure! When I decided to go back natural, I chose to transition. I was tempted to BC many times along the way, but I never did. I transitioned for about 15 months before I finally did the Big Chop. Now that I think back on it, I feel I transitioned because it felt safer. The person I am today would BC in a minute if I could go back.
Had you always embraced your texture?
Honestly, I never paid attention to my texture. I didn’t think about whether my hair was straight, curly, kinky, or whatever else. I was natural for a majority of my life and didn’t even know that’s what it was called. I definitely embrace my hair now though. Your hair knows when you love it, and it reacts!
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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 honestly had a lot of jokes when I first decided I was going to go natural and still do to this day. My family is very comedic, so it was expected. I’ve been called Celie and every other name you can think of. It’s all in fun, but they really support my decision.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
Definitely thick and coarse! If you’re talking Hair Types, I range from Type 3 to Type 4. I have anywhere from 3B-4A. My hair is Type 3B and 3C at the front of my head and in the crown area, with 4A being mostly around my edges. As for porosity, my hair is low porosity for sure. I’m currently working on a regimen for low porosity sufferers like me. I’ll be making a video for that soon.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!
Currently, I wash my hair about once every 5-7 days. I pre-poo it with Shea Moisture’s Deep Treatment Masque, before shampooing and conditioning it with their Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner. My go-to hairstyle is a braid out. I use a range of oils like Jojoba, Argan or even EVOO to seal the moisture in my hair. I then use Kinky Curly’s Leave-In Conditioner or Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk to seal in the oil. This is all due to me changing up my regimen and using the LOC method. The most important thing about the products I use is the ingredients. Anything that contains parabens, formaldehyde or any other harmful chemicals doesn’t get used often.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Most of the time my hair is in a protective style, like a braid out, twist out or rod set of some sort. So what I usually do is add an oil of my choice (usually Jojoba) to my ends and I lightly massage my scalp before putting my hair up into the Pineapple. I usually wear a Satin Bonnet or scarf, but I’m making a switch to a Satin Pillow case.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I don’t ever worry about length. Length is really unimportant to me. Am I anxious to see my growth over the years? Yes. But my main focus is making sure my hair is healthy, no matter what length it is.
What’s the best thing about being curly?
The best thing about being curly is the versatility. I can do so many styles with my hair. I can go super kinky, try loose curls, tight curls, straight; all of the above. I love it!
Where can folks find you on the web?
For videos, you can find me on my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/SamirahGilly.
As far as interaction and communication @SAMIRAHxGILLY on Instagram and http://SAMIRAHxGILLY.Tumblr.com.
