Hey beautiful naturals! My name is Tamsy (IG:mynaturalhigh), I am a Nigerian-American born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am 21 years old and a full time nursing student.
How long have you been natural?
This has always been a tough question for me to answer because I’m not sure if I should add the transitioning stage or not, lol (but I normally do add it). So I started to transition in June 2010 and FINALLY chopped the remaining perm off in June 2011 (what a relief). So I guess I have been natural for3 years (includes transitioning stage).
Read On!>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I have always loved natural hair, but don’t get me wrong I did also love the creamy crack. The thing that made me want to transition from perm to natural was the fact that my hair had terrible split ends and I would frequently need a trim. It seemed as if my hair growth was at a stand still and it would not grow past the top of the shoulders. So I decided to try something different, THAT’S IT, NO MORE PERMS! I first started to experiment with transitioning to natural hair my senior year of high school 2008-2009, BUT, I had no clue of what I was doing. My hair was so rough and hard for the first few months, I could barely comb it. So I decided to put the creamy crack back in, lmao! During my Sophomore year of college I decided to look more into natural hair and did my research on products. I would be on Youtube for HOURS to days just watching product reviews and hair tips/styles to give me some type of help. I decided to transition instead of big chop simply because I thought I had a big head and a short hair style wouldn’t look right on me. But mainly I was terrified to just BC.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My hair journey was a little hard in the beginning. I really didn’t know what to do or how to style it. I would sit and watch Youtube videos all day wishing that my hair would look like others. During my transitioning stage I mainly wore “wash and gos” and “bantu knot outs” and when I look back at those pictures, it looked a hot mess, but I rocked it at the time because I thought it was cute on me, lol. My natural hair journey has gotten easier along the way. I’ve learned plenty of things that I didn’t know before about natural hair such as Co-washes, single strand knots, and sealing my ends. I’m loving this journey as it progress and I never want it to end.
Do you think its harder to be permed or natural?
My belief on the perm vs. natural is that both of there maintenance is one the same level. Natural hair can get as much damage as permed/processed hair and vice versa. It all depends on how well the person takes care of their hair no matter what state it is in. Everyone have the chance to have healthy hair, only if you are willing to take care of it properly. Natural hair isn’t better than permed hair, and permed hair isn’t better than natural hair. Everyone hair is beautiful and its own way. So stop the fighting “Perms” and “Naturals”, this isn’t a war. =]
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experience as a natural has been pretty good. I always get compliments about my hair styles and people always ask me what products I use and how I achieve my styles. The reactions of my family and friends were quite positive of my new hair change. They really loved the volume, texture, and curls of my hair. I even inspired some of my family members and people around me to go natural.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My new hair regimen (which I totally love) is doing a two strand twist using the L.O.C method. The LOC method means Leave-in-conditioner, Oils, and a Cream of your choice. Before I do a twist out, I wash my hair with Pantene’s Natural Shampoo and Deep Conditioner, while washing, I detangle my hair. After all of that is done, I part my hair in sections and begin twisting with my favorite products which are, O’pro Leave in Conditioner Curl Vitalizer, African Best’s Herbal Oil, and Pantene’s Defining Curls Styling Custard.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Hmmm… I have a list of youtubers that i just LOVE! Just to name a few of my fav you tubers: iknowlee, Msdanti (love her hair and makeup-BOMB), MyNaturalSistas, and liquidlinerlover (Beauty by Lee). One of my favorite natural hair websites is CurlyNikki, Im pretty sure majority of naturals know who that itlol.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Hey all naturals out there or soon to be naturals, I just want yall to know that this journey is going to be a very wonderful journey. Embrace your natural beauty and love the person you are. Don’t let anyone discourage you from what YOU want to do. It may be a little tough in the beginning but it wont be tough for long. Don’t have hair envy, love who you are and ROCK YOUR MANE TO THE FULLEST!
Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram/twitter- @mynaturalhigh
