My name is Allison aka Cinni. I’m a blogger/vlogger, born in the 305 (Miami), raised in the 876 (Jamaica) and now live in the land of Harry Potter (UK).
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for most of my life. Recently though, for around 3 and a half years.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
Well I was more of a Big Chopper but I did transition for 9 months. I was motivated by my own hair. Like I said I’ve been natural most of my life and I missed having the big wild hair I knew for most of my life. I wasn’t aware that I had curls but my sister (who had transitioned years before) encouraged me to do it, so I did. I wanted to be a long term transitioner like Chime of HairCrush, at least make it to a year but I got fed up dealing with the two textures and I really wanted to see my curls!
Read On!>>>
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable? Not sure. Lies, lol. Right after I did my BC, I went back to my dorm, hopped in the shower and co washed my TWA. Felt liberating.
It has been both easy and difficult. With the help of websites like CurlyNikki, BGLH and various other blogs, I found information to help me along the way. It was difficult because I never had short hair before, so that was something I had to deal with, sometimes I didn’t feel beautiful (not because my hair wasn’t straight but the length)… figuring out how to wear it and so on.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
I sucked at transitioning, lol, but I would always rock a bantu knot out. That was the only hairstyle that helped blend both textures. I really just love wearing my hair out, all wild and whatnot. Either that or a bun. Simple, easy to do.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Well most people (family) would ask me if I ever comb it, lol.. Friends would ask me if I ever plan on creaming it (relaxing) again and I’d go, ‘nope’! The most popular question has been “So what you plan on doing with it?” As if my hair is a life plan or something. I just plan on letting it be! Other than that, family and friends love my hair.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I typically wash my hair weekly, biweekly if I can’t be bothered. I shampoo everytime I wash it with Shea Moisture Deep Cleansing Shampoo because I have eczema and this poo really helps with that. I detangle before hand with Tresemme Naturals Conditioner on dry hair. I deep condition after cleansing with a DIY deep condition with the Tresemme as a base with oils and honey mixed in or Aphogee 2 MIN Keratin Reconstructor for a protein fix.
Now I use SM Restorative Conditioner as a leave in and seal with Karen’s Body Beautiful Heavenly Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter. I tend to put my hair in braids then pull them out whenever I feel like it. That’s the typical regimen when I’m in the UK. Totally different if I decide to do a wash n go or when I’m in Florida.
Coconut oil is and will always be a favorite of mine. I think I could live with that and water alone. Oh and anything by Shea Moisture, their products rock. I’m like an unofficial brand ambassador for them lol, always spreading the gospel about them.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My faves are CurlyNikki, BGLH, KisforKinky for websites.
Blogs – NaturalBelle, United Kinkdom, Hi-Imcurrentlyobsessed
Youtubers – Naptural85, MahoganyCurls, CoilScrewy
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Love what God gave you. Looking at pics on the net, bloggers & vloggers for inspiration is great but don’t wish you had their hair or try desperately to get their hair.
Embrace whatever grows out of your head!
Where can people find you for more information?
Well you can find me on my blog candidcinni.blogspot.com
Youtube Instagram @CandidCinni
