What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I started out natural until the age of 10 yrs old. I got my first relaxer at the age of 11 yrs. old. I choose to return back to my natural tresses on September 24, 2011. I didn’t like my relaxed hair because it was very thin. It never held a curl, and it would literally be stuck to my head from chemical burns. I didn’t want to go through that anymore so I chose to transition for 7 months from February 5, 2011 to September 24, 2011, and I did the big chop. I really enjoyed my short natural hair. It was so easy to manage. I just did wash n go’s. I am glad I have more length now because my twist outs last longer than it did when my hair was shorter. I’m so glad I chose to go natural.
How would you describe your hair?
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My hair texture is fine yet coarse at the same time. I believe my hair falls in the 4a category. The front of my hair has a looser curl pattern, and the back of my hair has a tighter curl pattern. My hair is also low porosity, and it takes forever and a day to dry.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
It was difficult at first and it gets easier as my hair gets longer. In the beginning of my natural journey I struggled to find what works for my hair, and it was dry all the time. I’ve finally found what works for my hair, and I stick with what works.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love the versatility of my hair. I can go from straight to curly to wavy to coily. It can go from a high puff one day to a big curly fro the next day. I can do so much with my natural hair. I love it.
What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
When my hair was short I only wore it out with a head band. Since my hair is longer I wear high buns, twistouts, braidouts, and flat twistouts. My favorite go-to style of them all is the high bun.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I’ve had nothing but positive reactions from my family and friends. My coworkers didn’t understand why I was going natural, and now they see my hair is healthier now than it was when I was relaxed.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair regimen consists of me doing a hot oil/deep conditioning treatment every week on Sunday using Shea Moisture Black Soap Purification Masque mixed with Olive Oil, Peppermint oil, and Tea Tree Oil followed by a clarifying cowash using VO5 Kiwi Lime Clarifying Conditioner. After I cowash I use a leave in conditioner by Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture conditioner or Kinky Curly Leave in conditioner. I use Eco Styler argan oil gel to lay my edges down. I always flat twist or regular two strand twist. I don’t do wash n go’s often because my curls get really tangled, and I get fairy knots. I choose to twist my hair in order to keep my hair stretched. Shrinkage is real!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
CurlyNikki.com is my favorite and is such an inspiring website. I also love http://www.tiashauntee.com/, http://www.thenhbdirectory.com/, ConfessionsofaBlogVixen.com, www.naturamagazineusa.com/, http://kinkykurlysistas.com/,http://naturalhairbeauty.blogspot.com/ I love lots of YouTubers the list goes on and on. If you type in natural hair in the Youtube search so many beautiful women with beautiful natural hair comes up. I try to watch them all when I have time!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I would like to say to all of the ladies out there if you are considering going natural do not let the negative opinions from others stop you. You will have people that don’t like your hair, but just let them know that you like it and that’s all that matters. When I did my big chop I had coworkers tell me they hated my hair, and now those same people are telling me they love my hair. People will always have negative opinions whether you are relaxed or natural. I pay them no mind. So if you are thinking about going natural go for it, and you won’t regret it. Love you the way you are naturally. We all are beautiful.
Where can people find you for more information?
I can be found on my YouTube channel named PiecesofNika:
Instagram: @MsNikaR
Twitter: @MsNikaR
