Read On!>>>
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since 2009. Right now, I’m in the TWA stage again. This time I’ll just let it grow. Last time I loc’d up (I cut the locs last summer in June). I probably got called Lauryn Hill everyday, lol still do at times! I loved my locs! But I got tired of them and desperately wanted a Fro… So, HERE WE GO!
What motivated you to go natural?
Chicago motivated me the most. I was in a new environment. I felt youthful and fun and vibrant and grown. I felt like nothing could stop me. I was seventeen! I changed my mind everyday, my thoughts were running wild! Once I got heavy into tumblr and natural hair blogs I was like, oh yeah it’s a wrap! I’m starting over. I didn’t have time to transition. I wanted out.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is thick as wool, soft as cotton and rich like honey! I LOVE IT! My little curls spring up like budding little plants. It’s so much healthier now. It’s so strong and vibrant! It’s ME!
What do you love most about your hair?
I love my texture! I’ve got this wavy, kinky, curly thing going on. Different parts of my head have different textures. It’s so thick and full of life. I love my texture.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
The most memorable part of my journey was everyone’s initial shock after my first big chop! I had folks really messed up. I’ve always been able to rock any hair length but the fade was crazy! My journey’s been pretty easy. I learned early on that my hair loves oil and water. Since I know what it likes it’s a LOT easier to manage and care for my little growing mane.
What are your favorite hairstyles?
I loved my box braids. My twists were pretty fun too. They came down to the middle of my thighs lol! Solange inspired me! I was so grand! I loved them. I love doing plaited bantu knots too! The curl I get from that style is craaaaazy! And of course my twist outs are ALWAYS super fun!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My most memorable experience kinda makes me cry when I think about it. My boyfriend loved my locs and I was kinda nervous to tell him I was thinking about cutting them. I finally told him and I prepared myself for what he might say but his reaction was like something from a movie. He told me it was my hair and I was his queen so it didn’t matter what I did, I would always be beautiful! *falls out sobbing* shout out to my pooh!
What is your hair regimen?
My regimen’s rather simple.
Morning: spritz with water, cover ends with raw unrefined coconut oil, run a generous amount of Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm over my whole head, finger my Fro out and go!
Night: apply Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp and edges, put a conditioner cap on, wrap a silk scarf over that and sleep!
Every Weekend: Deep condition with a mix I made. It includes 3 bananas, coconut oil, olive oil, and honey. I made a lot so I can continue to use it week after week. I cover my hair with a conditioner cap and let it sit for a few hours or sometimes over night. Afterward I rinse it out and then style.
Right now I’m not using shampoo I use Cantu’s clarifying co-wash. And once a month I clean my hair with Pure Apple Cider Vinegar. It removes AAAALLLL product build up.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I just want to let all my natural black women know they are BEAUTIFUL our hair is our livelihood ladies. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different. Rock it how you wanna! I see way too much hair shaming and curl typing going on. Let’s just LIVE and lift one another as we go.
Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram: @saralarece
Twitter: @ShhQueensTalkin Tumblr: thebigwhiteroom.tumblr.com
