My name is LaMeika but most people call me LaLa, usually easier for people to remember. I’m 28 and live in Boston. I actually didn’t intentionally decide to go natural. It was really kind of by accident, I had cut my hair in 2010 but wore tracks for fullness, so this was when I was still relaxed. Then as my hair grew out of my cut, I started wearing full weaves as opposed to just tracks. Then I thought to myself is there really a point in getting my hair relaxed since I never really wore my own hair out anyway. So at this point, I only relaxed the hair that was left out, not my entire head. Then I saw how fast my hair was growing and started researching on how to take care of my natural hair. I saw a lot of info on Youtube mostly and was intrigued by all the products that were available because there wasn’t much catered to our natural hair some years ago. It made me want to embrace my hair, though I knew it would take a while because I’ve never been one to really love my hair, unfortunately. I’m still learning to love it.
How long have you been natural?
Well, my last relaxer was 9/3/11. I transitioned for a year and then I cut off my remaining relaxed ends.
Read On!>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
Well after recognizing how much faster and stronger my hair was without relaxing it, that’s what really motivated me to stop relaxing my hair. I transitioned. I was too scared to big chop.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is a lot like me, stubborn and very hard to tame, lol!
What do you love most about your hair?
I love the thickness of my hair.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part was actually comparing all the pics from start to now because I haven’t seen my hair look this good (healthy and the growth I’ve retained) in so long. It definitely hasn’t been easy and it still isn’t, but l’m learning as time goes on.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I actually don’t wear my hair out to often but when I do I like to wear my puff or style my hair in two strand or flat twists.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural.’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from friends and family, even strangers off the street. My mother always tells me how much my hair has grown (it’s hard for me to tell) and that’s always great to hear since I felt like it was very hard for me to retain growth when I was relaxed.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I wash my hair every 3 weeks. I use creme of nature argan oil moisture & shine shampoo, giovanni wellness system conditioner, and organics root stimulator hair mayonnaise. My favorite product is coconut oil, I have really dry hair/scalp and my hair stays moisturized. I usually combine the oil with organic root stimulator olive oil hair lotion or hawainn silky. Oh and I detangle my hair with kinky curly knot today.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Some of my favortie Youtubers are 007newnew, Haircrush, Iknowlee, Mahoganyknots, Msvaughntv, my natural sistas, naptural85, Nikkimae2003, SimplYounique, Taren Guy, TheChicNatural, and whoissugar.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
When embracing your hair, it may take a lot of time and patience. Everyone’s hair is different and the paths we go down are as well. You may not fall in love with it right away, it may even take years, but if you treat it right, it will be worth it in the long run. “What matters the most is how you see yourself.”
Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on IG: CoCoChannelle
