My name is Miranda Smith, and I’m from Detroit MI. I attend Wayne State University as a dance major. Besides loving dance, hair has always been another love of mine.
How long have you been natural?
I hit 8 months on April 28, 2014 and the time is really flying.
What motivated you to transition?
Here’s what happened. I have pretty much been through every style from sew in’s to quick weaves and different colors. I was coming to a point in my life where I just wanted something different to go with the transition that I was making in my life. I had no idea that the next thing for me would be to become natural. I pretty much had grown my hair out, then cut it into a bob and after a couple months, it wasn’t doing anything for me anymore. So I just rocked my hair in a wet ponytail as it grew out. As it was growing out, I was noticing my natural curls and I think I literally said, “awwwww sh*t!” when I realized it, lol. From here I became obsessed with YouTube videos and that was the beginning of me officially transitioning and I did this for about four months.
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I was a big chopper! After about 4 months or so, I went along and did my Big Chop. I was getting excited about my natural hair and frustrated at the same time (with the transition). I wasn’t a fan of how my hair was looking with the transitioning styles, like bantu knots, so I was literally just rocking a wet pony tail with eco styling gel. People were looking at my hair and assuming I was already natural and of course that just made me even more excited. I was auditioning for the Pistons Dance Team and had put in a sew-in to match what they were looking for with no intentions to even make it as far as I did. After being dismissed from the final round, I was down for a minute, then I was like, that wouldn’t have worked anyway. I took my sew-in out and cut off all my hair. The feeling was liberating, but at the same time I felt like “WTF did I just do” sorry, but those were my initial thoughts. I was crying and my hair looked nothing like the videos I had been watching. After buying products the next day, I was starting to feel more comfortable and my girlfriend was very supportive of the new look, so that helped. Over time I still was not completely comfortable, but I’ve fallen in love with my hair now.
How would you describe your hair?
Hmm, if I had to classify my hair I would say I’m a 4a, maybe a 4b. The more it’s growing the more I’m able to see what it looks life and can pretty much imagine what it’ll be like in the future, can you say excited?!
What do you love most about your hair?
My hair is extremely thick! My hair has always have been thick, even when I was relaxing.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey has been the reaction of others especially friends and family. I get it, they’re shocked when they see me, but their faces and their responses really show it. I would say it’s been easy and difficult. I think I have recently just passed the difficult phase of my journey. That would be the awkward stage of my hair, as well as the reaction amongst friends and family. Strangers not so much, they’ve never met me before so they’re like, “hey, your hair looks great” while others are like, “Omg Miranda! What did you do, you cut your hair?!”. I embrace it all though, lol!
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
As I stated before, me and transition styles didn’t really get along too much. I tried two strand twists, bantu knots… but my hair was still in this weird bob cut so it was a wash and pony/bun for me the entire 4 months! Now I love to wear hair in chunky twist outs. I’ve gotten some length so I just tried a braid out for the first time and this will be my go to style from now on lol.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My mother is a diva okay! I had to prepare her for my big chop and give her history and show her pictures as I proceeded with this transition and journey. She wasn’t happy about it but she came along and is actually thinking about starting over herself. I giggled so hard when I read that text.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I wouldn’t consider myself a product junkie. Every now and then I venture off, but when I find something that I like, I’ll continue to buy it. I don’t wash my hair with shampoo hardly ever. If I feel like I have some terrible build-up, then I’ll use Pantene’s shampoo, but other than that, I am co washing and deep conditioning with their products. With my deep condition I’ll add coconut oil and two strand twist for about an hour, if I have nothing to do I’ll deep condition overnight, LOVE IT!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I really enjoy the information on the curlynikki forum. As far as youtubers I originally started watching Yolanda Renee! She was and still is fabulous. I completely fell in love with Nikki Mae and Mini Marley on YouTube and I enjoy natural chica blog as well. When I’m not on YouTube I am hash tagging everything to do with natural hair which is how I came across the global couture blog and fell in love with this blog as well from the features of other naturals to the shirts!!!!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
If you’re really considering going natural, don’t be scared because people will adjust! If you’re already natural and you’re going through the awkward stage do not be discouraged! Rock it and own it!
Where can people find you for more information?
People can find me on Instagram @MirandaMoyy.
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