Natasha Is Naturally Glam!

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was a transitioner, I transitioned for a year. During that year I wore braids and extensions. My journey was kind of hard because I could not find a stylist who could properly handle the two different textures. I think I lost a lot of hair during that process because the stylist was not good at detangling, or would use a small tooth comb on my hair. So in 2010 I decided to cut all of the perm out of my hair.

Had you always embraced your texture?
In the beginning I did not embrace my texture. My hair was thick and super kinky and dry. I had no idea of how to moisturize it, maintain it or style it. But I found websites like CurlyNikki, NaturallyCurly, and of course YouTube and that made me fall in love with my hair texture.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
At first, they were a little negative. I was told that I was going to lose all of my hair. I was called names like Africa, or Erykah Badu. My response was to simply ignore them, because I knew once they saw how long and healthy my hair was going to be, they would change their tune lol! And they did once my hair started to grow. I learned some new styles. I was always and still receiving compliments on my hair.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is very thick, and kinky. It gets extremely dry pretty quickly, so it is a hassle to keep it moisturized. I also suffer from a dry scalp, which needs to be moisturized and oil twice a week. My hair sucks up water fast. My crown is shorter than the back of my head, and softer than the back too. The back really shrinks more than the front when wet.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
Nothing yet!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest hair regret was going to an Egyptian salon and letting them straighten my hair. They were so rough and used so much heat. It was ridiculous. I mean they used a very hot blow dryer, and then flat-ironed it extremely careful, and then curled it. The end results were gorgeous. My hair was bone straight, but when I washed it, the front part of my hair no longer curled. It just laid there limp and flat. Some parts of my hair lost its curl pattern. I was really upset because I love my curl pattern. My hair has been straighten before, but my curl pattern was restored. So, now I am doing my best to get my hair back in its healthy state. So no more heat for a long time.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I have done my best to keep my routine as simple as possible. So here it is. I wash my hair every two weeks and preferably on a Sunday. I detangle first. So I spray the sections of my hair with water mixed with conditioner. My favorite VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream Conditioner. I apply coconut oil first then spray the section and then detangle it with a wide tooth comb. I usually have about eight sections. After that I wash my hair with SheaMoisture Coconut and Hisbiscus Shampoo- it leaves my hair extremely soft. Next is the deep conditioner Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie or Organics Hair Mayonnaise. My favorite leave-in is Aphogee Curlific Moisture Rich Leave-in or Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask. My favorite styling products are SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and my absolute favorite Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercream. I keep it simple when it comes to styling twist-outs, buns, and braids.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
My favorite hairstyle is a twist-out, I love how my curls look after I take my two-strands twists out. I usually put about four braids on each side of my head, two-strand twist the rest. The next day take the twists out, and put the front in a pompadour. I get my hairstyle inspiration from YouTube (my favorite is TheChicNatural & Naptural85) and Google of course.

Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is Naptural85. Her hair is gorgeous, and her videos are so informative and funny.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I put them in loosely two-strand twists, or either a bun and wrap a satin scarf around my head.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I try to keep my hands out of my hair but it is hard because I love changing my hair up. I drink lots of water, and take multi-vitamins. I do not over-manipulate my hair, and I incorporate protective styling. Always putting water and oils on my hair.

What’s the best thing about being natural?
That I am not afraid of the rain. I literally like walking in the rain now, and of course the versatility.