Hey! I’m Alicia from Guyana. I am a mother, a wife, a sister, and a natural hair junky. If I see a total stranger rocking her natural hair, I’m never shy to compliment her and smile.
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I transitioned in 2013. Everyone said that I was going to have to do the big chop; I didn’t. Being hard nosed as I am, I think every one is different and what worked for them might not for me. It’s all about knowing yourself and knowing what’s gonna work for you.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My family was very supportive. That made it easier I must say. Most of my friends were too, but even if they weren’t, it was something I needed to do. I felt confident enough embracing my natural hair, but most of all my hubby loves my natural hair. He prefers when I’m rocking it compared to when I’m using weaves. So, that part was easy. Most of my support was from my little sister. She was always motivating me. We all know some days we need it.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
The craziest thing I have ever done and my biggest hair regret would have to be the Dominican blow out which I did in December 2014. I sat there in that chair for hours smelling my hair burning and thought to myself, there’s no way this could be healthy for my hair. I vowed to never do it again.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
My hair routine depends on my mood. Mostly I try to use protective styling, but then I would miss my curls and get rid of the protective style sooner than planned. I call that my hair blues stage. I don’t use many products. I keep my routine quite simple. I wash once weekly depending on how much product built up I have that week. I find that my curls are more fluffy and versatile on a fresh head. I pre-poo with coconut oil, then I shampoo (which I only do once because don’t like stripping my hair) then I apply my steaming products. This consists of honey egg white coconut oil (which I prefer to keep refrigerated) along with Creame Of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment. I sit under my steam cap for thirty minutes then rinse it out and wrap it a t-shirt to let it dry. Then I begin finger combing it in sections applying the LOC method using African Pride or any of my favorite hair creams. I use the Argan oil leave in conditioner and my favorite oil is coconut oil. Then I braid or do a twist out depending on my mood. Then I use the small perming rods at the end to define my curls .
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush would be any one who fiercely rocks her curls. I get most of my hair tips and styles from of course CurlyNikki. I went on for tips and styles.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
My nightly routine is easy. I never sleep without my satin hair wrap and protect my ends either with braids or twist outs.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I always believe a healthy life style starts from within, so eat clean and light (mostly fruits and vegetables.) I drink lots of water and get eight hours of sleep at night. That is very important. Let nature take its course. Pay attention to what works for you.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
Being natural makes me look younger. It’s also a good feeling to not have to worry about your hair when the wind is blowing and not let your hair hold you back from enjoying life. My natural hair best suits my personality. It’s big and does what it wants and is very versatile. I don’t know to this day if I can label myself as a certain hair type because it has so many different textures. It feels like cotton or wool. I love it and that’s all that matters.
