Tell me about yourself!
Hey lovelies! My name is Charity. I’m an adventure loving free spirit from the gorgeous Caribbean island of Antigua. I’m working on finishing a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad, yet, unfortunately, all my favorite foods are fried! Besides heading out on adventures favorite, my hobbies include surfing the net and reading murder mysteries. I’ve been natural for one year and six months and I’m definitely excited for my two year anniversary!
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I big chopped! Actually I went natural by accident. Here’s the condensed version! After an absolutely horrible experience with at home color my relaxed hair started to fall out! Most of the damage was at the sides and back so I shaved those areas and rocked kinky twists on the remaining hair. It was fierce and edgy! Absolutely loved it! A few months, while taking out the twists I realized how thick and healthy my roots were compared to the relaxed ends so I grabbed a scissor and cut the stringy damaged ends off! Only after did, I realized that by doing that I’d gone natural!
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My journey has been and still is a learning experience. I’ve learned so much about my hair, myself and those I surround myself with. It hasn’t been easy and I’ve made mistakes but I’m so grateful for all of it! Returning natural definitely helped improve my self-confidence!
Had you always embraced your texture?
Honestly, before I went natural I was that girl. The “my hair is too nappy/dry/thick to go natural” girl. As child society taught me that all of those things were bad and nothing my mama or daddy said could make me believe differently. Now the thing I love most about my hair is its thick, coily nature!
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My mother was thrilled! My friends and family were super supportive; quite a few of them were already natural and gave tons of great tips and suggestions.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
It’s on the 4c end of the spectrum. I’ve got fine strands in the front and coarser hair towards the back. My hair is pretty thick except for the temple area. I keep getting different results when I do porosity test so I’ve given up for now!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
I live for shaved sides and under cuts, but have decided to try growing my hair out for a few years.
What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest hair related regret is living for so many years with the belief that my thick, coily hair was ugly and wearing it in its natural state would be inappropriate and cause me to be perceived as less beautiful.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
Currently I’m on a six month protective style challenge. So I protective style for 4-6 weeks; I spritz my hair with a water and conditioner mix daily and clean my scalp, moisturize and seal weekly. Then I remove the protective style, do a hot oil treatment, cleanse, deep condition and rock my natural hair for a week or two before putting in another style.
When not protective styling I do a hot oil treatment, cleanse and deep condition every two weeks, moisturize and seal weekly and spritz with the water conditioner mix daily. I’ll do a protein treatment every few months.
My absolute favorite products are Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in conditioner, DIY African Black Soap Cleanser, DIY Shea Butter Mix and a variety of oils especially Coconut oil, JBCO, Olive oil, peppermint oil and rosemary oil. My hair loves oils!
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
There are so many great ones! Probably a high puff with a French braid in the back or yarn braids if I’m protective styling. The best places to get style inspiration are from the either residents of Instagram or YouTube.
Who is your curl crush?
Wow! This is another hard one! Probably Cipriana Quann from Urban Bush Babes (her up do’s are amazing!) and Asha from NaturallyHigh.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Very lightly mist with water and cover with a satin bonnet.
How do you maintain healthy length?
Adequate moisture, occasional dusting sessions and low manipulation styles.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
The versatility and not getting burned by relaxers!
Where can folks find you on the web?
Instagram: instagram.com/chari_luv
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeepFriedStilettos
Website: www.deepfriedstilettos.com
I’ve also very recently started a YouTube channel so I’d be thrilled if you came and checked it out!: www.youtube.com/channel/UCyZID7ZmuIxLil2gNaPsbpA
