Tell me about yourself!
I’m a 37 year old divorcee. I have a 7 year old son and work full time. I first decided to go natural in 2010. My last relaxer was in March of 2010. I was inspired by my best friend who started her journey back in 2007. I loved her hair, and I was tired of my relaxed hair. Relaxers were not fun for me.
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper?
I transitioned for about 14 months. I wasn’t very knowledgeable on the best way to transition. I transitioned by getting my hair blown out and flat ironed. I had my hair cut a few inches every couple of months.
What was your journey like?
While transitioned I didn’t do my own hair. I went to a hair stylist every 2 weeks and she was the one who had to fight with combing the two textures. It didn’t get too bad until the weather got hot, but I only had to deal with it for a couple of months.
Had you always embraced your texture?
Embracing my texture has been a work in progress. When I initially cut the rest of my relaxer off it was an adjustment to seeing my hair not straight. Now I love my hair.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
For the most part most people were supportive. Some people were like OMG why did you cut all your hair off? I was like, it is just hair and it will grow back. I had a few friends and family members state that they couldn’t go natural and are natural now!
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is pretty thick and not fine but not coarse. Humidity is not my hair’s friend.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style?
I wash my hair every 1-2 weeks depending on product buildup/dandruff. I deep condition my hair at least twice a month. Every time I wash my hair I two strand my twist my hair. I do twist outs, puffs, and buns. I am pretty simple in the styling department. The products I love are anything from SheaMoisture, CoCo Curls, Alikay. I also love Dove’s Crème Serum as a moisturizer.
What’s your favorite hairstyle?
I love a good twist out! But it always looks better to me after I twist it again. And you can always change up a twist out by pulling up on the side or the back, adding a braid or barrette.
Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I love YouTube of course! I watch videos there to give me ideas.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
I always wear a satin bonnet or scarf. If I need more moisture or definition, I will retwist my hair with a moisturizer or pineapple it.
How do you maintain healthy length?
Deep conditioning often, keep it moisturized and getting my hair trimmed.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
Wearing your hair natural allows so much versatility. You can wear it curly or straight. No chemical burns. Less time at the beauty salon.
Where can folks find you on the web?
On twitter @alwayskyshia On Instagram toomuchkysh.
