Tanika Ray with a blow-out
Then I found the right person to cut it. A Japanese phenom who is really great with razor cuts. My other stylist was about maintenance. So she would trim the ends, and he would cut it for the shape. He kept it choppy, no two strands were the same length, and it worked wonders. That is the only way to rock your fro—disheveled, asymmetrical, and choppy! I’m no “perfect fro” girl. His cuts changed my life! So fierce!
I rocked my hair like this for 6-7 years and I loved it. It got blonder and blonder and at some point, I got bored, even though I got so much love, especially from the sistas, which was so unexpected, and so appreciated. It was an amazing hair style, but you just can’t keep doing the same thing over and over. I was ready to grow my hair out, and that’s what I did! And maybe I’ll go back to that style one day.
CN: How do you feel about the natural hair movement?
TR: I love that so many people are experimenting with their natural hair because they’ve seen me on a television show, or Kim Coles, who I love and who just went natural, or any of the other natural hair celebs. I love that we’re inspiring each other to go outside of the box and know that you can look beautiful and at your best, without listening to the masses saying you have to be or look a certain way. So the natural hair movement thrills me to no end—we are empowering each other, rooting each other on and celebrating the results.
CN: How are you wearing your hair today?
TR: These days I’m wet-setting my hair. I’m working on a couple of projects and wanted versatility. I love embracing a more glam look but refuse to use heat in the form of curling irons and blow dryers if at all possible. I’m frequenting Dominican Hair salons. They have mastered the wet-set and my hair is looking awesome, awesome awesome!!!! It seems that wet-setting my hair is the healthiest way to preserve my hair color and health. I’m so excited to hear what the viewers will have to say about my hair when the shows air. Stay tuned! All I can say is that I’m having a total blast with my new projects and I can’t wait for everyone to see them and my hair!
CN: Tell me how you style your hair when you’re not working?
TR: I wash and go as often as I can. If I’m not working, I am “hair in a bun.” I’m talking right out of the shower, put a little product in it, Moroccanoil, Aveda Be Curly, roll it up in a bun to generate those curls, and put it on top of my head and go. That’s kind of my everyday look. And it can be chic from time to time, with the right earrings and lip gloss! [Laughter]. In the winter, I love letting my hair dry this way. Sometimes I’ll wash my hair the night before and sleep with my hair in the high bun, and in the morning when I let it down, it’s gorgeous. This technique works for me because it straightens the back and the sides so that the curls hang a little looser. It’s little tips like this that I’ve picked up along the way that really help. For the most part if I’m not working, I am curly wash and go. I’m talking the easiest possible process ever.
CN: I heard you say you like Moroccanoil and Aveda Be Curly. Any other must-haves?
TR: Another must have is Living Proof. It seems to lock in the curl and keep the frizz down. I really like it. It’s not too expensive, so you can experiment with it. I recommend everyone try it at least once. Which reminds me—us curly girls, we’re all so different. What works for some doesn’t work for all. No two curlies are alike! And it’s so funny, when we see each other, even complete strangers will touch each others’ hair and share product tips. It’s an easy conversation that will perk up our day!
Follow Tanika Ray on Twitter @tanikaray.
