What’s your biggest hair related regret?
There was one time I went to a Dominican hair salon (my first visit”> to get my hair pressed, and upon washing it the week later, I noticed the texture of my hair had started to change – it was beyond porous and broke off at the ends, which really worried me because I didn’t want to lose my curls. I never knew what the stylist did or what products she used, but I learned a huge lesson about salon visits – there is no “one size, fits all”. While it was an awful experience, it prompted me to take action and start taking better care of my hair.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My parents are avid supporters of the natural hair movement and have always wanted me to embrace my hair just the way it is. My dad used to have dreadlocks and now has a curly fro, and my Asian mom, both taught me to love my curly hair. They were definitely happy to see me rock my curls. My aunt did a big chop over a year ago, and she looks so beautiful!
There was one incident in high school where a teacher told me I “really needed to just brush my hair” which bothered me for a while, but I made sure not to let his ignorance get me down. I take a lot of pride in my hair because it represents all the people who have come together before me and I know that I am enough all on my own.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
I try not to really mess with my hair to the best of my ability, so I would say the craziest thing I’ve ever done was getting blonde highlights about three years ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I found it just dried out the parts that were treated and I had to patiently wait until they grew out.
Who is your curl crush?
I have many – Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, Lianne La Havas and Christina Santini are all hair inspirations for me! Shameless Maya is also one of my inspirations – she’s my kindred spirit, an Afro-Filipina!
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Because I use a silk pillowcase to retain moisture, I sometimes opt to simply put my hair in a top knot, or use the hooded headband to keep my curls nice.
How do you maintain healthy length?
It’s important to trim your hair every few months to remove some of the dead ends and leave your hair space to grow. I also think girls who go natural should try to get their hair steamed when they can because it really helps to lock in the moisture. I find that right after I get my hair steamed, it feels softer than what I could do on my own with just conditioner.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
The best part about being natural is the carefree nature of my hair and though it takes a lot of work to maintain, I enjoy being able to not worry about my hair against the weather. I also love the length that I can achieve by wearing my hair natural, and that I always feel like I’m just being me!
There’s an incredible sense of freedom that comes with embracing your natural hair – it’s truly empowering when you no longer feel like you have to conform and look like everyone else.
Where can folks find you on the web?
I should have my website up soon, but in the meantime, you can check out my song, “Out Of Breath” on soundcloud – “n-a-k-a-y-a”.
This post was originally published on CurlyNikki.
