NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
TB: My must-haves are Tresemmé Naturals Conditioner, Organix Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Cantu Leave-In Conditioner, a blend of Shea butter, EVOO, grapeseed and coconut oil, and a wide tooth comb.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
TB: I like simplicity. I love my wash-and-gos and after my curls get too old and frizzy or when I’m too lazy, a messy bun is my next favorite. I will also do a side braid or side bun. Nothing special, just simple and quick. I’ve worn a fishtail braid to the side a time or two, thanks to my daughter wanting to see something other than a “plain” braid.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
TB: I used to sleep on a satin pillow sham religiously, but now I just pull it all up on the top of my head into a pineapple if it’s fresh or into a loose messy bun if my curls are old.
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
TB: The reaction that I got when I first went natural is the same as today… “Is that your real hair?” I get lots of looks and stares. I’ve even had to jump into a conversation or two that the people standing behind me are having about MY hair.
NC: Did you big chop or transition? Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
TB: I did a big chop before starting my locs, which consisted of me taking the clippers with a #8 guard and just going for it! FREEDOM!!!
As a kid and as a teen, since my mom didn’t put my first relaxer in until I was almost sixteen, I was a little insecure about my hair. My friends all wore their hair straight or with curls from a curling iron. My hair was in a braid, ponytails or multiple braids. I was able to get my hair shampooed and pressed every now and then, but that wasn’t often. What made it alright for me though, is that where I’m from, NO one else had hair like mine nor did they have as much hair as I did, so it made me feel special at the same time.
