If years ago you would have told me, “One day you will let go of chemical relaxers and weaves and embrace your natural hair,” I would have laughed hysterically in your face. The thought of going natural was the last thing on my mind. “How on earth could an African girl like me go natural? Do you know what kind of hair I have?”
I guess the joke is on me, because I’ve been natural for just about two years now and I can’t imagine my life any other way. When I big chopped on March 26, 2010, my life changed in a way that I never imagined.
When I looked at myself in the mirror with a TWA (teeny weeny afro“> I knew immediately that I made the right decision. My confidence and self-esteem magnified to new heights. I also learned that I’m extremely creative when it comes to styling hair. Who would have known!?
My hair is tightly coiled (type 4b“> and being tightly textured allows me to achieve the best twist, braids and afro styles! My hair is very thick and my texture holds shapes very well. I get great curl definition from styling my hair in twists and then let them loose, this is also known as a twist out. Whenever I wear my hair in a flat twist out I get tons of questions!
Favorite Products
There are lots of great products available for textured hair and, like many naturals, I’ve tried them all! My favorite shampoo and conditioner is the Design Essentials Natural for naturally curly hair. This duo leaves my hair clean, moisturized and uber soft. My favorite deep conditioner is the Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise. This product would bring back to life the most damaged of damaged hair. My favorite oil is coconut oil because the protein strengthens my hair and leaves my hair very shiny. And my favorite moisturizer is the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie because it moisturizes on contact and has the most delicious smell!
Hair growth and health are most important to me on my natural hair journey. Eating well, drinking lots of water and staying physically fit have helped me grow my hair to almost armpit length in just under two years. My hair has NEVER been this long and I know that it will only continue to grow longer with good treatment and love.
Living the Natural Lifestyle
I’m not sure if you can tell, but extremely passionate about natural hair and I want to spread the love of natural hair throughout the world! My decision to go natural has impacted many of those very close to me. After I big chopped, my mother, all four of my sisters, a bunch of my cousins and a handful of my friends all went natural. I’ve developed strong friendships with many women who are natural after simply chatting about their hair. Going natural has impacted me in more ways than just my hairstyles.
I’ve also created various mediums to support women in their natural hair journeys because going natural alone is no fun.
I offer consultations to give all women one-on-one attention and support in establishing functional hair regimens and advice on appropriate product selections. My natural hair website features tons of natural hair tips, advice, and product reviews that all naturals can benefit from. My YouTube channel features easy to follow hair styling tutorials that all naturals can benefit from. Finally, my Facebook fanpage is an open forum for all women to come and ask lots of questions for support.
I love my natural hair and I want you to love yours too!
