Image Source: @dr.karinab
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I got my first relaxer when I was in 3rd grade, so, I don’t have too many memories of my natural hair as a kid. I do remember getting my hair done in chiney bumps aka bantu knots for my passport picture and I was LIVID. Cute, but livid. I remember there was a boy in my class that used to call me medusa because of all the plaits I used to wear. I also remember all the adults in my life always commenting about how much hair I had and how it was a lot to manage.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
I had been playing with the idea for some time but when I finally decided to big chop in 2015, I was 2 years into my doctoral program and I was fed-up with trying to manage my hair on my own. I had a lot of support from my friend who had been natural for many years, she encouraged me everyday to go natural. In HS, I used to love how I looked when I did braid outs & Flexi-rod sets; I loved the volume, and the added texture made me feel more beautiful. It was also 2009, so Naptural85 and the other gurus were definitely influencing that decision as well.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image Source: @dr.karinab
Once I started my journey and realized the positive impact it had on my self-esteem, and how I viewed myself, I wanted to share that with everyone. Ever since I returned to natural I have been convincing everyone in my life to do the same. I have two younger sisters and I want them to love themselves fully. I want all of us to feel good about ourselves and for many of us it starts or ends with our hair. Knowing that just by wearing my hair naturally others may feel inspired and encouraged to do the same is what empowers me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
The standard: pineapple, bonnet and satin pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
There isn’t anyone who’s curls I crush on, but my favorite natural hair beauties are:
- @KandidKinks
- @Iamromnyakia
- @candicesabidura
- @paging.dr.dre
Image Source: @dr.karinab
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My deep conditioners and my Kazmaleje Kurls Plus Paddle comb. Both save me so much time and effort with detangling.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen includes weekly(ish lol”> deep conditioning, monthly clarifying, weekly cleansing and re-wetting my hair at least 2-3 times a week.The only product I ever really care about is deep conditioners; My favorite deep conditioner right now is from Omalicha Naturals.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my journey was the beginning. I had to get to know the new version of myself. I big chopped after 6 months of growing out my relaxer and it was the first time I ever had short hair. It took months for me to get used to my reflection and I felt very exposed and naked without my hair. Of course, learning how to manage my hair was a task in itself, but getting used to all the newness of it was the greatest challenge.
Image Source: @dr.karinab
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The best thing I ever did for my hair was learn how to properly condition my hair and understand the importance of water in my regimen.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I want everyone who is having trouble loving their hair to first spend some time trying to understand why. If you ask yourself “why” enough you’ll probably realize that the “why” has very little to do with how YOU personally feel about your hair, and instead that someone or some experience planted that weed in your head. Explore that.
