Are you relaxed, natural, texturized or texlaxed? All natural!
What’s your story, how did you get to where you are? I enjoyed the bone straight look for most of my teenage and young adult life. After styling my hair, I could step outside in the most treacherous weather and it still looked good. I didn’t have to worry about it frizzing up or changing textures. Having a relaxer was convenient and as far as I was concerned I was natural! I didn’t have to wear weave or a wig* to get full and healthy looking hair…it was growing from my own scalp.
Faithfully, I braced myself and took the burning scalp, uncomfortable 2 hours in the hair salon (or the shop) and made sure I got a fresh relaxer. But something changed after I graduated college. I no longer wanted to “feel the burn” and have long hair that was lifeless and slowly thinning at the ends. I was tired and frustrated with the results of what seemed to be a good thing…it wasn’t. My hair was suffering and longing for a release from harsh chemicals.
In October 2009, I decided to go natural. I decided to stop using chemicals and subjecting my hair to such cruel treatment. Enough was enough and I was eager to see just how fierce my hair could be without something I never needed in the first place. After 7 months of transitioning I did the big chop on May 2, 2010. I was shaken after it was over. I felt naked without my long hair, but then I realized that what I had cut was not my hair! My hair is not naturally straight. My hair is bursting with natural curls, it has body, it’s thick, and it’s healthy. Putting down relaxers is one of the best decisions I made in my life…I even saved $400.00 a year just by embracing my own hair! I took what many believe is a trend and started applying it to every aspect of my life. I view “going natural” from a more holistic approach.
What is your regimen at the moment? I will co-wash my hair at least three times a week and do a deep conditioning* treatment with raw shea butter*, coconut oil*, and olive oil*. To style my hair I use pure aloe vera gel* because it brings my curls to life, has a soft hold, and contains no alcohol.
And your favourite product? I love the Shea Moisture line (sold at Target).
What’s your signature style? I love wearing my hair in flat and two strand twists. I blow-dry the back of my hair on the cool to low setting and rock an afro.
What is the best tip you have learned to protect your ends? Stay away from heat styling tools as much as possible! They do more damage than good.
Any links you would like to share? Check out more photos and information on my natural hair journey by visiting:
http://www.naturallyfierce.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/Naturallyfierceblog
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturally-Fierce/129637107059299
