1. How long have you been a beauty with natural hair?


I have been natural since 2004. Although I was without a perm since 2003.


2.Who or What inspired you to embrace your natural hair and your overall natural beauty?


I became natural because of my frustration with  relaxers. During 2002, they just stopped working. They weren’t laying down my hair like I wanted it too. There were a few naturals at my college and I began to wonder if my hair would look like theirs if I stopped relaxing it all together. One girl in particular had done a big chop on her very long hair and it was the final push for me to go to the shop. I was just ready for something different. I wanted something that was simple and easy at the time.


3. Did you transition from a relaxer, or did you do the big chop?

I transitioned for about a year  with micro braids and flat twist outs. Once I went into the shop I decided to cut it all off. I’m not sure why I made that decision after growing it out for a year. Perhaps I wanted to just start from scratch. Since then I’ve done another big chop. It was in June of 2008. I had locked my hair and then one day I decided I was tired of the locks, so I cut all my hair off by myself. I LOVED IT! Last time I cut my hair was in December of 2009. I’m not too comfortable when my hair grows past shoulder length and so I cut quite a few inches off. When I went to visit my family on a trip, my mother encouraged me to embrace my hair completely and learn to be ok with any length. (I like shorter lengths better!)

 4. What is your current haircare routine?


I wash, conditioned and deep condition my hair EVERY week. I then twist my hair and pin them up for 6 days. On Fridays I take the twist down and wear a twist out. As my hair needs it I either add my version of Kimmaytube’s Leave In conditioner, my homemade moisturizing water mist, or a shea/cocoa butter concoction. Every so often…perhaps once a month, I try a new style. However, I like keeping it simple. I like just having my hair twisted and pinned up off my shoulders. Because I’m committed to treating my hair as well as I treat my body, I decided to take this simple, classic approach. By doing so I have seen results in growth, thickness, health and there are some parts of my hair where the curl pattern has changed. Even if some fabulous party is happening during the week, I don’t alter my routine. I just find a funky way to pin up my twist. A party or whatever is not worth me compromising my commitment to my hair, body or health.


5.  Name three products that your natural tress could not thrive without.

Its not a product but my hair can’t live without water. My hair loves Giovanni’s Deep Conditioner and I’ve only recently discovered my hair loves Organic Coconut Oil.


6. What protective hairstyles do you wear to protect you ends from being damaged?


Two Strand Twist that are pinned up and away.

NEVER. I do not blow dry my hair or flat iron it. I’m not trying to straighten my hair. I had straight hair for most of my life. Now I’m into its curly state. I also am not trying to stretch it. I’m comfortable with shrinkage. I also just don’t want to get into the habit of having to do all that stuff. I love that I don’t own a blow dryer or flat iron. I’m just not interested in that. 

8. Has your perspective of beauty changed, since you’ve made the choice to wear your hair natural? How so?

No. Beauty is fluid and can mean anything you want it to mean. Also, “beauty” isn’t what concerns me. When I think about who I am or who I want to be, I never say, “I want to be beautiful.” Other traits and characteristics are more important to me. A woman who is honorable, truthful, creative, strong, authentic, intentional, and graceful…now that’s who I aspire to be and in embodying those characteristics…you are “beautiful.” 

9. What advice would you give to other women who may be considering the natural journey?

Do it or don’t do it. The choice is yours. Being indecisive because of fear will keep you in the same place. Either embrace your relaxer or embrace your curls. If you go natural and hate it, get a relaxer again. The choice is ALL yours.

10. Finish this sentence: I love my natural hair because……….

I love my natural hair because it can do some really fun and funky things.