Hey everyone!
I hope everybody had a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving and ate a whooole bunch of yummy food and desserts! I know I did! I ate anything and every dessert with the word "pumpkin" in it! Haha! We are on our very last post for Natural Hair Month! (And yes, I'm very much aware that it's no longer November! Please forgive me for the delay!) For me, wrapping up Spotlight Month is bittersweet because I loooove reading these interviews and I hate that it's ending :( But on the plus side, I will be able to get back to my normal product reviews and tutorials! Yaaayyy!! This week for the final spotlight, I interviewed 3 beautiful ladies who are all dear friends of mine! They all have different journeys but they are all so inspiring! I hope y'all enjoy these interviews as much as I do! Lets start with Megan!
Meet Megan!
Name: Megan
Age: 22
Describe your “pre-natural hair” (relaxed, damaged, dry,
etc.): I’ve always had thick, healthy hair. I just wanted to try the natural
experience and stop wasting money on the creamy crack lol.
How long have you been natural:
This time, 2 years LOL.
What made you decide to return to your curls: I originally
tried my freshman year of college, then my sophomore year of college. Each time
my hair just got so long that I felt like I had to perm it to see how long it
had gotten. Then, I realize my hair looks permed just by straightening it so I
finally decided that the third time was the charm and went all in by giving up
heat and perms for a year. It was honestly just to try something new and have
even more healthy hair!
Did you transition or big chop: I transitioned for almost a
year and a half.
What made you choose one over the other: I don’t know what
my head looks like without hair and I was afraid I would not like my head shape
with super short hair! Yikes!
How long has it been since your
big chop: I transitioned for a year and a half and cut my last relaxed end in
October of 2013.
How did your friends/significant other/family react to your
decision: They all loved and supported my decision.
How do they feel now: Everyone loves my hair!
How is your natural hair viewed in the workplace/at
school/among friends: Everyone seems so fascinated by how full and thick my
hair is because it has always been apparent straight but now people can really
tell when it is curly!
How do you normally style your
hair/what are your go-to styles: Oh gosh, twist outs and flat twists outs are
my fave. I love to bun it up or put it in a puff. Recently, I’ve started to
wear it straight more just because there is so much of it!
Are you a “I want to experiment
with my hair weekly” kind of natural, or a “Put it in some braids or twists for
a few months at a time and call it a day” kind of natural: Neither, I will keep
my hair in braids for a while when I feel like doing it or I will wash and
twist it weekly just to keep it clean.
If you could do whatever you
wanted to your hair, what would you do (funky cut, color, etc.): I want a bob
cut again soooooooo bad but I promised to stop cutting my hair *sad face*
What are your must-have staple
products/oils: COCONUT OIL IS LIFE! I like Argan Oil too though! Just recently
I started using OrganX products and I love them! My hair is so soft and
moisturized!
What is the biggest life lesson
you have learned on your natural hair journey: Just be yourself and love
yourself naturally. That’s what is most important.
If you could change one thing
about your journey thus far, what would you change: I should have done it
sooner LOL.
What has been your biggest
personal gain since the start of your journey: PATIENCE! Natural hair care is
not for the impatient or the weak LOL.
Any advice for anyone considering
taking the leap into returning to their curls: DO ITTTTTTT! Simple.
Business/blog/social media
inquiry info: IG: @_meggoelizabeth Twitter: @iamKNOT_myhair
Name: Kiyana Harris (Kiki)
Age: 22
Describe your “pre-natural hair” (relaxed, damaged, dry,
etc.): My pre-natural hair was relaxed. It's never been damaged. There may have
been a time where I used too much heat but my hair has always been pretty much
healthy, long, and very thick.
How long have you been natural:
Technically I am not natural yet. I am still transitioning :( But I am almost
there!!
What made you decide to return to your curls: I have always
wished my hair could curl! I just didn't think it was possible. When I came to
college I saw so many girls going natural but just didn't think it was for me
because everyone was doing the “big chop” and I couldn't see myself chopping
off my hair. Little did I know that you do not have to chop all your hair off
to become natural. I also thought that I
would not like my texture because my hair was thick even with a relaxer so
imagine being natural! Going natural was always a thought but I was always too
scared to go through with it. My mom decided to big chop her hair and it looked
great which really inspired me that perhaps returning to my curls was the way
to go!
Did you transition or big chop: currently transitioning!
What made you choose one over the other: I decided to
transition by accident. I was in between relaxers and during this time of
receiving new growth I noticed that the hairs in the front of my head could
actually curl! So when I did buns, and pony tails I could pull out two little
jewish curls in the front! Lol this was something I could never do before. Then
I tried braid outs and bantu knots and loved the way my hair curled. I also
noticed that my hair was growing so much faster now that I wasn't relaxing my hair.
I had all the intentions of getting a relaxer but I fell in love with the way
my hair was transitioning. I also knew that I did not want to big chop my hair
and by keeping the two textures it allowed me to see more growth which was very
motivating!
How far are you into your transitioning stage and when do you
plan to big chop: My last relaxer was January 2013 and I have no idea when I
will be chopping off all of relaxed ends but I can tell you that it is coming
soon! I have slowly been trimming the ends and I just received blowout and a
big trim on October 30
th so when I wash my hair and see how much
relaxed ends I have left I can decide from there.
How did your friends/significant other/family react to your
decision: My friends and family love my hair! They have been trying to get me
to stop getting relaxers for the longest. Lol most people had no idea that I
even had a relaxer.
How do they feel now: They love my determination to continue
transitioning and reach my goal of becoming natural!
How is your natural hair viewed in the workplace/at
school/among friends: I always get compliments for my twist outs and
pineapples! Several of my friends have asked me to twist their hair for them.
How do you normally style your
hair/what are your go-to styles: I definitely love flat twist outs! If I am
having a good hair week it can last me 5-8 days and then I can do a curly bun
or pineapple until I wash.
Are you a “I want to experiment
with my hair weekly” kind of natural, or a “Put it in some braids or twists for
a few months at a time and call it a day” kind of natural: I am definitely the
experimenter ! I have tried everything! Bantu knots, braid outs, two strand
twist outs, perm rods, flexi rods, blowouts with the tension method, and more!
I did decide to get twists(you will see them in the pics I sent) in my hair and
leave them for a month in a half back in january 2014 but I missed my curls so
much I doubt I will do that again!
If you could do whatever you
wanted to your hair, what would you do (funky cut, color, etc.): If I could do
anything I would definitely color my hair! I want to do either a burgundy or a
brown ombre on my ends. But I am going to wait until I am fully natural to do
that!
What are your must-have staple
products/oils: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in, coconut oil, water, ecostyler
gel (green and pink one) , Miss. Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls, Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Deep Conditioner and Cantu Coconut Curling Cream.
What is the biggest life lesson
you have learned on your natural hair journey: When it comes to hair What I
learned is that you have to find what works for you. I have watched so many Youtube videos and tried styles in hopes that it would turn out the same as it
did in the video but I learned that everyone's hair is different. You really do
have to try trial and error to see what specifically works for you. I never
thought in a million years that flat twist outs would be my go to style. I was
horrible at flat twists!! I tried this style by mistake and ended up loving it!
Lol As far as life, I learned that patience is key! Being patient has been a
key role in this journey and by being patient you will see that it makes the
goal so much more worth reaching.
If you could change one thing
about your journey thus far, what would you change: I wish I would have done it
sooner!
What has been your biggest
personal gain since the start of your journey: Being less afraid of trying
something new or unfamiliar to me. It is when you are in the most uncomfortable
positions that you have the most growth as a person.
Any advice for anyone considering
taking the leap into returning to their curls: I say do it!! You will not
regret it. It allows for so many styles! Before I had straight hair that
wouldn't hold a curl at all but now I can switch from straight and curly
without a problem! When I was in doubt I just thought to myself that if it
didn't work out I could always return to relaxers. But also, make sure to do
research and prepare yourself for the journey.
Business/blog/social media inquiry
info: instagram is @madeinnyc_xoxo and Twitter is @baby_koxv
Meet Adrianna!
Name: Adrianna Nicole
Age: 25
Describe your “pre-natural hair” (relaxed, damaged, dry,
etc.): My pre-natural hair was something
I was never truly satisfied with. I
could never get it to hold body or curls.
I wore it many different lengths and styles. But it was never what I wanted it be.
How long have you been natural: My last relaxer was March of 2010.
What made you decide to return to your curls: I was really interested in my hair looking
good and being healthy no matter the circumstances. I traveled to the DR and one of my classmates
had natural hair and it was gorgeous, despite the water, humidity, sweating,
and so on. My hair was awful and
unmanageable and I was SO jealous! I
even helped her twist hers up before bed, and it was so thick and healthy. I knew I had to do something different.
Did you transition or big chop: Big chop. For me, it was all or nothing. I
big chopped after going without a relaxer for 2-3 months.
What made you choose one over the other: I wanted to fully commit. I also got frustrated VERY quickly with
attempting to maintain two different textures.
How long has it been since your
big chop: May-June 2010 was when my big
chop took place.
How did your friends/significant other/family react to your
decision: My family was supportive and I
got lots of compliments. However, my
friends of other ethnicities didn’t fully understand the decision and didn’t
have a clear concept of what was happening. I think it was a shock to them!
How do they feel now: I don’t think they really care very much, honestly. I think they are happy as long as I’m happy!
How is your natural hair viewed in the workplace/at
school/among friends: Many people are
shocked that my hair is natural. Even if
they’ve known me from the beginning, they still ask questions about my
hair. Those who knew me when I wore my
hair kinky ask if I have a relaxer. Those who’ve only known me with straight hair can’t imagine what I look
like with kinky hair.
How do you normally style your
hair/what are your go-to styles: I get
my hair washed, conditioned, and blown out every two weeks. I went through a season of wearing my fro,
then wearing flat, two-strand twist up-do’s. Now it’s always straight.
Are you a “I want to experiment
with my hair weekly” kind of natural, or a “Put it in some braids or twists for
a few months at a time and call it a day” kind of natural: Honestly, I have never been talented enough
or patient enough to experiment.
I
usually wear it blown out with curls, then headbands, and a ponytail if I’m
REALLY desperate!
If you could do whatever you
wanted to your hair, what would you do (funky cut, color, etc.): Hmmm. I would wear it kinky and loose, with enough to go into a cute ponytail
or a nice wash and go. I would love some
color—perhaps some golden brown highlights.
I also consider a short cut. I really
like a neat, clean, and well-put together look.
What are your must-have staple
products/oils: Haha. I’m a minimalist here. I must have bobby-pins and headbands of all
colors. I also must have a light oil
(Argan or Moroccan) and an edge-tamer that doesn’t flake or create build up.
What is the biggest life lesson
you have learned on your natural hair journey: That I can be beautiful and confident no matter what my hair looks
like. I have also learned how important
my hair is to me and that it has such a big factor in my day-to-day life. I’ve also learned that you get out what you
put in. My hair is at its best when I am
consistently taking good care of it.
If you could change one thing
about your journey thus far, what would you change: I would have taken much better care of my
hair early on, and not have to do so much damage repair.
I may also have done Henna treatments to
loosen my curl pattern rather than going to heat to straighten!
What has been your biggest
personal gain since the start of your journey: Learning about myself and redefining my definition of personal beauty.
Any advice for
anyone considering taking the leap into returning to their curls: Do it! It’s how God created you. It can
still be worn however you like and is much more versatile than a relaxer. It’s beautiful and unique!
Business/blog/social media
inquiry info: anharre2@ncsu.edu.
I don’t know that I’ll have much to offer,
but I’m open!
:)
Ok everyone! We have officially wrapped up Natural Hair Spotlight Month!! Yaaaayyy!! It was so amazingly fun being able to interview these amazing ladies and gents and learning more about them!
My main goal in doing these spotlights was to allow people to see more than just hair. A lot of men and women look at natural hair and either get discouraged because they don't think that their hair could ever "do that," or they think that natural hair doesn't fit the mold or meet the criteria for the beauty standard in our society. Every curl, knot, wave, coil, tress, loc and kink is beautiful! Our hair is our hair and it is a big part of us! It is so different and so unique! It holds so much beauty, power and history. We should be encouraged and proud of our roots (pun intended lol), and we should embrace all of who we are! This doesn't mean that women who have relaxers or wear weaves are trying to run from their heritage or that they are ashamed of their skin. And this also doesn't mean that there should be a divide between natural hair women and women who relax their hair. What it does mean, however, is that we should not shame those who choose to wear their natural curls and we shouldn't shame those who choose not to. We should see more than hair. We should see the things that we have in common. Rather than pointing out and focusing negative attention on the things that make us different, we should embrace what makes us different! No matter how many relaxers and weaves we may have in, our hair will ALWAYS grow out of our scalp curly, kinky and gorgeous! We should embrace it! If styling that hair isn't for you, then that's fine! But don't ever view those curls and kinks as disgusting, ugly, nasty, annoying, or gross because that isn't the case. God gave us this hair for a reason and that's it!
I'm not saying all of this to speak only to women who choose relaxers, but I'm saying this to encourage everyone! How my hair grows out of my scalp is how it will always grow out of my scalp. There's nothing I can do to change that! All that I can do is embrace it and move on. And know that when we say, "Natural hair is beautiful," we aren't just talking about the hair of the men and women who rock their natural 365 days a year. Every black person has natural hair, but only some choose to actually BE natural, and that 365 days a year definition, in my eyes, applies to "BEING natural." Someone who chooses to embrace their God-given natural hair by not chemically straightening it is someone who chooses to be natural. Natural hair, however, is the raw, irreplaceable, unique, one of a kind beauty that grows naturally out of our scalp! So when we say, "natural hair is beautiful," that is what we are referring to. That is what's beautiful and everyone should know it! Beauty isn't about what's sitting on top of your head! It's about what grows from within, manifests itself and the strong sense of pride and confidence that comes along with it. And of course, that applies to more than just hair.
Natural men and women, your natural hair is beautiful!! Women who get relaxers or wear weave, your natural hair is beautiful!!
There is no reason to ever think otherwise! There is no divide between the two because we all have that natural hair within us. It's what we choose to do with that hair once it breaks through the scalp that makes us different in a beautiful way, but the foundation is the same! I'm not saying that relaxed hair/weave isn't beautiful. I'm saying that if you relax your hair or wear weave because you don't think that you will be pretty anymore with your natural hair, or because you think your hair isn't beautiful, or you think that people will think you're making a mistake or that you don't have the "right hair" for being natural, then you don't have any reason to feel that way. Everyone is beautiful in their natural state! There's no need for plastic surgery and injections, caking on make up, drawing on 10 lbs worth of eyebrows, or trying to make your body look like your favorite celeb. Who you were created to be is beautiful and we get even more beautiful everyday!
:)
Though every one of these spotlight features made the decision to return to their curls, the events leading up to and the events following that decision varied for everyone. Just because we all chose the same, that doesn't mean we will all experience the same thing. We all have different minds, different lives, different textures, and different outlooks on life. Yet and still, beauty can be found in each and every journey. I don't want to be the only voice on this blog. My journey isn't the only journey that matters, and everyone should be given the opportunity to voice theirs if they please! These interviews go to show that EVERYONE had a different journey, and that is why I wanted to focus on them this month. When we see a natural, we should see much more than just hair. We should see a journey. We should see a story. We should see ourselves.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my blog! Y'all are awesome and I appreciate the support SO much!! Feel free to share the link and be sure to cast your vote for my monthly poll! It is located on the left under. "The Purpose." Since today is the first post of the new month, it is time to announce the winner for November's poll:
Question: What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?
Top 3 choices (since voters were allowed to choose more than 1 answer): #1- The food #2- Spending time with family #3- Cooking
Thank you to everyone who voted! I hope y'all have enjoyed Natural Hair Spotlight month as much as I have, and I also hope you look forward to my product reviews and tutorials that will be returning this month! Y'all are awesome! Thanks so much for the support! See ya on the next post!
So now we are going to shift gears a little bit and I'll explain to y'all how I maintain my straight hair. Like i mentioned before, I had my undergraduate graduation last month and I decided that I wanted to get my hair flat ironed for it. I got my hair done the Sunday before graduation (December 14th) by an amazing cosmetologist named, Kendra. She came highly recommended by one of my best friends, Adrianna. Kendra trimmed and flat ironed my hair and I loved it! My hair was shiny, it had SO much body and it looked incredibly healthy! I kept my hair up and maintained it by not applying any unnecessary heat, but I found within the next couple of days that my hair was getting very dry, as it usually does. It was losing a lot of its luster and it wasn't looking as healthy. I didn't know what to put on it to give it its glow back because all of the hair product I had was for hair in its natural state. I had nothing that wouldn't make my hair revert back to its curls. So then I went on Pinterest and searched "natural heat protectant." A few things came up, but the one thing that popped out to me was grapeseed oil. I just stared experimenting with grapeseed oil in August and what I notice most about it is that it's extremely light. If you follow my blog regularly you know that is a winning characteristic of a product for me. I LOVE a product that sits lightly on hair because it doesn't cause any weigh down. I love for my hair to move and have body rather than stick to my head. Especially when it's flat ironed! So I took the grapeseed oil tip and ran with it!
My best friend, Teleza, took my senior pictures for me the day before graduation (December 17th). So the night before we took them, I poured about a quarter-sized amount of grapeseed oil into my hand, rubbed it between both hands, and applied it to half of my hair from root to tip. After I applied and rubbed it in thoroughly, I did the same thing to the other half of my hair. I then combed my hair with a paddle brush and put my hair into a top knot (wrapped my hair into a knot bun on the top of my head). I put on my silk bonnet and then went to sleep. When I woke up the next morning and took my hair down...y'all. My hair was right back to how it was before! It was full of life, SUPER shiny, and had SO much volume!!! It wasn't weighed down at all! I could not believe how much that grapeseed oil did for my hair, literally, overnight! I was so excited! I then got my flat iron and put some curls in! I had it on low heat, of course. I was in absolute and total LOVE with the results I got from using the grapeseed oil! That night, my hair looked and felt fine, but I wanted to add a little more oil, so I did! I then put my top knot back in and my silk bonnet. The next morning, graduation morning (December 18), my hair was just as it was the day before! And not only that, but the top know preserved my curls! So I barely had to add any curls in that morning...but I did anyway because I wanted to hahaha!! :) My curls lasted all day long! From that night on, I didn't add anymore grapeseed oil to my hair, nor did I use anymore heat. My nighttime hair routine consisted of only 2 steps: top knot and silk bonnet! Doing just that alone, i preserved my curls and my hair was still so hydrated, so I didn't have to add anymore oil or curl my hair until CHRISTmas, which was exactly a week later.
From now on, I definitely will be using grapeseed oil on my hair when I do any kind of heat styling! It was soooo good to my hair and I love the results I got! And in case it wasn't obvious, no, I didn't acquire ANY heat damage!! My hair reverted right back to its curls when I washed it! So long story short, a great way to protect and maintain your straight hair is to add grapeseed oil before you go to bed, put your hair in a top knot, and sleep with your silk bonnet on or on your satin pillowcase.
