Tell us about your transition from Locs to natural hair. Why did you decide to go natural (or why are you natural, if you have been for your whole life)? I have always admired loc’d hair. From the traditional organic form to what I call American locs. So in 2004, I decided to loc my hair. Before then I pretty much wore press and curls and wraps, then transitioned to two-strand twists exclusively. That didn’t last long (about five months) then advanced to locing. I enjoyed my locs for six years. They were care-free for the most part. I think it was 2008 when my beautician moved out of State- it was the start of my demise LOL. I didn’t keep up with my hair like I should have and it was a direct result of some other areas in my life I had just given up on.
Loc Journey from 2004-2010 and yes she unraveled her Loc's!!
What products do you use (Include shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, moisturizer, sealant, and styler if applicable)? Ok, ok, so like 99.9% of all transitioners, I became a product junkie. From Miss Jessie’s to Kinky Curly, Shea Moisture to DIY, I was trying everything I could afford. I basically became exclusive to Shea Moisture because I really liked their products and because of the local grocery store chains picked up their line, but didn’t give them a chance before putting it on clearance. Let’s just say I didn’t have to buy anything for over a year. Now I support a local and fellow business owner, Eddie Simpson. She owns Sweet Nature By Eddie and her products are awesome (click here for more info on Sweet Nature products). I use their shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. I still make my own moisturizers from time to time because I made my own lotion which I use in my hair.
What is your hair care routine? Since were in the winter months now, I have been wearing two-strand twists and use my DIY shea butter crème religiously. With my hair twisted , I wash/co-wash in the shower at an average of 14 days (sometimes longer, sometimes shorter). After cleaning I will take down, comb out shed hair and re-twist each one individually. Sleep in a satin bonnet and wake up to go about my day. In the summer, I do more wash and gos. Every quarter I do a ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) wash.
What are your favorite hairstyles? I adore my wash and go's. I have very thin strands, lots of them, but very fine. So when I do my two-strand twist outs they are very scalpy. My wash and go's give me the fullest I love and the carefreeness my schedule demands. Did I just make up two words?
What has been the hardest part of your natural hair journey? Wanting other peoples hair or rather the results they experience with various hair styles lol. A close second is remembering that I am EXTREMELY tender headed. What should take 15-30 minutes, usually take me 4 times longer, because, admittedly, I don’t like pain!
What was your proudest natural moment? Like it was yesterday, I remember when I took down the last loc. I had camouflaged the process by two-strand twisting my hair, so I wouldn't look too crazy. Well, after I took down the twists and finally washed and washed and ACV-washed my hair, I looked in the mirror and really did cry. I was astonished at the texture, the coils, the bounciness (another new word lol). I cried for joy and sadness. Joy for how beautiful my hair was/is. Sadness in the realization that for over 25 years I have always had what I was looking for. I get teary-eyed still.