The year was 2004, through the constant super creamy crack that’s supposed to make my hair straight and long was doing the opposite effect. Due to the constant processing of my hair, I started to experience the opposite; dry, brittle and unhealthy hair. Even though I had a perm, I decided to cut my hair into a “Halle Berry” style. I received many compliments about my hair but I realized one setback, the style requires consistent maintenance. For a person like myself, I do not like doing my hair. I eventually got tired of perming my hair and in 2005 decided to go natural. Initially I received many negative comments about my hair. To be honest, I didn’t know what I was doing, I thought going natural was just let ya hair grow. Didn’t know about any hair care regimen or protective styles. Eventually I would get box braids that worked wonders because I realized then that the less manipulation you do to your hair, the more it grows.
My main reasons for going natural were to have long, healthy hair. As I learned more about my hair and my culture I started to appreciate myself. My hair allowed me to appreciate my culture!
If it wasn’t for this website, I don’t know how my hair would have been!! This community helped me so much with my hair, culture, history, and lastly myself. In addition, it has been supportive. I love my Nappturality.
Favorite products: Nutrilite-Hair, Skin, Nails, shampoo conditioner- Body Blends Naturals (which you can purchase from me) Coconut oil, and carrot oil, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, jojoba oil, Tea Tree Oil, Water and Apple Cider Vinegar. I keep my regimen simple. Whenever I re-twist my hair, I wash it out with ACV and TTO to fully cleanse my hair and to protect my hair from fungus. I do work with kids and they love touching my hair. Unfortunately they aren’t the cleanest kids. Coconut/Carrot Oil helps keep my hair moisturized and prevents the major itches. Aloe Vera Gel- I use to help re-twist my hair so it could twist without the buildup of gunk and link that occurs with wax. Hair, skin, nails, is the supplement I try to keep my hair healthy and thick. I notice the more natural my products are, the more my hair loves it!!!
The hardest part of being natural was maintenance and self-confidence. As far as maintenance, black women were taught the wrong way to take care of their hair. Through my natural journey, I adapted healthy regimens that I found beneficial to my hair. Self Confidence was important, because people had their opinions about my hair and I would let it affect me. After a while, I stopped letting their judgment affect me because it’s my hair and they weren’t going to do anything with it if it became damaged.
One of my proudest natural hair moments was when Tyra Banks commented on my hair. One day I had an opportunity to meet her. She touched my hair and she thought it was fake. I told her “no” and she proceeds to say she liked my hair. I almost died inside.
The main advice I have for other natural is to ROCK THE NATURAL BECAUSE NATURAL ROCKS. Be proud of your hair and don’t let anyone’s negativity affect the health of your hair.
Natural hair product "Body Blended Naturals" by Fredelyne can be purchased at www.amway.com/falcide.
Fredelyne is the Radio Host of The Focal Spot. Her Show focuses on three main SPOTlights: - Celebrity interviews - Thought-provoking questions - Promoting upcoming Artists. You can check her out at www.blogtalkradio.com/thefocalspot . She has interviewed many celebrities including Kandi Buress (pictured below), Brian White, Kid N Play, Rah Digga, Mike Jones and many more. Be sure to tune in to her station!!