Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition, Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

OMG I'm SOOOOO excited about this hairspiration for others to learn from and to continue on their own hair journeys...

...I definitely had to get my bestie, Shawna in here, as natural beauty in my life. She is so sweet and just a joy to be around. Very upbeat and so charismatic...and she has that laugh that makes you laugh, when there is no joke hahaha! But basically that one friend who will not talk you out of doing CRAY CRAY things, but do the CRAY CRAY with you...OKAY?!?!

So when I asked her if I could interview her about her hair journey, she was so pumped and extra excited. She was like, "Oh yes, yes. Okay cool. Yes. Let's do it!" Yep, Ms. Upbeat herself! Well, here she is!

Shawna And Her Transition, Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

All About My Natural

How long have you been natural?

In May 2009 I did “the big chop” right before my sophomore year of college. So I have been completely natural for 5 years or so.


How would you describe your hair?

My hair is curly and dark brown. I think I am a 4a technically.


How long is your hair?

Curly in twists – slightly past shoulders. Straightened – mid arms

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

What made you stay natural as opposed to getting a relaxer?

I got a relaxer for the first time in May 2005. I was 15 so I had been natural all before that. I felt like since my hair was straight, I took care of it and combed it like a white person would take care of theirs. It inevitably got very thin and since May 2007 I stopped getting relaxers




Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Transitioning with weaves

It’s been healthier being natural than it ever has been with a relaxer! I can take care of it better by putting it in a protective hair style for a week, wash it and put it back in the protective hair style. With relaxed hair I had the desire to wear it loose all the time like other ethnicities can and that just was not working out because I’d have to moisturize and style it daily which I was not in favor of doing. Even when I did take care of my relaxed hair as often as I should, the constant combing made me shed and then out much more than when it is natural.


What do you love most about your hair?

How twists show off how curly it is right after it’s done.

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

How do you feel being a naturalista?

Fine. I don’t really think about my hair that much honestly.

All About My Regimen And Products

What are you fav hair products?

1. Mizani – shampoo, conditioner—love the whole brand

2. Carol’s Daughter Hair Mask conditioner – new fav…smells like lavender and vanilla and leaves hair soooo soft

3. Blue magic and mineral oil are the essentials for me

4. As I am Twist Defining Cream – leaves it smooth and really defined curls


Where do you get these products?

Sally Beauty Supply, Target, Walmart


What is your hair routine like?

I wash once a week, undo and twist each strand back one at a time as I put new product in. This takes about 4-5 hours on a Friday or Saturday evening. It varies from 40-100 twists depending on my patience. I leave it for the week, wrapping it up when I sleep, and wash again on the weekend. I’m going to start washing and then conditioning overnight before I comb it. I did this once and it was much softer with the overnight conditioning.

What is your Wash Day like?

I shampoo 2x, mix my conditioners, and keep it in my hair while I take a bath. Then rinse the conditioner out. I comb my hair while it is still wet to keep the curls defined. It’s a long process. A good Netflix reruns keeps me going!

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Are you improving your hair routine or do you have it down?

I’m satisfied with my routine. Whenever I change it up, I get a lot of breakage so I like to keep the same. However, I may start conditioning overnight.


Do you make any DIY products for your hair?

No


How do you handle your edges?

I don’t worry about them. I have a Mizani product for that but I only do that if I remember. I’m not concerned about edges so much


Do you trim your hair?

Sometimes, but rarely. I prefer to have my hair stylist do that when she presses it every few months.



Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

All About My Styling

What are your favorite natural hairstyles?

Twists, braids


What styles would you like to try?

Mini twists, corn rows, and wear it out loose.


Do you have any faux/extension styles you like?

No, I don’t do weave…I don’t like it, it’s too heavy on my head.


What are some things you see other naturalistas doing that you cannot seem to do?

Those women who wear it loose in a non-protective hairstyle. My hair would be left in a huge knot by the end of the day.


Do you use heat on your hair?

Not anymore. I never use direct nor indirect heat. I style my hair while it's wet and then air dry while in twists.

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Do you color you hair?

No, but I wouldn't do it seriously at this point. Maybe some streaks of a lighter brown.


Do you ever feel overwhelmed or frustrated about your hair?

No. Only when I start to do something different.

All About Others and My Natural

What are others’ reactions to your hair? Like family, friends, and strangers.

The day after I do it and it looks fresh, super coily, and defined, I get a lot of compliments when I go out. However, my mother would prefer I relax it and always tells me so.


Do you mind when strangers touch your hair?

I mind. But people don't really try that with me.

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

All About My Memories And Experiences

What has been the most memorable part of your hair journey?

The big chop. I was growing the relaxed hair out for a long time, about 2 years. When it reached about 6 inches of natural growth, my hairdresser chopped it off. It was chin length and super manageable. It also framed my face very well when it was pressed. Sometimes I think of cutting it short like that again but that seems backwards. Black women all seem to want to grow it long, so I keep going!


Do you have any fav natural hair websites, blogs, YouTube videos, or books?

Hmmm…not really. I usually get my ideas and go. Of course there is Christina’s which is awesome!

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

All About My Goals and Inspirations

What are your goals for your natural hair?

To stay healthy. Grow thicker.


Anything else to add about your natural hair journey?

Not really. I just do what has worked for me. I try new products every now and again but I am satisfied for the most part. As long as I don’t do something silly like skip a week or put too much heat on it without the proper products I’m on the right track.


Anything inspirational to others who want to be natural?

Take your vitamins and choose protective hair styles all the time when transitioning and after. Don’t be afraid of grease. I don’t care what anybody says; I love grease. But focus on your own journey. You’ll be where you want in no time.

Thank you bestie for doing this this natural hair interview for my site! I'm sure you will inspire others with your hair journey. You surely have inspired me!

Natural Beauty In My Life | Shawna And Her Transition,
Big Chop, And 5 Years Natural Journey

Natural hair says: natural hair interviews are a way to get others to tell their hair story in hopes of inspiring others to continue on their own. Find hair interviews and hair stories to read and indulge in. Take notes as well. You may find something inspiring you to continue on your own hair journey.

Always Desire Your Natural,

Christina J