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| My Mane Speaks | Love Your Own Natural Curls |
All About My Natural
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since October 2012...so 7.5 years!
How would you describe your hair?
Fine, 4a/coily hair with a sistah-gurl demeanor. She definitely has a mind of her own and I accept that about her.
What made you decide to go on a natural hair journey?
What made you decide to go on a natural hair journey?
Rewind back to 2011 when I was in my last year in college; my hair was relaxed, caramel-blonde colored, and extremely damaged. I didn't have money to get another relaxer, so my hair grew out without me knowing that I was transitioning. I realized that it became harder to deal with two textures. I knew I had to make a decision. So that's when I did a lot of research on what others have done in my position....hmmm...
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| My Relaxed Hair, Transitioning, And Starting Fresh |
Did you transition or big chop?
I did not have the courage to cut off all my hair and my family was surely against it. So at the end of year 2011, I got my hair tapered at the salon with a few inches on top (I should have just cut it all off lol). I transitioned for about 9 months. Then in October 2012, I cut the last few bits off! I was so excited about the start of my healthy hair journey as a naturalista. Check out more on The Birth of My Natural.
Now my Big Chop #2 and Mini Chop (Big Chop #3) are different stories...
Any advice about transitioning?
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| Confessing My Own Thoughts | The No-Heat Challenge My 5th Year Nappyversary | Mini Chop 3.0 And No More Heat |
Any advice about transitioning?
Try protective styles like braids, buns, flat twists, and crochet braids. When my hair was out, I did a lot of roller sets to hide the permed ends. It is tough working with two different textures. So if transitioning, try your best to handle both by being patient and gentle.
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| #textureshot |
I stopped going to salons and depending on others to care for my hair. I learned how to moisturize and protect my hair daily. I would do 2 to 3 long term protective styles during the year or 2 strand twists, flat twist styles, or buns to keep my hair protected.
How long is your hair?
My hair is about arm pit length (APL) after my third chop in July 2017.
My hair is finally healthy! How do I know? I have little to no split ends, my hair has that "sheen" to her, and my hair just looks and feels soft and bountiful.
One word to describe my hair is...?
Unbound
All About My Regimen and Products
What is your hair regimen (including fav. products)?
Check out My Hair Regimen for my natural hair and my protective style regimens. Also, check out my favorite products that I love to use for my natural hair!
Where do you purchase your products?
I purchase most of my products from Target or CVS for $3-$15 dollars. The essential oils are from Vitamin Shoppe. Other natural alternatives are from Amazon.
What is your hair routine like?
Very simple. I don't work too hard. For example, my Wash Days are about 2 hours from washing to styling.
How long did it take you to get a pretty good hair regimen?
Very simple. I don't work too hard. For example, my Wash Days are about 2 hours from washing to styling.
How long did it take you to get a pretty good hair regimen?
It took me about 2.5 years of blood, sweat, and my fingers to cooperate with my regimen, products, and hair. But I still tweak my regimen with the seasons and add something new every once in a while.
How often do you trim your hair?
Maybe two to three times a year. I don't trim much unless needed.
How do you handle your edges?
I have always had thin edges, so massage coffee infused oil (with JBCO) on my scalp and edges 4xs a week and use my Mango-Cocoa Creme on top to slick them down. I also tie a satin scarf around my edges to help slick them down.
I have always had thin edges, so massage coffee infused oil (with JBCO) on my scalp and edges 4xs a week and use my Mango-Cocoa Creme on top to slick them down. I also tie a satin scarf around my edges to help slick them down.
All About My Styles
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| My Hair Diary | My 2018 Goals For My Natural Hair Journey |
What are your favorite natural styles?
My fav is the halo crown! I also like doing flat twists and roller sets. Check out my Natural Hair Inspirations for more.
What styles would you like to try?
What styles would you like to try?
I would love to try locs or sister locks -either faux or natural. They are really beautiful.
What are some things you can’t do you see other naturalistas doing?
What are some things you can’t do you see other naturalistas doing?
As of right now, I am not able to fully pineapple my hair...and have the same style the day before.
How would you describe your current look?
My current natural style is chic and fierce, with an elegance hue to her.
How does your hair reflect your personality?
My natural is my accessory to mirror my artistic, charismatic, and joyful character.
Do you use heat on your hair? If so, how often?
I rarely use heat on my hair. This includes: blow dryer, hooded dryer (other than deep conditioning), flat iron, etc.
Do you wear long term protective hairstyles?
I sure do! I love Senegalese twists and wear them for 4 to 6 weeks. However, I have just come across a new love: Crochet braids.
Do you visit the salon often or are you a DIY girl?
I hardly go to the salon. Maybe once or twice a year to get my hair braided.
Would you rather have frizz or shrinkage?
You know, I don't mind the shrinkage. But frizz? It's inevitable. My fine hair will always have frizz, but I don't mind it. I get more volume that way.
I sure do! I love Senegalese twists and wear them for 4 to 6 weeks. However, I have just come across a new love: Crochet braids.
Do you visit the salon often or are you a DIY girl?
I hardly go to the salon. Maybe once or twice a year to get my hair braided.
Would you rather have frizz or shrinkage?
You know, I don't mind the shrinkage. But frizz? It's inevitable. My fine hair will always have frizz, but I don't mind it. I get more volume that way.
Do you color your hair?
I have when I had my hair relaxed in a burnt blonde color. I would love to try that again. I think a light auburn color would go nicely with my skin color and convey my feisty and chic character. I do use henna that tends to color my hair in a redish-purple kind of hue. But as for temporary, I use different kinds of hair chalk and colors from Maybelline Eye Tattoo Eye Cream Shadow. Love them!
Do you have any hair confessions?
1). I can lose 50 new bobby pins in a week! (not on purpose).
2). My flat ironing sucks...
3). I have done my 3 younger sisters' hair since I was 12.
4). I don't like wearing my hair out too often.
5). I get annoyed when people ask for tips and help...and don't take it!
I have when I had my hair relaxed in a burnt blonde color. I would love to try that again. I think a light auburn color would go nicely with my skin color and convey my feisty and chic character. I do use henna that tends to color my hair in a redish-purple kind of hue. But as for temporary, I use different kinds of hair chalk and colors from Maybelline Eye Tattoo Eye Cream Shadow. Love them!
Do you have any hair confessions?
1). I can lose 50 new bobby pins in a week! (not on purpose).
2). My flat ironing sucks...
3). I have done my 3 younger sisters' hair since I was 12.
4). I don't like wearing my hair out too often.
5). I get annoyed when people ask for tips and help...and don't take it!
All About My Experiences and Memories
Do you ever feel over-whelmed with your hair?
I do sometimes. When I do feel over-whelmed, I put my hair in a long term protective style, which would help me to refresh and reboot for when my natural returns.
I do sometimes. When I do feel over-whelmed, I put my hair in a long term protective style, which would help me to refresh and reboot for when my natural returns.
What are people’s reactions to your hair?
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| Share Your Hair Journey With Family |
On the flip side during my transition, I had met my boyfriend (who is now my husband). He loved me no matter what! This was confirmed by his statement when I trimmed the last pieces of my relaxed hair, "I support you in your natural hair journey." He was the one who even pushed me to do the "curly-thing." That was all I needed to hear and to this day he loves my natural. He actually has HIMHS (hand in MY hair syndrome).
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
When I first started documenting hair journey in July 2011, I started my Hair Diary. This is when I was trying out Hairfinity to grow my hair. I even had videos to document as well. Reading back on those moments, I had emotions of being misplaced and absent. There were many entries with sadness, because my hair was so damaged.
In the entries of the beginning of 2012, I had emotions of new beginnings and wanting to get to know my hair. There were lots of delighted tones and happy faces.
Then reading the entries in October 2012, the entire tone change! I was fierce, excited, and determined to not only grow but maintain the health of my hair. Ever since then I have kept my diary full of styling pictures of roses and duds, product reviews, and what to try next time. I still update my diary every 2 weeks.
How do you feel about people touching your hair?
I don't recommend it...
When I first started documenting hair journey in July 2011, I started my Hair Diary. This is when I was trying out Hairfinity to grow my hair. I even had videos to document as well. Reading back on those moments, I had emotions of being misplaced and absent. There were many entries with sadness, because my hair was so damaged.
In the entries of the beginning of 2012, I had emotions of new beginnings and wanting to get to know my hair. There were lots of delighted tones and happy faces.
Then reading the entries in October 2012, the entire tone change! I was fierce, excited, and determined to not only grow but maintain the health of my hair. Ever since then I have kept my diary full of styling pictures of roses and duds, product reviews, and what to try next time. I still update my diary every 2 weeks.
How do you feel about people touching your hair?
I don't recommend it...
What was the biggest mistake you ever made with your hair?
There was a moment in the beginning of my hair journey when I got a partial STRAIGHT sew-in. You guessed it…I relaxed my edges. I decided that I was never, ever, ever going to make that decision again.
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| Confessing My Own Thoughts | Regretting The Partial Sew-In With Natural Hair |
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, blogs, and vlogs?
Websites and Blogs
I stay on:
BGLH: great natural hair website to learn about hair culture, beauty, icons, and tips
Global Couture - fashion of clothes and accessories of natural hair pride and love
Black Hair Information - the latest urban lifestyle, culture, and news surrounding natural hair
Curly Nikki - natural hair forum where questions and comments are answered by other naturalistas
Black Naps - great place to start for beginners and lots of great info for veterans
I also love reading Kimberly Elise, Tam Thyme, Just Grow Already, and Classy Curlies.
Vlogs
I love to watch:
Naptural85: she does some great DIY’s and encourages to have fun with your natural
Jewe Jewe Bee: love her personality and I enjoy her curly hair videos for length retention and caring for natural hair regimens
YoursNaturally11: her hair tutorials are thorough and has valuable information to care for natural hair.
I also love watching Chime Edwards, Mo Knows Hair, The Chic Natural, Hazel Goddess, My Natural Sistas, TjLuvsBeingNatural, and more.
How has your experience been as a naturalista?
Naptural85: she does some great DIY’s and encourages to have fun with your natural
Jewe Jewe Bee: love her personality and I enjoy her curly hair videos for length retention and caring for natural hair regimens
Millicent Swift: her styling options are awesome and her tutorials break intricate styles down to easily understand them
YoursNaturally11: her hair tutorials are thorough and has valuable information to care for natural hair.
I also love watching Chime Edwards, Mo Knows Hair, The Chic Natural, Hazel Goddess, My Natural Sistas, TjLuvsBeingNatural, and more.
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| The Bridal Shower | The Twist Out At The Garden |
What does it mean to be natural?
Being natural is a wonderful way to see your entire glory, accepting the coils, curls, kinks, and naps God adorned and crowned you with.
All About My Future and The World
What goals would you like to reach with your hair?
My main goal is to keep my hair healthy and to conquer many, many DIY products! I would love to reach waist length, just to prove to myself and others that Black Hair does grow.
Any plans for Desire My Natural?
I am planning on doing Natural Hair Poetry with others doing music videos, skits, and more to upload on my YouTube page. Stay tuned for that!
I also would like to grow Desire My Natural into a thriving business. More to come on that!
I am planning on doing Natural Hair Poetry with others doing music videos, skits, and more to upload on my YouTube page. Stay tuned for that!
I also would like to grow Desire My Natural into a thriving business. More to come on that!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Wherever you are at in your hair journey, love yourself continuously. Do this for you and only you. Yes, learn to care for your own hair and stay on the path for healthy hair; but priority is to keep a positive attitude about yourself and your tresses.
Always Desire Your Natural,
Christina J
