True is Naturally Glam!
Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)
I was a slow transitioner. Momentarily, I considered the big chop, but, decided to just transition. My journey was interesting. I was already thinking about going natural, when the last two relaxers used burned like mad and I could not figure out why. I had begun using kid relaxers to get away from a high volume of chemicals, but found no difference. Almost as soon as I applied it, I had to hurry and wash it out. The chemicals left such a burn mark and the sensation in my scalp kept me so uncomfortable all night. This was the turning point to going natural. There was no way that I would subject myself to this again. Fortunately, I had performed loads of research on natural hair and transitioning, so, I was very o.k. with it.
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Had you always embraced your texture?
I can not say that I ever really knew my texture before becoming natural. I pressed my hair up to around my sophomore year of college before relaxing. However, I can now say, yes indeed, I embrace and love my texture!!!!!!! It is so versatile, I am in love.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Well, a couple of family members are adjusting and giving compliments. They were use to my hair being straight and in clean line styles. In the beginning, I was testing the waters with various styles and at times, shall I say, some of my styles needed a little work. I did my best to rock natural styles. Overall, my family was/is supportive. My niece Essence was natural long before me. She has been supportive from day one. Oh wow, my cousin Jackie, who is like my sister is so excited for me. She is natural and we talk natural hair all the time.
My friends love it, they often ask questions and a couple are considering going natural.
My response, pretty much was that I am just me, still me, no more chemicals. I really want to embrace me for real from head to toe. I am enjoying this.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is highly porous, yet, can be very dry. It takes quite a while for it to dry. If I do bantu knots, it can take up to three days. I always let styles air dry. So, I must be ready to rock the bantu knots as they are or put them under a hat prior to taking them down, both work. The way that I would describe my hair is soft with medium thickness.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!
I co-wash my hair every (2) weeks with Herbal Essence Fructis Conditioner. There are times that I co-wash once a week. When the weather becomes warm, it is once a week. Every time that I wash my hair, I condition with extra virgin olive oil and Herbal Essence Fructis then rinse. Other times, I will do a hot oil treatment with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Whenever my hair is washed, I put it in a style. I may re-style a week old, pin up twist out into a high puff.
I credit you Nikki, for my use of Henna. When I was transitioning your information on Henna was so informative. I continued to read and consider it and one day, did it. My hair enjoys henna and it is a great conditioner as well. My hair has grown and thickened; henna played a part in it. I try to henna once a month.
Lately, after co-washing, I put not too much Herbal Essence Fructis in my hair and style along with Cantu Shea Butter Curling Cream, Eco Styler Gel (Argon Oil) and extra virgin olive oil. My hair is about 80% dry when styling.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
I get my little applicator bottle of extra virgin olive oil, run it through my scalp and massage. Some nights, a spritz of water mixed with a small amount of conditioner and argon oil. There are times, I re-twist some areas and put on a satin or silk scarf. It is usually in a pin up style. Therefore, the scarf goes around not all over.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I truly believe that my length is maintained through keeping my scalp healthy, using henna, dusting the ends from time to time, not often at all and keeping my hair moisturized.
What’s the best thing about being curly?
Getting to know and love another part of me. When I transitioned, there was an overall change, a new way of thinking, feeling and being. It is like self discovery. This is the only way that I can describe the best thing for me about being natural. Of course, various styles and seeing my hair wavy and curly is awesome.
Where can folks find you on the web?
Inspirational blog at trueyouness.blogspot.com
New inspirational Youtube Channel – True Youness
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TrueYouness
Twitter – https://twitter.com/trueyouness
Where can folks find you on the web?
Inspirational blog at trueyouness.blogspot.com
New inspirational Youtube Channel – True Youness
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TrueYouness
Twitter – https://twitter.com/trueyouness
