I have known today’s feature since we were both “freshies” at Miller Middle School back in the mid 80’s, and ever since then I’ve been in awe of her hair.  Dana Marie is of bi-racial heritage so on the surface she has what most would term “good hair”, but that was never really my reason for admiring her hair.  Growing up partially in Canada I was well aware of the differences in textures between my white friends and my own, but with Dana her hair seemed a direct expression of her personality.  Whether “stick straight” and bobbed or fashioned in a curly wet-set, Dana’s hair always broadcast her moods and her spirit.  At least to me.  When most think of bi-racial hair they think “easy to style”, “easy to manage” or “effortless to care for”, but little do most know, women with hair like Dana’s experience some of the same difficulties as women with hair like mine.  This became especially evident to both of us when she decided to go natural in February of ‘09, and here she shares how story with you.

AM: When did you start perming your hair and why?

DM: I started at 12 behind my mom’s back because of my friends and wanting to achieve super straight looks and certain “in fashion” styles.

AM: How did your mom take it?

DM: Well when I asked her if I could get a perm she just said “no”.  No explanation, no discussion, just “no”.  She always wanted me to wear my natural hair.

AM: I can imagine, because for as long as I knew your mom she always had long, beautiful natural hair.

DM: Yeah, for as long as I can remember too. *lol*

AM: Why did you decide to go natural?

DM: I got tired of being a slave to perms and constantly getting touch ups.  I was also tired of making a mess of my hair with breakage and split ends.  Then to, I began working out and knew it would be difficult to maintain a permed style.

AM: How did you do it?

DM: I tried to transition by growing it out but suffered too much breakage, so I decided to BC.

AM: Have you had to deal with any self esteems issues since BC’ing?

DM: Not really.  You know I’ve had my hair short before so it wasn’t really a bit thing.  It was either texturized or permed then though.  Now I feel freer.  I don’t feel a slave to style.

AM: So, of course our experiences with “going natural” are different because of our hair’s make up, but I know there are specific challenges when it comes to bi-racial hair in its natural state.  What have been some of yours?

DM: My hair does something different every day, even if I use the same technique and products as I did the day before.  When I first started perming I did it not to straighten my hair but so that I could have a fuller texture to hold styles.  So my challenge has been to find products that worked with my texture and to just go with the flow and let my hair do what it wants.

AM: When you made the decision to no longer chemically straighten your hair did you have any trepidations?

DM: Yeah, a bit.  Since I work in a salon there was at least once beautician there who had a somewhat negative reaction.  I wore my hair curly one day and she asked if I was going to wear my hair like that and you could tell it wasn’t a GP type of question.

AM: Toledo doesn’t seem to be a place that support natural hair very well.  I remember when I was there and first started wearing my hair out, this chick at Sally’s made a snide remark about me really needing to be in the beauty supply store.  It’s not like Detroit.

DM: No, Toledo is not the place for natural hair.

AM: So have you gotten the same reaction from all stylists or just that one?

DM: Actually the white stylists where I work like my curly hair better than when it’s straight.  They say it looks more natural.  But I think the reaction is more based on the stylist’s regular practice… Whether they’re primarily used to working with natural hair or hair that been relaxed.

AM: What have you learned about your hair since you stopped relaxing it?

DM: I now know that my hair is thicker than what I thought and that I actually have a lot more hair.  I already knew my texture but I have learned to do more with it now and what products work to achieve certain styles.

AM: Do you use a lot of product?

DM: Yes, but only to achieve curl definition.  Without product all my hair does is frizz and it ends up looking like a cotton ball.

AM: What’s the difference in the products you used when you first went natural and now?

DM: I used to think I could just wake up and go with water and conditioner because of how my hair is.  That is far from the truth.  Now I go for products that are designed for curly hair specifically.

AM:  What are the products you use the most?

DM: For styling I use CHI Pliable Polish Weightless Styling Paste which give me control, especially around my edges.  I also use Redken Ringlet 07 which keeps my curls separate and defined without making my hair hair like some gels do.  For definition of my ends I use Carol’s Daughter’s Kizzy Stay Put Pomade…

AM: I’m mad at that name! *lol*

DM: I know right! *lol*

AM: What do you use for cleansing and conditioning?

DM: Mixed Chicks Shampoo and Deep Conditioner . I also use their Leave-In Conditioner.

AM: What’s your regimen?

DM: I wash every two to three days, condition every day and apply the leave-in every day.

AM: That seems like a lot of washing.

DM: Well my hair has the tendency to become very oily so I wash often and use very little oil based anything.

AM: What styles have you experimented with or would like to try?

DM: I’ve done wash ‘n go’s and had it straightened.  I couldn’t wait to wash my hair to get it back to being curly though.  I would like to try Bantu Knots, various braid styles and flat twists with a ponytail.

AM: What advice would you give to natural newbies, with either bi-racial hair or with typical African-American textures?

DM: Be willing to do a lot of research to find what products and styles work for you.  Don’t be afraid to play with products and styles and learn your hair

~@~

Dana Marie’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Dana? You can contact via her Facebook page, or if you are in the Toledo, OH area and are in need of some top notch nail art, call Shear Designs Image Studio for an appointment.

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Dana Marie, it has been a pleasure featuring you, and it’s been a looooooooong time coming since I can be such a slacker. *lol* Best of luck with the rest of your journey and I can’t wait to see where you and your curls go from here.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

I have no doubt that from the above picture each and every one of you recognizes today’s feature.  Those signature curls belong to none other than Alexis, the Atlanta natural who founded the Curls, Coils and Kinks Blog and is one of the foremost inspirations in the virtual natural hair community.  Through her Blog and Youtube Channel Lexi, as she is known in the Napposphere, has delivered advice, product reviews and styling tutorials to those wishing to achieve curly success with their own locks, as well as impressed the importance of loving your hair for its own unique beauty by featuring other curly girls all across the texture span.  Even when her coveted coils were straightened for an appearance on BET’s “My Black is Beautiful” Lexi seems to make going and being natural an effortless effort, but just like the rest of us her journey has not been flawless as she worked to learn her hair and create her look.

Here is her hair-story.

AM: How long have you been natural?

Lexi: I have been natural for almost seven years

AM:  What inspired you to "go natural"?

Lexi: I decided to go natural because I was desperate to be different… I first wanted to go natural in middle school. I wanted curly hair and realized that when I didn’t get a perm for awhile, my roots were wavy.

AM: How did you transition?

Lexi: I attempted to transition in middle school [but] after being teased I promptly went back to a relaxer. In college, it was the easiest time to transition. I was broke/cheap and didn’t want to pay stylists to relax my hair. After about eight months, I did a BC.

AM: What were some of the products you entrusted your hair to while transitioning?

Lexi: Honestly I’m not sure about what products I used. I was still using commercial products. Probably Motions.

AM: Have they changed any between then and now?

Lexi: They have changed TREMENDOUSLY. I no longer use Motions… I tend to go towards the  brands that target women with natural hair such as Miss Jessie’s and Jane Carter.

AM: What’s your normal maintenance regimen?

Lexi: My normal routine is to wash with WEN – I don’t wash my hair with any sulfate shampoos anymore. Any type of sulfate free shampoo is best for me. I tend to wash my hair in the summer every 2 or 3 days, sometimes even just a rinse to get the curls back. I then use some sort of moisturizing product like Cantu Shea Butter Leave In or Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme . Every week or two, I try to sit under the steamer with a deep conditioner.

AM: What are some of the products and styling implements you absolutely can’t live with out?

Lexi: I cant live without a paddle brush. This is the easiest styling tool to get the tangles swiftly and safely out of my hair.

AM: What styles have you experimented with and which would you say are your favourite?

Lexi: Flat twists. I have been doing flat twists since 2000 when I was in high school on the dance team. We all used to do this every week before the football games to get big curly hair. I was relaxed then. We used to do flat twists then put perm rods on the end. I have been changing my style so much with Twists sets — how many, how fat or thin, what types of rollers, etc.  Now I don’t do them straight back,I do them from the middle out if that makes sense.

AM: Tell me a little about your Blog and its mission.

Lexi: I started my blog CurlsCoilsandKinks.com around this time last year. My whole goal was to inspire women of ALL races who had curly, coily, and kinky hair. I wanted to showcase women with different hair types, styles, etc.  It is much easier for me to type then to make videos so now I also use it as a way to update people about my hair, like doing HOTD (Hair Of The Days) posts. It is much harder than I thought having a Blog [and] now I understand why some other blogs have several people helping them.

AM: What inspired you start making Youtube videos?

Lexi: I started watching YT vids to learn about different products and styles. I had a hard time finding someone with my hair type so I said, “Well someone else might have the same problem so why don’t I make videos?”

AM: What part of your natural hair journey have you enjoyed the most?

Lexi: I have enjoyed learning about new methods and styles. Also the fact that the more you practice, the better you get. Now I can actually say I don’t have to go to a salon to style my hair. No more salons!!

AM: Is there anything you would change about it?

Lexi: The one thing I would change is the detangling. Whew!! My detangling times… I sometimes spend 45 minutes in the shower JUST detangling.

AM: What are some of the resources you have found most helpful?

Lexi: NaturallyCurly.com was my first resource that was super helpful and even looking at people’s Fotki [albums]. Now I spend most of my time on Long Hair Care Forum.

AM: In addition to Blogging and creating your videos, are you engaged in any other natural hair endeavours?

Lexi: I put together Natural Hair Meetups in Atlanta. The first one I did had over 40 people and the last one I co-hosted with Mahogany Knots and we have over 100 ladies and even had Jane Carter and the owners of Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s come to speak.

AM: What advice do you have for other women looking to take up the journey to cultivating natural hair?

Lexi: Patience is the main thing. You have to have patience and it may sound weird but don’t have expectations of what you want your hair to look like. You don’t want to be disappointed because you were hoping for something else. I hear more women complain about their hair type because they had expectations of another hair type. If you don’t have expectations of a certain type, thickness, etc. then you can appreciate your own hair.

~@~

Lexi’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Alexis? You can contact via her Website at www.curlscoilsandkinks.com, follow her on Twitter via @CurlyGirlLexi, check out her YouTube Channel or “like” her Facebook Fan Page.

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Lexi thank you for honouring my humble Blog with your natural story.  I wish you and your curls much success in encouraging others.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted.  All rights reserved.

For this feature I have the pleasure and honour of presenting Sherita Daniels to you all.  Sherita is a natural I encountered on Twitter during the Sunday natural hair chat and have been following ever since.  Professionally, Ms. Daniels is a make-up artist hailing from Atlanta, GA with a talent for developing sumptuous, sexy and glamourous looks that combine beauty and creativity.  In addition to that endeavour, Ms. Daniels is also the founder and editor of Perfectly-Pretty.com, a beauty Blog that shares tips on proper make up application as well as how to cultivate glorious natural hair.

Here is her personal journey in her own words.

AM: How long have you been natural?

SD: My 1year Napptural Goddess Birthday is April 4, 2009

AM: What was your inspiration for going natural?

SD: Two things: vanity and curiosity! I have honestly had EVERY kind and color hair you can think of! I wanted to see if I could look Perfectly-Pretty Natural too! I also have a whole lotta fine and absorbent hair! Relaxers left my hair paper thin!

AM: What are your staple products?

SD: Pantene Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo, Talliah Wadjid Protective Mist Bodifier, Shea Oil and Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie.

AM: How are they working for you?

SD: They all work great! I have lots of color so moisture is very important for me! The oil helps with frizz and definition.

AM: What is your current maintenance regimen?

SD: I guess my regimen is quite simple; I shampoo my hair with Nioxin cleanser about once a month. And I co-wash constantly throughout the month.

AM: What has been the public response to your transition?

SD: The beginning was rough! It’s hard for people who are chronic creamy crack addicts! I had one really odd experience where a Nigerian girl had met me with a 18” 1B Remy Lace front and then saw me a few weeks after my BC. She scrunched up her face and asked shaking her head “Why did you do that?” I actually saw her recently and she was raving about my hair and the color and the length and all “lat” and I said something like “Oh now you like my hair?!” She said nothing else after that!

AM: How about family?

SD: My family is very supportive they think any well kept or “done” hair is great!

AM: What resources have you found helpful when making your transition?

SD: I have to say for the first three months I was totally obsessed with YouTube! I found so much love support and information!

AM: What styles have you experimented with?

SD: My favorite style is variations of twist outs! I usually am wearing some sort of twist out style! I have yet to put together my “1 twist out 7 styles” video.

I have recently fallen in love it the blow out! I don’t use the comb on my dryer. I section my hair and lightly condition and coat each section with oil.  I [then] use a wig brush and pull the hair gently and dry each section.

AM: If you could change anything about your journey, what would it be?

SD: I really have enjoyed the process and journey; I don’t have a thing I would change.

AM: What has been the best part of your experience?

SD: I would have to say all the information, the trial and errors, the new contacts and friends I have made along the way. I have inspired two other women to go natural in the recent months and that’s so very rewarding for me.

AM: What are your future natural endeavors?

SD: Growth and promoting my website, where I mix Glamour and Natural Beauty! I am very opposed to the stereotyping that comes along with how natural women are viewed! I talk about fashion, beauty and hair! Nothing political I like to keep it light. *lol* I have a playlist that has a range of music not just neo-soul music.

AM: What advice do you have for others who are considering going natural?

SD: “Do it do it do it and for those in your crowd that are not feeling you then maybe you should take those $5 kats and make CHANGE!!!”

~@~

Sherita’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Sherita? You can contact via her Website at www.perfectly-pretty.com, follow her on Twitter via @perfectlypretty, check out her YouTube Channel or “like” her company Facebook Page.

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Sherita thank you for allowing me to share your hair-story with my readers.  I wish you much success with your Website, and each leg of your natural hair journey from here on out.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted.  All rights reserved.

I have known today’s feature for a good number of years, going back to my days as a Blogger on Xanga.com many, many moons ago.  I was drawn to  Genoa‘s her uncanny Archeress charm through and open letter entry she wrote, letting LL Cool J know that he had a body of work that proved he no longer had to prove his musical worthiness, and should cease and desist releasing club fodder like “Head Sprung” for radio spins.  It was an entry that had me in stitches and made me like her instantly. Another fascinating aspect about her was her locs.  I was still relaxing at the time and thought her style was bold and daring, as well as pretty and well suited to her carefree demeanour.  Well years passed, and Genoa has moved from the West Coast to the Dirty South, copped the locs and gone full circle from relaxing her naps to coming right back to the natural side of life again.  Here is her story, in her own words.

AM: When and why did you chop your locs?

Genoa: I chopped in in December ’07. Most of my hair changes lately have occurred right around my birthday; December ’07 I chopped my locs and went to a relaxer;  December ’08 was last relaxer, though initially I was going to stretch them.

AM: OMG… The “Dark Side” got you! How did that happen? Just wanted something different?

Genoa: Actually when I started my locks I had a relaxer.  It never even occurred to me to go natural.  I have been on and off relaxers since ’94.

AM: Wow, that’s different. I’ve never heard of anyone loc’ing while relaxed.

Genoa: No, when I started them I was growing out a relaxer.  A few people said maybe I should chop off the relaxer, but at the time I wasn’t trying to hear that.

AM: How long were you loc’ed and what made you decide on that style?

Genoa: Four years.  I started my mother’s locs in 2001.  After her “beautician” retired I became her resident hair dresser.  She’d get me up early in the morning to press her edges.  I grew tired of that and sat her down one day and started her locs.  Two years later I had a friend who was loc’ed.  She was the first person i knew around my age to be loc’ed and hers looked great, all the time.  So with her and my mom’s encouragement, I started mine in September 2003.  I can do hair when I have to, but locs just seemed to a free flowing style without much fuss.

AM: When you decided to un-loc and what was your motivation?

Genoa: I went through a lot of grief in 2007.  I lost my aunt, I was in a new state far far away from home…  Chopping them off was a release.

AM: So, you chopped? Why not comb them out?

Genoa: Combing them out never crossed my mind. I knew it would be too short for me to press.  It wasn’t until late 2008, when I came across natural blogs and sites that I thought, “Yeah, my natural hair… I could do that”

AM: Once you chopped, what became your maintenance routine?

Genoa: Moisture, moisture, moisture!  My tresses love water and coconut oil.

AM: How long is your hair now?

Genoa: I’m shoulder length.

AM: How long was it when you chopped?

Genoa: Very short… TWA.

AM: What styles have you experimented with?

Genoa: Successfully?  Wash ‘n Go’s, I’ve got those down.  Flat twist outs, braid outs, twist outs… Working on my Frohawk, but it needs more work.

AM: Any heat styling?

Genoa: Maybe once every few months, but I prefer my hair in its coily state.   The first time I got it straighten I wore a hat for a week.  Couldn’t wait to get water on it.  I like it better when it’s big and all over my head.  There are enough women with straight hair in Atlanta.  I like being unique.

AM: What products do you rely on most often?

Genoa: Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel, Ion Moisturizing Treatment, henna.  Multi vitamins, you know feed the body from the inside out.  Extra virgin coconut oil and Infusium 23 Leave-In.

AM: What do you use for washing?

Genoa: Currently the Organix Teatree Mint.  I typically use shampoos that specify they are hydrating or moisturizing.

AM: What’s you’re washing/maintenance routine?

Genoa: I use product daily so I typically shampoo three times a week, and deep condition once a week, alternating between a deep treatment and henna.

AM: You are the first feature I’ve had that uses henna. What does it do for your hair?

Genoa: It makes it so soft, strong and keeps my hair from shedding.  And since I have a ton of gray it colors them a nice, warm red.

AM: Is it difficult to mix and use?

Genoa: Not at all.  I watched a few videos on Youtube beforehand, and you can use things that you already have around the house.  The only thing I don’t like is keeping it on my head for six hours.  I don’t like the feeling of a plastic cap on my head for hours.

AM: Is that the typical time limit necessary for the treatment?

Genoa: Some do it up for up to eight hours, or you can do it for as little as three.  I’ve done it for three hours, six hours and overnight. I didn’t see much of a difference in the results.

AM: What are the differences you’ve noticed in your hair between now and pre-use?

Genoa: I’ve retained a lot of length and have hardly any split ends.

AM: You said you’ve gone back and forth between relaxed and natural for a number of years. Any specific reason why, or was it just one of those Sagittarian “I feel like something different” things?

Genoa: I was clueless as to how damaging relaxers were.  I always wore my hair straight and styled with heat, so I figured being relaxed would get me half way there.  It was until last October, after seeing Chris Rock’s “Good Hair” that I became aware of how brainwashed I was.  I thought being relaxed was easier and that it made my hair more manageable.  I was a faithful sat salon patron for all of 2008.  All that time I could have been writing The Great American novel.

AM: Are you planning to stay natural this time?

Genoa: Yes, yes, yes!  For the rest of my life.  Not even so much as hair dye.

AM: In the totality of your journey, what have been some of the high and low points for you?

Genoa: I would say the product trial and error.  I was beginning to have a product junkie problem.  The highs are people around me being inspired to go natural as well.  Women who have had relaxers forever giving up the creamy crack and putting the mixing spatula down.

AM: What would you say you would have done differently knowing what you know now?

Genoa: I would not have gotten a relaxer. Maybe picked my locks loose, although I don’t know if i have that kind of patience.

AM: Living in one of the biggest processed hair cities in the country has it been difficult to do the natural thing there?

Genoa: Yes and no.  The weave exploration is a temptation I’ve never felt before moving to Atlanta. I have trouble creating new styles. I found my groove with the Wash ‘n Go and stayed with it.  Then when my hair got a lil longer I found comfort with the flat twist out.

AM: Any advice for others looking to go natural?

Genoa: DO IT!  Do your reseach, go gradual or chop all at once.  Find a way to get back to natural, and let go of what ever thoughts you have about relaxed hair being easier.

~@~

Genoa’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Genoa? You can contact via her Soul Purpose Website at www.soulpurpose.net/esuite/home/gigi.

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Genoa, it was a joy catching up with you and learning about the many miles you’ve logged on your journey.  Much success to you always!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted.  All rights reserved

It’s been over a hot minute since we’ve had a feature, but I’m really glad to be back to it because I’ve introduced to some wonderful natural ladies via the Twitter natural hair community.  One of which I’d like to introduce you to is Veronica, founder of the My Natural Me hair Blog and V’s Cookin it Real foodie Blog.  V and I became acquainted during the Twitter Natural Chat a couple days ago and from that moment its been a napptralpalozza between our tweet streams.

And without further ado, here’s Veronica‘s story.

AM: what made you want to “go natural”?

Veronica: I would also see other natural beauties rock their curls and natural doos with confidence and I wanted to give it a try myself…I really got tired of the same limp look of relaxers. I find that I have much more versatility with natural hair..I could NEVER rock a puff or fro with a lazy relaxer lol.  I also have always been curious to what the real texture of my hair is…I am seeing it a bit now, but I am sure I will do a serious 2nd BC when the time is right!

AM: did you have any trepidations to overcome when making the step?

Veronica: I did! I really was nervous about how my boyfriend would react! He has locs now and I maintain them for him..I know that when I first attempted to go natural, he didn’t like it and I understand why. I didn’t have the confidence in myself to transition all the way and that spoke for itself…now that I am able to style my hair in various ways..he LOVES it!  I also was conscious about the professional world, but I get more compliments now that I am natural than when my hair was relaxed!

AM: How long have you been natural?

Veronica: I’ve been relaxer free for two years and two months. That’s how long I transitioned.  I self BC’d on Dec 29 2009!!!

AM: Wow… You transitioned for two years? How did that work for you?

Veronica: It was a journey and a struggle. When I first decided to go natural I wasn’t used to how my hair reacted.  It was straight in some places and curly in others. I was really afraid of how my kinky hair would look  so I opted for Dominican blowouts to keep me comfortable.  I tried the puffs for a while but it just wasn’t working for me.  I was still using the same products on my hair that I would if I had a relaxer so I really couldn’t manage it.  Therefore back to the straight style I went!  I had convinced myself that my har was still healthy because I didn’t have a relaxer but the heat damage was horrible.

AM: Is that when you decided to BC?

Veronica: I decided to BC when I did my first Mohawk with two strand twists. I was so sick of the straight edges so six days later I cut three inches off all over my head!  And the rest is freedom and history.

AM: How do you feel now about sporting shorter locks?

Veronica: At first I was very hesitant.  I definitely was not used to the shrinkage! I got over that pretty quick thanks to having the support and inspiration from other natural divas out there!

AM: What is your maintenance routine and what products do you swear by?

Veronica: Well now I am doing a twist challenge so it is a bit different. What I usually do is cowash weekly with Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner and seal with my shea butter/tea tree oil/EVCO* mix and style.  Every other week I deep treat with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner & EVCO with 30mins of heat for penetration.  My staple products are the Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration and Totally Twisted conditioners, shea butter and EVCO.  I also do a leave- in with the Totally Twisted conditioner after I co-wash and deep treatment.  I haven’t tried alot of produtcts. I am still trying to figure out what my hair likes.

AM: How do you normally wear your hair and what is the twist challenge you mentioned?

Veronica: Right now because it is winter I am wearing protective styles.  I found out through much, much research that that is the way to go in the winter.  This includes twists for the most part.  In the summer I will be rocking the puffs, curly fros and twist outs.  By then I may have done another chop though, so maybe even Wash n Go’s may be in the mix. *lol*

The challenge is with Milan from AGrlCanMac.blogspot.com.  We are are wearing our hair in twists until April 1st with our regular wash and treatment routines in between. I may extend mine til the end of April but we will see. I would love to see how much my hair has grown after the challenge.  I may extend mine til the end of April but we will see. I would love to see how much my hair has grown after the challenge.

AM: When you made your transition were there any resources you found helpful?

Veronica: OMG yes! I stayed on Curly Nikki’s Forum and Natural Sunshine Community was also very helpful!!!  The first blogs I became addicted to were NaturalChica.com and CurlyNikki.com along with AGrlCanMac‘s Blog!

AM: Did they inspire you to start My Naturally Me?

Veronica: They really did, especially Mae from Natural Chica.  I got so inspired from her features and I also wanted to share my story and those of other divas!

AM: What are some of the thing you cover in your Blog?

Veronica: Right now I am just covering natural hair [wearers] and their stories.  I will have a makeup and skin care tutorial coming up soon, as well as a chemist who will become a regular contributor for product reviews and advice.  I am taking suggestions for more of what my followers want to see, so feel free to send them my way!

AM: If you could change one thing about your transitioning process, what would it be?

Veronica: You know that is a good question.. I don’t think I would change anything about my process.  I say this because the struggles that I have had with my natural journey has given me all the confidence and self support that I have right now.  I now have a story for other natural divas who are transitioning or think that there should be a time limit on it.  I waited two years because I wasn’t comfortable with myself.  I did it when the time was right for me.

AM: What’s in your natural future?

Veronica: I believe that my natural future will bring another BC, maybe three to four inches in length all around.  I also am getting into making my own jewelry, cowls and other crafty things.  I have really found “My Natural Me” hence the title of my Blog.

AM: Do you have any advice for others who’d like to go natural?

Veronica: My advice is to do it when the time is right for you. There may be pressure to do it from others or even rebuttals from the nay sayers, but when you make a commitment to do it for yourself, you will be much happier.  Be patient with your hair and your process/progress and utilize other naturals to keep you motivated!

~@~

Veronica’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Veronica? You can contact via her Website at www.mynaturalme.blogspot.com.

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Veronica, I thank you so much for allowing me to share your story and sites with my readers.  Much success with the twist challenge and all your other natural endeavours.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted.  All right reserved.

Picking up where I left off with the features, I present to you Ms. Emerald Shaw, a make up Goddess and transitioner I met while I was a Plurker.  Hailing from my hometown of Detroit and relatively a newbie, Emmy took up the natural journey last year and has not turned back since.

M. Michelle: So what made you want to go natural?

Emmy: Following my last relaxer I got my hair in micros and a few weeks before I took those out I made the decision. I didn’t like the fact that I had to cut my hair because there was so much damage.  Last summer I educated myself about hair and wanted to learn more about my hair and why it was the way it was.  And then there’s a deeper reason why I decided to go natural. I was going through a lot of stuff last year and I was in a few situations where I simply didn’t feel like me. I decided that i never wanted to alter myself for the sake of others, and as a symbol of that I never want to chemically alter my hair again. I want it to grow and flourish the way it was intended in hopes that I as a whole will follow suit.

M. Michelle: How long had you been perming beforehand?

Emmy: I’d be perming my hair forever.  *lol* I think I had my first perm when I was six or seven, possibly five.

M. Michelle: Wow! Six or seven? That’s early as all get out.  I have heard of perms that early, but never known anyone personally who’d gotten one so young.  Looking back, why do you think that was an option your mom turned to?

Emmy: I’d guess that she didn’t know any better. I’m not sure how old she was when she got her first relaxer, but I know her mother was a cosmetologist. Maybe it’s what she was taught, or maybe throwing a Just For Me in your daughter’s hair was just the thing to do in the 90′s. Before then she always put my hair in cornrows.  Having mentioned that, maybe she just got tired of braiding my hair all the time. *lol*

M. Michelle: What products do you use now?

Emmy: I’ve been using Dr. Miracle Shampoo lately and very now and then I’ll buy a packet of Dr. Miracle Deep Conditioner. I like the tingling sensation. I use shea butter in my hair rather than hair grease, and if I need to get it to lay down I use Jam. I try not to use a whole lot of product, especially since all of that isn’t natural.  Recently I began using Aphogee’s Balancing Moisturizer, Aphogee’s Deep Moisture Shampoo and Aphogee’s Provitamin Leave-In Conditioner.

M. Michelle: Do you follow any regular maintenance routine?

Emmy: Yep. I wash either Saturday night or Sunday morning, throw it in either 4 pony tails or some lil rascal braids so it can air dry, the I have my mom press it out Sunday night and shea butter it up before bed. Depending on the how I want to wear it the next day I’ll put it in rollers for the night.   Every once in a while I’ll do a mayonnaise treatment instead of using a deep conditioner.

M. Michelle: Are you heat style free now?

Emmy: Pretty much. I have a CHI iron but I don’t use it often. I have a curling iron as well, but I only use it in emergencies.  *lol*  I try not to use heat other than the pressing comb.  I stopped blow drying because I wanted to limit the heat.

M. Michelle: Other than braids, how do you normally style your hair?

Emmy: Most of the time I roll it at night, take the rollers our in the morning and then just play with it until it looks decent. Other than that I brush it all to the back and wear a knit beret over it. For the past two days I’ve been throwing it in a pony tail.  In general it’s pressed out on Monday morning and I’ve been putting it in a pony tail.

M. Michelle: Do you use any heat protection products when you straighten your hair?

Emmy: Yes.  The Aphogee Leave-In serves and a heat protectant, and in addition to that I use CHI Silk Infusion.  I like the CHI a lot because it protects from heat damage but it also keeps my hair from reverting back so much during the week.  Even in the heat and humidity

M. Michelle: Other than braids, have you experimented with any other styles?

Emmy: Not as of yet.  I thought about getting a sew in, but I’m scared. *lol* thought about kinky twists too, but I don’t think they’d look as good on me as braids do.

M. Michelle: What makes you scared to get the sew in?

Emmy: Mostly because I don’t want it to look silly. I feel like if I get a full sew in it’ll look uber fake because there would be no natural part in the hair and I wouldn’t be able to part it myself.  If I get a partial, I’d have to flat iron the portion of my hair that doesn’t have weave sewn in every single day. I don’t wanna have to apply that much heat to one section that often.

M. Michelle: What, if any, stigmas did you have to bypass in making your decision to go natural, and how did you do it, especially living in the Hair Capital of America? *lol*

Emmy: I don’t think I was really affected by any. I was never one to be all weaved up so I wasn’t bothered much about the societal things.

M. Michelle: But you permed up until this year.

Emmy: Well yea, but I mean once I made the solid decision nothing was going to deter me from that. Sure, society played a part in why I kept relaxing my hair but more so I think I did it because I didn’t know anything else.

M. Michelle: So what are you hair goals, if you have any?

Emmy: I just want to grow it as long as I can.  If I can get it down my back I’d be super dee duper happy. I wanna be able to wash and go without lookin weird.  But the main goal is to help it grow as long as it wants to.

M. Michelle: Do you have an idea how much new growth you have?

Emmy: Since I’m not working with two textures of hair anymore its harder for me to tell, unless I have it braided. But if I had to guess I’d say it’s doing a few millimeters per month. It seems to grow a lot faster when it’s braided. Probably because it gets a break.  When it’s braided I usually have anywhere between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch or so by the time I take them out.

M. Michelle: Are you clipping the ends regularly?

Emmy: Yes and no.  *lol*  Whenever I’m taking braids out I make sure I cut a little while in the process of cutting braids out. When not braided, I don’t trust myself enough to do it. But since I am employed now, I’m going to start going to a salon regularly so that someone can do it properly for me.

M. Michelle: Okay so, what made you decided to grow your hair out, versus simply keeping it braided or doing a big chop?

Emmy:I actually did keep it braided for about a year. I would have the braids in for two months, out for a month, and then back in for another two months. I didn’t want to do the chop because I was very scared of having a TWA. There are some people who can rock it, but I didn’t think I was one of those people. Plus I kinda feel like the big chop is a punk move. *lol* It takes guts to do it, but I think you have to put a lot more work in if you don’t do it.

M. Michelle: That’s not necessarily true. There are trials and tribs with working with a TWA, considering you’re still learning your hair and it takes a lot to manipulate and style short, textured hair.   A lot of people chop and get a weave or extensions

Emmy: My friend Liz did that; chopped and got a sew in.   I’m sure there’s some rough moments working with a TWA, but, I don’t know, I can’t imagine it being harder than two textures. *lol*  I don’t know, that’s just how I felt.   I wanted the challenge and I felt like not chopping would give me that.

M. Michelle: What are your current frustrations?

Emmy: Basically having to do with growth.  My hair is not growing as fast as I want it to, though my view of fast may be unrealistic.  *lol*  The front/top of my hair is shorter than the back and the hair on the left side of my head has always grown longer than on the right. Working in a doctor’s office everyday its better to have your hair pulled back, so I throw it in a ponytail, but with some hair being longer than others, its a process to get it into a decent pony tail.

M. Michelle: Are you a member of any hair care forums or groups or do you have any favourite sites?

Emmy: I’m not a member but I do browse them from time to time if I’m trying to find info on a product. My biggest resource is YouTube actually. There are soooo many natural hair chicks on there with product reviews and style tips.

M. Michelle: Aye.  I have yet to watch any myself.  I’m a reading kinda girl.*lol*

Emmy: *lol* I’m more of an auditory learner so the vids work well for me. I think you might like Blaqueindigo‘s videos. She talks about lots of different things, but she has a few hair videos. Those were what sparked my decision.  Or at least got me thinking “Hmm, what if i went natural…?”

M. Michelle: If you could change any part of the beginning of your transition, what would would you do differently, if anything?

Emmy: You know, I don’t think I would change anything. Well, maybe I would’ve tried more products at the beginning, but other than that I don’t think I would do too much differently. Considering how damaged my hair was at the beginning, I cant complain about all that I’ve done thus far.

M. Michelle: Any advice for others who would like to “go natural”? Any ways to make the process easier?

Emmy: Educate yourself thoroughly.  That helped me a lot. Learn about the history of hair in your ethnic background and research productions, methods and options in getting/keeping it healthy. Above all, understand that this is a long term commitment. Understand that the decision to go natural is like a proposal. Make sure you know what you’re getting into so you don’t end up in an ugly divorce.

~@~

Emmy’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Emmy? You can contact via her Website at www.theneverlove.com.

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Thank you so much for allowing me to share your transitioning story with my readers, Emmy.  I wish you much luck as you grow and learn your hair and yourself.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted.  All rights reserved.

This week’s feature is a “newbie” to the natural journey, although her decision to return to her roots took shape a year ago. Sunita, or Bulletz, as we lovingly refer to her in the Blogosphere, is a proud tribal member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape People.  Sunita is also transitioning from a Wave Nouveau system, and being of multi-racial heritage the process can oftentimes be harrowing. But blessedly she is persevering, and is sharing her journey with us!

Idadi: When did you make the decision to go natural and why?

Suni: I decided to go natural last year, toward the end. I got tired of trying to keep up with relaxers that were only damaging my hair. I ended up with more broken than length, so i chopped it. I had also not seen my real hair since I was a teenager, so I wanted to know what it was like. I figured, “I’m 28 years old, I should be able to take care of my own hair [now].”

Idadi: And you’re transitioning, right?

Suni: Yes I still have a bit left from the Wave Nouveau, but most of [my hair] is back to natural. I expect it to be long and wavy by the end of next year. Re-learning how to care for your hair is a trip, as I know I don’t have to tell you.

Idadi: Why did you decide to go this route instead of cutting off the relaxed portion?

Suni: I had cut most of it off, and it actually angered some blood (a.k.a my husband). Then I saw there was more to cut and I was like uh, oh! So I kept my length, even at the expense of a good deal of breakage on the very back of my head. It took a few months to grow out to nearly the same length as the rest of my hair, and I am trimming up as the new growth comes down. Eventually it will all be even and natural.

Idadi: How many processes have you taken your hair through before deciding to go natural?

Suni: Not many. I did Wave Nouveau for a good amount of years. It was the best thing for my hair as far as processes go. I would probably still be getting it if the products were still widely available, which they are not. I also did a number of similar natural based relaxers, and the last thing was New Era, which is also not readily available. I liked the soft results without all the effects of harsh chemicals. It’s like a heat wrap that straightens your hair, but does not do so much damage. It leaves a bit of your natural texture in. After the frustration with trying to locate product and  my hair being so damaged… the snap came… and I said NATURAL here I come!

Idadi: I’ve heard so much about WN… how was it different from the Jheri Curl?

Suni: Firstly, it didn’t leave you dripping all over everything. Once it was dry, it was done dripping. It kept its shape and held up in the heat. It actually got curlier in the humidity. It was durable. I only had to get the process once every nine months I believe, because it blended so naturally with my new growth.

Idadi: But the process was sorta the same?

Suni: I dunno. How long does it take to get a Jheri curl?

Idadi: About an hour to an hour and a half, if I remember correctly.

Suni: [Wave Nouveau] takes three or four hours, and a whole lot of curling, half uncurling, full uncurling with like ten different products. But the end result was so FABULOUS.

Idadi: What products do you use on your hair most often?

Suni: Being that I can still get the after care products for Wave Nouveau — which is crazy since you can’t get the process anymore — I use their moisturizer. It’s very good at keeping your hair soft and not greasy. I also use Profectiv Break Free Leave-In Strengthner, and Profectiv Daily Leave-In Conditioner. As far as the wash goes, I have been using the Dove Intense Damage Therapy but will probably switch to their curly shampoo solution very soon. Deep conditioning I do with Lustrasilk Aloe Vera Cholesterol about once a month.

Idadi: How are those working for you?

Suni: Well, they are working pretty well. I am trying to use the [strengthener] at least once every 3 days and the moisturizer every other day. So far, so good. I just can’t wait to see it all natural and be able to deal with it on its own terms… If that makes any sense.

Idadi: What are you looking forward to on the natural journey?

Suni: I am looking forward to having the length without the chemicals. I am really looking forward to having healthy hair that’s all mine again. I have been resorting to wigs and ponytails because of the horror of my hair. Once I can wear it again as a crown, I will be doubly overjoyed.

Idadi: What has been the most frustrating part so far?

Suni: At first, it was the breakage. Now it’s the waiting. I am having hardly and breakage now, so waiting for it to be like I want it is really hard.

Idadi: Aye… I can truly understand that. I think the time passed so quick for me cause I just left it alone

Suni: It’s an ever present issue for me, because I’m not just trying to please myself. I want it to look decent for my husband, too. He loved the length I had more than I did, and I want to have it back at full strength.

Idadi: How supportive has he been throughout the process?

Suni: At first, he didn’t understand the reason behind me chopping my hair off. He was shocked that after four years of marriage I would do something that drastic. I finally was able to explain and reiterate [that] the issue at hand was that my hair was unhealthy and would have broken off anyway, shorter than where I cut it. Once I reassured him that I would be getting the length back, but this time it would be even better, he warmed up to it more. Now he sees the fruits of my labor starting to burst forth, and he is even more a supporter of what I am doing.

Idadi: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaw…

Suni: *lol* My mom has been the biggest supporter, though. She is by trade a hair dresser, and has been my personal stylist since I was born. My little sister got the ringlet curls, so she has been natural for a looong time with no problems. Me, well… I got the “wavy, dunno if I want to be a curl or not, hair.”

Idadi: LMAO! It’s bi-curlious?

Suni: HAHHAHA!

Idadi: What styles have you tried so far?

Suni: Gurl how can you style bi-curlious hair? *lol* I have been trying different things in order to keep it under control to some extent. The pics you have are from yesterday when I had braided my hair for a few days then took it out. I guess you might call it a braid-out style. Then there was the day I tried to twist… Utter disaster! I have been trying to avoid using my flat iron, but it does work if I need to go to a formal party or something like that. My natural hair actually gives itself over to heat better than when I had it relaxed.

Idadi: What styles are you looking forward to trying now?

Suni: I will be getting some rod curlers (as my mom suggested) so I can ease the ends of my hair to work in with my new growth, so I don’t look like a raving lunatic in the humidity. I can hardly wait to have an actual ponytail again, instead of the brussel sprout I have sticking up.

Idadi: LMAO! Not brussel sprout!

Suni: *lol*

Idadi: Do you frequent any websites or belong to any natural hair groups for support?

Suni: No. Most of the hair groups that I find are for people who do not have my hair texture. I cannot join Nappturality because my hair isn’t “ethnic” enough in texture. I can’t join the sites for mixed chicks because my hair isn’t white/Spanish enough in curl. So I’m stuck in the middle, as always, trying to figure things out on my own. Multi-racial and bi-racial hair is so different from each other, and no one really knows that. They figure it’s all the same.

Idadi: How has your perception of your hair been affected by the natural process?

Suni: It’s more the like the perception of my own beauty changes with the way I perceive my hair. For example, when I did the twists… You said that it was probably my perception of what they looked like, but believe me, they looked like BeBe’s kids had done my hair in my sleep! *lol* I have to get to the point where I’m comfortable enough to say “YES, this is my NATURAL hair and I am beautiful with it”, whether it behaves “properly” or not. Being constantly inundated with images of women of color wearing their hair straight has scaled my eyes to an extent, and seeing women of color who are more ethnically rooted, so to speak — wearing their hair in fros and all the cute things they can do — really disheartens one who has yet to find their natural hair path.

Idadi: So the change in the hair is effecting the change in the woman?

Suni: Very much so, which is why I now understand what my husband was feeling when he saw my hair was cut. With getting back to my natural roots, I have found myself getting back to the root of myself. I have been rediscovering who I am through the process.

Idadi: Your husband’s Native American too, right?

Suni: no, he’s Puerto Rican. [Well], he is Taino Indian, so it is true he is Native American.

Idadi: Well most “Natives” I know have a very strong spiritual connection to hair.

Suni: Funny you should say that. Hair is very near and dear because it symbolizes things. Like in certain tribes, once your hair was long enough to have a braid, you were considered a man, for boys. And women wore their hair as their crowning glory. Natives scalped people not just to kill them, but to take away their honor. Cutting my own hair was a HUGE decision. In the end, I decided it was more honorable to cut it and start over. Can you tell that a lot of things went into my decision? *lol*

Idadi: Yeah… but that’s a good thing.

Suni: I mean it took me four years to decide I wanted to color my hair, then to go through the decision of cutting it? It was almost more than I could bear.

Idadi: But that’s a good thing. The more personally you consider your hair, the better you’re able to make healthy decisions for it, instead of considering it just a thing that covers you head.

Suni: Very, very true.

Idadi: If you could change one thing about your natural start, what would you do differently?

Suni: I think I would have never put a process in my hair to begin with. But being as it is what it is, I probably would have wrapped my hair up so it didn’t all break off in one spot. That’s something VERY important that I never thought much about. WRAP YOUR HEAD in do-rag or handkerchief or something. I cannot stress it enough.

Idadi: Yes, that’s very important. Either that or sleep with a satin pillowcase.

Suni: Yes!

Idad: Well, I know you have to go soon, so I’ll let you go with a thank you, and best wishes for your process.

Suni: I must say this was a fun interview. I hate for it to end!!

~@~

Suni’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Sunita? You can contact via her Website at www.bucketobulletz.com.

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Sunita it has been such a pleasure sharing your story with my readers, and I even learned a thing or two. I empathize with the difficulty it is to find sites that cater to your multiracial hair type, so I scoured the Web to see if I found some that came close. Here they are:

BlendedBeauty.com Hair Tips – These Curly Hair Tips are for adults and children with multiracial, afro and curly textured hair.

My Sky – Multiracial Family Life – I saw at least two entries dedicated to multiracial hair. Quite possibly the author has some tips and tricks to share.

Metisse – An online magazine dedicated to multiracial beauty.

Softress – Products for ethnic and multi-ethnic hair and skin.

Hope that helps, or at least points you in the right direction.

I wish you much success in your journey and can’t wait to see future progress.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted. All right reserved.

This week’s feature is a fellow Motown native, who has since transplanted to the ATL, Ms. Danielle Tillman. I’ve known Dani since my beginning Blogging days at Xanga, and was there at Ground Zero when she made her decision to go natural. To have watched her progress from start to present has been one of the biggest inspirations for me to start my own journey, and wanted to share her story with you. So here it is, in her own words.

Idadi: How long have you been natural?

Danielle: It’s been 4 years since my last relaxer and 3 years since I chopped.

Idadi: What prompted your switch?

Danielle: There were a few factors… I had been natural most of my life and I realized that my relaxed hair wasn’t thriving. After doing some research and being persuaded by a friend, I decided to take the plunge.

Idadi: How did you make your transition?

Danielle: I wore braids w/ extensions, kinky twists, braidouts and wash n’ gos. My hair was more texlaxed than relaxed, so it was easier to blend the textures.

Idadi: What styling/care products and regimen did you start out using?

Danielle: Hmm… I used a Pantene’s Hydrating Curls Conditioner for conditioner washes. For styling I used Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade and Sculpting Foam.

Idadi: Are they the same now?

Danielle: No… I realized how drying the Paul Mitchell products were when used everyday. I now use a creamy leave-in conditioner and Fantasia IC gel (clear kind) for styling and hold. Other products I use for maintenance and style are Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner as a leave in along with the Fantasia IC Gel, Organix Coconut Milk- Coconut Serum and Self-Heating Coconut Oil. Wonderful products… pricey but worth it.

Idadi: How do you maintain your hair and facilitate growth now?

Danielle: My hair really responds to less is more. I do cowashes [conditioner washes] several times a week, and depending on how much product I use, I wash w/ shampoo no more than once a week. I prefer once every two weeks. When I use heat I make sure to use a heat protectant and pay attention to my ends.

Idadi: What are the various styles you’ve experimented with, and which would you say is your favourite?

Danielle: I’ve done twists, twistouts, braidouts, wash n’go’s, puffs, ponytails, updos, buns, roller sets, and straightened hair w/ curls. My favorite style is my wash n’ go because it’s low maintenance and if I take my time it looks wonderful.

Idadi: How did you overcome the overwhelming stigmas surrounding “black hair” in order to go natural?

Danielle: To be honest, I didn’t experience a lot of the stigma, because when I went natural several of my peers on campus were going natural as well. The process for me was more internal. I had to learn to love myself and not worry so much about what everyone else thought. I had to accept myself, and once I did that I didn’t really care what others were thinking when they saw me. Plus, my family and most of my friends were supportive once they got over the initial shock of me having short hair.

Idadi: What have you liked most about the process?

Danielle: I love how I can change my hair up on a regular basis by simply adding water.

Idadi: What have you like least?

Danielle: The challenges that come with learning what works for my hair at different stages. The longer it gets, the more frustrating it can be at times.

Idadi: How do you balance classes, work, and hair maintenance?

Danielle: I wear my hair in a wash n’go or a puff 75% of the time, so my hair maintenance doesn’t tend to get in the way of my everyday life.

Idadi: What are the hair products you absolutely can’t live without and would highly recommend?

Danielle: Fantasia IC gel and a creamy conditioner.

Idadi: How much differently, and in what ways, do you view your hair now, as opposed to when it was relaxed?

Danielle: I view my hair as an extension of my personality. There are many sides to me, and because my hair is natural I can change my style to reflect the different sides of me as well.

Idadi: Ever experienced one of those days where it seemed so much easier to just slap on a relaxer? How did you get past it?

Danielle: Every now and then, when my hair is unbelievably tangled or when the humidity hits my straightened hair, I want to relax it; but I remember the scalp burns and the upkeep and change my mind. Not to mention there are tons of black women who are natural on message boards to talk me out of it.

Idadi: What were your greatest sources of support through the journey?

Danielle: Online message boards and other friends who were going through the process.

Idadi: I recall you being featured on the Motowngirl.com site some years back. How did that come about?

Danielle: I sent the owner a message about being the feature, because I frequented her site regularly and wanted to help someone just like she had helped me.

Idadi: Are you currently and active member of any other natural hair communities?

Danielle: No… I do frequent message boards but the one that I participate in the most is dedicated to healthy long hair (relaxed or natural).

Idadi: Do you style your hair yourself most often, or leave it in the hands of a professional?

Danielle: Umm… I’m a broke Grad student, so I do it myself most of the time… professionals on special occasions.

Idadi: If you had it all to do over again, what, if anything, would you change about your natural hair journey?

Danielle: I would have experimented with more styles when my hair was shorter. I stuck to puffs and wash n’go’s and I missed out on the styling options for shorter natural hair. I also wouldn’t have worn extensions throughout so much of my transition. Doing so hindered me learning more about natural texture earlier.

Idadi: Any advice for others considering going natural?

Danielle: Make your decision for you, not for anyone else or because it’s a trend. Embrace your natural self and don’t let anyone make you feel like something is wrong with you because of your decision. It’s really an internal mental process. I know some people think that you should just chop it and be done with it, but I honestly believe that transitioning is the best decision. It gives you time to truly embrace the change taking place, not just on your head but inside as well. Oh, and don’t be like me and wear extensions throughout most of the transition, because it will be an even bigger shock.

~@~

Dani’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Danielle? You can contact via her Website at www.academicbutterfly.blogspot.com or her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/umblessedbeauty_1. You may also view more of Danielle’s progress pictures via her Fotki at www.public.fotki.com/UMBlessedBeauty1, password mahogany.

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Danielle, it has been an honour and a pleasure to feature you and your long, lovely locks. As I said in the intro, your progress has inspired me, and Adah, to remain on the natural path. I’m sure sharing your words here will do the same for others.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted. All right reserved.

This week’s feature is my sister from another Mister, Mrs. Evelyn D. Robinson, who you may know as Ev_e, Btrflyed, or Mrs. Fave. *lol* Again, I’m featuring on the fly, so the format is Q&A (which very well may become the format of choice), but I’m sure that will make what’s shared no less insightful.

And without further ado…

Idadi: How long have you been natural?

Eve: I’ve been natural for eight years.

Idadi: What prompted your decision to make the switch from relaxed to kinky?

Eve: I got tired of combing my hair, but I was misguided cause I did more combing when I had an Afro than I did when I had a perm. Hence the locs. *lmao*

Idadi: How did you go about making the transition?

Eve: I let my natural hair grow out for a couple months and rolled the permed ends with wave rods (also known as the Jheri Curl roller *lol*) so it always looked curly. After I had about 3 inches of natural hair, I cut all the permed ends off and wore a short Fro for about 2yrs. Then I Loc’d it.

Idadi: We all have out ghosts that keep us trapped in the relaxed hair closet. What helped you break through the “hair-erotypes” surrounding Black hair?

Eve: Uh… Sis… You should know me better than that. I could care less what people think about me.

Idadi: I know that, silly goose. But this aint for me. *lol*

Eve: Well, that’s my answer. *lol*

Idadi: *raspberry*

Eve: Okay, I’ll “clean it up”. *lol* I didn’t really let what people think bother me. I made the decision for me, and that’s what mattered.

Idadi: Did you follow any specific hair care routines or use any specific products to start?

Eve: i washed it once a week when I had an Afro, and used LottaBody when i rolled it. But once I loc’ed I washed every two to three weeks, and I made an essential oil spray that I used daily in the mornings. Since I used a latch hook to tighten my locs, I don’t require any gels or anything to hold it. I’d wet it during shower time just about every day, though. It feels so good.

Idadi: What was in the oil spray?

Eve: It’s made with water, olive oil, and the following essential oils — peppermint, chamomile, tea tree, and lemongrass.

Idadi: Why did that just make me hungry. *lol*

Eve: My husband said I smelled like fresh salad when we first met. *lol*

Idadi: Okay, I can’t remember if it was early this year or late last year, but I distinctly remember you “trading” your beautiful locs for a TWA. What brought that on?

Eve: It was last year in March. After growing my locs for over 5 yrs, I decided to cut them and start anew because of all the crazy energy in them. I went through a lot of transitions (job switch, divorce, birth of my son, loss of my great-grandmother), and for me, my hair isn’t just a style it’s a part of me. My Locs were starting to show the wear of my life at that time, so right before we buried my Great-Granmother, I took the scissors to them and wore a short Fro for a while. A couple months after I remarried, I decided to go ahead and start loc’ing again.

Idadi: Okay, if you had your journey to start over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

Eve: Hmm… If i had to do it all over again I would have started my own the first time. I got Sisterlocks the first time and I didn’t have the best experience with my consultant. Don’t get me wrong… Sisterlocks are great. I just wish I had more options as far as consultants. But, that was 6 yrs ago. I’m sure there are plenty more people doing them now.

Idadi: So you do your own Locs?

Eve: Yes.

Idadi: When and how did you start?

Eve: November ’07. I started them using the latch hook method. Basically, you make a knot at the end of the hair, and continue with the latch hook until it’s tightened to the scalp. There are a few sites out there that break the technique down, but I learned by trial and error.

Idadi: How is the latch hook method different from starting locs from twists?

Eve: Starting from twists requires more maintenance (ie. cleaning scalp with Seabreeze vs. washing, using gels and clips, and sitting under a dryer, as well as tightening every couple weeks in the beginning). Using the latch hook eliminates the need for gels because you are essentially tying your hair in a knot with the latch hook, and that is what holds it together. Depending on the length of your hair you can wash it whenever you’d like by either putting them in rubber bands and washing gently, or using a stocking cap to keep them from being overly agitated.

Idadi: Is your care regimen the same as when you first had Locs?

Eve: Yes ma’am. I do everything exactly the same as before.

Idadi: What problems have you encountered along the natural way?

Eve: The only problem I have is making time to do my hair. *lol* I need to do it as we speak.

Idadi: What is it you love about Locs above the other styles you may have tried?

Eve: I love the low maintenance and the texture. I love the way my hair feels.

Idadi: What’s the difference between how you looked at your hair when it was relaxed, and how you look at it now?

Eve: Giirl! My hair would NOT grow when it was relaxed, or at least it seemed that way cause it was always breaking off. I hated my hair! I looked a mess until I cut it super short… And that was right before I decided to go natural.

Idadi: What would you say is the one essential product necessary for a successful, long term, loc style?

Eve: Shampoo and water. *lmao* Some people don’t even do that much. Eww!

Idadi: *lol* Fair enough. Now, what advice do you have for others looking to start their own personal journeys?

Eve: The only advice I have is to stick with it if you want to be natural. It takes patience to get your hair to the place you want it to be. And don’t believe the hype! Our hair doesn’t need all those different things they try to sell us. Just keep it moisturized (and this doesn’t mean greased… But that’s another topic. *lol*). Take time to see what works for you.

~@~

Eve’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Eve? You can catch her Blog at www.everobnsn.com. Have a question about how she “do her natural do”? Contact her via Email at eve@socre8eve.com.

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I am honoured to be able to share your natural process with others, Eve, and I wish you many more days of napptural beauty. You are an inspiration to me, and others who have made the transition as well, I am sure.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted. All right reserved.

My second natural hair feature for the month of May is my sister in Blogging and Tweeting, Ms. Selena S., better known to our social networking circle as Luvsels. Since I’m pressed for time due to helping Penzi move, I’ll be doing the feature in a basic Q&A style via YIM, but I’m sure none of the flavour will be lost.

And with that being said, here we go!

Idadi: How long have you been natural?

Luvsels: Since ’03 – so 5 years.

Idadi: What made you decide to go the natural route?

Luvsels: I got tired of perming my hair every 6-8 weeks and I wasn’t doing anything with my hair except throwing it in a ponytail every day. And I knew the chemicals weren’t good for me.

Idadi: How did you make the switch?

Luvsels: I just chopped it all off.

Idadi: How short?

Luvsels: About a half inch, if that.

Idadi: Wow! What were the majority of reactions to your BC?

Luvsels: My husband at the time was pissed off cause I went from shoulder length to no hair at all. *lol*

Idadi: I just bet. *lol*

Luvsels: But everyone else was cool about it… I found out how secure I am and that I’m literally not my hair

Idadi: Did you follow any specific hair care routine to start with?

Luvsels: Not really. I washed every day ’cause I only had a little bit of hair to work with, and I experimented with products like crazy.

Idadi: And now?

Luvsels: I switch shampoo/conditioner every few months, so right now I’m using Infusium 23 Moisturologie… I wash my hair every 1-2 days, depending on how cold it is outside, and I’ll spritz with a water/oil mix and finish off with Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk. I love the hair milk!!! I had locks from ’04 to the end of ’06, so I had no use for the majority of her products. And when I cut the locks off I had forgotten about them until a lady I worked with said she used the hair milk on her daughters hair. That was like last January. So I bought a bottle of the hair milk then, and I still have some left which I’ve been using it daily.

Idadi: Are there any other products you swear by or would recommend?

Luvsels: Let’s see… the Pantene line is good, really liked their products for curls. Love Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo/Conditioner… And the Garnier Fructis Curl & Shine line is good too. I’ve had better luck with products geared towards women who lack color than those made for us. I heard about a new line that starts with a K — Kizz something — coming to Target in June. The lady who makes it has been doing hair for years for the stars. I heard it was good so I might check it out.

Idadi: What styles have you experimented with?

Luvsels: I’ve done the Afro Puff, which I’ll be returning to in a couple months, Two Strand Twists… and that’s it. I started my locks after the twists as soon as my hair was about 6 inches, so other than the Afro Puff i haven’t played with it much. But that shall change.

Idadi: There are a lot of women who encounter problems in the corporate arena when it comes to natural hair. What has been your experience?

Luvsels: I haven’t had a problem with that at all. I’ve gone on interviews with short afro and locks in Omaha and didn’t have any issues. I’ve heard of others who have or who are scared to go natural because of what their job might say but I think that’s more psychological with them. I’m secure enough with myself to not let someone who doesn’t like my hair get to me… even family members.

Idadi: That is a wonderful attitude to have! How did you break through the black hair stigmas to reach such a point of confidence?

Luvsels: I was just finishing up my quarter life crisis, so the hair was one of the final healing steps for me. I was comfortable enough with myself as a person – a human being to be beyond the straight long hair is the thing to be. There were a couple Yahoogroups that I turned to at the time that helped because I knew I wasn’t alone. Plus living in the boondocks with a small minority population helped. And I really haven’t attracted any negativity about my hair… I have had plenty of white women — here and in Omaha — tell me how beautiful my hair is (Afro and Locks) more so than black women.

Idadi: If you had the process to do over again, what, if anything, would you have done differently?

Luvsels: I would have waited another 6 months before starting my locks so I would have more time to play with longer hair and experiment with different styles. But other than that – no changes.

Idadi: What words of encouragement do you have to offer women considering going natural?

Luvsels: For women considering going natural, know that its your hair, no one else gets to wear it for you. Going natural is a journey, and like all journeys it is what you make of it. Embrace the uniqueness of your hair… be proud of your curls.

~@~

Wanna hear more from Luvsels? You can catch her Blog at www.luvsels.com. Have a question about how she “do her natural do”? Contact her via Email at luv.sels@gmail.com.

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Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your journey, Sels. You have been an inspiration to me in my process from relaxed to kinky, and I sure through this feature you will be the same for a lot of others.

I wish you much more natural success in the years to come!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

NOTE: All pictures used are property of the individual persons featured, unless otherwise noted. All right reserved.