Cali B ~ Natural Inspiration

How long have you been natural?

I've been natural now for 1 year, after transitioning for 18 months.

Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you become natural?

My hair story isn't special, or emotional. I got a relaxer at a young age, not out of self hate it was just something I did a few times a years to make my hair "manageable". I decided to go natural at 16, I wanted to try something new. I grew tired of wrapping my hair every night, and curling it every morning to give it character.

How would you describe your hair type?

My hair type is really complicated. I used to describe it as 3c/4a but recently I've discovered some looser 3b curls. I have 4a around the perimeter, 3c in the crown, and randomly placed are 3b curls.


What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

I don't have a strict regimen, it usually depends on the style I'm wearing, and how my hair feels. If I'm wearing small braids or twists, I usually push it for 2 weeks before I wash and condition. When I wear wash and gos, I co wash every other day and deep condition weekly. I don't keep alot of products in constant rotation. I've been trying out alot of different products. For co-washes and detangling .I use either V05 Moisture Milks or Suaves Tropical Coconut. For shampoo I use Creme of Natures Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo, I love it because it doesn't strip my hair. I moisturize with my Homemade Whipped Shea Butter, and seal with Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.

Do you have any long term goals for you hair?

I would love to keep my hair healthy and retain length.


What tips would you give to all the newly natural ladies?

Computers are my best friend, you're reading this interview right now, so I'm guessing you're familiar with it too! Do your research, its so much information floating around the net. Seriously, when i was deep into my transition i had a "DUH Moment" when i finally decided to google natural hair. Patience is also key, your hair isn't going to grow back overnight.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?


You can find me at www.youtube.com/chisellecouture I'm also on Hairlista.com as chisellecouture

Gina ~Natural Inspiration

Meet Gina , A natural diva who has proven how versatile natural hair can really be.



How long have you been natural?

I had my last relaxer on December 28th 2002. 7 years

Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you want to decide to go natural?

I had my first relaxer when I was in 6th grade. I was 12 or 13. I was 22 when I had my last one.

For the final two years of college, I moved across town closer to my school, but further away from my stylist. It was difficult trying to get an appointment with her that would work with my class schedule so I tried to find a new stylist closer to where I lived and I didn’t like the way any of the new stylist would do my hair. I thought 'why exactly do I have to keep relaxing my hair every 6 weeks'? and I couldn't’t come up with a reason “why” I was actually relaxing my hair. It’s as if I was saying that my natural hair was not good enough to be shown around. I made the decision to stop relaxing right when I was due for another “touch-up”.

I was going to do a long transition because I had long hair, but after about 3 months, I got tired of the two different textures and cut all the relaxed hair off. If felt so liberating! I’ve since done numerous big chops. My last one was in April 2006.


How would you describe your hair type?

Like many black women, I have a multitude of textures on my head. The center and nap of my neck is very dense but fine (3c & 4a) while the rest is 4b.



What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

Being natural for the past 7 years, I think I’ve tried everything under the sun. The best thing for my hair however, I recently discovered at an Aveda salon, the steam machine. The steam machine gives a higher level of deep condition than I could have ever expected. I decided to invest in a steam machine for my home and I love it. I also use Aveda products, shea butter, coconut oil and some products by Jane Carter.

Do you have any long term goals for your hair?

Just to keep it healthy. I am pretty satisfied with my length especially when flat ironed.


What tips would you give,to the newly natural ladies?

Remember that your hair is beautiful as is. You can’t treat natural hair the same as relaxed hair.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?

http://public.fotki.com/LaGina/

Carmen~Natural Inspiration

Meet Carmen,over the years she has learned to enjoy her journey ,work with and understand her natural hair texture.




How long have you been natural?

I've been natural for ten years as of January 2010.



Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you want to decide to go natural?

I did have a relaxer for about 10 years. I had the infamous 80's "curl" and then I transitioned to a relaxer my sophomore year in high school. I was in high school during the early-mid 90's, a time when Afrocentricity was really being celebrated in hip hop & youth culture. After seeing some of the hip hop stars of the 90's with locs and natural hair, i.e. Lauryn Hill, Arrested Development, Das EFX, etc. I really wanted locs. I had actually fantasized about locs/natural hair for several years, but I just didn't know how or where to begin. In the summer of 1999, I reconnected with a friend who happened to be natural (at the time when we met up she had been wearing locs for about 7 years.) She was very encouraging and supportive and suggested the big chop as the best way to begin my journey to locs. Coincidentally, due to a bit of a financial strain, I had stopped getting relaxers (the cost was just a bit more than I could handle on a new teacher's salary, lol). So, in January of 2000, I did the big chop. I've been natural ever since.




How would you describe your hair type?

My hair type is super dense, coily and very tight, with a high percentage of shrinkage. My hair is just like the little coily wire you find in an ink pen.


What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

My latest regimen is simply to do a conditioner wash once a week. If my hair feels like it has a ton of product build-up I'll use Burt's Grapefruit & Soy shampoo or Cream of Nature Shampoo to get it really clean. To keep my hair moisturized I use Cantu Shea Conditioning Treatment or S-Curl Moisturizing Spray. For daily styling I either band the hair or put my hair in several twists to kind of stretch my little coils. My daily styles range from either a chunky fro, a shrunken fro, a puff, or just free hair with a head band. About once a month I trim my ends by using the twist and clip method.


Do you have any long term goals for your hair?

I just want my hair to be healthy.




What tips would you give,to the newly natural ladies?

There's lots to discover about your own natural hair. Enjoy the journey. One thing that I've come to realize about my little coils, is that my hair growth is shown by volume, not length. My hair grows up and out, not down; I can see my hair growth by how big it is. I had to adjust my thinking and expectations on what hair growth looked like for my natural hair texture. So, just know that tightly coiled dense hair, can and does grow.

Brettney~Natural Inspiration

Meet Brettney,she was lucky enough to have not been exposed to the relaxer,but was still in need of some knowledge on how to care for her natural hair properly.




How long have you been natural?

I've been natural since birth so that would be 21 years.



Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you become natural?

Nope never had one.
I don't even know what a relaxer smells like.
My mom kept me natural. By doing this she made me appreciate my natural hair. I grew up with it so I know what I can do to it and what I can't.
By the time I started college, I started creating different natural hairstyles. It never occurred to me to get a relaxer even though I was practically an adult .
I saw my natural hair as a way to express my creativity and my unique personality. In addition, I got lots of compliments about my natural hair so that helped a lot too.


How would you describe your hair type?


My hair is thick and I stress on the thick ! Its suppose to be 4B . However, because I grew up with it, I know that in the middle,
there is a slightly different texture than the rest of my head. In that section it's softer and when wet, turns curly.
Also, my hair has a very high shrinkage level. I can have a big afro one minute, then if it rains, my hairs gets so short you would wonder if it
went into hiding on me lol.

What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?


The products I currently use is a result of me choosing to do a program in the north of France for a year.
Here's why:

Originally, I'm from Trinidad and Tobago but I was accepted to do a program in France for a year.

So when I left home for France in September 2009, I did not bring any products with me. I thought that its "France"
there should be an abundance of black hair care products too right...

If I could go back in time I would hit myself for thinking that

There were products , but hardly any that I knew and those that I knew like ORS Mayo were twice the price and very limited.

So I started researching hair products online cause that was my only method of acquiring information about my hair.

I could not go to french salons. Boucle' is the word that they would use to describe me hair. I'm like my hair is not curly!

I can't blame them though, since the majority of black women in France wear weaves and braids, so seeing my natural hair was shocking for these frenchies lol.

Fortunately I did pack an ORS Replenishing Conditioner Pack, after I tried it, I fell in love with it!

Then I started looking at homemade concoctions since hair products up here are not all that.

In December 2009 , I went to England. I was so happy cause I finally saw hair products catered for my hair.

So after 3 months of trial and error, I came up with this regimen:

I have two wash days per week. ( There isn't a fixed date, If I wash my hair on a Monday then the next day would be on Thursday.)

On the first wash day, I prepoo with ORS Mayo mixed with oils ( coconut, olive, grape-seed) and coconut milk.
I shampoo with Aphogee Deep Moisturizing Shampoo or ORS Creamy Olive Oil Shampoo,
Then I do a deep treatment with ORS Replenishing Conditioner, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, some honey and oils added.

I like mixing honey, coconut milk and oils into my hair products cause they are a lot cheaper and more readily available in France.

Plus having done a lot of research online, they are very good for my hair.

On the second wash day, I incorporate a hot oil treatment. I started the Coconut Oil Challenge from Hairlista which I love!!!
Then follow up with my homemade concoction of ripe avocados, coconut milk, oils and honey blended in a blender and apply to my hair.
Rinse and that's it!

As a Leave in Conditioner, I use my oils, Aloe Vera Gel and Glycerin.

So without realizing it, I made my very own hair products.


Do you have any long term goals for you hair?

Tons! I must mention that just because I was natural all my life does not mean that I use to take care of it properly.
I used greases and I hardly ever did deep conditioning treatments.

So my hair would always look like it was stuck at one length,nonetheless, it was thick!

My short term goal would be simply to keep it healthy and well conditioned against these cold winter months in France.

My long term goals would be to retain length and see if I can grow my hair to a huge APL fro lol.


What tips would you give to all the newly natural ladies?

First of all, Congratulations for deciding to go natural. :-)


Tip# 1: Accept your natural hair!


When you do this, you exude inner confidence and pride about your hair in its natural state. This leads to your hair enhancing your features and people will get fascinated by you. This would then result in hearing some of the most creative compliments given to you.


PS: If there are haters, who cares! Let them hate! Soon they will realize that they secretly appreciate.

Tip # 2: Find something that works with your hair and stick with it!

For me, a hair product is like a makeup foundation. You'll do a bit of searching but once you find the perfect match... Heaven!
With hair products that are suited for your hair, you wont feel the need to keep trying new things, you'll know when something works! Thus you save tons of money.

Tip #3 : You are what you eat!

Eating healthy helps a lot but,some of the things that you eat can be used on your hair!
Honey,Water, Coconut Milk,Bananas, Avocados, Natural Oils, Garlic, Eggs, Mayo.
Sometimes I wonder If I'm cooking for myself or my hair lol.

Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?
Sure! Hairlista.com
Natural Sunshine.com

Essense Vibz~Natural Inspiration

Meet Essense Vibz,This naturally proud diva uses her knowledge of natural hair to educate young women around her.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since 1998.


Have you ever had a relaxer? If so, what’s your story? What made you become natural?

I used to hate getting perms. Getting burned, scabs on my scalp and the everyday high maintenance hype were driving me crazy. It was too much so I decided to get rid of it. I slowly began the process of letting it go by not getting retouches. Then one day I took a bottle of vinegar and added it to my shampoo and I guess you can say I stripped it. I then clipped my own ends and started getting it braided and getting weaves added on. Transitioning was quite easy for me because I was on a mission: get rid of that hateful perm!--Plus I wanted my hair life to be simple and low maintenance—I love the texture of my hair. I love how it looks and feels. I love that I can stand in the shower and get it wet without cringing. Don’t let it rain!!—OMG! I will run out there in a minute with nothing on it—LOL


How would you describe your hair type?

My hair is kinky and tightly curled. When I want loose curls, I have to blow dry my hair then twist it loosely. I really don’t like blowing my hair much because it dries it out too much. And that drives me crazy!



What is your regimen?

I wash my hair once a month or once every 2 months. I’m not a shampoo kinda gurl. I always thought shampoo zaps the shine from my hair and made it rough. I co-wash 2 times a week. Believe it or not, I do not deep condition at all. I can’t tell a lie, all I do is add conditioner on my hair, put on a shower cap then take a hot shower. I’m as simple as simple can be. After my co-wash, I section my hair into 6 parts-take one section at a time and spray my mixture on and comb with my fingers. Then I section that piece and start twisting my hair. I use a silk pillowcase instead of a scarf. I do not like the feel of my head being tied down. I want my hair to be free to air dry-


What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

I like to experiment over here all the time--I cannot, I will not go without my extra virgin olive oil I cannot, I will not go without my extra virgin coconut oil--I cannot, I will not go without my Shea butter--I mix my EVOO, conditioner and coconut oil put it in a container, mix it together real good-- Then I microwave it and put it in the fridge--Oh yeah, I’m a lover of VASELINE too!!!—{got that from my Grandma Emily R.I.P.} –It’s no big secret, ALL of our Grandma’s used Vaseline for just about er’thang—from hair to skin care to rough feet--and the list goes on and on--lol


Do you have any long term goals for your hair?

I want to continue what I’m doing with my hair right now—I’m at the point now where I do not want to keep changing products—If what I’m using is working, why change the formula??—OKAY!!--I just want to have a head full of healthy hair as I grow older—I have a feeling I’m gonna be one of those women who will tell young mothers how to take care of their children's hair.

Since becoming natural, I notice my walk is even different. I walk with my head held higher. My posture is straight. And I love being me with this head full of beautiful hair. And I love that I am a role model for young girls at the school I work at.


From kindergarten to fifth graders, I love that they love my hair. And I want them to learn to love their hair as well-- I let them “play” in my hair. I want them to feel the softness and to look and feel the texture of my hair. They look at it up close and see that I have tight curls. I let them style it and massage my scalp. I do this so they can feel the oils I have on my hair and tell them the importance of why we have to keep our hair oiled and moisturized.



This is one way they get to know me up close and personal and know why I love my hair. {And I get a free head massage--LOL}--Most important, I want them to learn to love and embrace their own hair. So yeah, they learn their reading, math and writing skills BUT they also learn about their nappiness. I have a few mini-me’s walking around the hallways now with afro puffs–LOL



What tips would you give to all the newly natural ladies?

EMBRACE YOUR NATURAL HAIR—keep your hair oiled and moisturized and CELEBRATE YOUR BEAUTY.


Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?

My personal blog--à http://essensevibez.blogspot.com/

My hair blog -à http://naturalsunshine.ning.com/profile/Pam

Roshini ~ Natural Inspiration

Meet Roshini,she has been natural for 7 years so this diva knows a thing or two about natural hair.




How long have you been natural?

Since November 19, 2002 this last time, so a little over 7 years straight.


Have you ever had a relaxer? If so ,What's your story? What made you become natural?

Yes, I was relaxed for most of my teens and early 20s. My mother relaxed my hair because that's what you did I suppose. I was always curious about my natural hair through college so after I graduated I cut my relaxed hair all off. I didn't know much about how to maintain healthy natural hair so I wore it short then eventually tried to grow it but ended up relaxing it shortly there after. I hated it the moment I walked out the salon, tried to make the best of it but eventually hacked it all off again and have been natural ever since.

How would you describe your hair type?

Ironically I just did a video on YouTube about this very thing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM2_k4M9xmg). Basically I've identified 3 different hair types on my head: on the sides it's z-shaped, fine strands (4b/c), on the back it's drinking straw shiny coils (4a) and in the crown and front it's s-shaped and large coiled wiry strands (3c).

What is your regimen? What products do you use to maintain the health of your hair?

I tend toward protectives styles, mostly twists lately. I wash my hair when necessary, no pattern, with diluted Dr. Bronners Castile Soap. I always detangle and deep condition before I wash, then I style, typically something that will last me 2-6 weeks.


Do you have any long term goals for you hair?

I'm scissor happy and love hacking off my hair so this year I'm going to try to not do that and see what happens.


What tips would you give to all the newly natural ladies?

Moisturize your ends often and handle your hair with care.


Is there anywhere we can find you on the web?

Yep, on my blog Glamazini.com (formally Roshini.net).

NATURAL HAIR INSPIRATION AND STYLING MY TWISTS

EMAIL ME @ NATURALLENGTHS@HOTMAIL.COM FOR THE LIST OF QUESTIONS.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

LEMME SEE YOUR BIG CHOP!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES TO NATURALLENGTHS@HOTMAIL.COM AND PLEASE INCLUDE THE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

HOW LONG WERE YOU THINKING OF GOING NATURAL ? WHAT'S THE STORY?

WAS YOUR TRANSITION A LONG OR SHORT ONE??

WE ALL KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MOISTURIZE YOUR HAIR WHILE IN TRANSITION ,WHAT PRODUCTS DID YOU USE TO KEEP YOUR HAIR MOISTURIZED ?

WHAT WAS YOUR STAPLE HAIRSTYLE WHILE IN TRANSITION?

WHEN YOU DECIDED TO BIG CHOP ,HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR CUT? AND HOW DID PEOPLE REACT TO IT?

DID YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS??

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM GOALS FOR YOUR HAIR JOURNEY?

Deep treatment and My New Years routine.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

YAY !!! MY PHOTO HAS BEEN FEATURED .

IM SUPER EXCITED,TODAY MY PHOTO HAS BEEN FEATURED ON HAIRLISTA HAIR NETWORK.JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT CAUSE I'VE BEEN WONDERING WHAT IT TOOK TO GET IT FEATURED LOL .I FEEL LIKE IM ACCEPTING AN AWARD LOL!!!SO THANKS TO YOU SUNSHYNE OF HAIRLISTA AND I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING MANY MORE OF MY PICS FEATURED.YAY!!!!