1. How long have you been natural?
I’ve never had my hair chemically relaxed, so technically I’ve always been “natural”. I transitioned out of color treated and heat damaged hair around 5 years ago. My hair was super thin, fried and shedding like crazy so I decided to stop straightening it. Then from there I decided to cut my hair into a short bob, gradually cutting the damage that was still left until I had a completely new head of healthy curly hair again. It was hard letting go of the length but it was totally worth it in the long run.
2. What’s your daily hair routine?
I’m super low maintenance so my hair is usually in one long braid that I finger-detangle and moisturize before going to bed.
3. What are your favorite products?
My current staples are the White Camellia Conditioner by Aubrey Organics, the Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner or Anti-Breakage Masque by Shea Moisture. To cleanse I do an apple cider vinegar/water rinse once every 3 weeks. I moisturize my hair with a water-based leave-in like Giovanni, then I add some Organic Styling Creme by MYHoneyChild or the Bee Mine Curly Butter for more definition and hold. Then I seal with Pure Aloe Vera Juice by Aubrey Organics.
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4. What’s your nighttime routine?
I re-apply moisture if my hair is asking for it. Then I just sleep on a satin pillowcase to help retain it.
5. Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
Never! I wore it straight for so many years. I’m head over heels in love with my fuller, more natural look. And the wildness compliments my bohemian style of dress and personality much much better!
6. You speak a lot about a healthy diet and exercise routine on your blog. How are these practices related to natural hair care?
Everything is connected. When I eat well, exercise and use really healthy beauty products, I look and feel so much better as a whole. Your body works at its full potential (which should be everyone’s goal”> when you’re fully catering to it from all the necessary angles. It’s equivalent to putting cheap gas in a car or not oiling it…but keeping it detailed and cleaned from the outside. No matter how nice the exterior is holding up, it’s all going to break down on you at some point.
7. When did you start blogging?
I started heyfranhey.com in January of 2011 and opened the YouTube channel in January of 2012.
8. How did you become a successful blogger?
When I came into the picture, bloggers were mainly focusing on products and techniques for achieving healthy hair. After overcoming a major illness, I decided to speak about beauty from the perspective of health from the inside out. I had healed my body through nutrition, fitness and natural/organic products and wanted to share my knowledge with those willing to listen. I tried my best to make health relatable and super easy to incorporate into everyday life. Aside from speaking from an honest place (which always wins”>, I think the key to being successful is solving a problem. What’s missing? And how can you contribute to that open space?
9. What do you like most about blogging/vlogging?
I’m inspired by the community of creative, hard-working, like-minded individuals I’ve attracted. The forum we’ve created is empowering to watch.
10. What do you want to do beyond YouTube?
I would love to have wellness centers around the world, books on affordable and natural living, an organic beauty line, etc. It’s pretty infinite. I want to do absolutely everything this awesome energy I’m in the middle of asks of me.
11. Do you have any advice for new natural hair bloggers?
It’s cool to have fun but try to have a mission statement at some point. That’s what brings true engagement (with your readers/viewers”> and longevity. Always use platforms you’re blessed with for the greater good. This shouldn’t just be about you. Tapping into that emotional thread that connects all of us beats any fame, check or material possession.
12. Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
I’ll be partnering up with a major multi-national corporation on some cool health, fitness and nutrition projects for all of next year. Coming to a city near you. Stay tuned! And stay healthy!Follow Francheska’s natural lifestyle tips on YouTube, HeyFranHey and Instagram
