Image:@typicalblaqueen
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
When I was younger my grandmother couldn’t deal with the density and length of my natural hair so she relaxed it when I was about 7 or 8 years-old without asking my mom. So I lived with relaxed hair a majority of my life. When I saw other girls in grade school with naturally coily/kinky hair, they were teased about it and that created a fear in me because I attributed coily natural hair to something that was ugly and negative.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
As I got older the sensitivity of my skin began to change. When ever I used a relaxer, I would break out in hives wherever the relaxer touched. I was basically forced into the Natural Hair World with out ever really having a choice to accept my hair as it naturally was. I was so scared and uncertain about what my natural hair would look like or if I could even take care of it. Once I went back fully natural after transitioning, I fell in love with my hair. It was stronger, longer and fuller. I never seen my hair at this capacity before and I absolutely loved it!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey is being able to empower and inspire other women to embrace their kinks & coils as well. As 4C representation slowly climbs, my hair type (and length”> have still fallen short as being seen as beautiful in the mass public eye. It’s a wonderful feeling to get messages from women, young girls and even men who have watched my YouTube videos or follow my social media that are given hope and confidence about taking the first steps or continuing on their own natural hair journey.
Image:@typicalblaqueen
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night, no matter what style I am rocking at the time, I always wear my big satin bonnet. I don’t use satin pillow cases so my bonnet is a necessity before calling it a night.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is Temitope also known as NaturallyTemi. She is my hair crush and my complete hair goals!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I can not live my natural good life with out my Felicia Leatherwood detangling brush. None of my styles would ever come close to how I see perfect, if it wasn’t for a good detangle.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current winter hair regimen is sticking to the L.C.O method every 2 weeks. I am a huge fan of Creme of Nature products. They’ve assisted me throughout my entire natural hair journey. I also love The Doux. I just started using this brand’s product 2 months ago and it is a 4C haired girl’s dream come true.
Image:@typicalblaqueen
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my hair journey is finding the time to actually sit down to wash, deep condition and style my hair. I am a mom of 3 boys and I work full time. When I finally have some time to self care, my hair is the last thing on my mind. Being a lazy natural has its down sides lol!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Protective styling has made such a huge impact on my hair. I work outside and my hair usually takes a beating through winter and summer months. Protective styling through extreme weather conditions has really kept my hair healthy and has helped me retain some length, plus drinking more water!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice to women who are still struggling with loving and embracing their natural texture is to take a step back and ask yourself if you are practicing self love. You can’t love something that is a part of you if you don’t have full blown 100% love for yourself. It starts from within and then spills outward. Looking in the mirror and loving everything about you no matter what standards society set. Your internal beauty will set the pathway to accepting your natural beauty on the outside.
