The Interview: Rocking short hair and don't care....

Hi beauties:

It's been a hot minute since I've posted a natural hair interview so I'm here to share the story of a beautiful lady that I met at a 'women's' event. I saw this beauty walking across the auditorium and thought, "oh my, she's dark n lovely". Of course, I approached her and asked if she'd be interested in doing a natural hair interview to which she surprisingly answered, "um, ok, sure...".

Although I only just met MJ, I sensed that she had a positive, vibrant spirit.

With that said, let's get right into it.

 

Me:How long have you been natural?

MJ: I have been natural for eight (8) months on May 24th, 2012

Me: What inspired/motivated you to go natural?

MJ: The first time I went natural it was not necessarily my decision. I had a bad experience with braids where glue was applied to my hair and the only way to remove these braids was to cut my hair off to about a half inch. This was a very traumatic event for me as I was a professional and at the time. I didn’t think that short natural was professional. I was natural eight months the first time around, this lasted eight months until I had a bad hair day and decided to relax it. Three month later I big chopped it, this was MY choice. I realized that I much more enjoyed my natural texture.

Me: What were your biggest fears/ concerns (if any) about going natural?

MJ: That I wouldn’t look professional and that I would be judged by my colleagues.

Me: Did you 'big chop' or transition?

MJ: The second time around I transitioned for three months. However, I still ended up cutting my hair pretty low when I chopped it.

Me: If you transitioned, then how? (Weave braids, wig, etc). If you big chopped, what motivated you?

MJ: I transitioned with roller sets. I quickly became tired of having to roll my hair so often, so one day I just went to a barber and cut it.

Me: How do you maintain your natural hair/ what is your hair regimen (daily, weekly, monthly)?

MJ: I mostly wear wash and go’s but lately I have been trying different styles like fro hawks and blow outs. When I first big chopped, I washed my hair every two days, now I’m down to once a week. I only us shampoo if I notice a lot of buildup. After I wash or co-wash, I apply coconut oil or EV olive oil and finger comb (shingling) in my gel.

Me: Are you a member of any natural hair group? If so, which one(s)?

MJ: Not really, I mostly subscribe to natural hair ladies on Youtube.

Me: What is/ are your natural hair goal(s)?

MJ: To just see how long it will grow. I don’t want to focus too much on length. My ultimate natural hair goal is to teach my daughter that she is BEAUTIFUL with the hair/ texture God gave her.

 

Me: What type of feedback have you received since you went natural (transitioned or big chopped)?

MJ: Mostly good. My husband is my best supporter. Only once have I been ask “why don’t you get a relaxer", to which my answer was ,“because I love my hair”.

Me: What are your favorite hairstyles?
MJ: Wash and go’s. Having two young children makes it difficult sometimes to style my hair. I just get up apply some olive oil, manipulate it a little and go.

Me: How has your natural hair journey been since you went natural? (Do you enjoy it? Do you find it difficult? Do you miss your processed hair?)

MJ: I love it, I feel really beautiful. Most people ask me if I am African (to me this is a compliment), I say no, I am American. I have my days where I don’t know what to do with my hair, but which woman doesn't?

Me: Do you know your hair type? (4a, 4b, 4c, 3a, 3b etc).

MJ: I am a 4b, 4c.

Me: What is your least favorite thing about having natural hair?

MJ: Having a clogged shower drain, lol.

Me: What was your hair like before you went natural? (jerri-curl, relaxed, weaved, texturized etc).

MJ: My hair was relaxed.

Me: Do you make any of your own natural hair products? If so, what product and how do you use the product?

MJ: The only thing that I have made so far iss mixing my oil with Shea butter.

Me: What is your least favorite thing about being natural?

MJ: I don’t think I have one.

Me: Awesome!!

Me: Has being natural affected your lifestyle in anyway? (your relationships with friends, a partner, work?)

MJ: Not really. I have decided to eat healthier but I’m not sure if there is a connection. Being natural has not affected any of my relationships.

Me:List 3-5 of your favorite natural hair products? How do you use them? (include frequency of use)

MJ:

1. Water
2. Coconut oil
3. Extra Virgin Olive oil
4. Shea butter
5. IC Fantasia Gel

Me: For other persons wanting to go natural, what is ONE piece of advice you would give?

MJ: I’d say to that person that they would develop a new confidence and a more genuine confidence.

If you or anyone you know would like to share your natural hair story, send an email to shadesmakeup@hotmail.com