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

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The Interview: Beauty Queen goes Natural...

(my apologies for all the text drama that's happening in this interview but I just don't know how to fix it. Help!)


A BEAUTY QUEEN'S  BIG CHOP

For all who live in the Cayman Islands, the name Nicosia Lawson rings a very loud bell. On 23 August 2008, Miss Lawson was crowned Miss Cayman Islands 2008 where she would later compete in the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions. She held the title of Miss Cayman Islands for a very fun-filled and long 2 years.

This 5ft 8in beauty happens to be my sister (born of separate parents but my sister nonetheless) who quickly gained that title after she fell in love with the makeup that I did on her for the first Cayman Fashion Solstice in 2010.

Today, I get to share my sister's hair journey with you; one which is viewed as unusual  for a beauty queen.

Me: How long have you been natural?

NL: I have been natural (no relaxed ends) since 17 March 2012 but my last relaxer was 3 December 2011.

Me: What inspired you to go natural?

NL: I considered going back to my natural hair texture in 2010 after I crowned my Miss Cayman Islands successor, but it wasn’t until December 2011 that I made a decision that would eventually lead me back to considering it. In early December 2011, I decided to lengthen the period of time between my hair relaxers (i.e. stretch the relaxer). Why? Because my hair was starting to show the signs of damage after a couple years of constant heating and frequent relaxers.   

Upon entering the world of pageantry, I was introduced to hair extensions. Just for those who do not know, the difference between hair extensions and a weave is that my hair was not braided but rather exposed and blended in with added hair. So since my hair was kept out, I had to flat iron it almost daily for it to blend with the much straighter texture of the extensions. I also went from getting a relaxer every 3 to 4 months to every 6 to 8 weeks once again, to minimize the visibility of the two different hair textures. Though it was still growing, my hair began to show the effects of frequent relaxing.

I wanted to do away with extensions but knew I needed to get my hair back to a healthy state. Furthermore, whilst I liked having longer and fuller hair, I never really enjoyed wearing extensions consistently for such an extensive period of time (approximately 3 years though there were small periods where I wore my hair on its own).

So, I began to research tips on caring for my hair during the “stretch” and more and more I started to want to do away with hair relaxers. I always wished I didn’t “have” to wear a relaxer (I used the word have because that’s how it felt since getting a relaxer was the norm and those who wore their natural hair texture were seen as old-fashioned or a radical Christian). Furthermore, the majority of those who did wear their natural hair texture styled their hair in what I saw as unfashionable styles and at the time I wasn’t aware of the various cute and sassy ways natural hair can be styled and especially how to care for it.

So with more knowledge including watching Chris Rock’s Good Hair documentary I decided to avoid hair relaxers all together and transition back to my natural hair texture. I set out to transition for 6 months to 1 year but I barely made it halfway.

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

NL: In 2010 I didn’t start the journey because I had become used to having extensions and with being in the spotlight, I somewhat feared not being accepted especially in the media/ television field.  However this time around, though those fears resurfaced, my desire to start this journey helped me to overcome those fears.  Another of my concerns was that I didn’t have a lot of new growth and I didn’t want a super short hairstyle because I didn’t think very short hair would suit me (hence why I originally chose to transition).

Me: Did you big chop or transition?

NL: I big chopped 3 ½ months into my transitioning period. I was anxious to see my natural tresses and it got to the point where I’d go to sleep with the desire to cut the relaxed ends off and wake up with the same thing on my mind. Also I wanted to be free from the stress of caring for two different hair textures – the relaxed ends and the relaxer-free roots – because you have to be very careful when handling your hair at this stage that it doesn’t break or split and cause damage to your relaxer-free growth.

One morning after going to bed with the thought on my mind and waking up with the same feeling, I did it! – I cut it myself. It was around 6AM and I wanted to call someone, anyone and talk it over with them as I was anxious, nervous, scared, because I knew once it was cut, that’s it! But I pulled myself together and realised that it is what I really wanted to do and the desire was not going away. Once it was done I felt absolutely liberated and for that reason I am happy I didn’t go to a hairdresser so I could have that experience.

Me: If you transitioned, then how? (Weave, braids, wig, etc)
NL: During the 3 ½ months of my transition I wore clip in extensions when I first relaxed my hair but when I started to get new growth I predominantly wore my hair in a bun alternating the position of the bun to avoid damage to my hair and I also did flat-twist-outs.

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

NL: I’m still working on my regimen; trying to find what works for me so how I maintain my hair changes ever so often. At the moment, my hair is too short to do anything much to it (it’s at the TWA – teeny weeny afro – stage).

In the first week, I wash and go daily using shampoo and conditioner, applied Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner to towel dried hair then my hair oils (Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil) to seal the moisture in before applying Ecostyler gel to define my curls. Then I let it air dry. And I’d deep conditioner weekly. 

Since then I’ve started the Curly Girl Method, meaning I do not use shampoo on a regular basis because it strips the hair of moisture. Instead, I wash with Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisturising silicone-free conditioner twice per week, (sometimes more) and apply the KimmayTube leave-in conditioner recipe (substituting Kinky Curly Knot Today with A’kin Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner which is an organic product). Once per month, or whenever I feel I have product build-up, I use the low sulfate shampoo from Tresemme Naturals (when this finishes I intend to get the A’kin organic shampoo). If I’m heading out I’ll add a little oil and then Ecostyler gel to define my curls and let it air-dry. I do not apply heat to my hair anymore. The last time I used a flat iron was New Years Eve 2011 but I have used a blowdryer about 3 or 4 times for the year (before my big chop). At nights I wear a satin cap and in the morning I refresh my hair with a water, oil and glycerin mixture I made. Of course this “routine” will most likely change as my hair grows out.

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

NL: My goal is to have healthy hair first and foremost, and then at least arm-pit length hair (un-stretched).

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

NL: Thanks to a certain someone, hint, hint (my sister, Olivia of Shades Professional Make-up), I’m a member of the Natural Hair group on Facebook and I frequently visit many natural and curly hair care websites.

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

NL: Water!!!! – I love spraying my hair with water when I wake up, before I go to bed, even in the middle of the day. It’s the best moisturiser that exists! I laugh at the days when I had a relaxer and was afraid to get my hair wet before wash day or too soon after.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil – This has really helped to thicken some areas of my hair that were troubled when I use to relax my hair. It really works, at least it does for me. I also mix it with my leave-in conditioner (I use the KimmayTube recipe) and sometimes add it to my deep conditioner.

100% Coconut oil – I love this. I don’t only use it in my hair but also as a moisturiser for my face and body. It works wonders! I plan on buying the extra virgin coconut oil when this batch finishes.

Thankfully I am not a product junkie, at least not yet (that may change when my hair grows out)

Me: How has your natural hair journey been since you went natural?

NL: Honestly there hasn’t been much to it since my hair is still very short.  The hardest thing is remaining patient since I want my hair to grow out. The bloggers & vloggers I follow make me anxious to have longer hair so I can try their creative styles. 

Me: What are your favorite hairstyles?

NL:  Right now with a TWA all I can do is a wash-and-go but I cannot wait to try so many styles like braid/twist-outs, bantu knot-outs, fro-hawks, puffs etc when my hair grows out.

 

Me: As a former pageant title holder (Miss Cayman Islands 2008-2010), what type of feedback have you received about your hair?

NL: The response has been positive so far.  I’ve been told by quite a few persons that I “have the face for it”.  But, of course, not everyone is going to like my decision, but that’s the whole point, it’s MY decision and I’m happy with it and wish I’d done it ages ago!  I’m loving the naturally kinky, coily, curly me!

 

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The Interview- A different perspective

Hi beauties:

Today I'm back with another hair interview but this one is from a completely different perspective and hits home for me because it's about loc'd hair.

As you read through this interview, you will get a sense of who "LW" really is. She has such a beautiful, positive and vibrant spirit. I love this girl....

Let's get right into it.

BEFORE

Me: What inspired/ motivated you to loc your hair?

LW: I locked my hair 5 days after graduating from university. It was about 3 years ago now. At that time in my life I felt like everything I had done/accomplished thus far was all according to what was the "norm" and what was expected of me, you know, going through high school, then college and finally university, so when all that was over I felt soooo freeeeeeeeeee and was ready to express myself in a different way. So, my dreadlock research began and I looked up a ton of information about it and then found the perfect person in Florida who made that dream a reality. Although dreadlocks are external, it really started what has been a beautiful 3 year journey of internal understanding about myself, the world and people around me. An important inspiration was my best friend who I met in university. He's such a free spirit, so fun-loving and after learning how to twist/neaten up his locks and getting into them every couple of months, I really enjoyed learning the process of growing and twisting, locking, maintaining etc., and I decided to get mine done.

Me: How did you initially loc your hair? What process did you use- interlock, twisting, loc extensions, free form, etc)

LW: The lady who started my locks used a combination of methods-first she sectioned my hair, back combed it all and then did a twist/interlock/palm rolling method.

AFTER

Me: What is your hair regimen? (daily/weekly/monthly)

LW: I wash my locks once each week to 9 days. On a daily basis, I run my fingers through to keep them separated and on a weekly basis I try to palm roll them.

Me: How long have you been loc'd?

LW: 3 Years

Me: What are 3-5 of your favorite loc care products and how do you use them?

LW:  I don't use a lot of products on my locks. I use shampoo to wash and sometimes a little conditioner to soften them up a touch. I use an olive oil based serum/sheen type product in my roots and all the way down my locks.

Me: How often do you "groom" your new growth and how do you do so? Twisting, free form, interlock etc?

LW:  I have to groom more often and I'm up for a session of grooming VERY soon, but I would say I get them locked every 6 months or more, by interlocking.

Me: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

LW:  I like to tie up my locks with each other to create a style that leaves some of them up and some of them down. I also keep them in a bun style quite often, high up on my head which is comfy, as they are heavy at times.

Me: Do you know how many locs you have?

LW: 54

Me: What type of feedback have you received about your locs and how has it affected your lifestyle?

LW: Positive feedback on the whole. Most people tell me they look "cool" or unique and most people are interested in how they were done and how someone with such naturally straight hair could have locks. A lot of people are just plain curious and it doesn't bother me at all. I've had some pretty fun conversations with people over the past 3 years because people approach me randomly and begin questions about my locks. Someone even asked me if I wash them with cow sh*t! I was sooo shocked and had to ask him if he thought that anything could be cleaned with cow dung. Of course not! It's funny though. I have to be understanding of the myths and ideas that people have about dreadlocks, most of them being a little far fetched!

In terms of how having locks has affected my life, I would say that since the beginning of time, man kind has a tendency to judge one before knowing them based on their looks. Thankfully,  as time goes on, I am able to decipher people who are accepting of differences in other people, which people aren't, which ones are quick to jump to conclusions and which ones aren't. It really takes all kinds of people to make the world turn. None of this has affected me negatively because I love my locks and made the best decision of my life to get them. I guess it's kind of difficult to fully describe how my life has been affected, but I would without a doubt say that it has all been extremely positive and I couldn't be happier!

Me:  What is your least favorite thing about your loc'd hair?

LW: Nothing. Honestly, I love my locks and would be lying if I told you I had a least favourite thing about them :)

Me: What single piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to loc their hair?

LW: Make sure you find the "right" person who knows how to handle your hair. There isn't anything worse than having the locks not done well or thow you want them to be. 

Me: Are you a member of any loc community groups? If so, which one(s)? How has it helped you?

LW: I am not a member of any loc community group.

Until next time.....blessed love!

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Interview: My daughter said....

Hi lovelies:


I'm back with another natural hair interview and this one is near and dear to me just because I am soooo in love with her hair.....she's a great sport and I was over the moon when she agreed to do the interview.


                                                                       BEFORE                                                                                

AFTER

Me: How long have you been natural?

JG: 3 years and 3 months

Me: What inspired/motivated you to go natural?

JG: My daughter.  She wanted to relax her hair and I am trying to teach her to love who she is.  I want her to appreciate her beautiful curls.  One day she said to me "well you relaxed yours".  That did it.

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

JG: The transition from relaxed to natural. At first I didnt know if I should cut it all off or transition.

 

Me: Did you 'big chop' or transition?

JG: I elected to transition.

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

JG: I started the process in the winter which helped.   I was able to use a flat iron to press out my curls and kept my hair straight for several months.  Every 3 months or so I would cut  some of the relaxed hair. 

                                           

                                        Flat ironed hair

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

JG: For me, conditioning is key. I deep condition my hair on a weekly basis. When I wash it I also use a leave in conditioner. There are some days I twist it and some days I don't. It depends and my mood and timing.

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

JG: Yes, I follow FB Natural Hair.       

                                         

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

JG: I want to grow my hair a bit more then find a fabulous cut which will show off my curls even more :)

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

JG: I like the Mizani True Texture products and sometime I use Pantene's Natural products. To hold my curls I always use Curls Goddess Curls and Motions Foam Wrap.

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

JG: Eveyone loves it. 

Me: How has your natural hair journey been since you went natural?
JG: I love it.  I feel more like myself, the person who I was meant to be. 

Until next time, be beautiful. Be naturally you!

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The Interview: TD on her "new hair"

Hey beauties:

Recently, a few of my friends decided that it was time to come off the "cremey crack" (so coined by my sister Nic as hair relaxer) and venture down the road of Natural Hair Bliss  (insert me doing cartwheels). So, today I'm going to share an interview that I did with one of my friends about her "new hair".

1- How long have you been natural?

Mmmm...it's been about 7 months actually.

2- What inspired you to go natural?

One of my buddies - who is the owner of Shades Makeup...hint...hint...Lol...provided me with great advice on how I could transition from relaxed to natural hair. She was my inspiration as I was clueless about the entire hair process to transitioning to natural hair. She provided such great hair tips and even recommended excellent hair products to use to keep my hair healthy. Amazingly true to her craft:)!

3- What were your biggest fears/ concerns (if any) about going natural?

Honestly - I didn't know what to expect...how my hair was going to look. I've always had relaxed hair and this was a HUGE change for me. It was extremely scary. If I had to select one concern, it has to be my lack of knowledge in transitioning and maintaining natural hair.

4- Did you 'big chop' or transition?

Definitely transition...too chicken to do the 'big chop'...Lol:).

5- If you transitioned, then how? (Weave, braids, wig, etc)

Braids for sure:)! I'm really enjoying the number of options I could do to braid my hair. The hair styles are limitless.

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

First, I wash my hair weekly using mostly natural/organic and herbal products. Second, I deep condition my hair every 2 weeks and apply a hot hair treatment at least once a month or more if needed. Third, I mix various oils together (e.g. jojoba oil, castor oil, olive oil, carrot tea-tree oil and coconut oil) and then apply the mixed oils to my shampooed hair...even apply it to my hair throughout the week when needed. It works for me...Lol.

7- Are you a memeber of any natural hair group? If so, which one(s)?

Sorry, I'm not a member of any natural hair group but I sometimes read hair blogs and visit youtube to view videos on hair tips etc. It's amazing to know that other ladies share similar experiences, so it's very encouraging to know that I'm not alone.

8- What is/ are your natural hair goal(s)?

I would REALLY LOVE to have healthy, thick, long hair. If I could comb my hair in a pony tail, I'm GOOOOOOOODDDDDD...Lol.

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

I absolutely love Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, Organics Carrot Tea-Tree Oil Therapy, African Best Hair Spray for Braids, Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Shampoo and pure coconut oil.

 

 

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

Despite a few negative remarks, I have a number of friends and family who are now natural and have no regrets. So when they discovered that I had transitioned from relaxed to natural hair, they were thrilled! Some are encouraging me to try out a new organic hair line sponsored by a young Caymanian. Others are excited about my trying to 'lock' my hair, while a few stated that I should continue braiding my hair because they LOVE how it looks on me. Honestly, I'm just enjoying the process and remaining patient to see how where it leads me.

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