Naturally Obsessed

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I struggled with my hair since I was a little girl. My perception of beauty were the images in magazines and actresses on tv with long flowing hair. Nappy was a no-no to me. One day I guess I had an epiphany plus a head full of damaged hair, and I came across this page…Yup it’s me Juanita…told you I would be back! Anyway I was tired of the conformity and wanted to know what it would be like to be au natural! SO... my next step was to just do it (like NIKE)! My last perm was in January, and between January and July I wasn’t sure what to do with my hair because I had the new growth and then I had the permed hair…I was at a lost. I grabbed the clippers and snip snipped away! Greatest decision ever!

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?

I actually burst into tears because I had no support from my family…their solution was to just treat the damaged hair. Nappy is still a no go for my family, but eventually they came around, my fiancé was actually my barber. My friends were in limbo on the whole situation until they saw the new me, now one of my friends want to put me in a photo shoot.

What is your current hair routine?

As of now I am experimenting, no real routine. I guess I have a semi-routine. I co-wash once a week. MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE everyday and everynight, because my hair is a sponge it sucks up all the water but it don’t hold it well. I use leave in conditioners (Profectiv) and the famous “shealoe”. In the evening I spritz and conceal then wrap my hair in a silk scarf. I spritz throughout the day with a combination of water and moisturizers. I Stay away from heat haven’t blow dried my hair in FOREVER…tempted to see the length but I’m fighting temptation. I learned how to care for my hair with help from this site and multiple sites in addition to my baby girl managing her hair taught me how to manage natural hair like ours.

Do you have any hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?

My major hair goal is to have strong healthy hair…the health of hair is very visible and so is damage. In order to accomplish this I make sure I care for my hair and I feed my body in a way that my hair benefits as well. Once upon a time I was a tomboy and hair meant time..and time was something I just didn’t have. Now I make time for my hair. Oh…I would love to have long flowing hair as well but that will come with time…no rush enjoying this journey!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

Originally I thought natural meant being too lazy to take care of your hair…but now natural is an inspiration to me. I walk down the block and when I see a fellow au naturella (LOL) we smile at each other with a since of pride. Beauty mean so much more…it means taking care of yourself and being yourself…and ultimately being comfortable with who you truly were meant to be!

What advice can you share to help another new natural?

It’s a scary journey but it is also a time for exploration and discovery, a time to define who you are. I would call it a re-birth. Cry, Laugh, get over it and be Proud of what you see when you look in that mirror!

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural in early April of this year. I had attempted to transition back in December, but relaxed after about 10 weeks. My decision to try it again came from my issues with my self esteem and the fact that I wanted to be able to feel beautiful, no matter how I looked. I figured the best way to achieve that self concept was to go back to the "original" me, which meant leaving the creamy crack behind. My last relaxer was around April 14, 2010 as a "final farewell" and I began my transition from there. My initial goal was to wait until New Year's to BC, but recently, after a few days of struggling with my self image and praying to God for strength to overcome it, I decided to BC around 2am on July 14, 2010 and I haven't looked back since.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?

Some of them didn't even understand what I meant when I said I was "transitioning" or "going natural" until I did the Big Chop. Those that did, supported my decision. My grandmother has always worn her hair very short and recently, short and natural, so she was very happy with my TWA when she saw it.  I shocked a lot of people because the decision to Big Chop was so sudden, but so far, I have not encountered any negative comments.

Describe your current hair routine.

I don't have a set routine yet, but I co-wash my hair almost everyday. I usually do a wash and go using IC Fantasia Styling Gel with Olive Oilor I spritz my hair with a mix of water, leave in conditioner and oils, add moisturizer, and comb it out and put a headband on the front for a nice little fro. I spritz my hair again at night and apply unrefined shea butter and oil, before wrapping it in a silk scarf and going to bed. Some of my favorite products include Suave Naturals conditioners, Suave Humectant conditioner, Hawaiian Silky 14n1 Miracle Worker, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave In and Lustrasilk Shea Butter and Mango Cholesterol.

What are your hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?

One goal is to minimize breakage by deep conditioning one to two times a week. I also want to be able to grow my hair long enough to two strand twist by November. I plan to achieve this goal by keeping my TWA moisturized and making sure I seal my ends every night with shea butter.

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

I am more open minded to what beauty is. I realize now that we are all individuals and we see things differently. To me, anything that is natural is beautiful. We should embrace ourselves the way that God made us. We are all beautifully and wonderfully made with different features and attributes, to be used in different ways for different purposes. Since going natural, my self confidence has sky rocketed, because now I know that I can be beautiful and feel beautiful, no matter what my hair looks like or what texture it is.

What advice would you give to a new natural?

My main point of advice to a new natural would be to embrace your hair, no matter what it looks like. My hair was not very pretty to me after I big chopped, but I loved it because it was mine. Remember that your hair texture may change over time. especially if you do the BC. My hair texture seems to change everyday and I embrace the changes and roll with the punches. I would also tell them to follow blogs and forums and gain all the knowledge you can about natural hair. The internet has a lot of great sources that can give you the tools you need to take proper care of your hair. My last piece of advice would be to remember why you made the decision to go natural and don't forget it. There are people out there that will not understand, but ultimately, this journey is yours.

Thanks for sharing Ebony! -KKQ :-)

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When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural on January 1, 2010.I became a Zumba instructor and I got tired of all the heat and chemicals and wanted a change.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?

My sisters were very supportive, but my mom was not happy with my decision.  Both my sisiters are natural so their support was enough for me to keep moving forward.

What is your current routine?

I co-wash and deep condition weekly and I shampoo biweekly.

What are your hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?

My goal is to have waist length hair.  I do as much protective styling as possible and make sure to protect my ends.

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

My perception of beauty has never wavered.  I am beautiful no matter what.  Cutting myhair has not changed anything.  I love me :-)

What advice would you give to a new natural?

Ejoy your hair, there is so much you can do with it.  Have fun and be happy!!

When and why did you decide to go natural?

My friends and family were VERY supportive of my decision to go natural.  But honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less from them because I surround myself with people who uplift me and want the best for me.  A bit of advice for new naturals/transitioners- only allow people in your life who will support you in your journey.  You will have good hair days and you will have bad hair days.  Days that you feel absolutely beautiful and days where you think you look CRAZY, lol.  You don't want people in your corner pushing you back to that "creamy crack." You want people to tell you, "Girl! Stick with it! Before you kno it, your hair will be exactly where you want it to be!"  Those are TRUE friends and they will be there for you for more than just a hair disaster.  They will be there for life!

 

 

What is your current hair routine?

 

I usually do a co-wash every 3-4 days.  If I'm being lazy, I co-wash once a week.  I deep condition with a mixture of olive oil, melted shea butter and a little vanilla extract for a light scent, heat it for a hot oil treatment and sleep with it in my hair overnight once every 2 weeks.  Between co-washes, I'll do a twist-out every other day.  I sleep REALLY hard and wild so my styles don't stay for too long, lol.  Or sometimes, I just do a wash-n-go when I'm pressed for time.

 

 

What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?

 

My hair goals are to have HEALTHY and FULL hair.  I know that if my hair is healthy, length will soon follow. When I started wearing my natural hair out in April (I wore weaves for almost a year), I noticed that my ends were extremely damaged from permanently dying my hair jet black and I had a bit of heat damage from flat ironing my hair when I had straight weaves.  I knew that I HAD to cut the damaged hair off, no matter how much my hair had grown.  So, I got some hair scissors and started cutting.  Then immediately gave myself a deep condition.  I know that the health of my hair is much more important than the length of my hair.  We can have long hair, but if it's not healthy, it will break off and that is way more traumatizing!

I also drink plenty of water. Water is pretty much the only thing I drink actually. When I was 15, I noticed that I had an acne problem and realized that I was drinking 3 sodas a day and attributed my acne breakouts to my soda intake. I stopped sodas cold turkey and was on a strict water diet, lol. I have been drinking nothing but water and cranberry juice ever since. And proper water intake helps wit skin, nails AND hair growth/health.

What new style or technique have you learned this year?

I have learned twist-outs and just 2 days ago, I tried a bantu knot-out on my TWA and I LOVE it!  It wasn't perfect, but it was just my 1st time doing it.  I'm going to do a co-wash and redo my bantu knot-out tonight!

What is your definition of " Good Hair"?

Good hair is HEALTHY hair...Period!

Finish this sentence: Curly girls have more fun because.... 

....because we are FREE!  We aren't confined by our permed hair, living our lives around our next touch up.  If our hair gets wet, oh well!!  We will let our curls SHINE and go on about our day :-)

Gotta love this chick!  For more of Maiya click the links below!

Twitter:  @SipThisMaiTai Tumblr:  iLOVEMAIcurls/tumblr.com 

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When and why did you decide to go natural?

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward? 

My family was supportive, except my brother.  He means no harm though.  He simply likes long flowing weave.  Everyone else was cool with it.  I actually had my sister sit with me while I did some of my research and she was very interested.  She said she's probably going to want to go natural after she sees my hair grow out.  She seriously needs to, her hair has been destroyed by perms :-(

 

What is your current hair routine?

 

Well, right now I'm wearing yarn twist as a protective style.  When I'm not wearing that I co-wash everyday with Sauve Naturals, V05, or Herbal Essences.  If I'm wearing a certain style then I won't co-wash until my style is threw.  I moisture and seal with Olive Oil and Shea Butter everday and I deep condition my hair every Sunday.  That's pretty much it....very simple

 

What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?

I just want to see how long my hair can grow.  I don't have a desired length.  I do want my hair to get long enough to try all those awesome hairstyles though.  I just try to retain my length so it can grow by taking care of my ends.

 

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

 

It really made be appreciate black features more.  I'm definitely more proud of our features now and I embrace that.  For instance, I use to wear colored contacts, but now I embrace my dark eye color. I think dark eyes are beautiful.  I also appreciate natural beauty much more now.

 

What advice would you give to a new natural?

Have fun with your hair!  Don't stress over trying to have your hair look a certain way or get a certain length.  Just embrace what you have and enjoy it while you have it.  Always be confident because that is very important when it comes to having a TWA.  So have fun and look fab!!

Thanks for sharing your story sis!! Loving that black & white hair bow :-)

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When and why did you decide to go natural?

I did my BC on October 10th 2009 and I transition for around 5 months.  In high school I was always in my stylist's chair faithfully every 2 weeks!  I never missed a perm date and was basically planning things based on my hair appointments!  Horrible right??  But I always wanted curly big poofy hair, so after going on youtube and looking at the millions of videos posted on there about natural hair I decided that I would no longer get perms!  So I go my last perm in March and Then I got a sew in kept that in for 2 months. When I took it out I said to myself "what can I do with my hair"!  I was broke so I couldn't even go to the salon and get a relaxer.  The only decision I had was to go natural!!  Up until October I would do bantu knots in my hair and use flexi rods.  I got tired of doing that and one day I woke up and said "hey let me cut my relaxed hair off.  I went to this cheap salon. and asked them to cut off all my relaxed ends!  I was excited I had about 5 inches of non relaxed hair so I knew that I wouldn't be completely bald!   

I sat in the lady's chair and watched as my hair got cut off. I started to see strands of my natural hair fall onto the floor and I started to freak!  I said don't cut that hair off just the relaxed parts!  She said she was just making it even then I heard the clippers and i just blacked out!!  When I woke up and looked in the mirror I had about 1 inch of hair on my head!  I was like OMG!! what did i do!!  Everyone was giving me complements saying I had the head for short hair... whatever that means.  Eventually I got used to it  and started to like having no hair.  I could just wake up and be out the door!!

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

My friends were very supportive in me going natural! They really encouragedme and told me how beautiful i looked with my hair short!! When i came back home for thanksgiving break  showed my friends and family my new hair and they were shocked! The first thing my mother did was touch my hair and say oh wow its so nappy! and my brother made fun of me saying that i looked like a boy! But besides that i got great reviews from many people.. so even telling me to keep my hair short!

What is your current routine?

I try to keep my routine as simple as I can!  Key word "try".  I just really like trying new things in my hair! I'm a product junkie!  I shampoo my hair once a week with Dr. Bronner'sall in one soap.  It doesn't dry my hair out at all and I have 4b hair.  I deep condition with Yes To Carrots Mudd Masque or I might mix up my own concoction of bananas, honey, and olive oil.  I use Giovanni Direct Leave In conditioner or I'll use some Infusium 23.  Then I two strand twist my hair with raw sheabutter and seal my ends with Castor oil.. my hair love those two things.  However, I'm still experiementing with what works best.  I've never been good at caring for my hair.. so me being natural is helping me alot!

My advice for any new naturals is yay!!  You did it and feel good about yourself!  You are beautiful and soon everyone will be trying to go natural.  If you ever need any encouragement go on the internet and read all these natural hair care websites!  Especially Naturally Obsessed :)  They will lift ur spirits and keep u on track and excited about all the cool stuff you can do to your hair!  Also you'll be SAVIN MADD MONEY!!  No more $50 trips to the salon every 2 weeks!!!

Thank you for sharing, you are gorgeous sis! -KKQ

 

Products Mentioned...

More Infusium 23...

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural my senior year in high school. I had an up and down relationship with my relaxed hair. When I was 13 all of my hair broke off from a relaxer and my mom had to cut it all off. I got box braids for about 2 years and my hair grew out really long. Then I got it relaxed again and it was still growing and healthy. On a whim I got that Rihanna hair cut and my family thought I was crazy for cutting off all that long hair LOL!! But one day I started researching growing in edges. My edges have always been bald. I developed traction alopecia at around 7 years old, which was also the age of my first relaxer...rolls eyes lol! That's when I learned about going natural and i asked myself why I never considered natural hair as a viable hair option.

I started transitioning around January and cut it all of in April. I guess that means that I've been natural for a year, but I don't really count it because I didn't know what the heck I was doing in the beginning and my hair didn't grow that much. Plus I kept trimming for no reason..smh!!

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?

My mother was very supportive. She has crazy hair whims. Long permed hair one year, a short cut, a fade the next and now she's bald!! I think she wants dreads next :-) SHe supported me, but my family was a little hesitant mainly because they saw how long and healthy my permed hair had become. Now they are fine with it.

What is your current hair routine?

I DC weekly with various conditioners , sometimes witth coconut milk and honey, I haven't found a staple yet. I always mix my conditioners with olive oil, coconut oil or honey. I then do a twist out with a leave in like Suave Tropical Coconut or Oyin Handmade Conditioner. And I seal with Fleurzty's Curls Nurture Cream. I do wash and go's every now and then with Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today.

I usually wash at the end of the week or I'll do a baking soda treatment or Bentonite Clay treatment. I wash with diluted castile soap or diluted Kinky Kurly Come Clean.

SideNote: Am I the only one who doesn't seem to to like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Yes To Carrots or Giovanni ?!?

What are your hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?

I want big VOLUMINOUS natural hair!! I want to be very versatile with my hair. Doing twist outs, wash and go's, roller sets and curl formers...the options are endless. I don't really have a length goal in mind, but stretched MBL or so would be fine.

Now I'm taking great care of my hair with DC's and such. I now know that my ends have to be stretched and moisturized at all times to get maximum growth. I plan on getting yarn braids in a week or so to proect my hair from my hand- in-hair disease...lol!!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

Honestly, I've always thought natural hair was pretty, I just never thought that it was "right" for me. I then realized something that my friend told me, natural hair is right for everyone and it looks good on everyone. God made us this way and he knows what he's doing, he makes no mistakes!!

But I used to be someone who would say stuff like "Asians have the best hair" or " Latinas have the best hair". Now I realize that Black hair is amazing! Our hair is diverse, unique and versatile. I love our hair!

Gorgeous girl Althea and I love your attitude, thank you for sharing.....Oh and mama is fierce with her cut :-) - KKQ

"Thanks for creating an outlet for us kinky/curly girls" - Meeka

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural on a whim on December 23, 2008, with only one month of new growth from my previous relaxer.  The reason I went natural was because I was curious to see my natural texture after having relaxed hair since I was 10 years old.  In addition to satisfying my curiosity, I was tired of spending hours in the salon and tons of money every week to maintain a "finished" look.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

I really didn't discuss it beforehand since it was a quick decision I made one morning while combing my hair.  When I revealed my new TWA most people had something to say....albeit most of it was negative.  I was able to move forward by having inspiration from viewing hair journeys on Fotki and Youtube.  I also had the intrinsic motivation of having healthy, long, natural that was different.

What is your current hair routine?

I wash my hair with shampoo and condition it once a week.  Afterwards, I style it in twists and twist outs.  Each night I apply my own shea butter/ olive oil mix to the ends and wear a satin scarf to bead.  Currently I have small individual braids by KinkyKurlyQueen.  With this style I still maintain my weekly and nightly routines.

What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to schieve them?

My hair goals include having healthy and long natural hair.  I do like to measure the length of my hair and I'm currently at 8 inches long.  I would like to see my hair at 10 inches by the end of this year.  To see my goal come to fruition, I maintain a routine of keeping my hair and scalp clean, moisturized, oiled and protected through various protective styles.

What are some of your favorite hair products?

Honestly, I'm not a product junkie at all and mainly use the following products...

• Tresemme Shampoo
• Suave Conditioner
• Shea Butter
• Olive Oil
• Vegetable Glycerin
• Water

On occasion I like using Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today for wash and go's.

What is your definition of "Good Hair"?

Good hair is hair that is healthy and properly maintained!

Thank you so much Meeka for sharing your story, to see more of her journey subscribe and watch her videos on Youtube, username NaturallyMeeka.

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural in October of 2008.  The decision happened at the same time that I was applying my last relaxer ( it was to late to turn back at this point, the relaxer was already on my hair and I wasn't ready to shave ALL my hair off at that time).  There are many reasons why iI chose to go natural.  I went natural because I was insecure about my thin, never really growing relaxed hair.  While relaxed my hair had never grew past the hunch in my back, so I realized that the relaxer was doing no good to my hair.  I already knew how to style natural hair so that wasn't an issue.  The reason that really topped off why I I made the decision to stop relaxing my hair is a statement from a man that I worked with.  He said "I don't understand why women relax their hair and then put a weave on top of it".  That statement completely opened my eyes ♥

Were your family and friends supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

My friends were not supportive, especially my boyfriend since he was used to dating women of other ethnicity's.  I was able to move forward because I had faith that my hair would be healthier and fierce.  Plus it was growing like grass..lol!  My family loved the idea of me having natural hair, they even loved how it looked on me.  Once my hair started to grow and the health and shine of my hair started to show my friends began flirting around the decision to go natural themselves.  I am proud to say that one of my friends has gone natural and another is contemplating it...Yay!!

What is your current hair routine?

I co-wash every other day or if I worked out hard that day I will co-wash that day.  I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration mixed with olive oil, unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil for a deep treatment.  I leave this mixture in for an hour and then rinse, my hair loves this!!  My style for now, since my hair is only 4-5 inches long, is a puff slicked back with Clear Eco-Styler gel.

What are your hair goals and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

By April of 2011, I want my hair to be at APL (armpit length)and I want to inspire other women to go natural.  The steps I'm taking are as follows...

I will be using olive oil and coconut oil as a leave in.
I will wear kinky twist most of this year (at least 6 months out of this year) as a protective style.
I will pray.
I will massage my scalp 2x a week which stimulates the hair root and promotes growth.

I will take a Biotin supplement of 3000mcg once a day.
I will use a growth oil (such as BlackOnyx77's growth oil).
I will workout 5 days a week.
I will drink a gallon of water 7 days a week.
I will embrace and be proud of my natural hair no matter what others think.
I will take the time to style my hair and show others that natural hair is versatile and beautiful!

What is your definition of "Good Hair"?

Good hair is hair that is healthy whether relaxed or natural.  Good hair is also hair that captures and maintains moisture, hair that is not breaking at the slightest comb through or pull.  Lastly, good hair is good habits put forth toward the maintenance and styling of hair, which prevents bad hair.

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I always wanted to go natural, but I finally got up the courage to BC on January 19, 2010.

Were your family and friends supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

My mom was mortified!  Even though I have had short hair before it was always relaxed...but she is coming around.  Especially when I show her blogs like Naturally Obsessed :)   My friends could not believe that I actually went through with the BC beacuse I always said I would transition for at least a year.  I tried that twice and it never worked.  So this time I just went out on a whim and did it :)  Honestly, people at my job are acting a little funny...I really couldn't care less.  My fellow natural co worker came over after work and we cut it all off.  I had brown/blonde highlighted shoulder length relaxed hair and it was shocking at first but I loved it as soon as we were done ♥

What is you current hair routine?

Right now I am wearing a sew in to give my hair a break.  I always took good care of my hair even when it was relaxed, but now I co- wash with Trader Joes or Aubrey Organics.  I really love deep conditioners now and I'm totally into any and everything organic ...

What are your hair goals and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

I just want healthy hair, I know it sounds cliche, but it's true :)  I'm drinking lots of water and taking vitamins and educating myself on sites such as this!  Youtube is a godsend ...

How has your perception of beauty change since going natural?

Before I always measured my beauty by my hair, no matter what I did my hair just wasn't good enough.  Now, it's more than ok to just be "me" the way God made me!!  In my opinion, that is where true beauty lies.

What advice would you give to a new natural?

Black is Beautiful!!  Educate yourself and know that natural hair requires alot of work, but it is well worth it.  Truly loving ourselves requires that we respect and pay homage to our culture on a daily basis.  Your hair is your crown and glory Queens!!!

"Gorgeous"

When and why did you decide to go natural?

This is actually my second time going natural.  First time I did it back in 2001 for convenience.  I was on a weight loss mission and was tired of having to worry about my hair so I cut it myself.  I would stay a TWA if it wasn't for my own curiosity.  Knowing that my hair grew pretty long permed I figure it should grown even longer and stronger naturally.  I decided to go back to perms after I had my twins because I didn't have a clue how to care for my hair in the in between TWA and "Stylable" stage.  I gave up. (Man!!!  Why didn't I back away from that perm, I can only imagine how my hair would look now!!!) My last BC was 11 12 09.  This time I was truly tired of the perming routine, the breakage.  I live in a small town and would literally have to drive an hour and a half to a beautician.  This was just not Furlough Friendly (I'm a California State employee).  I also remember how I felt many times running my fingers through my roots and wondering what my hair was really like.  I don't regret making the decision.  This time I found a whole on-line community to answer just about every question I had!

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?

As far as reactions, many were shocked that I did it because there was very little discussion prior.  I have to admit that hearing people tell me, "You have a good face for short hair", or "You look good in short hair", did a lot to ease me into my new lifestyle.  Cause it is a new life.  One of freedom!!  Now one of my twins (7 years old), took one look at me when I stepped out of the bathroom and said, "I'm gonna cry, you look like a boy".  After thinking of how I spent many years putting others feelings and needs ahead of my own, I looked at him, smiled and said, "You'll get over it!", went back in the bathroom, closed the door and smiled at my beautiful self in the mirror.  I was more than ready!!!!  I think it's a great way for them to be more comfortable with kinky/curly hairstyles. 

What is current hair routine?

Currently my hair routine consists of moisture, moisture, moisture.  I have actually cut my hair twice since the initial BC in 11/09.  The reason being I was so anxious to "Divafy" my hair I put a color in it the same day I BC'd.  Didn't take me long to realize I practically sealed my freshly cut hair with more chemicals.  It started to feel dry within days.  Not that there's anything wrong with color but I felt I didn't even give myself time to know who I really was naked.  I cut it with a pair of clippers using the 3/8" safety.  I love the way my freshly buzzed head feels.  But now I'm in it for the long haul.  My hair loves fresh aloe juice/gel.  It sucks it right up.  I'll do that in the evenings when I feel the winter air has been hard on it.  I love my olive oil.  I'm still trying to find my way.  My main issue is moisture since my hair tends to suck up moisture quickly that's why I've named my mane SAHARA!!  LOL  She has a mind of her own ♥

What are your hair goals? What steps are you taking to achieve them?

My goals are long, strong, healthy hair.  I want my crown to look as beautiful as yours KKQ!  The steps I take to achieve these are to constantly pay attention to what my hair is telling me.  Before I just kind of expected it to take care of itself I didn't really do any extras.  These days I'm always looking for a reason to give my hair some kind of pampering.  One of my favorite things to do is, when I'm on the computer or doing house chores, just take my water spritz bottle and totally drench my hair with water and let it air dry.  It loves it.  I always have some type of leave in conditioner/moisturizer.  I love African Royale braid spray (has loads of herbs in it, smells sweet and keeps hair soft, moisturizes without greasy feeling), Aveeno and Infusium 23 leave in conditioners are my current staples.  These are subject to change as I try to adopt a more chemical free regimen.  I'm anxious to get some fresh avocado in my hair and see what those oils do to it!!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

My perception of beauty hasn't really changed since going natural because I've always admired women who were real, and were comfortable with their unaltered selves.  That in itself is a beautiful thing.  Before a natural woman opens her mouth, her style speaks volumes.  What's changing is my reception of others perception.  I'm no longer allowing myself to be angered by the labels such as good hair or bad hair.  When a person reduces others to labels and stereotypes, they are actually telling you, that they themselves have fears of how others perceive them.  Unfortunately this was probably behavior learned growning up.  I've always told my 3 boys, 1 16-year-old, I don't care who you bring home to meet me, just make sure you're with them for the right reasons.  'Right' meaning, you like her person, what she stands for as a whole.  Not the arm candy element.  That should just be icing on the cake!

What advice would you give to a new natural?

The advice that I would give to a new natural is know EXACTLY why you're going natural and make sure you have that confirmation inside you that says I'm in this for the long haul NO MATTER WHAT!!!    Karla♥

To learn more about Karla's journey please click the links below!!

members.fotki.com/KayLaLaGODsDiVa

www.KatwalKatharsis.blogspot.com

**Simply Gorgeous**

Solange Knowles, her TWA and big sis were spotted in New York City at The Eldridge.  Apparently Solange is quite the DJ, she had Bey and Jay as well as other party goers up and grooving to the music.  The proceeds from this event went towards Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Organization.  I LOVE this look on her :-)

Source: JustJared.com

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural on November 7, 2009.  Going natural was always something that I wanted to do, but I didn't understand what it took to maintain and keep up with natural hair.  I had a lot of inspiration from my two younger sisters who actually went natural two years prior to my BIG Chop.  Conversations with my about their hair gave me a lot of encouragement along with watching YouTube and hair care forums.

Were your friends and family supoportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

My friends were very supportive of my decision to go natural.  On a few occasions they would send me links of certain websites and books I could read.  The one person that I did get negative feedback from was my boyfriend.  I remember I tried going natural once before and he was right there with me.  I took my extensions out after a year and said "I'm going natural".  At that time I didn't know there were sources available that I could turn to for help with my decision.  So a week later i ran to my hair dresser and told her to perm e pronto, and he (the stylist ) gave me a look of I told so.  When I said I was going natural for the second time I knew he would have something to say.  I finally Bc'ed and he told me, which I thought was funny, "You know I never really liked girls with weaves and perms anyway!"

What is your current hair routine?

My routine is perfect for me; I spritz my hair every morning and every night with a mixture that consists of Giovanni leave in, water, jojoba oil, and a splash of glycerin.  I co-wash and deep condition my hair once a week and even though its winter I do wash & go's on my TWA.  Don't be alarmed it usually dries before I get outside.  That's it for now because my hair is still too short for braid and/or twist outs. 

What are your hair goals?

I just want healthy hair!!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

It hasn't changed much.  I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What advice would you give to a new natural?

It's not as hard as you think it is.  Please don't be discouraged because you don't have a looser texture, love your coils and kinks.  Take your time with your hair and when you give it your hair will return the favor ten times over!!! 

For more info about this beauty be sure to follow her on Twitter.