Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?A: I use to relax and dye my hair and transitioned from relaxed hair around mid-2009 to about the end of 2010 and stopped using hair dyes in 2011. I did not big chop as I was not brave enough to cut all my hair off. So I would just trim my ends as my hair grew and by the end of 2010, I had my natural curls back. I did not know about protective styles at the time so I did not know I could use twist-outs/braid-outs etc to blend the different textures. So I would either wear my hair out and scrunch products in my hair to try and get an over all “curl” look or tie it back in a bun.
Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I stopped relaxing my hair by mid-2009. I just got sick of the relaxing process, the breakage, and the fact that my hair was thin and brittle. I would end up with strange colored hair due to using two chemicals within one or two months of each other. I was not taking care of my hair while it was relaxed so I am sure the lack of care along with the chemicals was not helping the situation.
Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: I would not say I had fears but I was not sure how to take care of my hair. I had my hair relaxed for so many years that I actually was not sure how/what my hair would be like in its natural state. I did not know how it would look, the type of curls I would have, what I would need to do to get healthy hair that would grow. I was unsure, but also excited.
Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Detangling/Co-wash Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner & Water.
Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: In all honesty… I say live your life and do not give others a second thought. There will always be people who will be negative regardless of if you have natural hair, relaxed hair, dyed hair, flat ironed hair etc. You cannot please everyone and should not please everyone. The only person who has to be happy is YOU. It can be a difficult transition but if that is what you want to do then do it! I also think you need to do research, ask questions, get onto forms, watch YouTube videos etc… just do loads of research. Keep in mind the research is for you to have a general understanding, but what you really need to know is YOUR hair. So after you have done your research you need to then find out what works for you. Apart from knowing your hair I patience is another important point. It will take time till you know what your hair needs, likes and wants but it is not mission impossible just mission patience.
Q: How can we keep up with you?
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The Guardian Princesses is a new book series of racially and culturally diverse princesses who protect the people and the planet.
