When did I go natural and why?
Going natural was a scary thought for me. It meant that I would have to cut off all of my hair and start over. I would look like a boy!!! I couldn’t remember what the texture of my hair was like and that was frightening as well. The idea plagued my mind for about two years,beginning around the time I got pregnant with my son. I couldn’t get a relaxer while I was pregnant and my hair became more and more of a nuisance. Something had to give!!! Right after giving birth to my son in November 2010, my hair started to fall out. I tried to manage it but it was just too much. So in April 2012, I did the BIG CHOP. It was the best decision I ever made.
What are my go-to products?
I am still figuring out the products that best work for my hair, but I have tried Shea moisture, Cantu and Miss Jessie’s. I also use Coconut oil, tea tree oil, castor oil, jojoba oil and olive oil all mixed together or separate. They all leave my hair soft and shiny.
What are my favorite hairstyles?
My favorite style is by far the twist out. I love big, full and curly hair, and that is exactly what I get with my twist out. The process begins by twisting (two-strand) my freshly washed and conditioned hair. My twist last for about 2-3 weeks and I wet and oil my hair every other day to keep a moist and lustrious look. 2-3 weeks may sound like a long time, but I am sure to
have defined curls in the end. Plus, it is very low maintenance this way.
What is my wash routine?
When I have my hair in the two-strand twist, I co-wash every 1-2 weeks; otherwise, I simply wet it, oil and condition it daily. However, I never wet my hair when I am rocking the twist out style!! I simply tied it down at night, and then pull and stretch it for styling, applying a little bit of hair milk and oil for moisture.
How do I maintain my hairstyles?
It is very important when maintaining the twist out that you use a satin scarf to protect the hair at night. I do one of two things, twist large sections of my hair then tie my hair down with my scarf or pull my hair back into a ponytail and protect with a scarf. Pull and stretch hair for styling.
How do I combat shrinkage?
With my hair type, there is no combating
shrinkage, but I have discovered Shea Moisture Curl & Style hair milk, which I use when twisting out my hair. I can usually rock the twist
out for at least 4 days with this product before having to twist all over again.
What do I love about being natural?
I love the versatility of my natural hair. Within a week, my hair can go from being kinky curly, to voluminous and wavy, to straight and sleek. I can wear updos or rock a fro and I can do it all with my natural hair. No weaves or extensions needed!!! Plus, I love all of the compliments I receive as well!!
-Shelah Vie 