Aug. 2008 Spotlight - Monica

Where are you from and how is the natural scene there?
Originally Southfield, MI moved to Tallahassee, FL and now in Atlanta , GA. The naural scene in Atlanta is large. I never get a second look because of my hair.

How long did you transition and how long have you been natural?
18 months, lol, 18 months!

How you feel about your natural hair in the beginning?
Very positive, I was sooo over the money and time spent in salons. I'm a K.I.S.S. person so natural hair seemed to suit me.

How much support did you receive when you decided to go natural?
Most of my family and friends were neutral. I think they took a wait and see attitude. Most of them felt natural hair looked good on "some people" they weren't sure if I was one of them.

Has there been any differences in your life from going natural?
I'm much happier. I'm now a product junkie.

How do you maintain your hair?
I co-wash weekly and condition. I style with any of a thousand products, I was twist out queen, now I love my puff!!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and had to choose 3 things for your hair, what are three things you would have to have for your hair and why?
1.) Water and glycerin in a spray bottle(shine)

2.) Essential Balms Stimulating hair regrowth with jojoba oil(moisture and scent)

3.) My wide tooth rattail comb. I feel cheated w/ just three and I have to have a comb/brush!!

(Hello, my name is Monica and I am a product junkie.)

What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going natural?
As my friend tells me "it's natural to be natural". Just do it and make it your own. Add your own jazz to it!

Any final words?
Be prepared for the transition it is tough. You can't do what you used to and you can't do all the cool, fun stuff you see yet. Pick about three staple protective styles that work for you and work them!!

Visit Monica's hair journal here and check out her YouTube channel here!