Mar. 2008 Spotlight - UmmACurlieGirlie

Where are you from and how is the natural scene there?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (home of the Steelers!); I currently live in the DMV (DC/MD/VA area). I think the natural scene in the Chocolate City and its surrounding areas is and has always been alive and well. Especially within the last 10 years or so. There's not a day that goes by that I don't see several natural heads. I love it!

How long did you transition and how long have you been natural?
My idea of transitioning was not deciding on how long, but instead deciding exactly when I was going to get fed up and have my last relaxer. I knew that I'd end up cutting it low and then taking the clippers and shaving the rest of my hair off. I didn't want to deal with taking care of two different textures. April 2008 will be my one year natural anniversary. I actually shaved my hair down twice in April using a 1" guard on my clippers. Once in the beginning of the month and then again at the end of the month (I had to get those loose straight ends). :-)

How you feel about your natural hair in the beginning?
How did I feel about it in the beginning, I absolutely loved it...I have to admit; this was not my first time cutting my hair down to a twa. Although I didn't know at the time that what I was doing was BC'ing. I did it back in the 80's prior to going into the Air Force. I knew I wouldn't have time to do my hair in basic training, so I cut it down using clippers a week before leaving home and then went back to using a relaxer in tech school.

How much support did you receive when you decided to go natural?
:-) I received mad support from my family. I think what surprised me the most were all the questions I received from other women (of all ages) that were curious about going natural, you know co-workers and other moms (friends).

Has there been any differences in your life from going natural?
Yes, there's definitely been a difference in my life from going natural. Especially in how I treat myself. I'm more aware of what I put into my body and how it affects me. I pay more attention to what I put in my hair and the effects of the products that I use or lack thereof.

What has been the best thing about being natural?
For me the best thing about being natural is realizing how much versatility I have with styling my hair and it's very liberating and I LOVE knowing that my hair IS natural.

How do you maintain your hair?
Even before going natural my hair taught me that it loves good ole H20. I wet my hair every morning in the shower, co-wash every other day and I apply a leave-in condition everyday. I then alternate my days with some type of moisturizer like avocado oil, 100% gylcerin or coconut oil. I've learned (thanks to MotownGirl & the ladies on Fotki), that less is better, especially when it comes to putting product in your hair. I do change it up one or two days out the week and will use a product to define my curlies. Because I wet my hair every morning it just gets co-washed out the next morning.

In the evenings I usually spritz peppermint oil and water on my hair to loosen it up so I can moisturize my ends and braid it up for the night. And I sleep on a silk pillow. Every so often I'll use the baggie method on my entire head with a creamy conditioner. And I'll give myself a hot oil treatment about once a month. The care of my hair is forever changing based on it's growth.

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?
First and foremost love yourself no matter what you decide. And keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you. Just like most decisions in life...it's all mental and forever changing...that includes your hair.

What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going natural?
Be positive! And understand that anything worth having will probably take some work! Connect yourself with people who have similar goals or who inspire you. Be bold enough to ask questions and be persistent enough to get answers to your questions! Fully understand why you have chemicals in your hair and why you want to go natural. Enjoy the process of learning the funky and unique characteristics of your hair!

Any final words?
MotownGirl...what can I say...I can't remember how I found you, but Sis I'm so thrilled that I did! Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences and knowledge. To anyone that asks me about my hair, you best believe, your site is the one I always pass on. God bless you and keep on inspiring!

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