Q: Where are you from and how is the natural scene there?

A: My name is Tamara and I am from the Bronx, New York. For the most part, natural hair is not normally seen in this area and unfortunately there is still a stigma in the air about natural hair.

Q. How has your experience been with natural hair?

A: I have worn my natural hair for about three and a half years now. I did not do a big chop, I simply grew my natural hair out as I transitioned with straw sets, wigs and weaves.

Q.How much support did you receive when you decided to go natural?

A. At the time, a lot of my friends were considering going natural so it was nice having a support system. Also, my husband was very encouraging and gave me a lot of compliments and took the time to listen to my frustrations etc.

Q: In your opinion, what has been some of the best things about having natural hair?

A: There are so many advantages in my opinion, but one of the major positive things about being natural is the versatility of my hair. It’s great being able to wear so many different styles and overall it’s easier maintaining my natural hair compared to my relaxed hair. Lastly, I do not like chemicals being on my hair and scalp, so I must admit it’s wonderful not having any relaxer or hair color in my hair.

Q: Have you had any negative experiences while wearing natural hair? How did you cope?

A: Yes, I did get some negative feedback about my hair and being natural, but in my opinion, it is an issue others have to get over because underneath the relaxer, wig or weave is natural hair.

Q: What is your weekly hair routine?

A: My natural hair routine is quite simple:

• I deep condition my hair with mayonnaise, olive oil and eggs.
• I take hair supplements such as Biotin daily.
• Lastly I condition my hair every night using leave in conditioner to protect and moisturizer my hair.

Q: What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going natural?

A: Going natural is a wonderful thing that you can do for your overall health. The chemicals that you are putting into your hair are very dangerous, as they are the very same chemicals that are used to unclog drains. When your hair is natural, there are many options open to you from being able to go from straight to different curly hairstyles and of course braids.

In closing, don’t let other people talk you out of being natural!