When/Why did you decide to go natural?
Christelle My last full head relaxer was in November 2010. After I left college and moved back home, I started wearing my hair in weaves, twists, and braids. There was no reason to relax my hair since I never wore it out. I only relaxed the front when it came time to install a weave. However, about 2 years ago, I completely stop with the relaxer and decided to just flat iron the front of my hair instead.
How long have you been natural?
ChristelleTechnically, the back of my head has been natural a whole lot longer than the front. I’ve been on a heat-free journey so I can grow out my straight ends in the front of my hair due to the blow-drying and flat ironing. July will make it one year heat-free! I have definitely seen some progress. Despite some of my straight ends, my hair is pretty thick and healthy.
Is being natural what you expected?
Christelle Well, it’s definitely a process! Currently, I am learning my hair. As I mentioned earlier, for the past four years I didn’t wear my hair out. It was always in a protective styling. On any given Friday, I would remove my protective styling and by Saturday night, I had already installed a new weave, braids, or twists. I know! I know! I know! Very poor choice on my part! However, I did take care of my hair while in the protective styling. I kept my hair washed, conditioned, and moisturize. In-between the protective styles, I would trim if necessary and deep condition. My heart wasn’t set on being “fully natural”.
What stage are you at in your natural hair journey & how did you transition? ((twa fro etc.))
Christelle I’m not sure how to define exactly what stage I am in, but my longest strand is about 11 ½ inches long. So probably shoulder length! My hair texture is 4b. My coils are tight and coily. My curl pattern in the front is looser since I am still growing out the straight ends. Protective styling! My favorite protective styling is Marley braids and currently I have been rocking crochet braids (done by my amazing sister). Also, thanks to my long-time friend (20+years) and one of the founders of TNT, Melissa, I am giving my hair breaks in between protective styling. She always emphasized the importance of giving your hair at least a 2 week break so that I can properly take care of it. I finally listened to her and I’m glad I did!
What are some struggles your natural hair presented for you ?
Christelle My main struggle is finding products to keep my hair moisturize. In-between my protective styling, I would wake the next morning from a wash day and my hair is DRY DRY DRY! It was frustrating, but I wasn’t too worried about it since I didn’t’ have to really deal with it. Last month, I made the decision to wear my natural hair out. I was excited and nervous. I felt that I gathered enough information through my natural hair friends/family, TNT, YouTube, Instagram, and of course GOOGLE. I tried different products from Shea Moisture, Oyin Handmade, and DarkNLovely Au Naturale. I also made my own DIY deep conditioners (my hair loves the Avocado DC). Coconut oil is also my BEST FRIEND! It keeps my hair soft and moisturize. Overall, it’s still learning process, but one process I am enjoying.
Did you ever feel like you had to compensate for being natural? ((Wearing make up or dressing up))
Christelle I wear make-up and jewelry on a daily basis so that much didn’t change. I do find that funky earrings/big earrings, and head scarves work great with natural hair.
What are some words of wisdom/advice/ or inspiration you have for any one that may be considering following in your foot steps in to the natural world?
ChristelleDo what works best for you and your hair! Find what hairstyles and products work best for your hair. Your hair journey will be completely different from the next female and that is okay. There are great resources and tons of information for natural hair. I, for one, am very proud to see such unity in the natural hair community. Embrace your hair! Love your hair! Have fun with it!
Where can you be reached via social media?
Instagram-ladiicee24
Crochet Hairstyles (done by my talented sister) -IG-crochethairnyc
Email-crochethairnyc@gmail.com
