INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE

Here's what DANIELLE from NEW JERSEY had to say about her natural hair journey....

BEFORE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?

A little over a year

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

I noticed my hair thinning as I was getting older & my scalp became extremely dry and sensitive.

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

I transitioned, still is.

AFTER

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

 I'll put it in a bun.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

I guess it would be a bun, it's the simplest for me.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION? 
First identify the reason they're choosing to go natural. Are they doing it because it's what's in? or is there a true purpose?  I would say if true, hang in there and get support.

BLOWOUT

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

ECO styler gel.  Pantene nature fusion shampoo & conditioner. Shea moisture products.

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT?

Yes, it's getting thicker, it stays moisturized, so my scalp is not as dry.

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

I think the biggest negativity came from me. I was my worst critic. Growing up, I remember no one wanted to bother with my hair because it was kinky, so my impression of my hair was that it was bad.  As I started transitioning, those feelings came back, so I had to learn to love and embrace the new me.

BUN

WHO/WHAT DOYOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURGAMENT, IDEAS, ECT)

I thank God for you Chantel as well as Odette, you guys are doing a great job paving the way by offering an open forum via natural hair junkies and Women of natural beauty... the ultimate encouragement is India Arie's, "I am not my hair"

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE...

It gives me complete freedom to be me.

FLAT TWIST BUN