INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE

 

CHECK OUT WHAT STEPHANIE FROM NEW JERSEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT HER NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL? 

Had my last perm in January of 2010 and currently about to hit 16 months post my Big chop on November 12, 2011

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

Besides the fact that I hadn’t seen my REAL hair texture since I was 10 years old and years of over processing, I had a few situations were I was just fed up with my hair stylist (at the time). Spending all of this money for terrible customer service and damaged hair… I just had enough... Well the straw that broke the camel’s back one day after one too many “mix-up’s” in the appointment and her leaving me hi and dry. I got tired of feeling helpless for something I should be able to do on my own. I had enough of feeling subjected to NEEDING someone who didn’t value my time or money I just didn’t want to do it anymore.

BEFORE GOING NATURAL

 DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

I did a little of both. I transitioned for about 7 months (braids, cornrows etc etc) and just got annoyed with the process and decided to chop! I just woke up on day and said to myself “I’m over these braids, over the two textures”! I went to my hairstylist (who by the way was waaaaaay supportive of my decision to go natural.) and she cut it for me. I didn’t trust myself! LOL!

 WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

My good ‘ol trusty Puff never fails me! LOL 

TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

 I LOVE wearing scarves like a head band! I have quite a few in different colors… I wore it once at work and someone told me I looked “regal”! It works for me at work because it keeps my hair out of my face.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION?

Stay consistent and be PATIENT! Also remember that what works for one person will not always work for you. It’s definitely a journey of trial and error. Won’t get it right on the first time every time… YES! It is a lot of work at times BUT the rewards are far greater than the work! Stick it out…You will thank yourself later…

BIG CHOP

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

Shea Moisture Curl Milk and Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love! All three make my hair very manageable!

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

 Finally have my thickness back!! My hair was beginning to be so thin with the relaxers. Also I noticed that my hair is actually a different color than when I had a relaxer. As strange as it seems, my hair used to be a medium brown color but NOW it’s a smoky dark jet black. Very interesting!

ALL NATURAL

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

Actually no! I got nothing but positive feedback from family and co-workers. My husband seemed a little hesitant at first but now, he actually prefers my hair natural.

WHO/WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURAGEMENT, IDEAS, ECT)...

Support from others that have been down the road I’m on…YOUTUBE has been a great help and source of information. My favorites to follow are Jadison03 and NikkiMae2003…

BLOW OUT

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE……

It’s unique and so versatile… So much can be done with it I’m learning more and more about myself and my hair at the same time.  And most importantly I have control!!! I am no longer having to relying on anyone to do my hair…

FLAT IRONED