INTERVIEW WITH BIANICA

~Check out what BIANICA had to say on how and why she decided to go natural~

RELAXED

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?
2 & 1/2 years

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?
1) I have a very sensitive scalp and relaxer really irritated my scalp (yep flakes...not a good look..lol) and 2) I was curious to see my natural texture. 

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?
 Well I transitioned for about 9 months. I took a job in South Texas and could not find a decent hair stylist to "tap" my roots. So while looking in the mirror one day, I just started cutting off all my straight pieces.  So fortunately, I was in a city where I knew NO ONE, so the "big chop" wasn't soo bad.

OCT 2009

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?
 In the summer I wet my hair and put on a headband and in the winter, I wet my hair then I pull it up in a ponytail with a bun.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?
 Not yet. I am still learning my hair and now that it is growing I am trying different styles other than the wet and go look.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION?
Embrace who you are and what you are trying to accomplish.  Don't allow your hair type (relaxed or natural) determine the kind of person you want to become. 

OCT 2011

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
 I love all natural coconut oil to condition my ends and scalp. I also love Jane Carter's curling cream.

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT? YES!
 My scalp is healthy (NO MORE FLAKED...lol) , I also noticed that my edges are longer and do not break off easily.

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
Yes I did. The good thing was I only saw them once or twice a year so I didn't have to put up with their feedback much.  The funny thing is, now that my hair is longer and fuller, everyone loves it...lol

WHO/WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURAGEMENT, IDEAS, ECT)
My friends who are natural are a big support. Me and my best friend often compare our stages of growth.  She also does alot of research online for new hair styles and products. Then she passes it along to me so I can try them

ME NOW

INTERVIEW WITH TIFFANY

Check out what Tiffany from New Jersey had to say about her natural hair journey as she shares her favorite hair products, accessories, and fav hair idol.

(Before)

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?
I started to go natural July 2011.

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?
 I had two friends convince me and my mothers hair is very thin due to the perm so im trying to avoid that.

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION? 
I just did a transition since my hair was already short 

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS? 
I usually take a stylish scarf and tie in a bow until my hair gets done 

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE? 
My hair is short so there isn't much I can do with it but I love the cut that it's in 

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION?
 Just to stick it out. It is rough in the beginning but the end result is amazing! Someone told me to get a rod set or straw set during the transition and that really worked

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

The products that I'm using Talia Wajid. It makes my hair very soft and it's not expensive. 

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

I feel that my hair is much thicker and healthier than before. 

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
WHO/WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURAGEMENT, IDEAS, ECT)  I received some negative feedback from my hair dresser and a friend of mine saying that I couldn't do it and I'll be getting a perm that next week. Well it's almost been a year and I'm still going strong and they can't believe it. I use my friends as encouragement and I love Solange's natural hair. Looking at her hair has really encouraged me to keep going. 

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE ...
I love my natural hair because it represents being Black and being Black is beautiful. 

(After/Now)

~Post any questions or comments you have regarding Tiffany's interview below.~

INTERVIEW WITH LATIFAH

Check out Latifah's Interview as she gives us advice, words of encouragement, and products she can't live without.

(Transitioning hairstyle)

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?  It has been 1 year and 8 months since I had a perm and I will be  9 months since my BC on February 14

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL? I decided to go natural because I use to go through this big hair curly look so I stop putting perms in my hair and I used my curl formers and curuso rollers. I also decided to go natural because when I had a perm my hair use to shed a lot.

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION? I did both..
 
WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS? Going natural you can never have a bad hair day, that's how I look at it. If you do not like your look you can always do a wash and go.

(BC)

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE? When Ifirst cut my hair I loved the wash and go's. Being that I have length now I like to do twist out and use my curl formers. I do not use heat in my hair. I used heat for the first time last month to get a trim and a color.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION? It depends on what look you are going for, going through the transition stage is hard being you have two textures to deal with. I would say be strong and hang in there, think of your hair as long term not by the moment and make sure if you decide to do a BC that you do it for you and not for anyone else.
 
IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? I love JANE CARTER PRODUCTS and now I use CAROLS DAUGHTERS, but I can not live without JANE CARTER.

(8 months post BC)

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT?  Yes Yes Yes my hair is so healthy, so full and I can do more with my hair natural vs a relaxer. The chemicals are not good for your hair.

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT? I had a couple of people who said they didn't like my hair but I will tell them I cut my hair for me not for you and I'm sure it will grow on you. This is why I say make sure you cut your hair for you because if you ask someone what they think you should do they will sometime have a negative feedback and that will stop you from doing what you want to do. Now that my hair is full and I wear different style's they love it, now they say I love your hair, it fits you. You have to wear your hair don't let the hair wear you and you have to wear your hair with confidence, own your look.

WHO/WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURAGEMENT, IDEAS, ECT) I love to go on youtube but I am my encouragement. I love to try new things with my hair. My girlfriend is natural as well so to me we support each other.
 
I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE ... It's me, I feel free, I receive a lot of compliment and to me it encourage a lot of girls to become natural when they see other people natural, this is who I am, my roots, I love the texture, curl, fullness, look, and I'm not bored with my hair.

(Styled using curl formers)

SANAA LATHAN ON NATURAL HAIR

Who knew?!?!?!?!? Sanaa Lathan is natural! She was interviewed by Afrobella regarding her new position as the new spokesperson for Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion products. She talks about her hair texture, how she maintains her hair, her opinion on natural hair VS relaxed hair, and her love for natural ingredients.

~Check it out!~

Titi and Miko Talk on natural hair

The founders of the well known (in the land of naturals) line Miss Jessies talk about natural hair, they give tips, state their pet peeves, and more. Check it out.

INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON

Check out what Shannon had to say as she shares her natural hair journey with us. She talks about the struggles of not being able to maintain shoulder length hair, plans for her daughter's hair, benefits of being natural, and lots more!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL? Completely natural for 5 1/2 months (Big Chopped May 17, 2011) Relaxer free since May 2010.

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?I got tired of my hair getting to my shoulders and breaking off after that, after finding forums and seeing fellow ladies go through the process, I decided to stop the cycle. Also knew that if I wanted my daughter to love her hair she would have to see me doing the same thing with mine.

2010

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?Transitioned for a year, did some mini chops in between. I finally cut the remaining 3-4 inches off on May 17, 2011.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?Luckily right now my hair is still short enough that I don't have those just yet.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE? Wash & Go is basically all I can do at the moment but I have it down to a science at this point.

2004

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION? Support, Support, Support join some type of forum or blog for support from other ladies going through the journey with you or who have been through it. Don't give up you've gotten this far in just making the decision to go natural. It's not going to be overnight and you will get frustrated but it is so worth it in the end.

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Coconut Oil, I use it everyday on my hair it does a really great job of keeping my hair moisturized and sealing in moisture when I use it with other products.


DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT? Definitely less breakage, and less shedding (although I still shed hair just not as much as before).

Big Chop 5/17/2011

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
No, my family and friends have been Awsome! Especially when I get in my moods because I am not noticing any growth in my hair the way I want to, they are the one's that tell me they can see the difference and to just keep doing what I am doing.

WHO/WHAT DOYOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURGAMENT, IDEAS, ECT)I have a few things I use. I am apart of a internet group called KISS (Keep It Simple Sista) The creator Tracey was my 1st hair inspiration story even though she is not natural she has waist legnth hair and is all about caring for your hair the right way and she support naturals and relaxed sistas alike, I also use Youtube to watch videos I have so many people that I subscribe to that I get tips from. Of course I am apart of Women of Natural Beauty on Facebook. I have my friends that I go to for support as well, and my special Angel up in heaven DYR who was my 1st completely natural Hair Inspiration I hear her in my ear from time to time cheering me on.

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE ...It is 100% me. I no longer have to spend an hour or more on my hair when going out, I know that my daughter will always love her hair because it looks just like mine. I don't have to worry about if its raining outside, I can be versatile with my look can be straight one day, wavy another, and rock a head full of curls the next. I get more compliments on my hair now than when I was straight and shoulder length.

5 months after Big Chop


Please feel free to ask Shannon questions and/or comment. Thanks!

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

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

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

TODAY MARKS THE FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BLOG. THIS HAS TRULY BEEN A LEARNING EXPERIENCE....SO MANY THINGS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO STILL DISCUSS. SO WITHOUT FURTHER OR DUE, LETS GET INTO AN INTERVIEW THAT WAS DONE ON ME. LEARN WHY I WENT NATURAL, PRODUCTS I USE AND MUCH MORE. ENJOY AND DON'T FORGET TO POST QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

PS....THANKS GIGI

http://thebeautyxchange.com/

INTERVIEW WITH SHANA

INTERVIEW WITH SHANA FROM BROOKLYN, NY

PJ: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?

SHANA: I have been natural for seven years now

PJ: WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

SHANA: I decide to go natural because I didn't need to perm my hair

PJ: DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

SHANA: No big chop just a regular short hair cut

PJ: WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

SHANA: for the most part I don't have bad hair days because I keep a weave in my hair LOL

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

SHANA: Yes I see a difference. Whenever I do wear my hair out it frizzes right up. If I would've had a perm I wouldn't have that problem.

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

SHANA: I receive good feedback .My mother was like no one told me to perm my hair in the first place because I didn't need it.

PJ: I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE...

SHANA: Everyone loves the natural look

***PICTURES ARE ALL OF MY NATURAL HAIR***



INTERVIEW WITH DANIELA

PJ: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?

DANIELA: I have always been natural with long hair until April 2011

PJ: WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

DANIELA: I had always been natural. It was just this one day I decided to go to the Dominican hair salon on my wedding day to get my hair done since my original beautician had canceled. I was so nervous that I didn’t even notice that the beautician placed a relaxer in my hair until my scalp was on fire. An me with scabs all over my head but not visible to view “THANK GOD”.  Which not only stripped my hair but I lost all of my natural curls to my hair along with the volume.

PJ: DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

DANIELA: I consider it big because it was lengthy hair. So yes, I cut it to my ear loop and gradually cut the rest of the relaxer out/damage hair .

PJ: WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

DANIELA: Wet -N-Go is my best friend!!!

PJ: DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

DANIELA: Right now I am in the middle stage where my hair growth is in between and no style can` save it. So it is Wet-N-Go for now. I am looking to try something new very soon.

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

DANIELA: Be patient, the reward is to see your hair in a much healthier state. Look in the magazines to get ideas of styles that maybe you can switch too and read blogs like this one to get ideas.

PJ: WHAT PRODUCT(S) ARE YOU REALLY FEELING RIGHT NOW?

DANIELA: Well I use Carol Daughter. Honestly it was given to me from my brother & his girlfriend for the repair of my hair as a Christmas Gift (That tells you how bad it was looking, LOL). Seriously, the product lasted since December 2010 and It is the best investment ever!!! All you need is a drop of the product and not over use it. I don’t use it every day because of course I am nervous of it being still a product with chemicals.

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

DANIELA: Of course!!!! It is ALIVE. The natural curls are completely back, fuller, healthier and shine is better. Oh, let’s not forget the horrible split-ends are gone!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

DANIELA: No in fact it was encouraged to get my hair healthier from my immediate family members but since I had always had  long hair. The family and some friends wasn’t too thrilled about my hair being temporary short and now I am scissor happy. Trying to be patient LOL….. ( I so want to cut it again)

PJ: I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE...

DANIELA: It is at its healthiest at the age of 31. The last time it was like this was probably when I was 15 years OLD. I feel as though your outside reflects your inside; so if I feel beautiful on the outside I know my insides are gorgeous ROTF.

RELAXED JUNE 2010

RELAXED JUNE 2010

NATURAL 2011

NATURAL 2011

INTERVIEW WITH FRANCESCA

PJ-1: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?
FRANCESCA: I've been "natural" since the winter of 2010.  The reason I put natural in quotation marks is that I still have a slight problem of relaxing my edges, which I'm trying to stop.

PJ-1: WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?
FRANCESCA: Initially I chose to become natural because I really wanted a new look, I wanted dreadlocks.

PJ-1: DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?
FRANCESCA: I'm still in the transition mode.  I don't know when I'll bring myself to do the "big chop" because I'm not comfortable yet with short hair.

 PJ-1: WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?
FRANCESCA: On a bad hair day I might tie a turban like scarf on my head or put a hat on.

PJ-1: DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?
FRANCESCA: Yes I do, since I been going natural I normally keep my hair in Bob Marley twists or kinky twists.  I like this hairstyle because of its natural look and gives me the feeling of how I would look when I do decide to lock my hair.

PJ-1: WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION?
FRANCESCA: This advice is something I'm still trying to accept and use but, there will be a time where you'll feel unattractive and you want to grab the "creamy crack" and slather it on.  But, if you know you have a goal and this is what you want to do let confidence be your hairstyle on those days.

PJ-1: WHAT PRODUCT(S) ARE YOU REALLY FEELING RIGHT NOW?
FRANCESCA: I'm not too familiar with most of the products out there but right now I like this shea butter leave in conditioner.  Whenever I twist my natural hair I put a little bit of it in my hair the night before and it smells good and feels nice the next morning.  Right now I can't remember the name.

PJ-1: DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT?
FRANCESCA: Ha, the difference is very obvious.  My hair is stronger now, while it was relaxed I colored it a lot and that contributed to it breaking.  Now, I still like to color it but the effects aren't as harsh as when I was completely relaxed.

PJ-1: DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT? FRANCESCA: My best friend was completely against it.  We used to go to the salon together, get our nails done together, and shop together.  But, with this new hair transition a new style sort of came with it, we still get along just the same even though we don't see eye to eye on what's fashionably "in" now.

PJ-1: I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE
FRANCESCA: its a representation of me slowly getting rid of artificial things in my life.

RELAXED

I twist my hair very often too avoid "bad hair" days. No hair is bad hair though.  Oh and I look really mean in this pic, sorry.

Natural

INTERVIEW WITH SHAKERA

SO, I KNOW YOUR HAIR IS NOT NATURAL, BUT YOU WORE WEAVES FOR YEARS. WHAT MADE YOU REVERT BACK TO WEARING YOUR OWN HAIR?

I wore sew-in weaves for 10yrs straight and my main reason was my hair was growing very thin because it was not getting the treatment it needed to grow healthy. While having your hair braided up all the time does make your hair grow but, it also damages the ends which causes hair breakage. You have to allow your hair to breathe for a certain amount of time and receive hair treatments. I wanted my hair to be as healthy and thick as it was before I started wearing weaves.

DO YOU NOTICE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR NOW PRIOR TO WHEN YOU WERE WEARING THE SEW-IN WEAVES? IF SO , WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

There is a big difference. My hair has its original thick texture and no breakage. When I was getting my hair braided up in weaves I would leave some of hair out in the front and some in the back. Plus I would just perm that part of my hair which let me have two different textures and my hair was at two different lengths. The constant relaxing of just certain parts eventually broke off the front of my hair. My hair would grow very thin because of the constant damage. Now my hair is stronger and grows all at one length.

WOULD YOU SAY YOU DAMAGED YOUR HAIR AFTER WEARING WEAVES A LONG PERIOD OF TIME?

Yes but the main reason was I wasn’t taking care of my hair in between each weave. I should have taken at least 3-month breaks in between weaves to get my hair treated with conditioning, trims, and hot oil treatments. I truly recommend that if you get weaves you should only keep it in for 1-month tops.

            Your hair does break off when you constantly braid it up.

WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON YOUR WORE WEAVES?

There were several reasons now that I think about it. First it gives you that length you always want when you can’t grow it yourself and I was lead to believe that if you wore sew-in weaves your hair would grow because you are “giving your real hair a break” that is such a lie. Now that I know what I know now I wish I never would have put weaves in my hair. Your hair will grow if you treat it well.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE HAVING A BAD HAIR DAY?

Well I have a short cut now so when I have a bad day I can either wear a hat or simply spike my hair up with spritz and have the messy short cut look works every time.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RELAX YOUR HAIR?

I relax my hair every 4 weeks. My hair is short now so I have to make sure the back of it is lying flat so I make sure my perms are done in a timely fashion.

DO YOU THINK YOU WILL EVER GROW YOUR HAIR OUT NATURAL?

I am not sure. I always said I would never go without a perm. I do agree perm does do a lot of wear and tear on your hair but I believe if you use them moderately you should be ok. I think if I get a very low cut I can go natural but I will do that later down the road.

DO YOU WORK OUT? IF SO, HOW DOES IT EFFECT YOUR HAIR?

Yes I do work out and I usually tie my hair up when I do and it usually doesn’t sweat at all. I put spritz on it prior to working out so everything stays in place.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

Yes my signature style is my side part in the front and short all the way around. I like my eye slightly covered to give a little style.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR HAIR THE MOST? 

               My hair is the healthiest it’s been in years. I love its texture now. My hair grows nicely and is manageable. I didn’t think my hair would ever recover from the damage I did to it but fortunately it did.  

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PRODUCTS/HAIR TOOLS THAT YOU JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

My Mizani hair sheen is wonderful. I don’t like heavy oil sheen on my hair so Mizani gives my hair that clean finish that doesn’t weigh my hair down.

WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU, HOW YOUR HAIR LOOKS OR THE HEALTH OF YOUR HAIR?

I would definitely say the health of my hair is more important. I do not want to be 50 yrs old with 2 strands left on my head lol.

2001

2004

2008

2009

Regardless if you're relaxed or natural, what's most important is that your hair is healthy. I really believe that it's not always about the products you use on your hair but what you put in your body. Your hair is like a plant...you have to water it to grow. With that being said, drink plenty of water, exercise, and take care of yourself PERIOD!

Lata, CHAN, PJ1