Submitted by April of IL
1. How long have you been all natural (without any chemicals remaining in your hair)?
at least 5 years. I started the natural process in 2003 with braids and I would estimate that it took a couple of years before all of the chemicals were gone.
2. Speak about who or what inspired you to go natural.
I began to think about wearing my hair in it's natural state about 12 years ago after several visits to my stylist revealed my hair was seriously breaking from perming. Specifically, my hair was severely thinning and breaking, especially at the top; imagine male pattern baldness. But it wasn't until 2005 that I began to seriously take steps. It was in 2005 after returning from a cruise with my husband that I decided to "detox". My method of detoxification was through a recommendation from a co-worker to join her in doing the "Lemonade Diet" by Stanely Burroughs. After reading his book and being completely satisfied with the detoxification process, I then decided to become vegetarian. Ultimately my decisions to live a life free of (almost most) meats back then (I eat fish on occasion now), naturally lead me in the direction of wanting to take better care of my hair as I began to take better care of my body. For me chemical-free was best for my hair and body. To this date, I regret not becoming vegetarian and chemical-free earlier in my life. But like they say, better late than never.
3. What are your top 2 hairstyles since going natural?
I love afros and two strands twists. Both are very easy to maintain. If I had to choose my #1 choice, it would be the two strand twists for it's versatility.
4. What's your weekly routine and 3 favorite products used on a weekly basis?
I use a combination of Kinky Curly, shea butter and most recently, I've added glycerine to the mix. I have to admit I'm a little lazy at night (3-year-old rambunctious son) therefore I don't have any night time rituals other than wearing a scarf. I shea butter my ends sometimes; but that's pretty rare.
5. What's your current length?
I'm used to shorter cuts but I've allowed it grow out to right above my shoulders. That's my stretched out length. I normally wear my fro, which is right below my ears.
6. Speak about your biggest supporters since going natural.
OMG, my husband!! Most women will tell you that society, specifically some people in our community does not always accept natural styles nor make it easy to transition to this state. Fortunate for me, I have a very (very) untraditional husband that accepts me for who I am and in this case loves, and I do mean loves, my natural hair. If you were to ask him, he would say that he thinks black women are more beautiful (to him) with natural hair. My friends have also been very supportive as well. As a matter of fact, I have gently stalked one of my best friends, Mellodie Brown, to natural and I'm secretly working on 2 co-workers.
7. Did anyone discourage you along your natural journey? If so how did you stay focused on your goal?
No one discouraged me. If anything I would say that the images we see in our family, community, TV, magazines, etc. are normally not those that portray black women with unprocessed hair so in some sense the lack of images were a little discouraging. However this journey had lead me to embrace my natural hair and not allow outside forces to dictate and define beauty. Sorry didn't mean to go Malcolm X on you but the natural experience has been very liberating for me.
8. Name one hairstyle and/ or product that you would like to try?
I would like to try some funky braids; like a braid up-do or bantu knots!!
9. If you could speak to people in a word or sentence to describe "Why going natural was a great decision what would you say? Speak to me!!!!
I would say "I am very proud of my hair in it's natural state. I will not make excuses for it or why I have chosen to wear it naturally. I am happy to be nappy!!!!!!"" Peace and plenty of hair
grease.
April's story is inspiring. It's great that she had a lot of support during her journey and sought a healthy way to stop breakage. Wearing her hair naturally definitely worked because all I see is beautiful curls. Her hair is gorgeous and I can tell that she enjoys styling her natural hair. It's like a work of art! Breathtakingly priceless!
Just Speaking...
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