Submitted by Shanara of LadyBugLocs in IL
1. How long have you been all natural (without any chemicals remaining in your hair)?
Technically, this year will make 10 years that I have been all natural (no perms of any kind). (If we don’t count the fact that I JUST got my locs colored for the first time, this past January:-).
2. Speak about who or what inspired you to go natural.
Honestly, there wasn’t a real “inspiration” for my decision. I was changing, my hair was changing and I was embarking on a huge career transition. I went natural for 2 reasons. 1) At the time, my own relaxed mane was long but thin. It didn’t look healthy and didn’t have that thick finesse anymore. I read a natural hair book written by the actress, Ella Joyce that gave me the budge I needed. 2) I was about to be reassigned to a corporate position in Ireland, and was concerned about how I would be able to maintain my relaxed regimen. So, I met an African braider my first week in Dublin, and got my hair braided the entire year I lived there. The relaxed tresses broke off and I began my journey with living with the hair that God gave me.
3. What are your top 2 hairstyles since going natural?
For the longest time I rocked the dopest afro (big and floppy like throwback Ludacris). I’ve worn a variation of twists: kinky with hair added, and simple wet twist and go. Now, I’m absolutely in love with my loc journey.
4. What's your weekly routine and 3 favorite products used on a weekly basis?
My loc routine is simple: daily moisturize with a water-based moisturizer, lubricate with an organic natural oil combination 2-3 times a week, steam/hydrate 1-2 times a week in the winter. Of course, my fave products are from own product line: Ladybug Moisture Mist and Ladybug Luscious Loc Oil. The best loc gel that I use on my own hair and my clients is from the Amazon Essentials product line.
5. What's your current length?
I am 17 months into my loc journey and my locs are already chin length. (I started them with a twa!)
6. Speak about your biggest supporters since going natural.
For the longest time, family and friends just sat back and watched. I was really supported by my husband, at the time. He loved my hair.
7. Did anyone discourage you along your natural journey?
The first time I showed up at church with my kinky twists, my sister said “Girl, if you’d just slap some lye on your head, your hair can look like that again”, (as a sista walked by with a nice shoulder length wrap). Fast forward five years later, my sister began her locs before me! Funny how things change;-lol! If so how did you stay focused on your goal? I’m a pretty strong woman, so I’m not easily swayed by people’s small minds. I was learning to love and discover new things about my hair and I wasn’t ready to stop.
8. Name one hairstyle and/ or product that you would like to try?
I’ve worn so many styles in my lifetime. I’m just super excited to rock as many loc styles that I can, as my length progresses. Loc updos/ crowns are so elegant and would definitely fit me perfectly, as the queen that I am!
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!!!!
One word or sentence is tough! - I LOVE being a natural hair beauty because my lifestyle is not restricted by weather or bodily functions: I can dance in the rain, work out and make love as free as bird without a care! Contrary to some beliefs, there are SOOOO many styles at my privy and they are fashionable in any setting. Finally, my hair is the healthiest and strongest it has ever been in my life.
Check out this photo of her afro:
No comments:
Post a Comment