Speak and Share- Adult Natural Hairstyle- Braids as a Protective Style

Submitted by Latoya T.

1.  How long have you been all natural (without any chemicals remaining in your hair?)

I have been natural since Fathers day 2003.

2.  Speak about who or what inspired you to go natural.

I decided to go natural because I wanted to try something new, and I wanted my hair to grow faster than it was, and I was told that my hair would be a lot healthier if I did not get any more perms, so Fathers Day I decided that I would not get anymore perms.  My best friend used to get mad, because like everyone there is a process, and your hair can get very thick and hard to manage, and I used to have her keep my hair braided until all my perm grew out, and she used to always say"now sis you need to go on and let me throw a perm in your hair"

3.  What are your top 2 hairstyles since going natural?

My top hairstyles are twist and my fro.  Its so convenient to just blow it out into a fro, and to twist it up and go.  I love that I can just wake up and add some shine and go.

4.  What's your weekly routine and 3 favorite products used on a weekly basis?

It depends on my style but I like to twist my hair, and i will leave it twisted for a week, then untwist it and wear it like that.  During this time I just put a satin cap over it and go to bed, and pull it out in the morning.  I like to use Olive Oil, Shea Butter, and Oil Sheen for shine.  I have not really tested many products, but am always looking for something new and good.

5.  What's your current length?

My current length is a little down my back, probably a little past my shoulders.  Well that was back in January of last year so it may be longer now.

6.  Speak about your biggest supporters since going natural./
7.  Did anyone discourage you along your natural journey?  If so how did you stay focused on your goal?

My husband even though we did not know each other at the time I went natural, he is my biggest supporter, especially because he loves it when I where my hair in a fro.  My mother is now a big fan of my natural hair because she is now also natural.  At first her and a few of my aunts would always tell me I need to do something with my hair, but I always told them this is me, and if I did what they wanted then I would not be myself, I would be them.  When I would get my hair in other styles or weaves they would say "oohh no that is not you, I like your fro better".  But all in all they have supported me through the whole thing.  My grandmother cracks me up every time I see her and my hair is twisted, because she would always say "now you know I don't like them worms in your head, "I just say grandma you are too funny".  People would always want me to get a perm, but I stayed focused because I knew this was me.  I was always different with my hair even in high school.  I had my own style.  I just stayed real and true to me.  My oldest aunt used to say that I always reminded her of India Arie, especially her song, "I am not my hair", because the way that I dressed and wore my hair did not define who I was inside, and this helped me to keep pushing on.

8.  Name one hairstyle and/ or product that you would like to try?

One hair style I think I would love to try is bantu knots,  and then take it down to show the curl, with maybe some twist on the side going up .  I have tried the twist then bantu knotted it and taken it down the next day, but mines never seem to come out right, so maybe one day Ill get it together.

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!!!!

Going natural was great because of the diverse styles I can do, convenience, and healthiness of my hair.

Latoya's hair is gorgeous naturally!  She's also wearing her protective style well.  She did share that she was wearing her hair in braids to give herself a break from styling so that she could enjoy some free time with family.  I'm going to check with Latoya to see if she'll update us with some photos of her hair in twists once she takes her braids down.  Cheers to the lady that always had an inner since of style and didn't let anyone sway her from going natural! P.S. Someone has a natural birthday (counting transition from perm to natural) coming up on Father's Day, if my calculations are correct Latoya's been embracing her natural hair for 11 years.
Is anyone else out there celebrating a natural hair birthday on Father's Day?