Speak and Share- Adult Natural Hairstyles- Afro's, Twists, and Curls

Submitted by Mesi W., Washington, D.C.

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

I'm proud to say I have been natural since birth!

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

What inspired me to remain natural was that I realized I could have any style I wanted - without it being 'permanent'.  Also, when I was younger I expected to get my hair pressed at the same age my sister did but my father was so against it, I thought it must mean more than just fitting in.

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

Hmm, that's hard since I've had them all.  Many remember my low fade days but my fall back is always double strand twists.

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

Haha, weekly routine is to wake up and walk out the door! I so don't do my hair so I usually do very low to no maintenance styles.  If there was no style, I'd braid 6 braids at night and in the morning take them apart and pin down.  Now that I'm locking I go between washing and braiding and unbraiding maybe once a month.

5.  What's your current length?

Middle of my neck

6.  Speak about your biggest supporters since going natural.

My biggest supporters have been my friends who are natural or have been natural or went natural.  My friends are my hairdressers :)

7.  Did anyone discourage you along your natural journey?  If so how did you stay focused on your goal?

Hmm, I would say when I had rasta locs there wasn't much support from family.  I don't give much energy to people who completely disregard natural styles as appropriate.

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

Hmm. I'd love to have long locs to play with!

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!!!!

Being natural has been a way for me to define myself in so many environments.  Though many people don't see it as a political statement, I come from the background of I'm Black and I'm Proud parents and returning to our roots.  This is my connection to that and my encouragement for others to take a step towards their African heritage and connection to our dispersed brothers and sisters.

Here a few styles that Mesi has also done on her natural hair:

Wow!  Her hair is awesome in every natural style!  Mesi not only has awesome hair, she's busy doing some awesome work in the area of "Spanish Language" and "Dance".  She owns a company "Diaspora Dance".  Her goal is to expand cultural knowledge across the diaspora by providing dance classes, tours, and presentations.  Check her out on the web at www.diasporadance.com to get more info about Mesi and to get the 411 on her afro-venezuelan tour 2011.