1. How long have you been all natural (without any chemicals remaining in your hair)?
I’ve been all natural for 9 months now. I transitioned for a year and 4 months. On May 13, 2011 was when I finally cut all the permed hair off.
2. Speak about who or what inspired you to go natural.
Well, how I went natural is actually a funny story. I was letting my hair grow out, and expecting to get a perm in a few months. So my friend, who has always been natural, said, “ Well, since you’ve already gone 3 months without a perm, why not just try the natural look out.” She’s been trying to get me to do it since college, so I finally said ok. Every week she would send me 4 videos of natural hair, the history behind it, and styles that I could try. It was my “homework” to look at them and give her feedback every week. Lol! Now that I look back on it, she was quite serious about converting me. And from that point on, I never looked back.
3. What are your top 2 hairstyles since going natural?
Well since I’ve been natural, I’ve tried to play around with different hairstyles that would be quick, cute, and fun to try since I’m always on the move. My two favorite hairstyles now are 1. Bantu Knot Twist Out 2. Mohawk. They are the quickest and easiest for me, and even if I don’t do them as perfectly as I would have hoped, they still always look very nice.
4. What's your weekly routine and 3 favorite products used on a weekly basis?
My weekly routine is pretty basic. I usually use Pantene Relaxed & Natural Conditioner for Women of Color to detangle my hair. Then I wash it three times with Pantene Relaxed & Natural Shampoo for Women of Color. Afterwards, I deep condition it with Olive Oil Replenishing Deep Conditioner, wash it out, and twist my hair. The three products that I live by are GroHealthy Shea Butter, Giovanni’s Leave-In Conditioner, and Black ‘N’ Sassy’s Style Smoother for those edges that won’t quite lay down like I want them to.
5. What's your current length?
My current length is at least 8 - 9 inches all the way around. Its way past my shoulders and to the middle of my back now, so I think that’s about right. I haven’t straightened it in over a year.
6. Speak about your biggest supporters since going natural.
My biggest supporters since going natural would have to be my friends. They have literally been pushing me to do it since college (4 years ago) and they never gave up on me. Whenever I needed encouragement, or a style choice, or someone to help with the management, they were always there whether it be through blog, youtube, or phone. LOL. I probably wouldn’t have done it without them for a lack of resources and knowledge. They have really been great.
7. Did anyone discourage you along your natural journey? If so how did you stay focused on your goal?
This is a GOOD one! Well my first discouragement came in college. I had a boyfriend at the time, and when I told him I was considering it, he was completely against it. He only liked my hair straight and couldn’t picture it any other way. With natural hair, all he could picture was “a Florida Evans fro.” I understood that he liked my hair straight so I left it alone for a while. It kind of stayed with me, even after we broke up, so I finally said “Why not?” During transition, I would sometime have people say “ Oh, your hair is not gonna look like hers ( meaning wavy and nice). It’s gonna look bad.” My sister would make little snide comments like “What you gonna do without a perm? Have a big fro on your head?” And now, it’s kind of crazy because she looks at how I wear it and how I take care of it and tries to ask me what I do, so I think it all worked out. What kept me focused was, in the end me just realizing that it’s what I wanted to try. Who cared what others said. If I didn’t like it, then that would be MY decision, not there’s. I also came up with a motto for relationships. Ladies, if you want to go natural and the guy is fairly new and doesn’t want to support you on it, then just tell him “ Love it now, or miss it later” because it will be his loss ultimately!
8. Name one hairstyle and/ or product that you would like to try?
One product , I have TWO that I would like to try. The first would be anything Miss Jessie’s. I’ve heard so much of her products, and even had the opportunity to meet her at a natural hair meet up in Chicago, but have never tried them. Also, I would like to get my hands on Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk. It’s supposed to help define your curls so I would LOVE to see what that could do for me!
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!!!!
Love this question. Well going natural was the best decision I’ve made because I truly got the chance to see what I look like in my essence. I realize that I look like no one else. I’m unique. I stand out, and I fall more and more in love with my hair every time I style it, wash it, or whatever! It is really a decision that I wish I would have done sooner. And at this point, I don’t care what others think. I love it, everyone I know loves it, and like I said before, if they don’t, then my motto is, “ Love it now, or miss it later.” :)
All I can say is Amy's hair is completely and utterly gorgeous! She's doing the doggone thing! Her hairstyle, fashion sense and overall flair is on point! I hope that she'll give us the 411 on how she does her bantu knot out in the future. I declare natural hair is just beautiful. The versatility of being able to create a mohawk, twists, twistouts, bantu knotouts and updo's on one palette is naturally amazing!
Check out more of Amy's hair pics on her fotki album at Ah-Naturale86 .
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