Donna Is Naturally Glam!
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- February 11, 2014
Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (Tell us your natural hair journey)
I did the Big Chop because I was tired of trying to take care of two different textures. I was very scared to cut off my hair because I thought short hair would not fit my face. I have a full face with big cheeks and I said to my best friend who was already natural that I could not do it. Every time I thought about doing the big chop, I changed my mind at the last minute. One day I decided to get on YouTube and watch “Big Chop” videos. I tried to look at a variety of videos with women of different textured hair. I wanted to be prepared. I watched videos up until the next morning and I was so eager to call my best friend, Lex later on that morning. I was excited and I knew my confidence had increase tremendously. I did the “Big Chop” the next day! My first reaction was, “what did I just do” but the next day, I felt so refreshed! It was the best decision I could have made for my hair.
Had you always embraced your texture?
I have always embraced my textured. My hair is more coarse in the back so I have to give it more attention on the other hand my hair in the front is soft and easy to manage. I have learned to love it all. I give it what it needs and it’s good to go.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?
A lot of people thought that it was a “Fad”. Natural hair was just starting to become a big thing for African American women and some people thought I would do it for a short period of time and start back relaxing my hair. Everyone will give you their opinion about how or what they feel natural hair should look like but I kept my confidence in my decision and started learning how to do my hair without any chemicals or heat. Everyone who thought it was a Fad, started to notice my hair was always looking really nice. Most of the time, people think that when you go natural, you have to wear a coarse Afro. I wanted to show everyone how versatile natural hair really is. As my hair began to grow, my styles started to change and draw attention from many friends and persons who were curious. I have many women now that have started their own personal natural hair journey all because I decided to believe in my decision and remain confident. In my hometown, anytime natural hair is mentioned, my name is somewhere in the conversation. That really says a lot. My best friend, Lex, always knew that my decision in going natural was going to be a great decision and she is still natural herself and supports me 100%.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is pretty fair. It is soft and kind of thin in the front area but in the back, my hair is coarse. I do not get into hair types a lot but most people say I have 3c-4a hair.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style?
I may wash my hair once every other week and I try to deep condition 1-2 times a month. Sometimes I do a home remedy such as: plain yogurt, conditioner of choice, and oil (olive oil, castor oil, or grape seed oil). Another great deep conditioner is Kanechom, Beautiful textures Rapid Deep conditioner, Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment, Silk Elements, and the list goes on. Sometimes I add oil to my conditioner after I wash my hair and let it sit for about 20 minutes. It makes my hair feel really soft. I try to style my hair everyday. I love updos. If you follow me on Instagram, (MrsHairToday2012), I love wearing my hair up in a style. It takes no time to put it up in a style. My main product I have to have all the time is Eco Styler Gel with Argan oil. I absolutely love that stuff! You can wear your hair in a protective style, a wash and go, twist-out, braid-out, or Bantu knots using that gel. Other products that I enjoy using are the following: Cantu Shea leave-in, Beautiful Textures entire line, Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercream, Jane Carter Nourish and Shine, Giovanni leave-in, As I Am Twist Defining Cream, Cream of Nature (natural line), Aunt Jackie’s Detangling Therapy, Alikay Naturals Lemongrass leave-in, and so many more. I love trying products and I have so many favorites.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
At night, I may apply some oil and I wear my satin cap/bonnet.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I try to trim my hair more by trimming every 2-3 months. Also, I keep my hair in protective styles such as an updo. When my hair is pinned up, I do not have to comb it, wet it all over, or keep tugging at my hair a lot. It gives my hair a break. Another way I try to maintain a healthy length is to treat my hair, keep it moisturized, deep condition, and pay closer attention to the ends of my hair. The ends of your hair can become dry and brittle which can cause breakage so it’s good to show some TLC to your ends.
What’s the best thing about being curly?
The best thing about being curly is that is can be so versatile. If I want curls I have control of how I want my curls such as a wash and go, Bantu knots, or rods. If I decide to have straight hair I can. Being curly is so great and it always attract others’ attention and they want to know how can they become a curly.
Where can folks find you on the web?
You can find me at the following social media networks:
Facebook: MrsHairToday
YouTube: MrsHairToday
Twitter: MrsHairToday
Instagram: MrsHairtoday2012
