Christian is Naturally Glam!

Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)

Spontaneous and impatient is an understatement when it comes to me and how I live so I always chose the big chop route. I’m actually on my 3^rdbig chop as of May 18, 2012. I think I may finally be over my hair ADHD phase.

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Had you always embraced your texture?

I’ve always been pretty fond of my texture in general. The only times I found myself disliking my texture was after I had done something damaging to my curls. My hair in its natural healthy state is pretty awesome to me. One thing I did learn though, is not to envy or lust too hard over other naturalistas for their texture. You have to really learn to love your own unique curlies as they are.

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?

My first big chop was a complete shock to everyone. My grandmother and mother were actually upset to say the least. No one really understood what I was doing much less WHY I was doing it and to be honest neither did I. There was simply a burning desire and curiosity within me to see what my hair really looked like without a perm. So off to the shop I went for my first big chop in 2010.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)

You know, I am just learning about the porosity aspect of hair care, so as of now I am unsure of how porous my hair is. As far as texture I would say it is a blend and moderately thick. I would def LOVE for it to be thicker though.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!

Well I have pretty much left shampoo alone because it just doesn’t get the job done for me at this time, so I use Apple Cider Vinegar to cleanse. I love my mayo, honey and egg as a deep conditioner or when I’m feeling lazy I’ll go to the Shea Moisture purification masque. To moisturize I use Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie or the thickening milk. In an ideal world this intense routine happens about every 2 weeks.

As far as favorite style, that would have to be my chunky twist out. It gives me all types of LIFE.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

I ALWAYS sleep with a satin head scarf. If I’m rocking a twist out and don’t feel like re-twisting I’ll pineapple my hair, since it’s finally long enough for me to do that (insert fist pump).

How do you maintain healthy length?

This is something I am currently learning more about because to be honest I would have usually cut my hair off again by this point, so I’m kind of just going with the flow when it comes to length retention. I definitely try to keep my ends moist and protected in conjunction with trimming when I feel it’s needed.

What’s the best thing about being curly?

I would say the best thing about being curly is that NO ONE can rock this hair BUT me. Earlier in my journey I preferred weaves because I thought I looked my best when I had long flowing hair but now I feel that my natural hair really embodies my essence and I radiate confidence when my hair is big, curly and doing its own unique dance.

Where can folks find you on the web?

I Blog…ChicAndCoily.com

I Vlog…Christian Byshe’

I Tweet…Christian_Byshe

I Instagram…Christian_Byshe