Danielle Gore is Naturally Glam!

Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)
I intended to transition for two years! I wanted to get to that mark before I cut – I’m big on setting goals for myself no matter what aspect of life. However two days after I approached 19 I called it quits lol. I was going away for spring break, I was over braids and the straight ends, so I went home one day and told my mom to cut my hair. I’m surprised I didn’t cry, I think in the moment I realized it’s hair and it will grow back. I used to be so sad when I would get just three inches of my hair cut, but my big chop was about 12.5 inches and I took it like a champ! It’s been seven months and three days since I did my Big Chop! (But who’s counting ?).

I transitioned from August 13, 2011 to March 14th 2013.

Had you always embraced your texture?
I wish my answer to this was yes, see I was natural until 16 years old, my mom swore up and down she wouldn’t perm my hair. “Not until you’re out of my house” she said. Somehow I was able to wear her down, cause all I wanted was straight hair, my natural hair was, at the time, so hard to manage. I was not here for it at all! My mother saw the beauty in my natural hair, which I could not embrace at the time.

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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?
At first my mom didn’t believe me so she would call me while I was away at school and say “So when are you gonna come get a perm?” and my response would be “mom I told you I’m going natural.” It was just her testing me to see if I was bout this life!
Overall, I have had so much great feedback, I never anticipated it at all, strangers, friends everyone! One friend said “ I just love it like this I never want it to grow!” (I popped my biotin right then and there! Lol).

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
She is thick, curly, fluffy, loves single-stranded knots, has medium porosity for the most part, and loves water!

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!
Typically I co–wash once a week using two conditioners. If my hair feels like it has a lot of product build up I use acv mixed with water to get it clean. Depending on how I intend to style it I apply product and three-strand twist or just let it air dry. I will typically wear my hair out for like four days then it goes up in a puff!

My Staple Products:
Condtioners- Herbal Essences Hello hydration, Tresemme Naturals (the one with aovocado) and Aussie Moist.
Leave ins – Either Giovanni’s Direct Weightless Leave In Conditioner or Kinky Curly Knot Today.
Deep Conditioners- Aubrey Organics Gpb Conditioner, Eden Body Works Monoi DC mixed with honey and when I’m not ballin’ on a budget Carols Daughter Monoi Conditioning Hair Repair Mask.
Moisturizers/Stylers- Shea butter mixed with oils or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I always sleep on my stain pillowcase. If my hair is twisted I put my satin bonnet on as well, if it’s out and I’m too lazy to re-twist I will use a satin scarf and pineapple it! I’m gonna be honest some nights I just lay out on my pillowcase without a care in the world, the hot water from my morning shower fixes it, always!

How do you maintain healthy length?
Well I’m in the growing phase so I can only hope this maintaining thing is going well. I do moisturize and make sure to seal my ends with oil. I trim split ends once I see them, they gots to go! And for the upcoming winter I plan to protective style a lot if not 100% of the time.

What’s the best thing about being curly?
If all else fails I can literally wet my hair and smooth her into a puff and you’ll be surprised at how put together I look, lol.

Where can folks find you on the web?
Well my friend and I started a YT Channel this summer: Kandicurlies
Instagram: Danighrams
Twitter: Daniwithonen
Blog: daniwithonen.wordpress.com