Fatou Is Naturally Glam!

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I initially planned to do at least 2 years of transition, but was too excited to see what my natural hair would look like, so after 9 months, I chopped it all. After 8 years being natural, I big chopped again last month, due to severe heat damage I experienced last year after straightening my hair.

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Had you always embraced your texture?
Before starting my natural journey, I never really noticed that I had a texture. I had my first relaxer when I was 13 and didn’t know much of my natural hair until I was 18,  that’s when my sister started her transition which got me researching about natural hair and joining natural hair communities on the internet.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? 
My sister did her big chop before me and was my biggest motivation to go natural, so I had 100% of her support. My parents did not mind the natural part, but my mom was absolutely upset because I had short hair. Actually, I think most people were more concerned by the fact that I had the “nerve” to cut my hair because as they said I was lucky to have long hair for an African girl.

I think the worst I heard was that I stop relaxing to do like white people because of course, black people are not supposed to let their hair out without putting anything on it. Smh!

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

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair? 
Nothing, I’m always too afraid to mess it up. I considered coloring it once, but was too afraid of the damage it could do.

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest regret was not enjoying my short hair and trying different styles with it. I honestly didn’t experience much with them until the end of 2010 when I discovered that using the right techniques, I was able to achieve a twist out and it became my favorite hairstyle ever since! I big chopped last month and this time I plan on enjoying the short hair!

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets! 
When it comes to routine, I have to admit I’m sooo lazy and so not consistent at all! I usually stick to a routine for 1 or 2 months then I get bored and skip most of it especially when my hair is in Senegalese twists.   I will cleanse once a week with any moisturizing conditioner that I have, and deep condition whenever I feel like my hair needs it. But most important, I try to moisturize daily and my holy grail is coconut oil!

Who is your curl crush?
My favourites are Fusionofcultures and Naptural85.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I spray my hair with a moisturizing hair spray and I seal with an oil (my favourite is Coconut oil), then never ever go to bed without my beloved satin scarf!

How do you maintain healthy length?
Don’t hold on to damaged ends! One thing I’ve learned is that hair will grow, so let go of the split and damaged ends. Also deep conditioning and daily moisturizing is a key to maintaining healthy length.

What’s the best thing about being natural?
Versatility! Indeed it’s the best thing about being natural, straight hair, twist outs, afro puffs.

Where can folks find you on the web?
You can find me on Instagram: thefdesta!