Meet Shannon

Tell us about yourself.

I work as an executive assistant for a vice president of an engineering firm, and I am a writer by passion. I have published two articles on turn-of-the-century civil rights activist Ida B. Wells and am currently working on a novel. I am also a volunteer on the Marketing Subcommittee for the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee.

Tell us about your hair.

I am bi-racial, so my hair is a combination of my father’s curl (prone to frizz with big poofiness) and my mother’s fine texture (which means my hair never got “bone straight” even right after using a hair relaxer. Please see the picture below.

What inspired you to go natural?

On three different occasions my hair broke off because of relaxer damage. The third time it happened, I was done with chemical relaxers for good.

Did you transition, are you currently transitioning or did you do the Big Chop? Why did you choose to do your selected method?

I did the Big Chop because I knew that was the best way to stimulate growth but mostly because I did not want to deal with my fried thinning ends anymore. A man I had dated at the time was not happy with my new short bob, so I had to tell him that I could do whatever I wanted with my hair. I have never had a man complain about my hair since. Just the opposite—one boyfriend called it “wild and sexy.” That phrase sticks best in my memory!

Was this your first attempt going from permed to natural hair? If not, how many times have you tried? What made you go back to permed hair and what made you decide to go natural again?

This was my third and final switch to natural hair. The other times I had tried, I always reverted back to relaxers because I didn’t feel “pretty” with my natural curls. I also lived in Washington State at the time, so the constant moisture wreaked havoc on the “good hair” look. I initially relaxed my hair myself with kits from the drug store, and after two disastrous incidents, I started going to a professional hair beautician. She would just touch up the roots with relaxer, but even that became too hard on my hair and caused it to dry out and shed. That was the last time I relaxed my hair.

Have you ever done anything to your hair that you now regret? (Aside from getting a perm if that is what you regret)

I also regret getting my hair layered. This cut only looks good with straight hair, and it takes forever to grow out. It was a major pain trying to put my hair in a ponytail at the gym and having all these in-between layers of hair stick out at weird angles.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

I like to wear my hair down and loose, unless I am at the gym or doing chores around the house. Then I put it in a ponytail or bun.

Which products do you like to use?

Right now I am using Alba Botanica Leave-In Conditioner and Hawaiian shampoo, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, and Treasured Locks African Argan Elixir. I am experimenting with Giovanni and Beautiful Curls products because my hair changes its mind every year or so about what works well with it.

What is your hair care ritual? Do you do it yourself or do you go to a salon?

I get a trim every 2 months by Ross Sanchez at Artistic Phases. I rinse my hair with water and condition it after every work out, and shampoo twice a week. I like to do a deep conditioning treatment once a week, although I have been slacking on this lately. I especially need to do the deep conditioning now that winter in the desert is approaching. I massage T.L. Argan Oil into my scalp to prevent it from getting dry and itchy. To set my hair for the day, I apply C.D. Hair Milk.

Where else can we find you on the World Wide Web?

I can be found on Twitter @shannonymoreau, Linked In, and at my blog: http://loisletshearit.wordpress.com

What do you want Permed to Natural readers to take with them after reading your story?

My hairdresser that I went to for the Big Chop told me repeatedly that it is so much easier to work with your curls than against them, and she is absolutely right. When I finally accepted and appreciated my natural hair, not only did life become easier—no more hair spray helmets, curling iron burns, fried ends, and weather drama—I also shed the insidious self-loathing that came with hair straightening. Making that final decision to embrace what God has given me was one of the most liberating and self-loving things I ever did.

Black Saturday Shopping

I decided to do a little Black Friday shopping on Saturday. The sale prices were pretty darn good and I spent more money than planned.

For my shopping spree I wore my protective style - two-strand twists with extensions - in a side bun with a little rose pinned on top. I looked cute. Maybe that’s why I spent so much money.

Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics

One day, to enhance my personal makeup collection, I went to Whole Foods to purchase a few items from my favorite vegan line. As I swatched my selected brand on the back of my hand I noticed a sales representative from Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics. I am familiar with the brand but always felt that the company did not make products suitable for my brown skin. So, because of that, it had been years since I paid any attention to the line. But, given that I was standing right next to a rep, I had to share my experience. The conversation went something like this…

PTN:    So, you are a sales rep for Dr. Hauschka?

DH:      Yes I am.

PTN:    You  know your company doesn’t produce makeup I can wear.

DH:      We do have colors you can wear. 

PTN:    I don’t think so. Especially in a foundation.

DH:      My colleague is African American and she wears this brand.

PTN:    What’s her complexion?

DH:      Like yours’. Actually she’s from Haiti. As a foundation or tinted moisturizer you can use our Translucent Make-up 04. That’s their darkest color.

PTN:    Let me try some on my hand. It didn’t look right. This doesn’t match.

DH:       That’s your hand. Your color is different on your face.

PTN:     Mmmm. I don’t know. Maybe I need to come in wearing no makeup and give it a try.

DH:       I can give you some of our makeup to try. See if you like it. I’ll put together a nice package for you and we can meet back here so I can give it to you.

PTN:     Really?! Sure I would love that. I’m no fool. I am not going to pass up free organic makeup no matter what. Okay let’s meet soon.

About Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics

Based in Germany - Dr. Hauschka manufactures a complete line of natural organic makeup that is BDIH certified. The products are frequent award winners and have received Best Natural Make-Up Range at the Natural Beauty Awards in 2006 and Elle’s Green Star for Best Mascara in 2008. In addition, Bio-Fach alone (the world’s largest natural products trade show, whose awards are considered the most prestigious in the natural industry) has spotlighted Dr. Hauschka’s cosmetics on more than one occasion. www.drhauschka.com

Below are the gifted products and their results on me.

• Translucent Make-up 04
• Eyeshadow in Smoky Violet 07

• Volume Mascara in Perl Anthracite  This color looks black. However, there is a color Black mascara available.

• Powder Duo in Cool Breeze

• Make-up Palette in Cool Breeze - Eyeshadows: Apricot, Brown, Aqua. Kajal Eyeliner: Aqua. Lip Colors:Rosé and Red. I was gifted this palette because of the blue shadow and eyeliner. I was looking for blues in another brand so Kimberlee, the sales rep (kimberleeB13@msn.com), wanted me to try their blues and I love them.
• Rouge Powder 02 
• Kajal Eyeliner 02 in Elegante

• Featuring eyeshadow in Smoky Violet.

• Stone Colours Collection Lip Colour in Brown 04.

• Rosemary Lotion for the Legs and Arms.

No make-up

I have a bit of a red eye.

In the photos I am wearing:

• Translucent Make-Up 04
•  Eye shadows in Smoky Violet, Brown and Apricot.
• Eyeliner: Aqua and the shadow under the waterline is also Aqua
• Checks are contoured with the Cool Breeze powder duo. Blush: Rouge Powder 02
• Lips: Brown 04
• Volume Mascara in Pearl Anthracite

On me, the makeup is not very pigmented, and therefore offers a more natural look. If you are around my complexion, and like the look of a hint of makeup, then this brand can be for you.

 What do you think?

Protective Styling

I needed a protective style badly. Forget about flat ironing. Since I moved to New Mexico my hair has not really grown. I think it went into shock from experiencing moist air to dry air. My curls didn’t understand what was going on so they froze. Or my hair stopped growing because it wasn’t used to getting styled everyday – which I loved doing. When I relocated from the East to the Southwest the back of my hair reached my collar bone. Four months later the back is still reaching my collar bone.

Anywho, finally, my hair mustered up enough nerve to tell me that it was time for a protective style - that it didn’t want to be manipulated everyday - that it just needed a rest. Since my hair means a lot to me I took heed to the signals.

I decided to get medium to small two-strand twists with synthetic extensions that I pin in a bun. I didn’t want to shell-out any money to have my hair done professionally so I asked my mom to do it. I plan to wear protective styles until late Spring. Hopefully, by then, my hair would have grown maybe 3 to 4 inches (fingers crossed). Below are the results right before I went to see Kool and the Gang at the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino.

At the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino waiting for the concert to start.

Can’t wait to see Robert “Kool” Bell and his Gang.

Kool and the Gang!

To Flat Iron or Not To Flat Iron?

I have been going back and forth with the idea of flat ironing my hair. As much as I want to straighten my curls, at the same time, I don’t want to put heat to them. I own a niffty flat iron by Ferrum. It’s six months old and I have not used it.

So…Should I fall under the pressure of curiosity and an opportunity to use a new hair tool to sizzle my curls limp, or should I leave the kinks alone and just let them nap up?

To flat iron or not to flat iron? That is the question.

Homemade Facial Tonic

Twice a day, or sometimes more, I use a facial tonic that I created based on my skin type. I’ve been using this homemade remedy for about a year. Over the years I made other remedies but this one I like the most because it seems to be keeping my oily skin and pimples under control.

The recipe is so simple. Seriously. It takes just a few minutes. Check it out below.

Glass Jar – I always use glass jars when making homemade stuff. Glass is better than plastic. This goes for plastic Tupperware too. Plus glass bottles look prettier on my shelves. This jar is about 4 oz.

Rose Water – Use Rose Water that you can cook with and drink. Rose Water is an excellent treatment for acne and wrinkles. It is a fantastic healer for many skincare problems. I will be transferring the remaining Rose Water into a glass jar I already have. The plastic container was cheaper to buy to temporarily store the fluid.

Vitamin E Skin Oil – I love Vitamin E. It can do no wrong. I put 1/8 of a spoon into my tonic.

Peppermint Essential Oil – I used 3 drops. Peppermint increases blood flow and stimulates nerves. Plus I like the cooling effect it provides to my skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil – I used 3 drops. This is an anti aging ingredient. It also heals scars and controls oil returning the skin to normal.

Myrrh Essential Oil – I used 3 drops. Myrrh maintains firm, youthful skin by helping to prevent tissue degeneration. It also cools, soothes and heals scars.

Shake the bottle.

And that’s it.

Meet Shakera

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Shakera Crawley and I love living life to its fullest. I am an extremist who is learning balance (lol). I have a degree in Broadcast Communications, and a certificate in Digital Video Productions. I am now a Filmmaker; I have modeled and acted on stage as well as in training videos. I currently work at Court Youth Center through Public Allies which is a non-profit agency. My goal is to get an after school film program off the ground as well as a high school film festival.

Tell us about your hair.

My hair has a life of its own. I have so many different textures I am truly amazed my head can hold all of them; it goes from no kink to straight-up-nappy-coarse. I didn’t know hair could coil so tightly.

What inspired you to go natural?

My baby brother inspired me. Now, if you want to see a picture perfect fro, his hair… when he walks, it just bounces.

Did you transition, are you currently transitioning or did you do the Big Chop?

I wore my hair in cornrows for about 8 months and then I got my permed hair chopped off. But the stylist that I went to made me look as if I placed my finger in an electric socket (I was not a happy camper). Looking back I think I would have just chopped it off from the get go.

Why did you choose to do your selected method? Was this your first attempt going from permed to natural hair? If not, how many times have you tried? What made you go back to permed hair and what made you decide to go natural again?

This was my first attempt and I have been natural ever since. Two reasons I have not gone back, 1 I did not like the 1st degree burns, 2 My hair was starting to thin around my temple area.

Have you ever done anything to your hair that you now regret (Aside from getting a perm if that is what you regret)?

No.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

I just like to wear it out, sometimes I will wear it with a headband, or a wrap, but that is it.

Which products do you like to use?

Living in the desert has challenged me, so I am constantly trying things to keep moisture in my hair. My hair likes Pantene Dry to Moisture right now.

What is your hair care ritual? Do you do it yourself or do you go to a salon?

I do it myself right now but I would love to find someone to manage it for me. I have a hair dryer that I sit under for deep conditioning that I try to do once a month. For years I would allow my hair to dry in plaits and I would only use wide tooth combs and of course a pick. Every night I plait it up; just recently I started brushing it instead of combing. I use a daily moisturizer (before plaiting) if it feels dry. I wash it about every two weeks, in the summer about once a week.

Where else can we find you on the World Wide Web?

You can find me on Face Book, and Linked.

What do you want Permed to Natural readers to take with them after reading your story?

Going natural, for me, was the best thing I could have done. I have enjoyed getting in touch with my roots. I use to be scared of my new growth but not anymore. I use to believe that only straight hair was professional and mainstream. There is just so much freedom; I don’t have to conform to an idea of what beauty is. I pray that my sisters who want to take this step do. Don’t let society dictate to you who and what you are suppose to look like and be. If you want to rock the straight blond look go for it, but don’t do it because of an image of beauty. You are beautiful. The bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are thy works.

Homemade Oil-Based Facial Cleanser

I may be an adult but I still experience break-outs. So to keep the acne and oil in check, I cleanse my face twice a day with a homemade oil-based facial cleanser.

Cleansing the face with oil is not new. I’ve been following this method for years and so have others (check out a couple of articles on the subject by clicking HERE and HERE). The oils in the cleanser can also be taken internally. I like to add a few drops of my favorite essential oils to give the remedy a little kick. This is what I do.

Glass Bottle – This is a about 4oz. I always use glass bottles or jars when making my homemade stuff because all of the goodness from the ingredients last longer in glass than plastic. 

Castor Oil- I fill about half of the jar with Castor Oil. This oil cleanses and heals the skin.

Grapeseed Oil- Then I add a little Grapeseed Oil. This is another light cleansing oil.

Hazelnut Oil- I try to equal the amounts of Hazelnut and Grapeseed Oils. This oil helps fight oily skin and acne.

Lavender Essential Oil- Another acne fighting ingredient. I added 2 drops.

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Tea Tree cleans, heals and prevents acne. Plus it keeps oily skin under control. Another 2 drops was included in the mixture.

Frankincense Essential Oil – Used for anti aging purposes. Two drops was put into the cleanser.

Myrrh Essential Oil – Anti aging. I used just 2 drops.

I like to shake the bottle.

Done.

How to use the facial cleanser:

First I take off my make-up using my homemade lavender oil (excellent for controlling acne) with a hot wash cloth. The temperature of the heat is as hot as I can stand it.

• Pump 2 or 3 squirts of the facial cleanser into the palm of my hand
• Warm up the oil by rubbing my hands together
• Apply the oil onto my face and massage it in. This lifts the dirt and oil
• I then use a hot face cloth and wipe away the oil
• I may repeat the cleansing steps at least 2 or 3 times
• Splash cold water on my face to close the pores
• I like it when my face squeaks

Quick Run

I made a quick hair care product run to pick up just a few items. I actually needed to buy these things. I ran out. That hasn’t happend in a long time. Matter of fact, I can’t remember when.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead is not what you may be thinking. This is a Mexican national holiday that focuses on people coming together to pray for, and remember, their family and friends who have died.

The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day(November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. There are similar observances that occur in Europe, Asia and Africa as well.

The Day of the Dead celebration I attended in Albuquerque boosted several sentimental and creative alters. Family members couldn’t help but talk about their loved ones when I stopped to look at the beautiful creation they made in their honor.

It was a full day. The program included a movie, “Su Excelencia” Honoring 100 Years of Cantinflas, a comedian, an alter contest, an art market, face painting, food, refreshments and more. Check out the pictures from the celebration below.

My purchase. It’s a coaster. I put it in my home office.

Honoring the Mexican artist, Frida and her husband, Diego.

Honoring pets.