Meet Shawna

Tell us about yourself.

I am a driven young woman who loves to be involved. Outside of working at a communications company I volunteer with various organizations within my community. One of them includes, as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the New Mexico Divine 9 Council.

Tell us about your hair.

I am not sure exactly what my “hair type” is. I have tight ringlet curls and when picked out my tresses resemble a 70 style afro. My hair loves moisture! If I flat iron my hair, and it is raining outside (even before a drop of rain touches my head), the curls begin to spring into action. My hair does not do well in the dry New Mexico climate without a good leave in conditioner.

What inspired you to go natural?

Two things inspired me to go natural. First, my hair was not growing. Before my first perm, my hair was halfway down my back. After the perm, it would not grow longer than shoulder length. The second thing that inspired me to go natural was my college experience. I was finally around other girls who had hair similar to mine and I saw how healthy theirs was. I decided to stop relaxing it for a while and see how it turned out.

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

I let my hair grow out and trimmed the relaxer out bit by bit. I was by no means bold enough to cut all my hair off, especially since it was already short to begin with. However, if I went with the big chop I would have avoided a strange period of new growth mixed with old relaxer! It wasn’t the prettiest hair time for me. Luckily when my head was finally filled with curls, I was pleased.

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?

My first attempt in going natural was successful. Do I think about getting a perm again? Occasionally. Will I get another perm? Probably not. I keep in mind how damaging relaxers are to hair and how many style options are available for natural hair. Also, a major part of me staying natural is how much hair growth I’ve experience without having a relaxer.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

My favorite hairstyles are braids, twists, and large curly afros. I have yet to try braids on myself but I think they look beautiful. My easiest personal style is just pulling my hair back into a large ponytail creating a crown on ringlets on my head.

Which products do you like to use?

I switch products often as I have yet to find an absolute favorite. Currently, I am using Shea Moisture. So far this product has been okay, but I will be on the hunt for something new once I’m out. I give much credit to my natural friends out there in the kitchen making their own products!

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

I don’t have much of a daily ritual. I wash my hair once a week and wrap it in a bonnet at night. When I have extra time in the evenings I’ll put a leave in conditioner and twist my hair before putting my bonnet on. The only time I go to the salon is to get my ends trimmed about every 6 weeks. With the weather getting colder I will have to soon find a regimen that moisturizes my hair regularly.

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

I find time to tweet and blog every once in a while. I can be found on twitter @shawnabrown10.

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

I say to Permed to Natural readers (who are not natural): Just do it once! At least see what your natural hair texture is like. If you hate the new look, you can always go back. To the natural readers: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. There are so may for us to choose from!

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