Meet Frances

Frances, a popular beauty blogger, shares her experience on going natural.

What inspired you to go natural? 

My initial desire to wear my hair natural started on a journey of discovering who I was as a young woman. It honestly had nothing to really do with the condition of my hair. I loved wearing a relaxer and weaves. I’ve always been somewhat adventurous with my hair. I was never afraid to cut or color it. I was the girl who at the beginning of summer you saw wearing braids and by the time it was over, I was rocking a burgundy short cut with pencil curls. So, I must say that my inspiration for going natural has more to do with me growing into my sense of womanhood.

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

In my most recent transition, I grew out my relaxer for a few months and just cut my hair. I really didn’t put a lot of thought into it. I decided that I wanted to return to natural hair and I knew I wanted to wear it short, I just didn’t know how short. I cut it to about an inch or so and after a few weeks, I shaved my head.

 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 is my second time as a natural diva! I returned to wearing my hair relaxed because it had grown and I didn’t know what to do with it. Now that I look back - my mistake was just studying to transition – not educating myself on maintaining natural hair. After my hair grew out to my lower neck (with shrinkage) I went to a texturizer. I wore the texturizer for around nine months, grew it out for another four to five months and returned to the relaxer. Whenever I share my experience, I always tell people that education is very important. To be sitting at home with a big afro that is manageable, but not knowing how to make it manageable brings stress and that stress led me back to a relaxer.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyle(s) worked for you?

I grew my hair out for a few months, wearing a bob. I used the flat-iron method to keep it straight and did the BC once I had enough new growth to work with.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

My favorite style just depends on how I’m feeling. My biggest love for wanting to wear a fade came about because I was simply learning to love myself and growing into being beautiful from the inside out. This journey allowed me to love who I was and apart of it meant that no matter how I wore my hair, I was a walking revelation of beauty.

Which products do you like to use?

I am not a huge product girl. I typically stick with what works and will try something new every now and then. I am looking forward to using some products from Shea Moisture and Miss Jessie’s Curls. I’m letting my hair grow now and I want to experiment with my curls for a while

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

I like caring for my own hair. I have always had a desire to “learn the ropes” so to speak, even when I wore a relaxer. While relaxed, the salon and all of its glory was my best friend. I did however learn to relax, color and weave my own hair. I enjoy learning about at home natural hair care products and using all natural oils. I do believe in getting advice from licensed hair care professionals because the final result is to always be healthy at whatever state I’m wearing my hair. Currently, I’m on my 3^rd week into growth since my last hair cut. The length is very manageable just with the normal shampoo, condition and my Jojoba Cream Hairdress, then brush.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

I think natural hair is popular now simply because everywhere you go it is possible to see a man or woman wearing natural hair. I know that it is rare in some demographics, and I have experienced this first hand because there aren’t many naturals in my area. I have also talked with many women who were drawn to a least think about the journey after seeing Chris Rock’s “Good Hair.” I didn’t see it so I personally can’t attest to the reasoning.

I also would venture to say that for some it is a fad. Men and women look at ESSENCE Magazine and become inspired to go natural. We see business professionals realizing they too can still succeed in the marketplace and in business all while wearing their natural hair. We’ve watched the industry produce major hair and beauty shows geared towards the natural hair movement, so it is easy to feel the pull to take part in the journey.

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

You can find me sharing my journey via by blog at www.RevealingBeaute.com, on Twitter.com/RevealingBeaute and on Facebook.com/RevealingBeaute.

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

I want the readers of Permed to Natural to simply know that no matter your journey, you can be beautiful.

No matter what stage you’re in with your hair, always let your true light from within out-shine what the world deems to be beautiful.

Our outward appearance can change at the drop of a dime, but what makes us authentic and pure is our ability to shine from within. Keep those coils lovely and keep your heart ever-growing.

Meet Denise

What inspired you to go natural?

It was not really an inspiration it was a development. In 2001, I had a toddler who was recently diagnosed with autism, I decided to braid my hair so that I would not have to spend hours at the hairdresser every three weeks and styling it every morning when I had so much else going on at the time.

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 not transition. I did the big chop. I had been removing the micro braids the night before a big meeting at work and spent seven hours taking out the braids and they were only half way out. So becoming frustrated and realizing that I had two inches of natural growth, I decided to shave my head. Going natural was a split second reaction to a very tired mommy.

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?

That was my first attempt at going natural. But since then I tried Motions texturizer which I loved. When it was discontinued I decided to try Just for Me texturizer which broke off half of my hair. I had to go to the salon to have my hair trimmed down to three inches and started over. I ultimately lost four inches of hair.

It was then I realized that when you torture your hair, your hair is not going to be nice in return.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?

Simple shake and go has always been in my favor.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

Simple shake and go with Kinky Curly Curling Custard or twist out with raw Shea Butter and Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Which products do you like to use?

My absolute favorite is Kinky Curly because it is a moist product made from Aloe Vera and Horsetail. My hair has the most growth or should I say the least breakage (it grew to shoulder length, six inches, in one year), when I stick to my routine using predominantly this product. I see very few hairs in the sink. I also love raw Shea Butter, Yes to Carrots Conditioners, Rose Water, Henna and Black Jamaican Castor Oil mixed with Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils.

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

My ritual use to be co-wash every day and apply Kinky Curly. I now have changed it to co-washing every three days. The first day I wash with shampoo or do an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. Then leaving in a diluted mix of Yes to Carrots Conditioner and Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier I apply the Kinky-Curly Curling Custard and seal with the oil mixture. On the second night, I do a twist out with rose water and raw Shea Butter. I do a deep protein treatment once every six weeks and Henna every four weeks.

I prefer to do my rituals myself including cutting my own hair because hairdressers have been so enslaved to the perm that when a person with natural hair walks in they freak out.

One day I over heard the Dominicans say that I had “mala pelo” which means “bad hair” in Espanol. I had an African American stylist cut have my hair down to the scalp because I asked for a trim but he didn’t understand shrinkage. When I asked for a one inch trim, I was given a six inch shave in one swift motion because he did not take the time to stretch my hair before pulling out the clippers. His excuse, “I don’t know how to work with nappy hair” I wish I’d known that before I sat down.

P.S. Always face the mirror people and stay away from scissor happy stylists.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

Natural hair is popular now because in the past we did not understand our hair. We now have the products to bring out the true beauty and definition in our textures. We are more educated about the dangers of chemicals. We are also prouder as African descendants to embrace our true beauty and we know that we do not have to have the aesthetics of another race to be considered beautiful.

I don’t think it will be a fad because I have been natural since 2001 and I finally figured my hair out after it passed a certain length. Managing it became easier with trial and error. Plus there is a wealth of information via the internet to help along the journey. Once you “learn your hair” it’s smooth sailing … the BCers of today will be the experts in two years.

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

Fotki but I hardly log in.

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

I would like them to know that they can finally embrace their freedom from the rain, swimming, the hairdresser, the scalp burns, giving their money away to the weave master so that they could destroy their own hair while wearing someone else’s. Also, scissor happy stylists, colorist – and you can finally make love in the shower without a shower cap. Isn’t that sexy?!  

It gets easier and once you find what your hair likes, stick to it. Do not do what I did. Experimenting with what is good for others is not necessarily good for you. My hair likes protein others do not. In two years you will be happy with the crown that you were born with.

Hair’s to happy growing!!

Meet Angela

What inspired you to go natural? 

I was inspired to go natural after I saw Chris Rock’s GOOD HAIR documentary. It sadden me to hear his own daughter say that her natural hair was ugly! My daughter who was in college and didn’t have time to get her hair permed went natural. She transitioned for a year and when she blew her hair out it was so beautiful and full! We both have very fine hair and her natural hair is amazing! 

Sporting permed hair

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

I transitioned for about two months then the two textures drove me crazy so I BIG CHOPPED on June 17, 2011. 

After the BIG CHOP!

 

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 second attempt. The first time I didn’t have enough information about natural hair so I permed it again. 

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you? 

I just did rod sets for my transition but my hair really grew without me messing in it. However the rod set didn’t work as well when the new growth came in! 

The rod set

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)? 

I just did the Big Chop but I so love the freedom of “wash and gos” And my twa is awesome. My curl pattern is unbelievable! 

Which products do you like to use? 

I use all Synergi products mousse, glaze, shampoo, conditioner and leave-in! 

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

I wash my hair myself, add products, and go! I did my own BC. I love not having to sit in a beauty shop for hours! 

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad? 

People are finally realizing that we are beautiful and so is our hair! 

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

That you are beautiful…your hair is beautiful! And it’s so amazing to be naturally free from the bondage of PERMS! 

 

Meet Debbie

Debbie, a gorgeous sista from Panama, shares her haircare secrets! 

What inspired you to go natural?

I really wasn’t “inspired,” I simply had breakage from a perm and was like, “Forget about this, I’m not perming again!” lol

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

I am currently on the last leg of my transition, I recently chopped of the majority of my permed ends. I chose to transition because I’ve never had short short hair and couldn’t bare to chop it all.

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 is my second time going natural. The first time I was natural I always wore my hair blown out. I ONLY went back to permed hair because I moved back to my native country(Panama) and my hair would not do ANYTHING. After perming my hair the second time I was just done with it and transitioned again.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?

Bantu knot-out.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

Bantu knot-out

Which products do you like to use?

Kinky-Curly Knot Today and HENNA is god sent!

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

I do it myself, mostly I just try to keep my scalp clean and hair moisturized by co-washing three times a week.

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

That it’s not an easy journey but at the end it’s all so worth it!

Meet Chenay

 What inspired you to go natural?

For me, going natural wasn’t intentional at all, at least not in the beginning. When I  moved from Texas to the metropolitan Atlanta area, I couldn’t find a salon that used Mizani relaxers and I needed a retouch. I started talking to my friends and co-workers and they told me that no one got relaxers anymore. I was totally stunned, I didn’t understand how a black woman could just not have a relaxer, it floored me. I guess you could say Killeen, Texas was not nearly as progressive as Atlanta, GA.

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 transition. At first it was not intentional but as the months passed and I started to learn more about natural hair, I quickly became obsessed. I transitioned from June 2009-April 2010.

When I first transitioned, I went to a Dominican Salon every week and wore my hair straight. Once I realized months later, that all of the heat they put on my hair (hair dryer, blow dryer, and flat iron) was breaking my hair off and leaving me with bald spots, I started going to Too Groovy Salon. At that time, I was still wearing my hair straight.

Once teacher furloughs started kicking in, I realized that I had to find a better way than spending $90 every week so I started doing my own hair. I purchased the same equipment and products Too Groovy used and did my own hair for three months.

Finally I started learning more and more about transitioning and realized that applying heat and wearing my hair straight was probably not the right way to go. I took a trip to Urbanbella, picked out some supplies for a twist out, and never looked back. For the last three months of my transition I wore twist outs until I big chopped in April of 2010.

I chose this method of transitioning because I basically didn’t know any better, haha. Once I started learning more and more about natural hair I started to take better care of my hair. If I had to do it over it again, I would have chopped my hair right on off in the beginning and just let it grow, especially since I’m still battling heat damage from those months of straightening my hair.

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 wasn’t my first attempt. During my senior year in high school, I chopped off all of my hair in search of the Zhane look, I also chopped again in college. It was never intentional though, I just wanted a new look. Plus, back then in the 90s natural hair wasn’t nearly as popular as it is now.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?

During my transition I honestly thought wearing my hair straight was working for me. I started out with a bob and slowly converted that to an inverted bob. It made transitioning difficult because the back of my hair was totally natural while the top and sides still had relaxed ends. Once I started wearing twist outs, it was like I had seen the light. Everything became easier. I didn’t have to apply heat to my hair and the twist outs helped to blend the two different hair textures.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

Currently my favorite hairstyle is a wash no go. It’s just easy and manipulating my hair less works best for me.

Which products do you like to use?

Oh gosh, not products lol. I am a true Curl Junkie fan. I love ALL Curl Junkie products, especially their Smoothing Lotion, Curl Rehab, Beauticurls Leave-In, Agran & Olive Oil Leave in…I could go on and on. When I’m looking for tamer hair, I use Curl Queen or Aloe Fix Light so my hair won’t be so big.

I love conditioners the most. Jessicurl’s Weekly Deep Treatment is my go to deep conditioner as well as Curls’ Hair Tea.

For a leave in, I love Alba Botanicals Leave-In Conditioner, it is the bomb! During the winter I use Shea Moistures Shea Butter Leave-In, it is so creamy and moisturizing.

For co-washes I use VO5 Moisture Milks Moisturizing Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner, and Renpure Organics My Pretty Hair is Parched Moisturizing Conditioner. Those are my co-washing staples, I love using those!

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

I go to a salon only if I need a trim. I had a trim in January and I probably need another one now. I do my hair myself all other times. Each week, I shampoo, conditioner, and steam my hair. This helps my hair to retain moisture so much better. I may co-wash my hair in between these sessions if I need to detangle or refresh my curls.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

I hope it’s not a fad. I think after years of being addicted to the creamy crack, African American women are just tired of spending all of their money and time in salons. Natural hair is all around us. It’s hard to watch tv without seeing a commercial with a natural woman on it. Plus, with natural hair, you always have that option of wearing it straight. Being natural is like having the best of both worlds and I love that the tides are changing.

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

You can find me on my blog, http://www.curlycopia.com or on twitter @curlycopia or on my facebook page /curlycopia.

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

I want Permed to Natural readers to know that it doesn’t matter why or how you transitioned as long as you learn to embrace your natural hair and be happy with you and your hair, that’s all that truly matters.

Meet Cassandra

What inspired you to go natural?

I have been natural most of my life. The one time I got a perm was when I was about 10 years old. I had a Madame Alexander doll named Leslie and I wanted my hair to look like the doll’s hair. So my mother attempted to put a perm in my hair to achieve that look. I think she was nervous while applying the product. I don’t even remember her leaving the stuff on my head for any amount of time. I don’t remember feeling it burn. My mother was just trying to grant a wish from her young daughter.

Anyway, one day I went swimming and my swim cap fell off in the water and the other little girls said a bunch of “ooohs” and “ahhhhs” about how nice my hair was. I felt like a liar because this texture was not my hair. After that incident I never got another perm. I still loved my doll but it was a doll and my hair was not going to be the same.

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

I didn’t have a transition period but one Thanksgiving (a few years back) I had a family friend chop it all off. I was sporting a really bad cut and was going through a lot. I was no longer getting cuts on a regular basis and my hair was just in poor condition. The young lady wasn’t a hairstylist but she had cut hair and I just wanted to do something different. So boom! I had her cut it. I think she was more nervous than I was. At that point in my life, (over 50) I felt like, it’s just hair. It will grow back.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

My favorite hairstyle back in the day probably was the wedge look for a long time. I wore that style the longest. I got it cut regularly to keep it in shape. Now, I keep it cut in a TWA.

Which products do you like to use?

I don’t have specific products that I use but I grew up using Claroil Vitapoint Crème Hairdress. I have tried products from smaller companies but this seems to work best. However, I have been looking at your product reviews and am thinking of trying some you recommend.

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

I try to get to the barber for a scissor cut but I still haven’t got back into the swing of going every four to six weeks.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

It is absolutely not a fad. As a matter of fact, I think it is growing as a choice. Women are into a healthier lifestyle which includes eating right, exercising and eliminating chemicals from entering the body. Perms can be stressful especially if you can’t afford a touch up regularly. Women have enough on their plate; less stress means a more beautiful woman.

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

I make and design custom wedding gowns. I am located in Brooklyn, NY and my website is www.cassandrabromfield.com.

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

Love yourself like God loves you.

P.S. My mother was natural for a long time.  She was a NYC school teacher and went natural to go against the principal in her school when he complained about  “the Afro wearing boys!!!”.   I think this may have been in the ‘70’s.

Wedding gowns designed by Cassandra.

Meet Jonique

What inspired you to go natural?

I used to love looking at the natural hair of friends and strangers in amazement, but I always thought that was something I could not achieve. One day I “needed” a relaxer and hated the thought of going to the salon; going through the process and getting burned… again. Then I thought - all I had to do was simply NOT do it. It seemed to change things when I looked at it that way. I felt like I could be one of those women I admired.

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

I chose to transition for a year before I cut it. While I felt I was ready to make the transition I knew that for me it was a mental process as well. I wanted to be sure that when I did the big chop I was ready to accept what was underneath without any false notions of what my hair might be like. 

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 at going natural. I’ve gone extended periods of time when I did not relax my hair because I was wearing the “curly look” but this was the first time I had the intention of achieving natural hair.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?

While I transitioned I maintained the same routine. I would wet my hair make two strand twists and then set them on flexi rods or perm rods.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

I still love two strand twists. My hair is made of lots of tiny tight coils and twisting allows me to show a lot more length. From there, I love to use bobby pins to create different silhouettes.

Which products do you like to use?

My fave products right now is the Shea Moisture collection. I also use Curls Passion Fruit Curl paste to help with making my styles look finished.

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

I try to wash my hair and detangle weekly. I twist it at night, wet, and let it dry over night. It’s usually never dry in the morning so I try to wear a fashionably tied scarf or hat the next day. Once it’s dry, I untwist, moisturize and wear my hair out.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

I think natural hair is so popular now because black women are rejecting the ideas of who they have to be or are supposed to be. It’s a fad in some ways but I feel that women who are doing it now are doing so for different reasons than say the ’70′s and are beginning to change their way of thinking.

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

I can be found on my blog at www.confessionsofaproductwhore.com or on Twitter at @cpwconfessions.

Meet Leticia

What inspired you to go natural?

I love big hair and being natural allowed me to express myself in that way. Also I love the rain and couldn’t stand the smell of permed and hot rollered hair after it got wet.

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

I sort of transition by cutting my permed hair into a shorter style so everyone including myself would get used to seeing me with a short hair. I did that for four months, threw in braids for another two months then cut all the permed ends off and danced in the rain. LOL!

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?

That was my only attempt at going natural. I followed other naturals on sites like Permed to Natural and became sure of what I wanted from my hair and was ready to put in the TLC to achieve it.

During your transition (no matter how long), which hairstyles worked for you?

I had a short transition but braids worked to help me get some length before my big chop.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

Two-strand twist out! This look elongates my natural tresses and gives great definition!

Which products do you like to use?

I am a recovering product junky so I keep it simple with Pantene’s Relaxed & Natural Shampoo and Conditioner, Olive Oil and Jane Carter’s Nourish & Shine. On occasions I whip up my own hair mask that includes yogurt and honey.

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

I do my hair myself. I used to go to a natural hair stylist for some pampering a while ago but I stopped. Every other Saturday I give myself a beauty makeover with a facial, waxing and a fresh set of two-strand twists. Once a month I apply a deep conditioner. I also dust my ends to keep knots and split ends to a minimum. It’s not always easy to do with a new baby but I try to do my facial in the morning, wax in the afternoon and hair in the evening while watching television. Get it in where I can fit it in.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

I believe natural hair is popular because it looks GREAT on us! Especially when you see a sister working it with a fro, twist out, puff, braid-out and such. A lot of ladies, of all ages, always tell me of their plans to go natural but are nervous of how they will look. Natural hair is not only becoming a coveted look, we are developing a community with our beauty. It’s great to connect with other ethnic women that are so open and willing to share how they got their look, what works, and what didn’t.

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

Feel free to connect with me at www.styleseat.com/leticiahuston. My Twitter account is @spawithLeticia.

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

Learn from ‘natural veterans’ by checking out blogs like Permed to Natural, Fotki and other natural hair sites. You don’t have to go at it alone.

Meet Beverly

What inspired you to go natural?

Looking at old pictures and my sister. My sister has long been in her natural hair and I was looking at old pictures of myself with my natural hair and remembered how thick and curly it used to be. One day I was looking at myself in the mirror and said, “I should cut this perm out” but I didn’t. Instead I reached for the blow dryer and curling iron to smooth out the waves. I knew I was killing my hair with all of that heat but I continued to do it. After a while I noticed that my scalp was dry and no matter how much hair cream I used my hair continued to be brittle. I was getting depressed and I had enough! I didn’t want to use anymore chemicals plus I was tired of frying my mane with the curling iron so I just stopped all of that and went natural.

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

I am in the process of locing my hair again. It’s going to be a long process because of my hair’s soft texture. I was told it will take about six months but I will be patient. For me this process is going to be similar to going back to my roots, back to what I like, and what appeals to me. I have big chopped so many times and have always gone back to the perm. But not this time. I have to resist.

Was this your first attempt going from permed to natural hair?

I am 58 years old and I have been going back and forth since 1968. I went from permed to natural hair so many times because I liked the styles in the hair magazines. They were pretty and I wanted that look too but the maintenance was murder. I was tired of rollers, spritz, spays and curling irons. Also, I can’t forget the burns on my ears and neck. It was too much. I was done.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

My favorite styles are locs and the afro. They both are easy to maintain and I enjoyed how I looked wearing them.

Which products do you like to use?

Alberto VO5, shampoo and herbal conditioner. I stay away from heavy conditioners because a lot of them possess animal fat. Those products cause my hair to collect a lot dirt. So I stick with light shampoos and conditioners that don’t add build up.

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

I wash my hair every three weeks and condition with an olive oil hair and scalp treatment. I then twist each loc which takes about two hours. I do my hair when I’m on a tight budget but sometimes I go to a salon when I want my locs to look polished.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now?

Because it’s beautiful I can’t explain it any other way.

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

I want your readers to know that as a natural head, I am free of hair-stress, and I love being natural.

Meet Mireille

What inspired you to go natural?

Honestly nothing deep like appreciating what God gave me or Black consciousness. I simply went natural because my hair was breaking severely and I didn’t want to end up bald in my 30′s. The idea that I would have to depend on wigs, weaves and braids for the rest of my life was a nightmare for me and shocked me to reality. I wanted my hair back, all my hair, healthy hair, no bald spots. I can tell you, that was an intense motivator. I could care less if people didn’t like my style or thought I was ugly. I was really fine with all of that as long as I could get my healthy nappy hair back.

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

I didn’t know what I was doing back then but I transitioned. At that time I was living in Holland with no salon that catered to natural hair so I was on my own. All I wanted was my hair back and extensions were the only thing I knew could help me do that. Although I could handle my hair I had no clue about styling. My braider at the time was a Rastafarian with locs and she didn’t want to cut my hair. So I transitioned for two years. My ends were driving me nuts. Finally after two years I took to the scissors and cut my own hair.

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 was me just wearing extensions. After a braider stood me up I ended up relaxing my hair again. From that experience I realized that I needed to learn at least the basics of styling. So the second time I transitioned I asked for different braided styles. Styles that I could take out and redo.

During your transition which hairstyles worked for you?

All of them to be honest. Extensions are great for a break, love bantus because they give you a totally different look, twists are so easy and versatile, the versatility of cornrows is endless but the only minus is that they are tight and I don’t really like that. And of course flat twist are amazing, they look great for every occasion and they are incredibly versatile as well.

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

My favorite style is the Afro. It’s nappy hair at its best. Those strands standing up straight in their full glory will always be my favorite style.

Which products do you like to use?

I am probably going to sound bias but I use my own products called Going Natural Hair Care Line. More information about my product line can be found HERE.

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

My staple hair care ritual is applying a detox treatment once every 2 to 4 weeks. I just love it. My hair and scalp feel soft and rejuvenated at once and I feel like a new human being, truly. Depending on how I style my hair I will either use the Silky Shea, Herbal Styling Gel or Hair Milk. These are my absolute staples. In between I use the Peppermint Shampoo the favorite of all shoppers.

I mainly do my hair myself but I also go to a salon when I get a chance. That is at least twice a year. My problem is I don’t like people on my head or my face. I am probably one of the few women who don’t like facials. Really I don’t. However, there are such great stylist here in Brooklyn so when the site needs an update or I have a style in mind, I just go to a salon. I love trying out new styles. Natural hairstylists are amazingly creative and talented and we have to explore it more.

Why do you think natural hair is popular right now? Do you think it is a fad?

I think it’s simply because of the same reason I went natural. Women are tired of abusing their hair. They can’t find a good reason to keep this behavior and come to their senses. I don’t think it’s a fad but I don’t think every single Black woman will go natural either. I think the natural movement continues to grow and that it will balance itself out. We have a long way to go though. The idea of bad hair is deeply ingrained in our people. It’s not easy to shake that off.

Where can we find you on the internet and what else would you like to tell us about you?

To celebrate our crown n’ glory I wrote a book titled GOING NATURAL: How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair.

My website is www.Going-Natural.com. It’s dedicated to African hair, styling and products. The goal is to redeem African hair and promote and celebrate the beauty of our unique tresses.