Natural hair exposé is a monthly feature on LME where I interview naturals both old and new to gain more insights on their natural hair journey, favorite products, hair regimen and advice for other naturals.
Related: Natural Hair Exposé: Brandy
For this feature, I interviewed a fellow blogger and also a friend, Linda to learn more about how she cares and styles her swoon-worthy natural hair.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since November 30, 2013.
What made you decide to go natural?
No special event made me want to go natural. I washed my relaxed hair one day and as I was starring at it in the mirror, I thought to myself, I want to cut my hair and let it start from the beginning. But I was a little scared because I knew how hard it was trying to comb my hair even with relaxer in it. My sisters were already natural and were doing just fine. I figured if I had any problems, I could always ask them for help. So I went to the salon, got my haircut, and have not looked back since then.
What is your experience so far as a natural?
I have enjoyed it. Although there are days when I get frustrated with my hair. For example, there are days I wish I could just throw it in a ponytail and call it a day but that cannot be the case. I have to make sure that I thoroughly comb it out and apply the right product before I can even get it in a ponytail. And there are days my hair just flat out refuses to cooperate with me. So, days like that can be quite frustrating. However, overall, it has been a great and enjoyable experience. Nothing beats taking down my protective style and knowing that the big mass of hair starring back at me is mine.
What are your favorite hair products and what have they done for your hair?
To be honest with you, I am still doing trial and error on my hair with products. But so far, my favorite products are water, coconut oil, and products from the shea moisture product line. I tend to get dandruff, so I use their African Black Soap line and of course, apple cider vinegar. I also love to use coconut oil on my hair (and skin). I have found that the products have made my hair softer, easier to comb, healthier, and overall better than I thought my hair could ever be.
Describe your hair care regimen and reason behind it.
I am not sure that I really have a regimen. I try to keep it quite simple. I co-wash once a week to ensure that I wash out products so as to avoid build up. I make sure that I condition my hair every time I wash it. I know how lazy I can get when I wash my hair and I am tempted to just shampoo and run out of the shower. But I have worked on making sure that I ALWAYS condition. I also make sure that I moisturize my hair so that it does not get dry. Those are my biggest things.
What are your go-to hairstyles?
My combed out Afro. I tend to comb it out first, then spend a while patting it down to shrink it into a short hair style and then go. I also love putting my own hair in twists (I fondly call it my Mgbeke style). But my favorite protective style so far has been the faux locs.
What advice do you have for new or old naturals hoping to grow their hair healthier?
To the new ones, I would say just be patient. I know it can be frustrating reading the millions of pages on how to grow out your natural hair and then checking your hair to find that it has not grown much (speaking from experience). Everyone’s hair is different so what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. So take care of your hair and be patient with it, it will grow. To the old ones, I would say keep doing what worked for you.
Do you have a blog and/or social media page people can visit for more info?
Yes, I run a blog known as VikariouzlyTME. The link is http://vikariouzlytme.blogspot.com/. Although I have to say it is not about natural hair. I have written about how I achieved my twist out once but it is not what the blog is about. But people are always welcome to check it out. 🙂
Below are some photos of Linda’s beautiful hair. Enjoy!
