Name: Chai
Hair Type: Not good on hair typing, never had to use it before.
Length of Time Natural: 10 soul searching years
Website: {{Back To Curly}}.
Q: Do you have a regimen? If so, dish!
A: My regimen has slowly evolved over the past year, more so for the better though! Each week I pre-poo with a light/creamy conditioner (usually it's Vo5 or one from Trader Joe's) followed by a scalp cleanse. I'm back to using shampoos now, after co-washing for quite a while. My scalp is a sensitive thing and needs the extra TLC, so I use a non-sulfate formula (currently using Naked Nautral's Shea Butter & Avocado Formula). I apply it directly to my scalp and massage in for 5 min. Once a month, especially during the colder months, I'll throw in a bentonite treatment mixed with a bit of marshmallow root powder, neem root powder & ACV. This mix never fails to clear up any flareups or irritations I may be experiencing before a wash;-). Always DC each week with a few alternate conditioners. My favorites are Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Curl Junkie's Curl Rehab, Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Mask, & her Deep Moisture conditioner. To style I have countless favorites, BUT I'm a huge fan of Darcy's Botanicals Vanilla Styling Creme, Donna Marie's Lock & Twist Pudding & Afroveda's Shea-Amla buttercreme. I twist into medium-large twists each week, unravel and voila! I have bouncy, moisturized hair for a solid week;-). To maintain the style throughout the week, I simply twist at night. sometimes apply an herbal leave-in or a light butter and it's all good!
Q: What is the thing you love most about your hair?
A: I love that my hair is a free standing expression of my personality each and every time I walk down the street. It's gotten more compliments over the years, than any outfit I can EVER put together, so by default it is my best accessory. I don't dare fight it, instead it gets all the love it wants.
Q: What is the thing you hate most about your hair?
A: 'Hate' & my hair have never seen eye to eye. Hope they never do.
Q: Why are you an au naturelle chic?
A: I take pride in representing for all those who are already natural, thinking of going natural or who have just transitioned. I am ALWAYS that girl whom you can stop on the street to ask about my hair, dish on hair care secrets or just exchange a friendly nod. I.LOVE.IT. I've gotten the side eye at work a few times dishing about hair with customers. It's refreshing and empowering! We need more empathy & sisterhood amongst women of color in general, so I try to greet all with a smile;-). Ten years ago after my first BC, I had no support system...none from family or friends (a select few), so I'm a bit empathetic towards those who need help & guidance.
Q: What is the hardest thing about being natural?
A: The hardest part about being natural has slowly gotten better over the years. There was a lot of negativity and concern in the beginning stages of my transition. My parent's were set to commit me to a mental ward, thinking I'd lost some marbles, classmates told me that as a woman, I 'shouldn't be wearing my hair like that,' and my aunt who casually whispered that I'd never be able to land a job with natural hair. Thankfully 10 yrs later, it's easier to respond to the cynics who don't believe in feeling naturally beautiful with a head full of natural hair. It's a struggle in the beginning for most, but the reigns do loosen up once you learn to embrace and love the journey you're on.
Q: You're about to shipwreck on an island full of fabulous people and you can only save 3 hair products. What are they?
A: *not a fair question for a certified PJ but---> Curl Junkie's Curl Rehab, Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Creme, Wide tooth comb (not a product but sooo necessary!)
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