Naturally Fierce Feature: Lakeseia

Hello! My name is Lakeseia and I currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida. My natural hair journey began approximately 2.5 years (and some change) ago and haven’t looked back ever since. My interest was sparked in 2010 while wearing micro braids, which I kept in for 2 months (which was a long time for me). During this time I was able to see a glimpse of my natural hair texture at my roots which, is probably the first time I’ve seen my texture in years since I was relaxed at 7 years old.

How long have you been natural? I’ve been natural since May 26th of 2010. (I love how us naturals know the exact date and time. lol)

What motivated you to transition? I was motivated by women on YouTube that had transitioned and were natural. I had no idea of how to care for natural hair and I knew no one else in my circle who was natural so the internet was educational and motivational when it came to doing the “big chop”. The goal was to transition for a year but I ended up doing the big chop after only 5.5 months of new growth because of a major tangling issue after a sew in.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? I would have to say after the big chop was the most memorable moment for me. After I cut my hair off it was liberating at first but, once it sunk in that my hair was so short it was a bit depressing for me. So, during that time I experimented with a lot of hairstyles and accessories to get me through that awkward stage. But, honestly, I am grateful for that experience because going through that really boosted my confidence in who I am.

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles? My favorite go-to style when transitioning was bantu knot outs. Bantu knot outs easily blends the two different textures together and gives a nice curl pattern.

Yes! When I first went natural no one in my circle or where I lived was natural. So my family/friends/coworkers did not understand why I would cut off so much of my hair. I got a lot of ignorant and negative comments at first but, I didn’t let that deter me. What’s funny is now that the natural hair market has boomed and my hair is at length it is now I get a lot of questions and request for advice on going natural from the people that had the most to say.

What is your hair regimen? If you catch me I’m usually rocking a twist out/flat twist out and then around the end of the week when it’s stretched out completely I will either do some type of bun variation or a flat twist crown. Between styling daily I re-hydrate my hair using an oil & water mix (Jojoba, Argan and Tea Tree oil) and Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Hair Milk. On wash day, I pre-poo my hair with a homemade conditioning treatment, shampoo , deep condition using Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pack, moisturize using the LOC method and style as usual.

Anything you want the readers to know? Basically, that it gets better with time. With time you learn more about what your hair responds to and what products give your hair the best results. So be patient with your hair and yourself.

Where can people find you for more information? I make natural hair videos on my personal journey, product reviews and natural hairstyles on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalbeautyqween. Also, I can be found on Twitter and Instagram @NaturalQween!

My favorite oils are castor and jojoba oils. Anyone else use the LOC Method? How does it work for you? Leave Comments below.