Naturally Fierce Feature: Polliany

May 24, 2013

My name is Polliany, I’m from Brasilia, Brazil, currently living here, but I lived in Cape Cod, MA for 6 years. I’m a Middle School Teacher Coordinator at a public school and love being in the educational field. It’s quite rewarding! I love the fact that so many kids also get to look up to a “natural”.

How long have you been natural?
I have been fully natural since November 2011.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I decided to stop relaxing my hair in November 2010. I had tried 2 times prior to that, but I just wasn’t ready. Back in 2007 due to a bad perm the front of my hair just literally broke off, I knew I had to stop mistreating my hair, but I figured it wasn’t my fault. Having straight hair was my only option, I mean, the natural scene was not big here, and to be honest at the age of 19 I was still very concerned about what is “acceptable”. So in 2009 one of my aunts went natural and started telling me about how happy she was to not be obligated to use chemicals nor use flat irons. I figured that could be interesting since I hated having to blow dry and flat iron my hair every single weekend. Can you imagine how annoying that was? Living in a country that’s tropical all year long?! Finally, in 2010 I was convinced that I wanted to at least see what my real hair was like after 13 years of perms. I didn’t quite understand the whole transitioning concept, so I just kinda stopped relaxing my hair and waited to see what happened. Slowly I started to cut the ends. When my year mark came, I was so anxious to just see how my hair would be, that I called this lady who used to cut my hair and booked the next available appointment. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My hair was tiny!!! Curly, but so short and not much definition… I was frightened, but I knew I had done what I had to do. After 2 months I felt much better and was loving how fast my hair was growing.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
Ever since I was little I dreamed about finding “Prince Charming” and having a beautiful wedding. So when it came down to figuring out what my hair would be like on the big day, there was a lot of pressure from everyone I know and myself. Being natural is your identity, it’s who you are and I hated the fact that up until now, people still don’t understand that curls can be fancy too! After a lot of browsing and talking to hairstylists, 2 months before my wedding I figured out what I wanted and I felt like I was the most beautiful woman on Planet Earth that day lol.
While I was transitioning it was NOT an easy ride, not at all! I had a couple of “I can do this” moments, but all together it was tough. But now? I wonder why I didn’t do this earlier. I’m so in love with every single strand on my head!

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Hands down my favorite transitioning hairstyle was Bantuknots. They helped to even out texture and were so easy to do. Currently, I love to just wear my hair out with as much volume as I can have! Puffs and buns are also life savers. I love to play with my hair and see what bobby pins can do to it, which is always fun!

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Being natural is such a statement to yourself and I guess it becomes a trademark to others. I love when people stop me in the ladies’ room and ask how I get my hair to look like that, or how the kids at my job say they love it and that they’ll also wear their hair out. I know I get negative reactions at times, but I honestly could careless, I’m so happy to wake up every morning and look myself in the mirror and say “this is me, I’m good!”

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I think it’s so cool when natural girls answer this question because they always seem to have an actual routine! I’m awful with sticking to a regimen!!! I’d have to say I do a couple of different things according to what I feel like my hair needs. I usually wash it once a week with Head and Shoulders 2 in1, detangle under the shower with Tresseme’s Conditioner for curly hair and once I step out of the shower, Tigi’s Curlesque leave in conditioner. Also, once a week I just cowash to get some definition back. I choose not to shampoo my hair more than once a week because it gets so dry! I also use a hair mask 2x a month or if my hair feels drier. I alternate between Pantene’s for curly hair (pro-v) and Moroccan Oil Hydrating mask. When my hair feels too dry, like when I was transitioning, I used Pantene’s night treatment. Nowadays, when I remember, I use a little bit of Loreal’s extraordinary oil, not only does it smell amazing, but it gives great shine and silk. As for styling, I rarely use a diffuser, unless I need my hair to dry fast. Otherwise, I let it air dry.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
“Black Girl with Long Hair” that blog has helped me soooooo much throughout the whole journey, transitioning, wedding planning, styling etc. On YouTube, Alodia80 and I have very similar hair, so hair transitioning videos really helped me out! Except my hair just never worked well with 2 strand twists.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Understand that we’re all unique and that we have to find our comfortable grounds. Please figure out a way to embrace your own beauty! If you don’t at least give it a shot, you won’t be able to know if you’ll regret it. I know I did the right thing!

Where can people find you for more information?
I’m addicted to Instagram, you’ll always find me there! @pollycol or youtube.com/pollianyc
and the blog is http://aumentevolume.blogspot.com.br