Naturally Fierce: Tracy

May 26, 2013

My name is Tracy, 30 years old, born in Trinidad, living in Miami-both perfect places for big natural hair. I was a natural child until the age of 12 and my grandmother convinced my mother to put a relaxer in my hair so I could “fit in” with the American crowd upon my move to the US. My mother never over processed my hair, I got 2 relaxers a year that way I could maintain my length with less damage.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since November 2006.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I decided to train for a 5k, washing and setting my hair twice a week because of sweat wasn’t going to work for me. I transitioned for 3 months, got tired of the new growth with relaxed ends combo, then did a big chop.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
Most memorable has to be the henna treatments, they were a tedious 2-day process, but the results were definitely worth it; speaking of which, I need to get back into those treatments, lol. Being natural has been both easy and difficult. Experimenting with products and regimens has been interesting, from one day to the next they work then don’t. I honestly think it’s a learning process everyday.

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I have never been one to do too much manipulating to my hair. The most basic, wash and gos have been a staple for me. On occasion if I want a bigger curl pattern or fullness I’ll try a twist-out or a braid-out. Otherwise, I keep it simple.

Any memorable reactions from family or others since going natural?
Most memorable moment was my last blowout and my family’s surprised reaction to my waist length hair. When I initially embarked on the natural hair journey and big chopped, my mother wasn’t a fan, she hated it! Every time she got the opportunity to say she wasn’t fond of my short hair, she said it. As my natural hair grew out she fell in love. I recently cut off 6 inches because this Miamiheat is no joke, and she was thoroughly upset. I had to remind her that long hair was no longer my goal. I’ve reached my goal of healthy waist length hair on a few occasions, and it was just time for another major chop.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I’m very simple and no fuss when it comes to my hair, fashion, that’s another story, lol. However, I’m addicted to Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner, any opportunity I get to pick up a few bottles at Marshalls or TJMaxx, I do. If not, I use Tresemme Moisturizing conditioner. I shampoo, condition, detangle on Fridays, then apply Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie while wet (a little goes a long way ladies). For a more defined curl pattern, after the Shea Moisture is in, I apply a little Fantasia IC gel from the middle of hair shaft to the ends, that way I maintain volume in my hair. Throughout the week, I dampen and mold hair back into shape, it eventually ends up in a bun by the end of the week, ready for wash on Friday.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I started so many years ago that half of the people I once admired are no longer on Youtube or have changed their focus outside of hair. The blog staple is definitely Curlynikki, she was a great resource of information when it came to the Henna process. Also on Youtube, Taren 916, xGOLDn, Aliciajamesmusic, Colouredbeautiful, the list could truly go on for days, but these are the women that I tend to keep up with.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Natural hair is a perpetual learning experience, keep it simple and change up the routine and products ever so often. From one day to the next it could change and react differently to product. Also, it’s not always about length, it’s about health. It’s been 7 years and I’m still learning.

Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram: @sweetladee1001