My name is Endia Nicole. I was born in Hawaii and moved to Indiana when I was 8, currently I’m 27 (28 in July). My mother is Samoan and my father is African American. I’ve always struggled with my hair when I was younger. I actually got teased a lot due to the texture and length of it. I ended up getting perms and iron outs in middle school throughout high school and early college. I usually got 1 perm a year that was enough. I definitely had a lot of heat damage, but was in denial. It wasn’t till I was about 25 that I started thinking about going natural. I watched Taren916 and Naptural85 on youtube all day everyday, and talked to a fellow curlfriend @jocaprice (Instagram). Then, when I was 26 I did a big chop, then a few months later I did a second big chop and cut off any perm that was left.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for about 3 years but I have been without heat for about a year and a half thanks to @jocaprice !
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I personally was tired of my hair. I saw Taren916 , Naptural85 and @jocaprice ‘s hair and realized this is what I wanted to do. I just decided to cut my hair in a short pixie frock, then cut it to a low cut curly cut. It was quite liberating. I don’t know why but we women get so attached to our hair, even when it’s obviously damaged. I just decided to chop it and start over and it’s one of he best decisions I’ve ever made.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
One of the most memorable parts is something that is continuously. I love when someone asks me about my hair. I love the novices who want to go natural then after speaking with them… They chop it or transition and continue to have patience on their natural hair journey! It’s a great feeling!
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
One of my favorite translation styles or “in between” styles are the puff. You can’t go wrong! It’s simple and great for being an on the go mom. I would usually throw a hair band or a bow in it to add a little flare when it was shorter. I still wear a puff today, it’s definitely quadrupled in size though. I’m not a big fan of wash and goes due to hating wet hair on my neck but I do love twist outs! I love the big natural hair look, the bigger the better!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’Any memorable reactions from family or others?
For the most part I’ve had nothing but positive reactions from family and friends. I will, however, say when i was a short haired natural I didn’t have a lot of smiles more like “why she cut all her hair off looking like a boy now” it didn’t bother me none though. One thing I don’t like hearing is ” you have that mixed hair so you can wear a natural” I have family members with this mentality and it kills me. I try to educate them and inform them on the different types of textures and anyone can be a beautiful natural. It’s all about how you feel and how u educate yourself.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair likes different products at different lengths. Currently my hair loves coconut oil as a sealer. I use Shea moisture restorative conditioner as a leave in and the curling smoothie as a styler. I love to co wash with Aussie moist and if I need a sulfate shampoo I use suave tropical coconut shampoo. I also cleanse with apple cider vinegar for shine and clarification. For deep conditioning I’ve currently been using Naptural85 and @jocaprice ‘s recipes that include natural ingredients I can find at my local grocery store. (Strawberries, yogurt, mayo, avocado etc)
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I swear I don’t watch tv, I watch YouTube lol. I’ve definitely learned a lot from my fav vloggers. Currently my faves are MelsharyA,Naptrual85, FusionOfCultures, HeyFranHey, Taren916, ShamelssMaya, Itsmyrayeraye and rendezvous with remedy…. Just to name a few lol!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Be wild, be free, be you, NaturalE Patience is key when it comes to natural hair. There’s no secret ingredient, just patience.
Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram- Endia_Nicole
Facebook- Endianicole Scanlan
Website and youtube coming soon!
Thanks Edina for sharing your journey! I love your fluffy hair.
I swear by the pineapple at night. What is your night time rountine? Leave comments below.
