I am Lauren Keali or Just LK.
Bed-Stuy Brooklyn native now living in Miami FL to attend Florida international university. I come from a predominantly Hispanic family (Puerto Rican/Native American/Panamanian).
How long have you been natural?
I’ve actually been natural my whole life!
What motivated you to transition?
The reason for me starting over was because I had heat damage and too many color changes. My highlights; after having 3 previous hair colors, killed my natural curls for good. Believe it or not I did my “big chop” July 20, 2012. From 2011-2012 I had 5 different hair color changes (Natural color then blonde to red with flaming red highlighted sections then to black and on to brown with bleach blonde highlights until I came to my final color black!). So after I tried working with my hair for 2 months I finally reached my breaking point and parted ways with my blowdryer, instyler, and my flat iron!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part for me was the beginning definitely! I loved having the short do because I dyed my twa brown with a small patch of blonde in the front. Plus that was when my wash and go’s were so much simpler hahaha!
It has been very easy, since my hair is naturally curly I rarely do braid/twist outs. Oh and since my hair grows fairly quick that helps a bunch too.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite transitional and even current (since I’m still growing my hair out) is definitely Bantu not outs and buns!!!!! Buns hide any imperfection (except for length deficiencies lol) and the nots add so much volume. My all time favorite has to be the wash and go though, now that my curls are prefect 🙂
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Well as a kid I remember always having thick/curly hair. Now that everyone is noticing how defined my curls are since they have NO heat damage whatsoever I get so much more compliments. At first my friends thought i was going through a midlife crisis because i literally cut all my hair off in the middle of july for “no reason”. My mother (coming from a white-hispanic mother and native american dad) used to say I had nappy hair, but since I embraced my texture she has too. I think she wants to trade textures because she only has waves lol!
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair regimen is super simple:
1. Wet hair while in the shower
2. Apply a small amount of curls unleashed or cantu rinse out conditioner and rinse it out after a quick wash
3. Once you are out of the shower lightly pat down your hair *but make sure you don’t dry it completely*
4. Add curls unleashed curl defining Cremè OR Cantu leave in conditioner and let your hair air dry!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Hmmm I’m an Instagram junkie lol so here’s a few cool accounts;
@Curlbox @CurlyBeauties @SheHasGoneCurly @Naturalobssessed_ @lovechildessentials @naturalpride
And @globalcouture blog of course!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
“I’d rather see a person with a natural mind and a processed head than a processed mind and a natural head.” Erykah Badu
In other words don’t “go natural”, return to your roots!
Where can people find you for more information?
I have Twitter @YoSoyLK
Instagram @YoSoyLK and Tumblr www.whateverrbitchh.tumblr.com
