My name is Maya, and I’m from the DMV! My natural story began over 9 years ago when I found out I was preggers with my first child!! Terrified of harming the baby in any way, I grabbed my shoulder length relaxed hair and cut a huge chunk out, and left about 3 inches of hair so I couldn’t chicken out. I hacked off all of it, using copy paper scissors (you know the good kind with the orange handle! lol) and started rocking weaves to transition from my TWA.
My husband had shoulder length locs at the time though, and I was hecka curious. I decided to grow out my hair and I went to an African braiding salon to ask about locs. I was told I would not be able to loc my hair, because it was “coolie hair”. (I learned many years later from my Trini cousin that that is NOT a nice word for Afro-East Indian people. DON’T use it! Lol) It took me several months, but my hair finally did loc, and ironically, as soon as mine were set and permanent, Jason wanted to cut his off to “better assimilate to corporate America”. My man was struggling to find a job, bless his soul and was willing to do whatever it took to support our new little family. I helped him cut them off, and to remember them I wound a few of his into my new locs. I kept my locs for 6 hair happy years, and now I am loc-free, curly girl’n it. 🙂
How long have you been natural?
10 years total, 6 with locs, and a little over 3.5 years after my locs were undone.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
Early 2009, I experienced family tragedy… and after I was finally able to take a step forward from that – which was about 7 months later- I decided it was time to enter a new chapter of my life: and to symbolize the rebirth, my new chapter would begin without my locs. They were too painful a reminder of the “old me” and my old life. I cut off about 12 inches, and undid the rest of them, leaving about 7-8 inches of hair, blown out. Took me 2 months to do!! I had to two strand twist each undone loc, and that was less than fun, I’ll say that much!) I added a sew-in weave to the back lower quarter of my hair, matching my own texture, and that was my protective/”transitioning from short to long” style for about 9 months. After that I just wore my own hair. So I kind of BC’d AND transitioned.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey would be when I discovered my natural curl pattern after the effects of “optimum moisture”. Once I figured out my ideal moisture levels and how to get my hair to absorb more water and hold more for longer my wash-n-go went from frizzy and dry to smooth and defined. That changed my life! Lol Using my own modified curly girl method to master the wash-n-go, I was FINALLY able to proudly wear it in my highly conservative government office! That was a confidence milestone for me. It solidified my belief that ALL hair is GOOD hair. You just have to find your unique method.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
I loved wearing weave that looked like my own hair! It was a lot of fun and very therapeutic for my once loc’d hair. It needed the time to recuperate, and just be left alone. So I did! I think my fav texture was the Brazilian wave, because it matched my texture when wet, dry or flat ironed!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Oh boy! Lol. I’ve seen arguments over who is natural and who is not, I’ve had “good and bad hair” conversations, and I’ve had a boyfriend break up with me over a TWA. I’ve seen people stereotype with hair typing, people admit that they actually try to “fool” people into believing they have a certain natural hair type, people popping pills to make their hair grow/thicken/loosen/curl….and I’ve had my own mother tell me she likes my hair better straight and “long”, while my daddy said he would love to see me in my curly afro! I’ve learned SO much about myself, and other people, product junkies, hair myths, and witnessed the real depth of mental slavery and African American self esteem. It has definitely been a journey!
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I’ve been following the curly girl method for about a year now. I co-wash, no shampoo, with Tresseme Naturals (my FAV!) and detangle with more of the same. Sometimes I cold rinse and twist to style, sometimes I let it air dry in my wash n go. For either style, I use eco-styler gel or Ouidad Moisture Lock Define &Shine. Very simple! Occasionally I will get it straightened to trim it. Currently my hair is BSL straightened, but since I am enjoying the Curly Girl method like I mentioned before, I rarely ever wear it that way.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I’m a big fan of Curly Nikki, and Mahogany curls and Napptural85 on You Tube.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
The message I try to bring across in my blogs, advice to people who ask, and anyone who will listen, (lol) is to LOVE YOUR OWN HAIR. It is a journey. No one loves their hair immediately, and it is human nature to want someone else’s texture/length/curls. Once you find that style, product, and technique that works for you, (thru lots of trial and error!) the YOU will shine through, and that’s what makes natural hair beautiful. Not the texture, heritage or the length. It’s the inner beauty of being truly natural and healthy! Find yours! Shine! J
Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on
Twitter under LuvMsNovember
Instagram under MissNovie/The Natural at Work
I have an official blog about natural hairstyles for the work place! http://naturalatwork.wordpress.com Work + Natural = Weerrrk! Peace and blessings!
Maya I really appreciate you sharing your story especially the reactions from others. I have had these conversations too!
