My name is Jessica Odoh, a 22 year old Nigerian American residing in Tampa Fl. I am a senior at the University of South Florida!
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 29 months !!!!!
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
This is my 2nd time transitioning. My first time which lasted a year was when I was a sophomore in high school. 95% of people I knew were relaxing their hair so I was very uneducated about natural hair and had very little support. I relaxed my hair on my 18th birthday(April 30th 2009) and immediately regretted it. Fast forward to my sophomore year in college, I was looking through old pictures and could see just how damaged and thin my hair had become. February 5th 2011 I vowed to seek “treatment” for this creamy crack addiction and have been sober ever since!! I realized that the only opinion that really mattered about my hair was MINE and I was going to walk around confidently like I had an invisible crown on my head. People could either love my natural hair or stand back and watch me shine because their opinions didn’t matter anymore!! Today, those very same people who ridiculed my natural hair are contemplating joining me on this natural journey!
I was a long term transitioner (24 months) and just recently chopped off my relaxed ends (best feeling ever!!!). However, I am super sad I never got to experience the “TWA” stage.
How would you describe your hair?
Because I am of Nigerian decent, my hair is extremely THICK! I would say it is a 4c hair type.It needs to moisturized on a daily basis or it is prone to breakage.
What do you love most about your hair?
VERSATILITY!!! I love how I can create my hair into almost anything and I also have a love/hate relationship with the thickness of my hair.
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 definitely be inspiring other women to embrace their natural hair through my hairstyles. Society has painted a picture that if your hair isn’t bone straight or blonde you aren’t beautiful and honey let me tell you they are wrong!!! Natural women are one of the most diverse and beautiful species I have ever seen and we are slowly but surely taking over! My journey was extremely easy because I was confident through my journey and could see healthy hair results immediately.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I will try any hairstyle out! I love changing my hair up and expressing myself through my hair. My absolute favorite hairstyle would be the flat twist “headband” hair. I also love my Mohawks and afro!!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My family always tease me about my hair but I know it’s all in good fun. My friends LOVE my natural hair and I’m trying to convince every single one to join “Team Natural”.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I get asked this question a lot and I am a very simple natural head. My absolutely favorite products for my twistouts are my QP mango butter conditioner and olive oil ecostyler gel. I have yet to find a shampoo/conditioner that I absolutely love.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I honestly watch every single person on YouTube. I don’t care if you have a million views or ten, if I love your hairstyle I’m testing it out!! And of course my favorite blog would be Globalcouture!!!!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
In order to be successful in this natural journey, you must love yourself starting from the inside. If you don’t love your hair,no one else will. Don’t try and compare yourself to other naturals, to each their own and your hair will reach its full potential in due time. Always remember, healthiness over length!!!!!
Where can people find you for more information?
My instagram is @JessOhno_shedid and I have many hairstyles that I have created and I always reply to comments. I can also be reached at my email: Jodoh3@gmail.com
