Naturally Fierce Feature: Kimberly

My name is Kimberly Elizabeth Hudson. In November 2013 I’ll be getting married so it will be LaCroix!  I am from St. Louis, Missouri and recently turned 31 years old July 6. I am a Type 1 Diabetic, which means that I am insulin dependent, and have had it since I was 2 years old. I didn’t get my natural hair relaxed until I was in junior high. Before then, it was healthy with braided pigtails. I wasn’t a big weave wearer so I could never do much with my hair and I was always bored, especially since I could not afford to pay for a new style on my own away from home. I saw other people in my family with hair that was healthy and relaxed and mine was just the opposite. And so, I got tired of dealing with the addiction of the “creamy crack” and paying money to a stylist and started my journey in 2011.

How long have you been natural?
I have been officially natural for one year as of July 6 2013. I have seen so much progress in my hair as well as diminishing myths and negativity. I’m proud of myself. I also know I still have a lot to learn.


What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I was a transitioner. When I transitioned I was still in college and was looking for a professional job. I was under the old way of thinking that my natural hair would not be accepted in the professional /business work environment. So I decided to grow it out and flat iron it until I could cut off my ends. What motivated me was basically my sister; even though never natural, she has always had a healthy head of hair and it always looked beautiful. I wanted hair like that. I saw a natural one day with hair longer than hers and I decided if she could, I could. In addition, I didn’t have money to go get my hair relaxed every six weeks.

 

How would you describe your hair?
You know what, at one point I tried using the hair type chart and now I just discard it mostly.  For my hair, it is very, very very soft and curly. In the middle of my head is where it is the thickest but it is easy to detangle. My hair is fine, and the front is very loose and the back is the same. I call the back my ‘mini-mullet’ because it just hangs whereas the rest of my hair curls it curls but hangs –a lot.

What do you love most about your hair?
I love the texture of my hair. It’s curly. It has body. It’s pretty. It can be worn as is. It’s gorgeous. It’s never ever boring. I loooove my hair!

 

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? 
So far, the most memorable was when I went and got the ends of my relaxed hair cut off. I just went to a shop in my local mall. I’d never had a real hair cut before and I asked a natural on the street where she got her big chop. She told me any place. So my naïve self, went to the mall, let a licensed stylist wash my hair (I was surprised they had natural hair products there) and cut it. She conditioned it and let me sit under the dryer for 10 minutes, picked it out and let me go! I thought “Is this how the B.C. is done?” My hair was still air drying when I walked out. I remember being so nervous that people were staring at me as I walked out of the mall! And they probably were!

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
When I transitioned, all I did was flat iron my hair. But my current favorite is a braid out. When I originally tried it, it was a disaster. Now, I have mastered it and love it! Twist outs are ok. ‘Fro’s are a go-to when everything is a disaster. But I love a Marley hair protective style! Especially Havana Twists or Senegalese Twists.  Or a Faux Bun with Marley hair. What’s crazy is that I have worn more weave as a natural than when I was relaxed! (I never did glue, wigs or sew-ins or crochets relaxed).

Any memorable reactions from family or others?
In the beginning, I think my family thought it was just a fad and were waiting to see how it was going to “turn out”.  But eventually they came around. I didn’t hear anything negative. I more or less just got looks. Sometimes I would get “hints”. Like “Why don’t you go to so-and-so? She can do your hair…”. Now my mother has been transitioning.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?


My hair regimen is shampoo once a week. I Deep condition once a week. I have started doing hot oil treatments with EVOO only whenever I put in a protective style like Havana Twists or Senegalese Twists.  I always use the L.O.C. method now.  My favorite products are the Luv Natural’s Don’t Be So Clingy (it’s awesome), the Wash Me Gently shampoo and the Conditional Love conditioner all by Kim Love. The leave-in conditioner I make by hand -it’s better. I also love the Ori Essentials leave-in Conditioner and the As I Am Coconut Co-Wash and twist defining cream. Excellent!

 

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?


My favoriteYoutubers/ bloggers are (of course) Naptural85, Beautifulbrwnbabydol (from STL), donedo05, MahoganyKnots, Urbanbushbabes, jouelzy, Alicia James, Taren Guy, MyNaturalSistas, BlakIzBeautyful….and lots more!


Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Ladies, just remember that your hair is your hair. It grows at its own rate. Whether fast or slow. Enjoy it at whatever length or state that it is in, but treat it right. Don’t expect the same results every time because you will never get them. That is what makes your hair unique. Unique is exclusive, rare, specific, symbolic and individualistic.  Embrace your hair, have patience with it, love it, enjoy it and you will appreciate it more everyday and encourage others as well! It’s worth it!

Where can people find you for more information?


I can be found on Instagram: chickchazz82 and my email: elizabeth7682@live.com

 
 
Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.
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Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at globalcouture@aol.com.


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