Naturally Fierce Feature: Maria

My name is Marcia La Chae’ Watson and I was born and raised in the small town of Opelousas, Louisiana. Well, my hair journey did not begin until I was three years old because I was bald until then! I mean bald! Once my hair began to grow, it was very fine, but as I grew up my texture changed and it became too thick for anyone to try to tame. I got my first relaxers at the age of 10 and I decided to stop using these chemicals at 23.

How long have you been natural?
I stopped relaxing my hair in 2010. However, my last big chop was June 3, 2011.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I do not count my transitioning months because at first I was not aware that I was even transitioning. When I did become aware of the term and definition of “transitioning” I was told of the dangers of using heat. I did not listen and I still used heat which completely damaged my hair! My hair was waist length and I did gradually big chop until I had the guts to go all the way!

One month before what I ​​ November 2010 BG #1 considered a Big Chop

How would you describe your hair?
Big & Curly

What do you love most about your hair?
I love how care free I can be! I live for days when I can just get up and go and not worry about how big my hair is. Yes, people judge sometimes especially when I pick out my hair, but oh well…

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part would probably be when I cut my hair very low, and all the judgments that came along with it. This made my confidence reach its highest peak, believe it or not. It made me realize to love being myself and to enjoy being unique!

What are some of your favorite  hairstyles?
Currently, I mostly do wash and goes. I like rocking fro hawks, twist outs, braid outs, and I’ll try and creative updo every so often. I always do protective styles such as Senegalese Twists several times a year.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Well, my hair was very long prior to returning natural. When I did my Big Chop, my family remembers and friends thought I lost my mind. They must have thought I was going through something, and that I was going to keep my hair short forever. I kept saying, “It’s going to grow back, and when it does it will be so pretty.” No one believed me. Now I’ve lost count of how many friends and family remembers have or are considering the Big Chop.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
When I am not using my own products, I will use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancer Smoothie. Keeps the hair very soft. I oil my scalp regularly with and oil treatment that I make. A healthy scalp is a must for healthy hair and hair growth  🙂

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Taren Guy! If it wasn’t for finding her YouTube channel, I wouldn’t have known what being natural meant.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want more women to embrace their natural beauty. So many African American women think that we’ve lost our minds once we go natural. This is because many of us grew up looking at straight hair as being beautiful! If you as me, your natural beauty is your best “beautiful.” Love the skin you’re in, break out of what’s considered the “norm,” and show everyone that you are an individual. Rock those lovely curls or coils that you were born with and if others have something negative to say then so what.

Where can people find you for more information?
​Twitter: Marcia LaChae
​IG: PrettyGirlsWithCurls
Website coming soon: www.prettygirlswithcurls.com


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