Naturally Fierce Feature: Sebreana

September 18, 2013

My name is Sebreana and I am from a small town in Louisiana, southwest part of the state. I had my last perm in December of 2011. My hair was in bad shape. I would have these months where it looked great, and then it would just start to get brittle and break. After I put that last perm and damaged my scalp again, I just decided to stop. I transitioned for four months. I did an awesome roller set on my two-texture hair, but the next day (April 11, 2012), it looked horrible! I went to work and at some point; I got up and just grabbed some scissors and went in the bathroom and cut the relaxed hair off! I did go to a salon and let a stylist even it up for me, but I have not looked back since.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since April 11, 2012. I did cut my hair again on March 15, 2013 because of damage in the back. So, I have been natural for 15 months, and it has been four months since I cut my hair for the second time.

What motivated you to transition?
At first, I did not know what I was doing. Thank god, for YouTube because I learned a lot from the women online related to what was available and how to take care of my hair.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair is 4A, 4B and some 4C. It is soft and dense, but thin. I am older so my hair grows slowly, but it is healthy and looks great!

What do you love most about your hair?
I really love the unlimited potential to do so many different things with it. I do not have to worry about it getting wet, and I do not have to worry about the humidity in Louisiana. I love that it is mine and it represents me – free spirited, a little wild, but with great character LOL.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?
I think the most memorable part has been watching my hair change, grow, and how I have changed my habits. It has not been easy. I am not very patient, so I have to just breathe sometimes and let my hair do its thing. My hair does not like blow dryers, and that was a hard lesson for me. After having to cut my hair again, I think I finally got the message!

What are some of your favorite styles?
I love a flat-twist out. That is probably my go-to style. It is getting easier to do because my hair is growing, and it really helps elongate my hair and makes it look good. My hair is super soft so it does not get that defined no matter what I do. I also love a roller set and a two-strand twist out for a puff. I love wearing an Afro with a flower or hair adornment (accoutrement). I also like to rock a Fro-Hawk when I can! I guess I love all styles I can do!

What have your experiences been as a natural; any memorable reactions from family or others?
My family has been supportive of my journey. When I first cut my hair, some male friends were not too happy about it, but they got over it! I have other friends who just want to touch it, and I just try to answer questions for them. So many people are natural that it just seems like I fit right in!

What is your hair regimen?
I am still learning but I wash it once a week, deep condition and moisturize every day. That means that I wet my hair every day (at night) and use a Shea-butter based product to seal the ends. I sleep on a satin pillowcase, and I have a satin scarf for my head. As far as products, I currently use Karen’s Body Beautiful Butter Love and Sweet Ambrosia leave-in conditioner. I cannot get enough of that stuff. My hair loves it. I also use Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree shampoo, conditioner, and oil. I use Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner for co-washing, and KeraCare leave in conditioner, curling custard and other products from that line. I have many natural oils also because I apply them to my hair and scalp when I take out my flat-twists in the morning.

Who are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s or blogs?
I visit http://www.curlynikki.com/ every day to get a tip or inspiration. I also love http://www.blackhairinformation.com, http://www.naturallycurly.com/, http://www.nenonatural.com/ and other sites and I subscribe to Natural Hair & Lifestyle Magazine. My favorite bloggers include: NaturallyCandi, aliciajames, MyNaturalSistas, LorisaLee, taren916, Naptural85, NaturalMe4C, BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, UrbanBushBabes, MahoganyCurls, etc…

Anything you want the readers to know? Any Inspirational words?
No matter what your age, you can go natural! There is so much information out there and you can learn and grow with your hair. The process seems scary and it can be at times, but you can do it. I wish I had done it sooner. I am not any less of anything that I thought I would be. I think we are our biggest critics. I feel like I am myself for the first time in years.

Where can people fine you for more information?
I have a YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/LouisianaSebreana; my IG account is @sebreana1005; and on twitter at @sebreana1005. I also love Pintrest!!