Hey there! My name is Thaina Madere. I was born and raised in Boston, Mass but I’ve been a So-Cal girl for 7 years now. I’m currently studying towards my paralegal certificate while work as a secretary for my father’s business and experimenting with the blogger/vlogger world. I’m a food lover and a sucker for all things beauty, hair, and fashion.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for a little over 6 years. Before giving up the relaxer, I changed my constantly! I was always looking to try something new or something that I could cling to. My natural twist-outs and braid-outs are the only styles that I never get tired of.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I was definitely a big chopper. I couldn’t imagine dealing with all the breakage, the multiple textures and waiting on the delayed gratification. I wasn’t attached to length, in fact I absolutely adored my low cut! At the same time I was anxious to see how my hair would grow in its unaltered state. As far as motivation goes, my hair was fairly healthy when I decided to stop “relaxing.” It was the best impulse decision I’ve made to date!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I’d have to say the most memorable part of my journey was in October 2009. I stepped out of the shower after washing out my heat straightened hair to reveal limp waves in lieu of my full ringlet curls. I was absolutely mortified! Needless to say, I wanted nothing to do with it. I tied my hair under a scarf and went to the barber for my second big chop the next morning. My journey has been both easy and difficult. There are times when my hair doesn’t need much attention to thrive. Other times if I’m not moisturizing and protecting my hair as I should, I risk dealing with a head full of tangled hair and single strand knots. 🙂
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite dos ‘are braid-outs, top knots and up-do’s. When my hair is in need of real love I’ll twist it up for a week or two. Most of those days, you’ll find me in a turban or scarf. I do hair but I don’t really like to do mine, I’m learning! I’ve stuck to the basics with my hair but I’m looking forward to trying new styles in the near future.
How does your boyfriend feel about your natural hair?
He prefers it in a fro rather than heat straightened! He says that my hair is sexy and it has a lot of character. Learning that choosing to be natural is the healthier option makes him love it even more.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
In the beginning, people treated me differently. There weren’t a lot of naturals so there were people that didn’t understand what I was doing especially because my relaxed hair was considered healthy. From my associates I would get questions like “are you vegan now?” and “are you into poetry?” I suppose I can’t completely fault that logic because, for me, recognizing the beauty in being natural did lead to my making healthier lifestyle choices as a whole. My family and friends would ask me when I was going to straighten my hair again. Now that so many women have embraced their lovely curls I don’t get questions like that anymore.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My current regimen consists of washing my hair once a week. The night before wash day, I detangle my hair with coconut oil, and then I put my hair in loose plaits and cover it with a plastic cap until the morning. I’ll either co- wash with VO5 strawberries and cream or use Terresentials Pure Earth mud wash for cleansing. It is THE BEST!!!!!! I recently discovered Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner and have officially made it a staple. It’s the best deep conditioner I’ve ever used! I’m still on the hunt for a great leave in. Until then, I’ve adopted the loc (liquid, oil, crème) method after washing. I wait until my hair is about 75% dry, then I moisturize with a spray made with water, glycerin and peppermint oil then I apply olive oil to my hair and then seal with Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Throughout the week I re-spray my hair with water and moisturize with whipped Shea butter, or a combination of oils. Every three days or so, I seal my ends with Jamaican Black Castor oil.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Blackgirllonghair.com and CurlyNikki.com are all I need for instant inspiration! My favorite YouTuber’s for hair are NikkiMae2003 and Hair Crush.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Take the time to learn what your hair needs and try to love and embrace every moment in your journey because it is all yours. No two heads are exactly the same so learn how to modify hair practices so that they work for you. Never detangle your hair while angry. Your hair isn’t what makes you beautiful. How you choose to rock it needs to be up to you.
Where can people find you for more information
Youtube: SecretsDesSoeurs
Blog: http://www.secretsdessoeurs.com/
Instagram: @adreamdiffered
