Naturally Fierce Feature: Andria

My name is Andria I’m from Chicago. I hope to one day become an editor for Vogue or Teen Vogue.

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for two years in November.

What wanted you to go back to natural?

My hair was severely heat damaged to the point it was completely straight. I wanted to big chop but I allowed others negative influence convince me not to so I transitioned for a few months and once my hair grew to my ear I cut the rest off. I decided to grow my hair out because I was tired of constantly flat ironing my hair. I just wanted a different look.
My hair is me. I’ve grown to accept my hair whether it’s long or short. It has a mind of its own. Some days it’s perfect other days I just want to shave it all off.

What do you most about your hair?

I love the fact that I can just be me with my hair. I can wear weave if I want. I can wear it curly or straight. How ever I’m feeling that day will reflect with my hairstyle.

What has been the most memorable part of the journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?

I can honestly say it’s been easy, until I got on IG and i had people saying that i was only getting reposted because I didn’t have nappy hair. I began to feel a certain way but I had to remember I can’t control my hair type no more than the next person can control theres. I had a few negative people but it didn’t hinder my journey.  It didn’t make me feel any different than what I always felt. It was something I wanted to do.

What were some of your favorite hairstyles?

My favorite transitioning style was wearing a sew in. Although I had a set back in the front of my hair it made the process easier. Now I love braids, buns, and three stand twist outs.

Any memorable reactions from family or others?

Outsiders have been really nice. It’s the ones that’s close that told me or tell me my hair is nappy but when I get on a social media platform or outsiders in general all I hear is how pretty my hair is or I have “good hair”.

What is your regimen?

I deep condition every week with Shea moisture or eden body works. I co wash with Giovanni or hello hydration. To style I use Cantu leave in (a staple of mine ), Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie,  eden body works curl creame, eco styler gel, or curls goddess curl gel. I shampoo once a month.

What are some of your natural hair websites, blogs, or vlogs?

I love curly nikki and black girl long hair. YouTube: mahogany curls, mini Marley, and lipstickncurls

Anything you want the readers to know?

Just do what you want. If you want to share off your hair do it, if you want to do it f*** anyone else (excuse my language). But the same people telling you not to go natural probably dont even have edges. Love your hair regardless of how it looks growing out of your head.

Where can we find you online?

I’m on YouTube: andriachildress
IG: anicolec_