Naturally Fierce Feature: Shannon

June 9, 2014

Hi I’m Shannon and I am from the Big Easy (New Orleans) and I love my city! I am a Clinical Intake Specialist Team Lead for Humana insurance company. My natural hair journey has had its up’s & down’s but one thing I know for sure is I will NEVER go back to the creamy crack. J

How long have you been natural? 4 years

What motivated you to transition?

Well…my hair was relaxed most of my life and that was mainly because my mom couldn’t manage it. But as I got older I noticed my hair was so limp & not healthy at all! So that’s when I got tired of the struggle and began to grow my hair out.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I transition for 7 months (both times) For some reason when I get to the 7 month mark I can’t handle the 2 textures any more. Also, at 7 months I have just enough hair to two strand twist.

How would you describe your hair?

Well, I have 4b hair. It’s very thick yet soft some days I have a curly pattern and some days I don’t lol ….My hair has a mind of it’s own.

What do you love most about your hair? I love the uniqueness. I can walk in anywhere and catch someone’s attention. It’s always a conversation piece & show stopper. I love my hair!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? The most memorable part of my journey is how confident I felt once I began my natural hair journey. Has it been easy or difficult or both?! The journey hasn’t always been easy! There are days when my hair is amazing and there other days where I look and say wow my hair is a mess. But the crazy thing is….when I think my hair is looking a mess that’s when people love it the most. J

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles? Micro braids

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others? My family has always embraced my natural hair. I have always had a mind of my own when it comes to appearance. So me going natural really wasn’t a big deal to them. But I do love the reaction I get from little girls! I love it when little girls see the beauty in natural hair.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)? Hair Regimen? What’s that? LOL I say that b/c I really don’t have one. I do have some staple products though….H2O, Oils (jojoba, coconut, grape seed, castor), Unrefined Shea Butter, Mizani Moisture Stretch, Hello Hydrations (conditioner), Tresemmee Shampoo.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs? I love CurlyNikki’s website for natural hair. My favorite YTubers are Naptural85 & ChiselleCouture (even though she’s no longer a YT) she will forever be GREAT! I am really into fashion so I will name my favorite natural hair fashion bloggers J….Godsfavoriteshoes, Considermelovely, Fashionnettework, kdkulture, & fashion_dollface (IG) I have so many more but this is about hair and not fashion! J

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words? Embrace your natural hair journey! Understand your hair will never be like someone else and that great b/c that what makes you who you are. Also know that your hair will grow! It may not grow as fast as you want but it will GROW! The most important information I can give is to ALWAYS give your hair TLC your hair will thank you!

Where can people find you for more information? I’m on Instagram @shaefree