My name is Ana. I’m from the Dominican Republic and I’m 19. My hair journey started completely by accident. I was natural up until about age 10-12. I then went on to use relaxers. But a few years later, I transitioned without noticing and realized that I loved my curls. Some people took it well while others were put off by my decision but I decided to stay natural anyways.
How long have you been natural? It’s really hard to tell, all I know it’s that it’s been a few years.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I transitioned by accident. I wasn’t motivated to use relaxers and my dad stopped caring about buying them, so I just didn’t relax it. There’s no way I could have been a big chopper because I’ve always had long hair and I just didn’t see it necessary.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is a 3b with 3c characteristics. It can be molded into just about any hairstyle but never do it twice. It’s a lion’s mane and I’m mostly trying to keep up with it.
What do you love most about your hair?
What I love most about my hair is the fact that I can make it look like any texture that I know of. Something that just can’t naturally be achieved with straight or wavy hair.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
There are many memorable parts of my journey. Some things I don’t remember anymore but every once in a while similar things happen and it reminds me. One memorable part of my journey was talking with this black lady about our hair and being complete strangers. It was the most comfortable I’ve ever felt with a stranger and the only black person to make me feel like they understood my struggle with my racial identity.
What is it like to date and have natural hair?
First, I don’t date much. The times I have though or the times I’ve liked someone and they acknowledged it…I got mixed reviews. Some liked it and some just didn’t. They either had a problem with length or the curl pattern or when I had it without curl pattern. Even though for me, It was another thing to “worry about”, I like it. It let me know who liked me for me. I currently have a boyfriend who said this “It’s big and it does get in the way sometimes but I couldn’t see you with any other hair. It fits you.”
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
As a transitioner, I was not very good. I learned from experience but I did things you shouldn’t do while transitioning. I used heat and I mostly had my hair down in wash and gos.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Every memory of a family member reacting to my hair is memorable and the majority is negative. They just don’t see this hair as pretty and they do not accept that I prefer curls to straight hair. It’s just something they can’t wrap their head around.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair regimen changes from time to time due to laziness and products that I begin or stop using. I try to wash my hair once a week, deep condition every time I wash my hair and I pre-poo every other wash. Currently I use:Shampoo& Condition- Organix Moroccan Argan OilLeave in conditioner- Just for me hair milk or Eden’s body works coconut and shea leave in Oils- JBCO, Apricot oil, EVOO, tea tree oil, EVCO and indian and gooseberry and argan oilHolding products- Cantu curling cream and Everstyle curling cream
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My favorite natural hair websites include Curlynikki, BGLH andNaturallycurly.com. My favorite youtubers is naptural85 and naturalme4c.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want readers to know that If you’re hesitant to return to natural, you should just do it. Relaxers will always be waiting for you but your natural hair won’t. The more years that pass by, the harder it will be for your hair to return to its intended form. There’s also very little like the freedom of wearing your own…everything and being happy about it.
Where can people find you for more information?
People can find me on:Youtube: Dominican MeridaInstagram: @alisvolatpropiis36
