Naturally Fierce Feature: Takeya

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Hi ladies, My name is Takeya. I’m 25 years old and I’m a Chicago native, born and raised! I’ll be graduating in one month with my master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent psychology. My goal is to help the youth especially in Chicago. I’m a firm believer that we have to help individuals in their youth in order to produce healthy functioning adults. I plan to get my Psy.D …..one day. I need a break from school!! Interestingly there’s a lot of psychology behind this natural hair thing!

How long have you been natural?

Wow, this question just made me realized I’ve been natural 4 years now! June 2010- June 2014

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I was a transitioner. A friend of mine convinced me to go natural one summer when we were home from school while in college. I saw the growth and overall health of her hair and it made me curious. She told me to watch Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” and introduced me to the blog Black Girl Long Hair and it changed how I looked at natural hair. I transitioned through sew ins because my mind was too weak to deal with how I would look or be perceived if I wore my hair out. I transitioned for a little over a year then cut at least 3 inches of hair off to get rid of the rest of my permed ends.

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How would you describe your hair?

I don’t really get too deep into the “texture types” but many people ask what’s my texture. I’m a 3C/4A texture. So in some areas I have curly coil type textures (mainly in the back)  and in other areas my hair has a “springy” type texture or “S” type curls.

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What do you love most about your hair?

I’ve come to love my hair over the past 4 years. It definitely has a mind of its own. Some days I have great hair does and other days my hair is stubborn and refuses to cooperate.

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

I believe the most memorable parts of my journey has been reflecting back on pictures and seeing how much growth I’ve had over the years. Sometimes I look at pictures from three years ago and say “wow my hair has really grown.” I didn’t document/take pictures of my hair a lot in the beginning, so I don’t have as many pictures as I do now. Instagram wasn’t as big back then. Another memorable experience has been becoming a beauty ambassador for Haute Kinky Hair. This opportunity has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people. My journey hasn’t been hard at all. I’ve had so many positive people in my corner that encouraged me along the way.

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What are  some of your favorite  hairstyles?

I love puffs. They are my “go to” style when my hair doesn’t cooperate. I also love side puffs and fluffy braid outs. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been protective styling with Haute Kinky Hair natural hair extensions. Protective styling has contributed to the health and growth of my hair.

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What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?

Strangers always compliment me on my hair which is always nice. I noticed other races compliment my hair a lot and I noticed older men would approach me more often.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I wash every two weeks using Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter shampoo and Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. I love all their products. The Raw Shea Butter line is my staple. I also use As I Am Double Butter cream as a backup.

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What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

I love MyNaturalHairSistas, Iknowlee, and Ambrosia Malbrough. I watched them religiously when I first went natural. I still do! I also love Curly Nikki and Haute Kinky Hair’s new blog …..I write for the blog 🙂

 Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Love and embrace everything about your hair! We are unique if you think about it. Nobody has your EXACT texture but you!

Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram: takeya_monique

Youtube: ikeya88

 

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