Naturally Fierce Feature: Tamara (BKA Naturalhairrules)

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My name is Tamara Floyd. I’m Houston Born but Making Las Vegas my home.  My hair journey began in 2006 when there weren’t a lot of resources online for many naturals so like many women I was learning through trial and error.

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

I big chopped after transitioning for 5 months. I decided the worst time to transition. It was during the hot, humid summers of Houston, TX. But my big chop was somewhat of an accident.

I was watching the makeover episode of American’s Next Top Model Cycle 7, I really identified with Jaeda Young-Englund. I was also the ‘girl with long, pretty hair’. Side note: Its crazy how people define you by your physical attributes, right?

I loved her new, short and hair cute. It inspired me to cut all my hair off. As my stylist began to cut, my pressed hair curled at the roots. I was completely caught off guard.

She said, “you wanted to go natural, right?” I responded with a hesitant “yea”. Followed by another “yea” and then another “yea”. Each subsequent “yea” became a little bit more convincing.   I was still unsure of my new look.  I had never had short hair and then to be short and natural. Anyone who has ever been there, would completely understand. I woke up the next day a little panicked. “What had I done?” I asked myself.

You can read my full Big Chop Story HERE. But eventually, I figure I’d rock it and it actually was cute.  You can see my whole Natural Hair Journey HERE.

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How would you describe your hair?    Long and thick with a high porosity. I really don’t like to get into hair typing because I believe its misunderstand or misused in some cases.

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What do you love most about your hair?  I love the versatility of wearing my hair straight or curly. It’s easy to try different styles.  Going natural has actually simplified my whole beauty routine.    

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?

The hair journey has created so many opportunities for me, for example: I modeled for Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules, I met the beautiful Lisa Price of Carols Daughter and have grown this amazing community with over a million page views in the month of June with Natural Hair Rules!

My natural hair journey has also challenged me to take better care of not just my hair but my body as a whole.

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tam 5
tam 5

Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

I never really thought about it being easy or difficult. There are some days when I stand in the mirror and threatening to cut my hair. But once I learned how to handle and moisturize my hair it become easier and less time consuming.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

For the summertime I love Marley Twists, they are the perfect protective style. My Go-To styles are goddess twists or goddess braids because it takes less than 20 minutes and last, which is great for my busy schedule. The are also perfect for working out regularly.

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tam 6

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

My husband was always very supportive. My mom thought I was crazy because I cut all my hair off. She thought I was going through some dramatic mid-life crisis. Because in her mind, “women don’t just cut off that long pretty hair.”

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I use either Main Element: Love Herbal Shampoo Bar or Jessiecurl Hair Cleansing Cream. I condition with whatever I can grab at the time. I don’t have a conditioner preference. I do an oil rinse  with olive oil and coconut oil and use the loc method with my favorite Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Leave In and then style my hair with a styling product.

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What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs? Of course, one of my favorite blog sites is Natural Hair Rules! I have a variety of experts sharing advice and tips on the blog so I love the perspectives from trichologists, dermatologists, and celebrity stylists.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?  It’s important to remember there are no short cuts to long term results when it comes to Natural Hair. Put in the time to research and learn about your hair.  And practice to achieve your ideal style.

Where can people find you for more information? 

You can reach me at  Natural Hair Rules.com, a site dedicated to encouraging others to be who they are naturally. Visit anytime at www.naturalhairrules.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 


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