Hey guys, my name is Victoria, 22 & I’m a Caribbean girl from Barbados (: I love anyone or anything that’s “weird” lol, pertaining to fashion and style.
How long have you been natural?
I’d say I’ve been natural for practically entire life until I pulled a short stint. Let me explain. . . So I started getting my hair pressed with a hot comb when I was about 8 which really damaged my hair to the point where I forgot I actually had curly hair. My hair was really fuzzy all the time and hard to tame, so when I was 12 I begged my mom and got my 1st relaxer. Which I loved, but the first time I washed my hair after that 1st relaxer it went poof! and my hair wouldn’t respond to the relaxer so I’d go to the salon but still end up having to use a flat iron to get my hair straight. Until I stopped relaxing my hair and relied solely on the flat iron and eventually grew out of the iron. So I was “not natural” for one year.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
Back then, I wasn’t aware of the terms “transitioning” or “big chopper” and there wasn’t really a natural hair community I could look to for advice so I had to wing it. I started “transitioning” less than a year after my 1st relaxer, not because I wanted to go back natural but because my hair wasn’t responding to relaxer. Then I realized that my hair miraculously started growing back curlier than ever. So I just clipped away my “chemically processed” ends (I wouldn’t call them straight because they never were) a little at a time until they were all gone.
How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as extremely bipolar, lol. It’s been about 21 years and every month I still learn something new. From being really kinky, to tight curls to loose curls, to heart breaking shrinkage to ridiculous length and body to being really lifeless, sigh lol. My hair has definitely taught me how to just “go with the flow”. I seldom accomplish styles that I planned. My routine has become stand in the mirror and let my hair do the talking.
What do you love most about your hair?
Its versatility and strength. I colour my hair every couple of months, i.e. I use really harsh chemicals like bleach. Every single time I go to bleach my hair, I fear that it may fall out lol, but we both like to play Russian roulette.
In terms of its versatility, I can roll straight outta bed and not have to touch my hair or I can hop outta the shower and not have to apply any products. (But I love my products.)
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I had a complete hair transformation in 2012 when I shaved the sides and back of my head. Up until then I didn’t realize the full potential of my hair or understand how to handle and care for my type of hair. I didn’t even know I had a fabulous fro. I would always wear my hair in a basic bun, which was absolutely dreadful, now if I do, it’s not basic because of the sides of my head (:
But discovering products, discovering my hair’s superpowers, experimenting with colour and cuts has been absolutely fun!
What are some of your favourite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?
I’ll be your cautionary tale for the day. When I was transitioning, I flat ironed my hair religiously because I had no idea what I was doing. Stay away from the flat iron! After I transitioned I had to transition again from heat damaged to healthy hair. So stay away from the flat iron! and seek advice (:
I love updos so I can reveal my sides of my head. I just discovered scarves, so I wear them every chance I get. But my absolute fav is wearing my hair wild & free.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
In general, people react pretty positive to my natural hair. Every time I get complimented I feel as if I just won some award, lol. & I get to be lazy and still look fab! But it’s my styling choices that’s makes me get the side eye sometimes. Though I still get tons of compliments about my shaved sides, I’ve had to answer the judgmental question “Why did you cut your hair?” about a trillion times.
When I first shaved my sides my mom hated it, especially when I would add designs, she would beg me to grow my hair out. But as calmly and respectfully as I could, I explained to her that this style genuinely makes me happy, lol. Sounds cheesy, but I really do love my hair and having the freedom to do whatever I please with it, makes me happy.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I used to be a product junkie. Until I ran out of products one day and had to resort to what was left in my cupboards. Now I’m pretty simple.
To Wash: I use Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo or I Co-Wash with Dark & Lovely’s Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Knot-Out Conditioner. I part my hair in two sections, apply product, wash and rinse. Then I apply more product and I detangle with my fingers or a wide tooth comb if it necessary, wash and rinse and I repeat step 1.
To Condition: I use Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Conditioner and Castor Oil. Still in two sections, I massage the castor oil from root to end, I apply the oil to extremely small sections at a time to define my curls and eliminate frizz. Then, I apply the conditioner to bigger sections. I never comb or brush my hair. After application of the products I place a plastic cap on my head for about 1hr. (I usually do this process when I’m doing chores so I don’t feel the time). Then I rinse.
Deep Conditioner: I use Motions CPR Treatment Conditioner mixed with castor oil. I apply this the same way as I do with my normal conditioner.
To Style: I used to apply the castor oil to hair only after I conditioned it but it was really heavy and annoying so I had a clever idea to include it in the conditioning process and rinse it out. Now because castor oil is so thick, after I rinse, a lot of it would still be left in my hair and scalp so I don’t NEED to use any other products. But I apply a small amount of Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie then I just twist my hair in sections to help with the shrinkage and air dry. As soon as it’s dry, I shake it out so I can start gaining body.
Other Fav Products: Motions Spray Leave-in Conditioner – for everyday styling if my hair is dry. Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect Edges. Organics Olive Oil Leave-in Conditioner. Organics Olive Oil Setting Lotion – for when my shaved sides begin to grow out.
Who is your hair crush?
She’s @alannanicolex on IG
What are some of your favourite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Mostly I just randomly stumble across stuff when I google for advice, lol. But some of the most helpful advice I’ve gotten was from the natural hair website: Black Girl with Long with Long Hair.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Be yourself and do what makes you happy! It sounds so simple but it really isn’t. Do not be afraid to speak your mind or express yourself through your hair or fashion because it’s different or “weird” or because it makes those around you a bit uncomfortable. Trust me, you are not alone in your “weirdness” and your ability to confidently express yourself might be giving someone else the courage to do the same.
Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on Twitter @victoriaftmfw or on IG @crazybeautiful.v
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