I go by Jazz. I’m from Brooklyn, NY; but my background is Grenadian.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural all of my life, but I became a “healthy” natural in March 2011.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I was doing a gap year between high school and college and was allotted much time to “find myself,” During this time, I began learning more about what I love. I started a garden, began cooking on a daily basis and baking and playing piano on a daily basis. I also discovered YouTube natural hair tutorials.
Prior to this, I was adding heat to my hair in the form of blow driers, flat irons and hot combs on almost a daily basis because I thought my natural hair was uncontrollable. However, I haven’t added any form of heat since watching that first video 3 and a half years ago.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is a mix of 4a and 4b. The back (nape area) is 4a, but does not consistently grow. I’ve always had issues making that part of my hair grow out. The rest (top and middle) is 4b.
What do you love most about your hair?
Its versatility. I can literally make it do anything if I have the right set of tools. With proper moisture, its curls will shine with extreme definition. On the other hand if I use a certain set of curling rods or twist it into bantu knots for a week, I can make it look almost straight without ever having added heat.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I had a wash, condition and put it in braids phase. That got a lot of backlash from friends who thought I had “let myself go.” However, it wasn’t that serious, I simply found it easier to manage, it always resulted in great braid-outs and it was winter, so my chunky braids protected it from the harsh weather.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I love doing chunky twist outs, but they’re hard to do because the back of my hair is significantly shorter than the front. However, since the front is now past shoulder length upon stretching, the back’s length is becoming irrelevant.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I have some family members who live up to a European standard of beauty and they cant bear the thought of ever having natural hair. They constantly question when I’m going to straighten it. It gets very annoying.
What is your hair regimen (including favorite products)?
I do a pre-wash treatment before I begin washing my hair.
The pre-wash consists of:
A water based mix containing various oils (coconut, avocado, almond, jojoba & olive), Giovanni Tea Tree Conditioner and Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.
I mix all of these ingredients together in a spray bottle.
I then douse my hair in the mixture, put it in big twists and place a clear heat cap over my head for about 2-3 hours.
Rinse and shampoo:
I rinse out the mix and section my hair into 4 parts.
I shampoo each section once of twice.
(I use Giovanni’s Organic Tea Tree Shampoo—I bought them in bulk at Costco). It is vital to use this shampoo because it does not have Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is damaging to hair.
Conditioning:
Once my hair is thoroughly washed, I condition is for five minutes with Giovanni Organic Tea Tree Conditioner. I then wash it out. Then I begin sectioning my hair and apply my homemade deep conditioner. It’s protein rich and extremely moisturizing. (I’ve begun selling it on my personal site WhoIsJazz.com)
I typically twist and bantu knot my hair with the conditioner in and leave my conditioner in overnight with a heatcap.
By the time I rinse it out the next day, it is extremely soft and detangled. Ready to style!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Naptural85 is my absolute favorite. I’ve learned a lot from her. I also enjoy visiting UrbanBushBabes for inspiration and advice.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Natural isn’t a “trend” or a new “lifestyle;” it’s how you’re born. Don’t forget that. I actually have way more confidence wearing my natural hair. I hadn’t realize how severe my lack of confidence was back when I was straightening my hair daily.
Where can people find you for more information?
Personal site: WhoIsJazz.com
JazzShoots.com—I am a freelance photographer & web designer and developer
CakeJazz.com—organic dessert baker
I’m also on Instagram (@JazzyBelle__) that’s two underscores and on Tumblr plightofthephoenix.tumblr.com
Reading your article has greatly helped me, and I agree with you. But I still have some questions. Can you help me? I will pay attention to your answer. thank you.