Naturally Fierce Feature: Kathleen

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1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. 

My name is Kathy (a.k.a Urban Beauty Within on YouTube). I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. My hair journey started because of poor hair care decisions I made in the past.

2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?

January 2015 I will be natural for 3 years! I have not always embraced my curls. When I was growing up in the 90’s, the Spice Girls were very popular. I loved Scary Spice and the aspect I liked the most about her was her BIG Natural curly hair. I wished deep down that I could wear my hair just like that. If I could’ve fast-forwarded my life I would have NEVER thought I would be wearing my hair natural at all. Another singer that gave me the thought of wearing my hair natural was Kelis. I remember watching the “Caught Out There” music video and how I was memorized by her curly colorful locks. But I still felt like I could never embrace my curls like Kelis and Scary Spice did. My father’s hair was thicker than mine and my mother’s hair is thinner. Because of this, my mother didn’t fully know how to care for my hair correctly. My mom just used to wash my hair every 2 weeks and braid it up. My hair used to be very thick and soft when I was growing up. But because I wasn’t getting the proper care for my hair, my hair would be dry a lot when I was growing up. I did not like my hair when I was young. I thought it was ugly.

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3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? Why?

At one point in my life, I used to get my hair professionally done. My husband, who was my boyfriend at that time, encouraged me to try doing my own hair instead of dishing out a lot of money every 2 weeks. I listened and began caring for my own hair. I was still straightening, but without using relaxers. I wanted to dye my hair blonde. My previous hair stylist refused to dye my hair blonde. When my mind is set to do something, I do it. I bleached and dyed my own hair to blonde. A part of me still regrets doing that to this day, but the other half of me is happy about making this mistake because this is what led to my natural hair journey. My hair was no longer healthy and felt like hay. I was sick of trying to live with my super damaged hair. I had a friend that was natural and asked her if I should go ahead and cut off all my hair. She agreed with me, so 20 minutes later I did the big chop. I was happy about cutting off my damaged hair, but insecure about having short hair for the first time. Because of my insecurities, I bought some lace wigs and even created my own. Eventually I became comfortable enough to wear my short hair out in public.

4. How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as soft, fluffy, and fun. My hair is categorized as high porosity, meaning that my hair needs to be moisturized with water more frequently. My hair type is 3B and 3C (Curly Spirally and Curly Coily).

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5. What do you love most about your hair?

What I love most about my hair is how soft it is and the versatility. The types of hairstyles I can do are unlimited!

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

The most memorable part of my hair journey has been doing the big chop, educating myself with how to properly care for my hair type, and creating my own YouTube channel to help other with their own natural hair journey. The natural hair journey has been both easy and difficult for me. The easy part to me is not having to blow dry and straighten my hair. The hard part of being natural is when your peers don’t fully understand why I chose to go natural. At the end of the day it’s my hair and my life, so forget what others think!

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7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

My favorite transitioning style when my hair was short was finger coils. I think they look so stylish.

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

A lot of my family members and friends were equally shocked that I did the big chop, but they all where proud of me for having the guts to do so.

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9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I co-wash my hair once every week for 4 weeks. After the fourth co-wash I was my hair, condition and deep condition. After I wash my hair, I always do the LOC method and braid up my hair. The products that I use for my co-wash andwash days are Tresemme Naturals Moisture Shampoo, Tresemme Naturals Curl Hydration Conditioner, and Aussie Moist as my deep conditioner. If you are willing to spend more money I would suggest using Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner. It is so hydrating and makes you hair feel so soft. For my LOC Method, I love to use Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-in Conditioner, Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil, Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Pure Shea Butter.

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

My favorite YouTuber’s are TheChicNatural, Alyssa Forever and Mo Knows Hair.

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11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I would like for all the readers out there to know that it’s okay to want to be different. Being unique is a gift and do not take it for granted. If you feel like going natural is something you should try then do it!

12. Where can people find you for more information?

I actually have my own YouTube channel (Urban Beauty Within). Please check
out my channel and subscribe 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBa5tvNdr2v6MeMjb_UBng

Instagram- @urbanbeautywithin

Twitter- @ubwithin

Tumblr- @urbanbeautywithin

If you would like to contact me for any business inquires email me-
urbanbeautywithin@gmail.com

 

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