Naturally Fierce Feature: LaToya

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

My name is LaToya Augustine. I’m a New Orleans girl born and raised but I’ve lived in North Carolina for the past year.

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

I big chopped on October 28, 2012 so I’ve been natural for a little over two years. I didn’t always embrace my curls mainly because I have more kinks than curls, but the better I got at styling, the more my love grew.
3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I transitioned for six months. I wish I could say my big chop happened due to some well thought out plan to go to a stylist, on a certain day, when the stars aligned but it actually happened because I got caught in the rain one day and I ended up with a mini fro with weird strands sticking out. It had to go. I initially transitioned because I was tired of giving myself perms. Because my hair is so thick, and I move around so much (sweating out my perms) I found I needed touch-ups more than the average woman with my length and texture. I wanted to do this a long time ago, but I was worried about what others would think. After big chopping, most of my friends and family pointed out I seemed to be more comfortable in my own skin. THEY WERE RIGHT!

curly fro
4. How would you describe your hair?

For description purposes, I’m a 4C hair chick. My hair is thick and very kinky with a small area in the back that actually has curls instead of kinks. Some wouldn’t believe how soft it really is. My sons have named her (my hair) Black Cotton. It’s an accurate description.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love my hair’s versatility!

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

The most difficult part of my journey was learning to style my hair. I have cut my hair several times in the past but I’ve always gone to a stylist if my hair was any length shorter that five inches. When I big chopped, I did it myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted someone else touching my hair until I figured out exactly what I wanted to do with it. I tried styles I loved from magazine pictures and YouTube videos but my fatal flaw was attempting to copy styles done on women with different textures than mine.

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

While transitioning, I lived for a good bantu knot out. It was my go-to. It never looked the same way twice but it never failed. Now I love flat twistouts.

afro puff

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

I’ve received positive feedback for the most part. My mom was natural before me so she LOVES my natural hair. My Pop (my dad) had to come to terms with the fact that I was “bald” for a little while but he got over it. The initial reaction I got from men my age was very mixed, especially from those who knew me when my hair was much longer. I was never upset by it. I was more so puzzled about other’s need to provide their opinion on my hair. That was the past though. Today I get compliments every time I go out. Acceptance is very empowering. I don’t expect society to accept me 100% of the time but I’m a very positive person so I believe you get back what you put out. Nowadays, my hair is more of an extension of my personality and not viewed as some statement I’m trying to make.

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

I use Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration and Hydrolicious lines for shampoo and conditioner. I follow that with Shea Moisture’s Coconut and Hibicus hair milk and curl enhancing smoothie. Between washes, I apply warm coconut oil and a mixture of Carol’s Daughter’s Sacred Tiare Anti-breakage and Anti-Frizz leave in conditioner and water to refresh, retwist and restyle.

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

Currently my favorite YouTuber is Yolanda Renee of EtcBlogMag. All-time favorites include Joulzy, BlackOnyx77 and MyNaturalSistas.

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

IT GETS BETTER! Bad hair days come with and without chemicals. Its more of a “bad day” issue than a “bad hair day” issue. Just go with it. Confidence is the key. My favorite motto is fake it til you make it! If you smile, you can’t help but feel just a little bit better.

12. Where can people find you for more information?

Of course you can find me on IG: @Nola_Natural. I also started a small blog, www.fancyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com. Its in the early stages and I’m still working a few things out but we all have to start somewhere right?

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