Naturally Fierce Feature: Tae’ Lor

Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 11.50.13 AM

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

My name is Tae’Lor and I am from Washington, D.C. I started my natural hair journey when I was 18 years old for multiple reasons. Mainly because I hated getting perms! Another was that I wanted to be slightly rebellious; it was very often that I would ask to have my hair colored or for cool bangs and my mothers answer was always “NO.”

I was very scared to go natural because I was not sure if I would actually be able to take care of my hair. At the time, I was living in New York and would come home every two weeks to get my hair done. My whole life, my mom had been doing my hair for me. This was not only a hair journey for me; it was also a transition for me doing more for myself.

2. How long have you been natural?

I actually only had a perm for about 4 years. In the first week of June, I hit my 4-year mark being natural.

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

My best friend actually motivated me to go natural. She had recently gone natural as well and she kept telling me “just think about your hair’s potential.”  I was going back and forth wanting a relaxer because transitioning for the first year was tough but along with her in my ear as well as the fact that I hated getting perms, I pulled through.

Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 11.50.42 AM

4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair texture would probably be described as 4B. It’s very kinky and thick and I often get people who are in awe of how soft it is when they ask to touch it.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love how diverse it is. Well, all natural hair in general. If I want to flexi rod my hair, straighten it, braid it, or just do a wash and go, it would take time but I could make it happen.

Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 11.50.03 AM

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

Hmmm. The most memorable part of my journey would have to be when I first colored my fro 2 years ago. It was bitter/sweet because the color was beautiful and I had never changed my hair color before, but I also had to learn how to manage it all over again. It became very dry and brittle in the beginning and I got to a point where I wanted to cut it all off. With time, I learned how to take care of it a little better. Over time I have been able to cut the color out. I miss it a lot but I probably would not do it again.

Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 11.49.53 AM

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

During my first year of transitioning, I wore braids majority of the time. After my first big chop, I still had about an inch or two of perm left on my ends and I found it very easy to do Bantu knots. When I cut the remaining relaxed hair off, I began doing twist outs every night and as my hair got longer I started trying new styles. Below are photos before and after my first big chop.

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

Well, when I first started going natural I was getting mixed reviews. Some people were telling me to hang in there but those were the same people that were natural as well. I had a tough time transitioning because most of my family members were constantly asking, “what are you doing to your hair?” and “why won’t you let your mom put a perm in your hair?” Now they all love my fro! It’s a great feeling when my close friends and some followers on Instagram message me to let me know that I inspired them to go natural.

Screen Shot 2015-07-22 at 11.50.31 AM

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

My wash day consists of Tresemme Naturals shampoo, Organix B5 conditioner, coconut oil, and Dark and Lovely Au Natuale Anti-Breakage Super Softening Hair Butter or Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner. I wash my hair twice with Tresemme and then use the Organix to condition and easily detangle it.  I often let the conditioner sit for about 10 minutes just to make sure it is properly moisturized. After rinsing, I rub coconut oil throughout my hair before using the D&L Hair Butter or leave- in conditioner to style my twist out. Most of the time I let my hair air dry over night and may use Dark and Lovely Au Naturale No Crunch Nourishing Pomade to add shine and moisture when I take out the twists.

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

GlobalCoutureBlog.net

BlackGirlLongHair.com

CurlyNikki.com

Youtube.com/Naptural85

Youtube.com/FusionOfCultures

Youtube.com/NaturalNeiicy

Youtube.com/MyNaturalSistas

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

If you are transitioning or considering going natural, STAY STRONG!!! It will all be worth it all you need is patience.

12. Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram: Queen_Taelor

http://youtube.com/curlmates

http://rootsandstems.tumblr.com/


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge