Naturally Fierce Feature: Tasha

September 7, 2015

10641074_985063044375_6390785139768930621_n

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. (Name, where you’re from, etc)

My name is Tasha Wilson. I am a 30 year old naturalista who is a high school teacher from Easton, MD. I have always been known to have thick hair that was hard to detangle. When I was a child, my Mom used to pass out from exhaustion after blow drying my hair. I had my first “Just for me” perm when I was in fourth grade to help my Mom manage my hair.

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

I have been natural for 6 years. At first, I struggled with embracing my curls because I was so used to wearing my hair straight. It brought back memories of when I was a little girl, wondering why I was known as the girl with the big hair and why my hair never looked like anyone else’s. One day, I just decided to stop hiding my hair and wear it in it’s natural state. I’ve been in love with it ever since.

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

With a sensitive scalp, perms always caused sores and breakage to my hair. It became so damaged, that my hair dresser suggested that I stop getting them. I transitioned for about 8 months before deciding to go with the big chop. I transitioned because I was unsure of what my hair would look like at it’s natural state. I was so used to it being straight, I didn’t really know if I would be capable of managing my hair.

4. How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair to be luxurious, long locs. Recently dyed black, and healthy as can be.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

What I love most about my hair is that it’s versatile. It has a mind of it’s own. Before I had locs, I would either wear my hair in big curl ringlets, wear a braid out, small defined curls from a wash and go or wear bantu knots.

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 journey is when I first made the decision to loc my hair on September 21, 2013. A lot of people didn’t think that I would go through with it because I was always changing my natural hair up with various styles. I always loved how locs looked. I thought they were beautiful and I couldn’t wait to embrace my own. The journey has not always been easy. There have been moments when I became frustrated with detangling my hair, prior to having locs. When I first started the loc process, my hair was so short and I wasn’t sure how I could style them. I become very acquainted with youtube. Lol. I love looking at old pictures and witnessing the growth that my hair has experienced since I started my loc journey. I love that having locs require low maintenance in comparison to what I’m used to with my natural hair. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

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

Some of my favorite transitioning hairstyles were 2 strand twists, flexi-rods and sew-in hair extensions. My current dos’ are so diverse. I use pipe cleaners, rods, and various updos to style my locs.

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

Some of my experiences as a “natural” consist of people constantly thinking that they can just touch my hair without asking. Prior to my locs, people were fascinated on how big and soft my hair was. They would always ask me what products I used to define my curls. Now that I have locs, I still come across the same experience of people wanting to touch my hair and asking how long I’ve had them. People typically stare at them and tell me that they are “becoming” on me. Sometimes people ask me if I would ever consider combing them out if I were to get tired of them. When I first mentioned that I was going to loc my hair, family members were a little surprised and was unsure if they would like them because they were so used to seeing me with long, straight hair or big, curly hair. Now that they’re used to them, they love them on me.

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

My hair regimen consists of getting my hair retwisted every month and getting it styled every 2 weeks. During the summer months, I wash my hair and get it retwisted more often because of I exercise a lot and am more active. I go to a hair salon to keep it maintained and moisturized. At night, I wear a silk scarf to keep my hair from drying out or becoming fuzzy. I constantly drink water on a daily basis. Some of my favorite hair products include: Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel, Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil and Shea Moisture Black Soap Dandruff & Dry Scalp Elixir.

11129534_10100194655112165_1151051871656217876_n

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

Some of my favorite natural hair You Tuber’s are Jasmine Rose and Etcblogmag by Yolanda Renee. Some of my favorite natural hair websites/blogs are Curly Nikki, Naptural85 and Franchesca Ramsey.

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

Enjoy and embrace every stage of your natural journey. You’ll have some amazing hair days and you’ll have some challenging days. The natural journey is such a rewarding experience. The more you embrace your journey, the more creative you will be with hairstyles that work best for you.

12. Where can people find you for more information?

For uplifting and inspirational messages, you can find me on Instagram @living_with_purpose