Naturally Fierce Feature: Shatera

October 16, 2015

Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.

My name is Shatera Taylor. I was born and raised in East Orange, NJ. I am a social worker with Care Plus, NJ for the mental health community and a mentor for the youths, primarily teenage girls.

How long have you been natural?

As of 9/15/15….I will be celebrating my third year anniversary of being a Naturalista.

Have you always embraced your curls?

In the beginning….absolutely not. It took quite sometime to get use to the transition as I was always use to a center type of length. However, as time progressed, I’ve grown to develop a positive relationship with my hair. Wouldn’t trade her for the world.

What motivated you to transition?

My cousin Ursula and my mother (Iris) really encouraged me to go natural but to start fresh with my journey. So “Big Chop” it was. So liberating.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I started with transitioning but to handle two types of hair was very dreadful at times due to massive shedding and the headaches from trying to comb my hair from the roots on out on a daily basis……OMG!!!! It was nojoke.com. So I had to let go of my relaxed hair in order to really start my journey of becoming natural. Best decision of my life.

How would you describe your hair?

It’s a brick house (singing)…..THHIIICCKKK! Lol! Just full of thickness and boompowness.

What do you love most about your hair?

It’s versatility. My hair makes it’s own statement. I am privileged to be able to ROCK her. I call my hair “Queen Pulchritude” meaning “Beauty”. I love her and she loves me back.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?

Doing the “Big Chop”. Who would’ve thought….my friends and family were shocked….and so was I. Lol!

Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

I would say more easy than difficult. We all have our “Natural Blues” moments. But again….I wouldn’t trade becoming natural for the world. Just ride the storm and figure out the errors of your hair and get back to rocking your mane.

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

During the beginning stages….I’ve wore lots of “Wash and Go’s”. But as my hair gotten longer during this journey….I do a lot of two strand twist styles and allow that hair to stretch into a big fro.

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

In the beginning, of course a lot of people were shocked that I’ve cut all my hair off. But they embraced and supported my journey then and now. The support is always there and for that….I am forever grateful. Every gathering….my hair is always the focus along with questions on how I maintain my hair or what did I do to get it to grow so fast.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

To maintain or stretch out a style….I tie it up every other night using so creme (Miss Jessie’s Buttercreme) and Black Jamaican Castor oil. I tie my hair with a silk scarf to silk bonnet and also using a silk pillow case. I think I OD’d on my hair protection as I have a satin bonnet on my head rest in my car. You have to keep those oils locked in. Every step counts.

In regards to washes:

I do a ….

-Honey Hot Oil Treatment (my favorite)

-Protein Deep Conditioner once a month using Bananas….Avocados….EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) etc. I have the videos posted on my IG for further details.

But in regards to products….I am very simple. I didn’t fall into the “Product Junkie” phase. My favorite products for my hair are as followed:

-Queen Helene Cholesterol

-Black Jamaican Castor Oil

-Palmers hair grease

And the latest

-Miss Jessie’s Buttercreme OMG!!!!

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs? I love Naptural85, CharyJay, TarenGuy and Mini_Marley. They are so humble and patient with the natural community. CharyJay is my twin. And I’ve told her that one time during a post in my IG. Just her responding made my day.

Anything you want the readers to know?

Don’t become a “Product Junkie” consistency is KEY. This journey is more about process consistency than product. Discover what works for your hair and have fun with it. Also be patient….become friends with your hair. Love it and she will love you back. TRUST! Inspirational words? Be a blessing to someone. Remain humble during this journey. Someone ask a question about your hair or looking for suggestions….answer them and be honest as possible.

Where can people find you for more information?

They can follow me on IG @napturaldivas2adore. This is a new journey for me and I am still growing. I am willing to help people along the way….you never know who you are inspiring and vice versa. I am truly blessed with what God has in store for me.