Naturally Fierce Feature: Alisha

March 28, 2016

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

My name is Alisha. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY, Syracuse, NYand now currently living in CT. I work for a utility company which involves long hours sometimes unpredictable in storms. With all that being said I’m also a single mom so I try to keep my hair easy as possible for that reason.

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

I’ve been natural most of my life I couldn’t wait to get a perm when I was in 3^rd grade, I finally got one and my scalp HATED it. It would itch, burn, and torture my poor little head to the point where my mother just stopped giving them to me and just let my hair do what it do. I started doing my own hair in 6^th grade (I have the crazy pictures to prove it). I went to a majority white school so I wanted to look like everyone else. I hot combed my hair regularly because afros don’t fit in ponytails and buns and they just weren’t acceptable or cool then. I would say by the time I got to high school I would wear my afro and I was comfortable in it. I embraced my curls and rocked my hair. I wore a relaxer for some years to be able to copy off of HalleBerry and Rhianna (take a bow video) it became too much work and too much money to constantly get it done so back to natural I was.

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

Me personally, am not truly attached to my hair. It doesn’t define me. I can feel beautiful with a big afro or a centimeter of hair. I am a serial big chopper. Anything will make me cut off my hair and start over, a breakup, heat damage, a cute picture on pinterest, too much maintenance. I would describe myself as a low maintenance natural, I don’t want to spend 2 hours twisting and retwisting, pre-pooing, no-poong, deep conditiong, deep oil treatment, creating hair products in my kitchen I just want to get up and go with minimal effort. I absolutely respect and appreciate the naturals that do that. I’ll watch it on youtube and never do it myself.
4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair is 4a,b, some parts are tightly coiled especially in the middle of my head and my hair line is pretty fine. I could be rocking an afro and riding in the car with the window down and get out to my hair blown straight in front by the wind (not a good look…ever).
5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love my curls they are quite cute with a load of product and gel keeping it together which is why I love it short the most I cant wash and out and reapply. No day 2 hair for this girl! I love versatility I like that I have the option to wear it straight or curly.
6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

My journey isn’t really a journey its just life, so lets say it’s easy. I like to switch it up I braid it, wear wigs, I grow it out, cut it off, you name it I’ve had it! My facebook page could be a black hair magazine all in itself… Seriously
7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’

I like to do my hair myself so I LOVE box braids. My favorite is probably braids with curly hair that looks like I woke up this fabulous with no effort! I love big curly wigs! Crochet braids I just learned how to do on myself so now I’m online looking at hair I want to buy and crochet into mine all the time. It’s a problem!

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

My grandmother is 93 so her reaction to me when I showed up to her house involved her mentioning my “bush” and not understanding why I didn’t comb my hair. I work with a lot of people who get amazed at the fact that my hair grew 18 inches overnight. They are completely fascinated by the fact I can attach hair to my own. I regularly have to explain “how I did that.” I ALMOST have them trained to the point a good majority don’t ask “how” anymore, they just say “I like that one.”
9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I’m simple I like to use olive or coconut oil, ECO styler argan oil gel, and Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie when I’m actually wearing my hair out. Other than that when my hair is braided or crocheted I just spray with oil and water or a little bit of leave in conditioner when my hair feels like its getting dry.

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

I like Curly Nikki, I like watching Taryn916, most of the time I use Youtube to decide if I want to buy some hair, a wig, or try a style so I don’t usually limit myself to one person. I like to see certain styles and products on multiple people so I can make an informed choice! Youtube has helped me to pick (and not to pick) so many wigs!
11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

My main thing would be stay true to yourself! You see these bloggers on Youtube and they are absolutely amazing. It makes you want to go to Whole Foods and buy everything all natural go in the kitchen and start whipping up your own hair gel. I have a job, a home to take care of, and a tween at home I have no time for that. I use regular shampoo, regular conditioner, regular gel when I need it and I keep it simple. If you have the time great! If not, you are no less natural than anyone else! My hair to me is JUST hair. It can be changed with my mood and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
12. Where can people find you for more information?

I’m on instagram @Alisham17 email: Ammhjm1@aol.com
You can add questions such as dating while natural, feeling sexy with a fro, styling tips, raising natural kids, etc.