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

My name is Aleka C. Thrash from Las Vegas, NV currently residing in Grand Rapids, MI

2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls? I have been natural for about 11 years.

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

I transitioned for about a year without doing the Big Chop in 2005. I did that by cutting my hair little by little for about a year. I had an awesome stylist who helped me transition by wearing my hair straighten, braided styles and a few sew-in weaves.

4. How would you describe your hair? According to L.O.I.S. African American Natural Texture Typing System my hair is a mix of 4b/4c meaning very cotton like, fragile and tightly coiled “Z” curl pattern.

5. What do you love most about your hair?I love everything about my hair, I feel free and have some many styling options. My hair is so much more healthy and grows way better than it did while relaxed.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?! The beginning of my journey was very difficult. Once I was completely natural I felt ugly at the time there were very few examples and most of the people around me didn’t understand why I wanted to be natural. The best part now is encouraging young women to love themselves as a whole not just their hair.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’? My favorite transitioning hairstyles then included cornrow braids updo hairstyles and now included braid outs, and twist outs.

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural.’ Any memorable reactions from family or others? When I first went natural I didn’t get positive feedback people thought I was trying to make a political statement.  Now I get so many complements and question about what I do. That is why I started Naturally ACT as a way to share my journey.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)? I have two different regimens: one is a co-wash using conditioner in place of shampoo the other is with shampoo. I like wash my hair every week (shampooing once a month) lately I have only had time to wash my hair every two weeks.

On shampoo days I like to do pre-condition and oil my scalp before I shampoo, yes this sounds a little backwards however I have high density hair and tend to style with heavy cream base products and pre-poo (poo – meaning washing before shampooing) helps get rid of dandruff and excess buildup. I pre-poo with a deep treatment masque and heat from a steamer this helps the conditioner penetrate deeper into my hair and ensure the best absorption of nutrients in my hair.

While shampoo I like to stimulate my scalp by using a Scalp Invigilator to help cleanse and exfoliate my scalp. This also promotes circulation to my scalp. I also to use the ‘Wash Rule’ simply shampoo and rinse three times. I like to clarify my hair about every other month or when I feel my hair needs and extra cleansing. After clarifying I make a special rinse: I mix a half cup Apple Cider Vinegar with and one cup of water.

On co-wash days I like to use a cream conditioner, the process is similar to the shampooing. I just simply wash my hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. When co-washing I usually do a wash and rinse twice. I have found that my hair feels more hydrated after I co-washing. With every wash I use my Scalp Invigilator it’s like getting a scalp massage every week.

My favorite products include:

• Shampoos:

  • SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

  • The Mane Choice Easy On The CURLS Detangling Hydration Shampoo

• Co-Washes:

  • Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

  • The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be Co-Wash, Leave In, and Detangler

• Deep Treatments:

  • SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

  • EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Hair Masque

• Detanglers:

  • SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler

  • The Mane Choice Easy On The CURLS Detangling Hydration Conditioner

• Conditioners/Leave-ins:

  • SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner , The Mane Choice Easy On The CURLS Detangling Hydration Conditioner

• Hair Tools:

  • Denman brush

  • Wide tooth comb

  • Curlformers .

• Hair Oil

  • The Mane Choice Multi Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil,

I use essential oils that help naturally nourish, strengthen and protect my hair. My go-to essentials oils are rosemary (supports hair loss & breakage), lavender (sedative qualities & smells amazing), cedarwood (dandruff/eczema) & geranium (dry hair).

Note:  For hair, I recommend mixing essential oils with a carrier oil. Typically I include essential oils in my DIY shea butters, conditioners & flax seed gel. The best carrier oils are coconut, jojoba, olive oil, avocado, argan, rosehip and so many more.

Some of my favorite carrier oils include: EVOO: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Emu Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Grapeseed Oil. Neem Oil . Favorite essential oils include: Burdock Oil, Basil Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil.

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

Some of my favorite YouTuber’s include:

• Whitney White aka Naptural85 – https://www.youtube.com/user/Naptural85

• CharyJay – https://www.youtube.com/user/160Days2Lose2

• Ebony Bomani aka EClark – https://www.youtube.com/user/eclark6

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

I absolutely love being natural, going natural was the best decision I ever made. Let’s be honest it’s so not easy, there are days when I just don’t feel like washing my hair or even going to my 6:00am hair appointment but I do why yes Because I LOVE BEING NATURAL!!!

Being Natural is about being completely free and uninhibited.

Being Natural… I now see my beauty in a whole new way.

Being Natural is allows me to be uniquely me.

Being Natural is liberating.

Being Natural gives me the opportunity to be uninhibited in my style.

Being Natural inspired me to be healthy, mind, body & sprit.

Being Natural sets me apart and allows me to be original.

Being Natural gives me courage to be uniquely me. “My hair represents the courage”.

Being Natural offers endless style possibilities from a ‘Wash’n Go’ to ‘Long Silky Weave or Wig’

Being Natural…. I love my texture God created me like this and I rock it with class…

Being Natural… I love the versatility…

It’s funny I receive compliments every day, and without fail at least one negative statement, even with the negative statements I LOVE BEING NATURAL!!!!

http://naturallyact.com/2015/07/01/being-natural/

12. Where can people find you for more information?

Blog: www.naturallyact.com
Facebook: NaturallyACT

Instagram:@NaturallyACT

Twitter:@actphotomedia

Website: www.alekacthrash.com