Naturally Fierce Feature: Lynette

May 12, 2013

My name is Lynette and I live 25 minutes outside of Memphis, TN. My natural re-birth about 7 years ago. My decision to return natural happened after the death of my Mom in 2006. The stress of losing her so suddenly took its toll on my weight and hair. So in 2007 I did the BIG chop, and never looked back!

How long have you been natural?

I have been without a relaxer for about 6 years now. Growing up I always assumed, like many young black girls, that I needed a relaxer to be able to manage my hair. It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I learned that all my hair needed was patience, and a little t.l.c.

What motivated you to go natural?
The curiosity of knowing what my own hair looked like motivated me to become relaxer free. I was always told by my mom and her sisters that my hair was “beautiful” as a child. Heck to be honest, I thought it was downright embarrassing that I hadn’t a clue to what the hair growing from my scalp looked like. After about six months of being relaxer free I big chopped. I am waaaaaay to impatient to transition.

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

The most memorable part of this journey would be the reaction of others. You would have thought I tattooed my face from the reactions I received after I cut my hair. So many people (especially African Americans) couldn’t understand why I would choose to cut my hair, let alone “go natural.”

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’
When I first big chopped wash and go’s where my go to. I could hop in the shower wash my hair and go. It was also very easy for me to curl or straighten my hair myself. Now that it has gotten longer I wear it in buns, twists or let it hang loose. Doing the latter is fun but I always pay for it at the end of the day because it takes me hours to detangle my hair with my fingers.

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

My experience has been mostly good. Once my family and friends got over the initial shock of me cutting all my hair off I received nothing but love and support from them. Some of them even decided to do the same!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I can’t say that I have a regime. I co-wash my hair once or twice a week using either Alba’s or Just for Carrot’s conditioner. I wash my hair with the same shampoo once a week. I try not to use shampoo as often because my hair is fine and easily stripped.

(adorable)

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

One of my favorite natural hair You Tubers would be AfricanExport, IvyCharlaine and Hey Fran Hey. I love Curly Nikki’s blog I don’t get a chance to visit it much but when I do I always find information that’s helpful for me.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

For anyone deciding to take this journey I would advise them to be patient and find what works best for their hair. This process WILL take trial and error, but don’t be afraid IT’S ONLY HAIR!

Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram- Prtty_iz_az_Prtty_Dz email- Lynette824@live.com