Naturally Fierce Feature: Melanie B

My name is Melanie Brown, I am 37 years old and a true Jersey girl! I am a wife, mother of two amazing kids and an aspiring makeup artist. My hair journey has been incredible and I love inspire others to love the kinks they were born with!

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for a total of 18 years! In between I had moments where I was frustrated and did not love my hair yet and had it professionally “texturized.” Both times, however, were epic fails and only proved that I needed to learn to accept my curls for what they were!

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
My mother inspired me to go natural. All my life I followed her style from the time I had a say. When she hot-combed her hair, I did the same. When she got a “Leisure Curl” in the 80’s I was amazed and begged her for a “Curl!” Lol. When she relaxed her hair in the 90’s I could not wait to get a perm, even though my scalp burned with each and every touch up. But you couldn’t tell me nothin’, especially when I had the classic “Halle Berry” Boomerang cut! Ha! This proves that mothers have a heavy influence over what their daughters believe about their own hair. My daughter is two years old and I emphasize that her curls are beautiful on every opportunity!

Anyway, one day my mother chopped her hair off into a short fro. I thought it was a bit odd at first but really admired her courage. Eventually a stylist over-processed my hair and I had serious breakage! I knew I would need to cut it but was not ready, so I braided it a bit and when I had a few inches of new growth, chopped it off! At first, I texturized my TWA because I thought I must. Then one day my old boss, (shout out to Gifted Hands Beauty salon in Hackensack, NJ!) suggested that my own curls were pretty and I did not need the chemicals. Well I stopped getting touchups from that day on, just a little gel or curl activator and voile!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My journey was super easy with a TWA. Just wash, gel and go. The issues came when I decided to grow it out. My hair is super thick and the same products did not suffice as I grew length, and 10 years ago, there were few products on the market for African American naturally curly hair. I did lots of puffs and afros, and they were cute but a large afro did not work for me long term. Every morning I had to wet it, get product all through, pick and make sure I did not lay my head against anything for fear of it being flattened! (I know my fro wearers can relate!) I made the mistake of washing it loose back then instead of in large twists as I do now, so detangling was a headache, as we curly girls know that our coils entangle themselves around each other. I lost so much more hair back then from the pulling and ripping! That is when I decided to texturize it once more. The stylist did it improperly and I was left with what looked like a bad wave which I had to blow out and flat iron every time I washed it. That is how big chop #2 came about.

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I am known for my twist outs. I like the idea of updos but they never seem to work out, no matter how many CharyJay videos I watch on YouTube. I love wearing my hair out and I love it big and wild so twistouts are the way to go. This way my hair always stays stretched and so tangles are not an issue. I re-twist every night so I have a fresh look from day to day.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’
Any memorable reactions from family or others? When I had a TWA I got lots of compliments, however, my husband was not thrilled. He likes length. Fortunately for him I know how to work with my hair now! My family and friends has been supportive overall. As for society, I get asked about my hair a lot and really appreciate the compliments. I especially love when a newbie natural, transitioner, or relaxed lady asks how I got here. I offer lots of encouragement! J

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I never shower or sleep with loose hair, it’s always twisted. I sleep on a satin pillow case and/or use a satin bonnet! I only use a large tooth comb when detangling in the shower otherwise; my fingers do all the work! I dust my ends myself every couple of months or more. I flat iron once a year in the winter, mainly for a classic trim and a change, but once it reverts that is it! Otherwise no heat. With the exception of Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, I am a Shea Moisture Fanatic! My faves are their Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner, especially since I now have permanent color. I typically twist with the Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Deep Treatment Masque and spray the Reconstructive Finishing Elixir in before I untwist. The softness and shine that stuff brings is ridiculous!!! I also use Braggs Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar once a month to remove product buildup.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Well, now I am hooked on Global Couture 🙂 but I also like curlynikki.com, and blackgirllonghair.com. A few of my favorite vloggers are aliciajamesmusic, FusionofCultures and of course Naptural85!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want my sistahs to know that no one should be made to feel badly if they relax their hair. But it is important to ask yourself why. Is it because “natural” is not for you, as I have heard some say? If so, how can your natural texture be wrong? You would be surprised at what your hair can do with a little T.L.C. patience, and the right products! Speaking of which, try a product out for 30 days before giving up on it to avoid becoming a product junkie. Also, glam it up! I believe accessories, jewelry and makeup are even more fun when you are natural and you stand out! It is simply untrue that black men hate natural hair. I have observed that they love it and a confident, vibrant woman who rocks it! That is all!

Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on Instagram as Hotfitmama76.