Naturally Fierce Feature: Amanda | Global Couture Blog

I am Amanda Wilson. I am a 20 year old college student in Pittsburgh, Pa. I’m originally from Topeka, Kansas. I am African American and of Lebanese descent. My hair journey began in 2010. I remember like it was yesterday. I got my last relaxer Sep. 18, 2010. It’s crazy that I still remember that LOL. I never really got relaxers much, maybe 2-3 times a year. I have always had long hair. I was extremely bored with my wrap and go so I decided to transition. I transitioned for about 8 months. I wore alot of flat twists and began to experiment with sew ins. I cut my hair into a bob style for my high school graduation. Shortly after, I did the big chop.

How long have you been natural?

I did my big chop July 17, 2011. So it will be 2 years this year. Yay!

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

Over the years, my hair became very fragile. I had alot of uneven sections all over my hair. I covered it up pretty well because my hair was long. I wanted my hair to be healthy again so I decided to do some research and began to transition. I decided to transition instead of just go all out and cut my hair because it was too drastic for me. In high school, it was all about being cute. I have a big head too so I don’t think it would have looked right on me. I definitely commend those women who did the big chop.

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

The most memorable part of my journey was very recent. In March I decided to cut bangs and dye my hair blonde. WRONG! Never again will I cut bangs (I don’t think). The hair dye was good for a while on my hair but then the color started to look ragged and I just hated how my hair felt. UGH! I had a natural hair epiphany. I decided to do length checks on my hair every two months like TarenGuy916 did when she cut her hair. My hair has been recently trimmed so I’m kind of starting my natural hair journey over again. These last two years have been trial and error but nonetheless fun for me. I now know what NOT to do and I try to help others prevent the mistakes I made along the way.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

My favorite go-to hair style when I was transitioning was definitely the flat twist out. I would use flexi rods on the end to achieve my desired curl. I rocked it! Thats still one of my go to styles today LOL. I have never really been much of a twist-out girl but that’s something new im experimenting with. I’m also trying to do some wash’n’gos. Any low maintenance style really is what I’m all about these days.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others? During my transition alot of people didn’t know what I was doing. I kind of kept it a secret but it wasn’t on purpose. I just didn’t want people asking me too many questions LOL. Eventually, when I started cutting my hair people were asking why I would do that. So maybe March of 2011 I started to tell people that I was transitioning. I received alot of love from the ethnic community but there were also those negative comments like “But you look so pretty with straight hair!” or the “What if it doesn’t look right on you?”. That got annoying FAST! For me, it’s MY hair so if I decide to shave it bald then thats what I’ll do. The person that loved my hair immediately was my Dad. He really didn’t know what to expect. He’s only known me with long straight hair. My mom also liked my natural hair. She’s the one who cut off the rest of my straight ends. Thanks mom!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

On Sundays, I deep condition my hair with my VO5 conditioner. This conditioner gives me so much slip it’s ridiculous. I use my Shea Moisture’s Curl Smoothie for moisture and shine. In my spray bottle, there is biotin, olive oil, tea tree oil, conditioner and water in it. I shake my bottle up and spritz my hair and set it in flat twists in the desired way. I wear my flat twists for about 4 days then I change my style for the weekend. It all depends on how I feel. I am starting in incorporate more wash’n’gos into my regimen. My other favorite pproducts are Eco Styling Gel. I can not live without it. I love the whole Shea Moisture product line. It works great on my hair.

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

My absolute favorite YouTuber is Mae NikkiMae2003 or Natural Chica. She truly inspired me to go natural. We have very similar hair types and I love her personality and how sweet she is. A few other YouTube favorites are Naptural 85, Simplyounique, Char Jay and NaturallyGG. My favorite natural hair website would have to be CurlyNikki.com. I love her site and it’s refreshing to know that there are so many naturals going through the same thing you are. They can give great tips and share their journey to help others. It’s wonderful.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Always follow your heart no matter what. Do not be afraid to step out on faith because God will always have your back.

Where can people find you for more information?

I have a fashion blog. Www.oohlalamandy.blogspot.com Instagram: Oohlalamandy or by email: Oohlalamandyblog@gmail.com