Naturally Fierce Feature: Maddy

 
Hi, my name is Maddy Wooten! I am originally from Charleston, SC, grew up in Orlando and Miami, FLand now reside in Los Angeles, CA! !

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for four solid years now! With the exception of coloring my hair, regretting it, and cutting it off again.

 
What motivated you to transition?

I decided to go natural for several reasons. The most obvious reason was that my hair was severely damaged! 75% of my hair fell out from color and relaxers. It was extremely thin, dry, and constantly breaking! I went from hair that almost reached the middle of my back to hair that barely reached my shoulders! Another reason is that my natural hair compliments me and my personality way more than my relaxed hair did!

 

 

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?


I started out as a slow transitioner because I was still a Miami Heat Dancer at the time and needed to maintain the look that I started the season with. I was also a professional dancer in the Miamiarea and booked all my dance jobs with straight flowing hair. I then left Miami and go underground and take a break from the industry in order to change my hair. This is when I did the big chop. My natural hair was only two inches long at the time. I picked dance jobs at theme parks and cruise ships for the next two years that did not require me to straighten my hair. I actually wore wigs and headpieces for most of my work. This allowed my hair to grow out slowly over time.

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

I absolutely love what my hair says about me! This has made the process a lot easier! It is very easy to not like what you are not use to, so you have to prepare yourself mentally to turn that page and start a new chapter, so that you can FULLY embrace it! I want to be able to inspire other women across the globe to feel the same way about themselves. Going natural provides a sense of self. A sense of accomplishment. A sense of perseverance. It has a magical power that can’t be matched. A confidence that can’t be moved. It is empowering. It is liberating. It is all that it seems to be and more.

 
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

I did side parts a lot to give myself more volume! I really liked head bands to add flavor when my hair was still short! I also twist the very front which was my absolute favorite!

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

The reaction has been great! Not a day goes by without somebody commenting on my hair. Strangers, friends and family alike have all given nothing but good feedback regarding my curly hair. The most memorable reactions are those that result in me inspiring others to go natural as well!

 

 

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?


I am a performing artist and I wash and style my hair according to show days. I need 24 hours of allowing my product to air dry before I can get a full figured poof that is stage ready. I have tried 6 different shampoo and conditioner products and my favorites are Profectiv Megagrowth Stimulating Shampoo and Profectiv Megagrowth Deep Conditioner. I have tried 10 different styling products and my favorite styling products are Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding, Curls Curl Goddess Gel, and Curls Lavish Curl Moisturizer. While my hair is still damp, I section my hair row by row and comb through the product with my fingers from root to tip. When it is at least half way dry, I toss my head left and right, up and down, and twist left and right to allow the air to get between each row and lift my roots. Once completely dry I can fluff out my ends in case clumps of curls are too thick or stuck together. If I need more volume, I lift my hair section by section from the ends, slide my fingers in through the hair only near the scalp, and tug upwards by pulling my hand away from my head one inch. I then carefully remove my fingers, making sure not to pull through the body of my hair. I protect my hair at night in a modified pineapple wrap. My hair will last 5-7 days before I need to start pulling it back with a loose ponytail or perform this ritual again 🙂

Anything you want the readers to know?

I am very excited about this summer because I am also officially releasing a limited edition of my new “Nothing But Natural” racerback tank top! Summertime is upon us and the perfect time to grow out our natural curls! I am campaign to encourage more ladies to embrace their natural textures! I am currently accepting reservations at this time because once this item sells out, it will be discontinued. Anyone interested in guaranteeing herself a tank should send email her name, sizes and quantities desired to nothingbutnaturalapparel@gmail.com.

Where can people find you for more information?

My websites are www.MaddyWooten.com and www.NothingButNaturalHair.com. I also have a Facebook Pages “Maddy Wooten” and “Nothing But Natural”. I can also be found on Twitter (@MissMaddyMad and @NothinBTNatural) and Instagram (@MissMaddyMad and @NothingButNatural).

 
 


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