I am Nette Archangel from a village in the lovely state of Louisiana. I am married to Jasmine Archangel and we have two puppies, Crispay and Cinnabun.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since March 2011 so about 2 years and 2 months.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
Seeing other women embrace their natural hair was very inspiring to me. I loved the versatility of the different hair types.I actually experienced the transitioning and big chop. I transitioned for eight months and then big chopped on November 19, 2011.
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 the night of my BIG CHOP. I was excited yet nervous at the same time.
Being natural was really difficult in the beginning because I never did my hair myself. I was always in the salon waiting those long hours we all once experienced. In addition, I had no idea what products to use in my newly BIG CHOPPED NATURAL HAIR. The easiest part has definitely been the time taken to style my hair in the morning. Before going natural it took me anywhere from 20-30 minutes to comb my hair but now it literally take less than 10 minutes with accessories included sometimes.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
My favorite transitioning styles were sew ins. I had two sew ins before the final BIG CHOP.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Becoming natural has been such a BLESSING for me. It has opened many doors and opportunities as well. Again, I never styled my own hair until becoming natural so when I receive compliments on my hair, it just fills my heart with joy. As women, we always want to look our very best and we love receiving compliments especially from another woman.
The most memorable family reaction came from my brother. When I sent him the picture of my big chop, he asked me if I had lost my mind, but I was still beautiful and he loved me. (This is the brother who thinks he is my father)
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
- Monthly or Bimonthly- I prepoo and shampoo when I have lots of product build up
- Weekly- Cowash(detangle), Deep Condition, LOC Method
- Nightly-Spritz (water and evoo mixture), satin scarf and pillowcase
- Morning- Shake and/or Pin and GO
Favorite products:
- As I Am Cowash
- Shea Moisture Enhancing Smoothie
- Coconut Oil
- Aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch Detangler
- Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In
How do you handle negative comments?
I don’t handle the comments, I handle the person by simply saying “I love my hair, would you like some tips on how you can have fabulous hair too.” That sounds mean but it’s the truth, I am me not what social media say I should look like. I look like what God wants me to look like; I embrace the hair I was blessed with at birth.
How did your spouse feel when you decided to go natural?
SHOCKED but supportive at the same time. She wanted to know what she could do to help me with my journey.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My favorite websites are Curly Nikki and Black Hair Media. My favorite Youtubers: Melshary, BlakIzBeautyful, BlackOnyx, Simplyounique, Etcblogmag, Naptural85, and NurekaD.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
- Patience is key.
- Embrace your hair
- Become a product junkie its ok, you need to find out what works best for your hair
- Find a great support system
- You are your hair, not my hair
Where can people find you for more information?
Email: Naturallynette11@gmail.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/naturallynette
Instagram:NaturallyNette04
Twitter: NaturallyNette
