How long have you been natural? It will be 2 years on 09.29.2013.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I was in a car accident in 2011 and my eye was pretty damaged. I couldn’t do anything with my hair as I couldn’t wash it. I couldn’t get water in my eye and I couldn’t bend over for up to a month to prevent more damage and more internal bleeding in my eye. So my relaxer was beyond tragic by the time I was able to wash my hair. And since I didn’t want to do any more damage to my eyes and skin because of the accident, I decided to go natural. I transitioned from May to September 2011 and then cut off all the remaining relaxer. I just got tired of dealing with two different textures, and cut it all off. I’ve been happier ever since.
How would you describe your hair?
It’s fine, kinky coily. I would say 4a if you subscribe to hair typing. I also have high porosity hair, dries very quickly and loves shea butter and coconut oil.
What do you love most about your hair?
How versatile and healthy it is. Even when I think it’s too dry, it’s still healthier than at any time I was relaxed. Astrid, my name for my afro, surprises me daily.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable was how fast the time has gone by since I decided to return to my natural hair. The first year was the hardest waiting for it to get to a length that I was happy with and made my twist outs look the way I wanted them to.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Twist outs and puffs. These are still my favorite and go to styles. They’re the easiest for me to do, and don’t take much time.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Most of my friends and family are natural so I haven’t had too much opposition. Actually, when I think about it, I haven’t had any. I’ve gotten more positive feedback from Caucasian women actually. One woman came up to me, literally knocked on my window to tell me how beautiful she thought my hair was. No qualifications about my being black, or ‘for that kind of hair’ just beautiful. I appreciate that people take notice and it opens up opportunities. Especially living in Seattle/Tacoma where we have a lot of mixed people, the textures, needs, products we all use are varied.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I wash twice a month with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention shampoo and deep condition twice a month with Palmer’s Coconut Protein Masque (don’t sleep on this one, great slip, smells wonderful, and my hair is QUENCHED). I also do an ACV cleanse once a month to remove styling buildup from throughout the month. My favorite products are Shea Moisture, Eden’s Body Works coconut shea co-wash, and their styling soufflé. I also love, LOVE LOVE the shea moisture moisture retention shine/protect spray. Excellent at keeping frizz down and adds extra shine when I’m wearing twists for a couple of days. I also love Carol’s Daughter mimosa hair honey to take down my twists and for giving my puffs that extra pop of shine.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I love naturallycurly.com, sisterswithbeauty.com great information and for different styling options, the swb site has plenty. I love etcblogmag, naturallycurious, melshary, iknowlee as well. I try to look and watch people who have the same hair texture as I do. Length doesn’t matter, as long as I can relate. Naturallyfashionable is another one of my favorites. Her fashion and hair are fabulous.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I would want readers to know that while, the song says we are not our hair, we really are. It’s an extension of our beings, our souls, our history, our present and our future. It’s not a fad either. But it’s important to not get caught up in all the trends. If you find a product that has silicones, petroleum, use it!!!!! I still have royal crown in my collection because it works when I can’t spend 20$ on carol’s daughter. Do you, fabulous. That’s why I called my blog The Good Curl, it’s a play on words for The Good Girl. We have, like our hair have our rebellious moments, but we know what we are about, we have fun, and we do it with style.
Where can people find you for more information?
I am at the following:
Blog: www.miracurls.wordpress.com
Facebook: robin joelle levere josey
Instagram: thegoodcurl
Twitter: the_good_curl
Tumblr: the_good_curl
YouTube: Robin Josey (channel: The Good Curl)
