Naturally Fierce Feature: Crystal

My name is Crystal Carter. I’m 27, born and raised in Washington, D.C.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve had locs for 7 years this August.

 

What motivated you to go natural?
I started my loc journey in 2006 before returning for my senior year of college at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prior to loc-ing I had been natural for almost 2 years but hadn’t varied too much with styling or products, just found something I liked that would last long and be simple to do ex: straw curls, ponytails, ponytail with a banana clip and bouffant in the front, etc (simple and boring ). I had considered loc-ing for a while during my natural phase and mentioned it to friends as well as my parents, all of whom were supportive but made sure to remind me this phase was permanent. Some friends also considered joining my journey but disliked the permanence or having to experience the “ugly phase.” Finally about a week before returning to my senior year I decided to go for a “big chop/transition” If you will, and get silky twists/dreads (done with a rat tail comb) as opposed to starting locs from two-strand twists. (I ended up going to two different stylists to start my locs because they were too small after the first twist). I started then for various reasons, but it ultimately signaled a turning point and time for growth and change in my life. I would be graduating college and entering the “real world.” At the time it was the ultimate transition, where to go next, what to do with all I’ve learned, who will I become now and who am I supposed to be?

How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as crowning. Beautiful. Long. Interesting. Easy. Conversation started amongst various races/classes of people.

 

What do you love most about your hair?
I love how easy/low maintenance yet creative my hair allows me to be. I love trying new styles and being able to use as few beauty products as possible. I love watching it grow and do its own thing from root to tip.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?  Has it been easy or difficult or both?! Any memorable reactions from family or others?

The journey has been pretty easy for the most part. Some of the most memorable moments, as I assume with most dramatic physical changes, are the initial reactions from family, friends, coworkers, etc. Two other big moments were first being able to curl my locs and dye them on separate occasions after they had matured and fully loc’d and sprouted. Perhaps the only moments of difficulty occurred upon entering my current workforce in law enforcement where I initially received criticism from supervisors about how my hair would conform to the uniform standards. This required slight fight and resistance from me to refuse to cut my hair off or cut it shorter to appease others and fit in with what was “normal/required.” (during this time I simply braided my locs in fishtail braids and tucked the ends.)

Love seeing mothers and daughters going natural together! Both of you look so cute in your Global Couture tees. Thank you~!!!
What are  some of your favorite hairstyles?

Favorite hairstyles over the years have been CURLS (rods, pipecleaners), crimps(Bantu knotting, unbraiding), Updo’s (buns, mohawks, and anything with my hair off my face). Dye, only twice in 7 years, doing it again in a couple of weeks. Making bangs even with the length (barrel roll, swoosh effects, etc)

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My hair regimen is pretty easy and low maintenance. I choose to retwist every month and a half to two months, I don’t mind the new growth all the time. I will wash depending on what’s happening during my weeks/months (if I’m in the gym or going out to smoky lounges, etc, around any odors that my locs can hold I will wash more often or spray with a homemade deodorizer: always trying different combos usually to include apple cider vinegar, baking soda, tea tree, different smell good options: lemon, rosemary, tea, etc). I found that Carol’s daughter products are my favorites. I use the loc butter when retwisting. And shampoo with the rosemary mint clarifying or tui shampoo. I condition with the tui moisturizing conditioner but I am in LOVE with the Pantene relaxed and natural conditioner that comes in the Clairol hair dye boxes, which I’ve used twice and try to save some for my next washes lol. I also do homemade hot oil treatments before i retwist that include jojoba, coconut, tea tree, EVOO and argan oils. I am currently trying to transition to NO product or if necessary only use homemade, natural products to retwist and condition my scalp and hair.

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


I love youtubers for new style inspirations: jazzyte007, chescalocs, BronzeGoddess01 are my favs. With Instagram and Pintrest in heavy rotation I love searching for new styles and always stumble upon interesting people/styles even without locs, that provide new inspiration. Blogs/Vlogs: who is sugar, natural85, natural selection blog.
 

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?


Inspiration for readers: your hair is a defining part of you. It is a representation of your personal style. It is also its own entity that will often do what it wants despite our style plans, so forgive it and don’t be too hard on it! I believe hair, like the rest of our bodies/souls, carry whatever energy you subject it to- always nurture it with love and positivity and let it be FREE! Whatever you choose to do with it, be proud of it!!! Style your crown with confidence it helps show the world you’re a queen!!

Where can people find you for more information?


For more info I am open to email: crystal.m.carter1@gmail.com or find me via Instagram and Twitter: _ccme

 


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