Naturally Fierce Feature: D’Andra

My name is D’Andra Williams and I am originally from the island of Jamaica. I have been residing in New York City for many years, so you can pretty much say I’m a New Yorker. Queens, to be exact 🙂

 

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural my whole life, no cutting or relaxers. I had my first color experience at a hair show in 2008 and have been coloring ever since.  I actually cannot recall knowing I had curly hair or embracing my fro until my late teens-early 20’s.

Has being natural been easy or difficult or both?!
One of the hardest challenges with being natural is understanding your texture and knowing what your particular hair needs from you. Every natural is not created equal. Many people feel being natural is way more time consuming than relaxed.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Personally, I live by a “less is more” rule when it comes to caring for my hair. I try to straighten it no more than four times a year and use minimal heat otherwise. Once curly, it is not combed for as long as possible, up to a week. It is kept out or in protective styles to prevent frizz and breakage.

As far as products, I use the bare minimum:
Shampoo, Conditioner + treatment : I use all Pantene Pro-v “Frizzy to Smooth” products.
For moisturizing products, I use Mango&Lime: Cactus Oil
After washing and conditioning my hair, I part it into two sections and braid or twist it until I am ready to go out so that it lessens the frizz. I leave the conditioner in and do not wash out until my next wash. I always do my own hair so I tend to wash every few days.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’
I have had the usual natural experiences, people coming up to you or staring at you. There are times when people stare because they aren’t sure “if you’re mixed” <-- they love to ask me that.

Or what kind of weave am I wearing. I’m pretty used to it and I’m very humble about it, often times not noticing I even have my hair out and huge.
 

How is dating as a natural girl?
I haven’t had many issues with dating. I dont beliee your hair should have that much of an effect on your relationships. I’ve noticed in my city adventures, Caucasian men seem to be more fascinated than African American. The most issues I’ve had would be my guy preferring it “tamed” or “straight” rather than blow dried huge or curly.  My immediate family embraces my hair because I’ve always been natural and my extended family is still not used to it being in its curl fro state but I love it. It’s an expression of self and way less work for me (most days) than if it were straight. I am a women’s wear designer as well and everyone now pretty much associates the big hair with my brand.

Anything you want the readers to know?
I have always done my own hair and the manes of many others around me from coloring to natural and relaxed styling and worked in a salon for about 4 years. So I have plenty of hair knowledge and experience. In the near future, I plan to open a natural salon, so I hope you will join me on this journey of natural hair care, styling and growth. Natural hair, when healthy, is so versatile, Live it, love it!

 

Where can people find you for more information?
You can reach me for any inquiries and tips at :
ddhairandnow@gmail.com Also, Feel free to check my designs www.reneefredriquedesigns.com

I am in love with your hair! Thank you for sharing!

A lot of natural ladies seem to get the infamous ‘Are you mixed?’ question. Whats’ up with that? Leave thoughts below.


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