My name is Margo Gibson and I am 35 and hail from the beautiful island of Nassau in The Bahamas. I am the proud mother of two beautiful children, Jasmin, 13 and Jalin, 7. My natural hair journey has been a very exciting one and I am so happy that I made the life changing decision to embrace my natural curls.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for almost 3 years and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Having had long relaxed hair since the age of 4, I didn’t know what my natural hair texture was, all I ever knew was bone straight relaxed hair. My hair was long and healthy, but something inside me was craving a change. In March of 2010, I decided to stop relaxing my hair, I was ready for a new look. As the months progressed, I was very surprised, I noticed my new growth started to grow in a wavy pattern.
What motivated you to go natural?
While transitioning, I maintained my hair by wearing braid outs, bantu knots and ponytails with my relaxed ends neatly tucked in. After a while it became difficult and frustrating trying to style my hair while battling with the two different textures. I was terrified to cut my relaxed ends because I had never had short hair. But after transitioning for 6 months, I could not take it anymore. I stood in the mirror with a spray water bottle, a pair of scissors and some conditioner and proceeded to perform “THE BIG CHOP”. I had watched several youtube videos and felt comfortable enough to chop off my relaxed ends all by myself. Once I started cutting, the fear of having short hair subsided and as I stood in the mirror blasting India Arie, I AM NOT MY HAIR, I felt liberated. When I emerged from the bathroom and walked in the TV room where my family was, my mother was in shock and had to sit down. She was not pleased with my decision but she said I looked beautiful regardless. My friends and other family members were shocked too, but everyone praised my actions and told me they loved it.
How would you describe your hair? After the “BIG CHOP”, I realized that my hair was an awesome texture. It is 3c with a touch of 4a in the middle. My hair is thick, curly, bouncy and healthy.
What do you love most about yout hair?
I love my hair! The fact that it is so healthy, shiny, and easy to maintain makes my life a whole lot easier. I love all the compliments I receive along with the constant words of encouragement from my friends, family and sometimes complete strangers. Lol.
Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My natural hair journey has been an easy one, I’ve not had any hiccups or mishaps. (Thank God) I read lot and watch tons of youtube videos on styles and product reviews. I wouldn’t change my journey for the world. The most memorable part of my journey was when I was able to pull my hair in a ponytail in less than a year after my big chop. That was huge for me because I’m a ponytail wearing type of girl! 🙂
What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
My favorite styles are “wash n go’s”, flat two strand twist outs and my famous high bun. On occasion, I get my hair professionally blow dried and flat ironed straight. This gives me an opportunity to enjoy the “relaxed” hair styles, without the harmful chemicals found in relaxers. When I get tired of wearing it straight, I hop in the shower and, BOOM my curls pop back like they were never gone. Lol.
Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My friends constantly applaud me for my courageous choice to go natural and my family loves my natural hair. My daughter just recently went natural and underwent the BIG CHOP courtesy of my scissors, on November 2012. She is embracing her natural texture and loving it. After initially having reservations about my short natural hair, my mother is now my biggest fan. She is constantly in awe of my curls and she envies my thick and healthy texture.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair regimen is simple. I co-wash my hair everyday. My favorite conditioner of choice is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, but I also use Herbal Essence Hydrolicious Reconditioning Conditioner. I shampoo my hair once a month using Carol’s Daughter Tui Shampoo, and I deep condition once a week with Carol’s Daughter Tui Moisturizing Hair Smoothie. I use Herbal Essence Curl Silkening Detangler and then apply Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioning treatment, finally I put on my favorite product that I cannot live without, Eco Styling gel with Olive Oil. I use it to help my curls pop and lay my baby hair/edges down. At night I use small amount of olive oil or coconut oil and sleep on a satin pillowcase.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Some of my favorite youtuber’s are DPrincess28, PRETTYDIMPLES01, mscheeks823, MahoganyCurls and MsDanti1.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
This thing called “the natural hair journey” is only as good as you make it. So make it the best journey of your life. Embrace your natural hair and your natural beauty. What works for me may not work for you, so keep trying to find your staple products and styles that suit your lifestyle and personality. In my opinion, we naturals have more fun, so enjoy the natural you to the fullest!! 🙂
Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram @muggy77
Twitter @muggy77
