Naturally Fierce Feature: April

September 26, 2013

My name is April and I am from Chicago, IL. I am a wife to an awesome husband and a mother to 3 awesome children!

How long have you been natural?

I have been fully natural since March 2013. I transitioned from July 2012 to March 2013

What motivated you to go natural?
I was inspired to transition by my daughter. After learning the proper way to care for her hair I felt like it only made sense that we were both natural. No more buying products for my relaxed hair and her natural hair. No more spending long hours in the salon every week. I decided to transition rather than big chop because I wanted to have at least some hair to work with. I was not comfortable with having a extremely short TWA.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
The most memorable part of my journey was the excitement I felt the longer I transitioned and the more I was able to see my natural texture. Unlike most people I have not been relaxed all my life so I did have some idea of my texture. I got my first relaxer at the age of 16. The journey for me was not difficult. I continued to wash and condition as normal. The only thing that changed was I deep conditioned more often and limited the use of heat.

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
During my transition: I had a sew in once, box braids once and Senegalese twist once.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’
Being natural has been a good experience overall for me. I have to admit I am a little dumbfounded at times at how little my own culture knows about “our” hair. I get the most questions, looks, and “can I touch” questions from African Americans. The biggest and probably most irritating question I get is “how do you make it curl up like that.” Sometimes I feel like I don’t know how to respond except to say “It grows out of my scalp that way.” LOL! No one ever asked me when I was relaxed ” How do you make your hair so straight.” Honestly, I don’t mind the questions. It’s just funny how amazed people are that I’m a black woman with curly hair. Reactions from family was great. Reactions from friends were mixed. Some get it, some don’t and that’s ok. I believe people are allowed to think and feel however they want.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I’m really low maintenance with my hair. If I find something I like I stick with it. I’m not opposed to trying other products but when I find a combo that my hair likes I tend to stick with it. I co-wash with As I Am Coconut Co Wash. If I feel like I need to really cleanse my hair/scalp I will use Shea Moisture shampoo. I deep condition at least twice a month. If I feel like my hair needs a pick me up I use the Joico K-Pak Conditioner. I mist my hair with water, apply my oil mixture to my hair and scalp, then apply the Joico conditioner on top. I cover my hair with a conditioning cap and let sit. Rinse deep conditioner, co-wash, condition again with As I Am Leave In Conditioner, rinse again, apply EVOO to soaking wet hair, apply As I Am Leave In Conditioner again but I do not rinse out this time, apply Double Butter Coconut Cream by As I Am then apply Eco Styler Gel (Olive Oil) as my styler. I do this process once maybe twice a week. My wash and go’s usually last from Sunday to Sunday. I refresh every morning with water and whatever else I feel my hair needs whether it be a little oil, cream or gel. I sleep in a satin bonnet at night and I have a satin pillow case in the event the bonnet comes off.

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

I love Naptural85 and Lovelyanneka on YouTube

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I think the most important thing people should consider when going natural is the time and effort it takes to have and maintain healthy natural hair. I always tell people if easy is what they are looking for they should probably go ahead and remain relaxed. You get from your natural hair what you put into it. And don’t believe the hype of “Oh, I just wake up and go” a wash and go should really be called a “wash and go….EVENTUALLY” Kudos to those who have been blessed to really wash and just go. If being natural is really what you want to do then do it! Just know it’s full of trial and error and what may work for one person may not work for you. Try not to compare your hair to others. Your hair is just as unique as you are!

Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me at curvescurlsandstyle.blogspot.com or Instagram at curvescurlsandstyle
April Lester
mrsaprillester@aol.com