My name is Taneica Oliveira and I am originally from Hollywood Florida. I currently live in Central Illinois with my husband, dog, bird, and brand new baby! I work at our local news station here in town as a morning editor/ photographer/reporter.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural my entire life. I remember wanting to have hair that blew in the wind when I was in kindergarten…My mom used to give me pigtails and them suckers were supposed to last all week, so she really tied every strand in…lol!
How would you describe your hair?
Disrespectfully large, thick, coarse, shoulder length, sassy, mine.
What do you love most about your hair?
I’ve seen lots of naturals, tons, but I’ve never seen another natural with hair exactly like mine. It may be the same texture, but not the same length, it may be the same color, but not the same texture. I also love that my hair matches my personality so well. It’s strong, big, loud, unapologetic, and grows with a vengeance. lol! Oh, and then there’s the versatility :-).
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
Though I haven’t had to go through a transitional journey of any kind, I will say that when natural hair started to become more of a mainstream thing, I said to Sherica “Finally! People are finally starting to get it! Natural hair has always been cool, it’s just awesome that everyone else is catching on now!”
What aresome of your favorite hairstyles?
I don’t have any faves per se, but minitwists are awesome! Also, my easy peasy tuck and pin style works well for transitioners because you tuck the ends! Here’s the tutorial! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oD-KeDc-oA
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I remember getting picked on a lot in 6th and 7th grade for being natural. There were lots of other black girls at my school, but they all had perms. My mom would always gas me up and tell me that they were just jealous because my hair was so long and thick, and perms burned out their hair. Our mother has always instilled a sense of pride in us. She raised us to be unapologetically authentic and love ourselves unconditionally. I love that lady. lol!
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I honestly shouldn’t divulge this because it’s pretty bad…lol! My hair is extremely low maintenance. Since I was a kid, I have found that my hair thrives on funk. LOL! I wash, do a cold apple cider vinegar rinse, deep treat and clip my ends every other month. I do a quick rinse during the month that I’m not washing to freshen up my scalp and roots. I use Elucence Moisture Benefits to wash my hair, it smells so delicious and I little goes a loooooooooong way. I moisturize with Oyin Juices and Berries or OBIA curl hydration spray. I seal every other day with Darcy’s Botanical’s Cherry Kernel Oil. That stuff smells awesome and is very light, but it gets the job done!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I love CurlyNikki, NaturallyObsessed.net, and The Feisty House. As far as Youtube, I enjoy Naptural85.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Regardless of what people want to tell you, and folks may want to side eye you for pressing your hair occasionally, or dyeing your strands and argue that you’re not natural, take it from someone who’s never chemically altered her hair: it really is JUST HAIR. Wear you hair however you see fit. Enjoy the versatility of you natural tresses and do what works best for YOUR hair, regardless of what curly websites and gurus may tell you to stay away from, or do more of.
Where can people find you for more information? www.shatterproofglassdolls.com
On YouTube: We’re theglassdolls
Come check us out!!!
Taneica, your hair is beautiful! You look like a model!