Naturally Fierce Feature: Brandi

Hi. My name is Brandi. I’m from NC and I am obsessed with natural hair. I’ve been educating myself for quite sometime now to help with my natural hair journey and my daughters hair. I have two daughters, one who is four years old (and of course has never had a relaxer) and my oldest who is 11 years old and big chopped in September of 2012. We all have different hair types so it was essential to educate myself. I had no choice.

How long have you been natural?
Well, this is actually my second natural hair journey. My first time natural I spent 8 years of straightening and damaging my hair and had absolutely no knowledge of how to style and care for my curls. So, my solution at the time was to texturize which in essence is and turned out to be relaxed, bone straight hair. WRONG ANSWER! This time around, I began researching, cowashing, and trying different products and methods to not make the same mistake twice. It’s been about 4 years (estimated) and I’m confident to never relax again.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I have always been labeled as having “good hair” and never really understood these terms because of my experiences with fried, tangled hair. I would think to myself “They just don’t know, smh.”  Now, I understand two things: there’s no such thing as “good hair” and  healthy hair is most important. I transitioned, because I have only had short hair once in my life, and it was ok at the time, but a lot of work to maintain and with three kids. #ain’t nobody got time for that.

How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as very fine 3c hair. It’s very curly and sometimes hard to find products that work without weighing it down.

What do you love most about your hair?
Although I love my curls, I also love my hair straightened as well. So, I would have to go with versatility.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey has been the whole experience. I never knew there were so many resources to guide me through, and now I have so much more knowledge and experience, through trial and error. In the beginning, it was kind of difficult without the proper education but with time it has become second nature.

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Transitioning: I didn’t do much, buns and ponytails were my go to styles.
Now, I am strictly a WnG type of chick. Again, I am a mother of three, two of which are girls so twists, flat twists, braids, etc. are done on their hair.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I actually inspired my mom, my oldest daughter, and my aunt to go natural. I think they saw the difference in my hair and it motivated them to start their own journey.  I think that says a lot. I always get compliments and hands in my hair from family members which I don’t mind.  I do mind the strangers that come up to me and randomly put their hands in my hair.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I usually cowash regularly (2-3 times a week). I’ve realized the longer I wait, the drier my ends are on wash day. I CoWash with VO5 Moisture Milks or Tresemme Naturals usually or any silicone free conditioner. Here lately, I’m trying the modified CG method (no sulfates, no non-water soluble cones, wash with shampoo occasionally). My fave leave ins are Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl and Style Milk, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Thickening Growth Milk and Kinky Curly Knot Today. I usually layer my leave in with Aloe Vera gel or Eco styler Gel (Blue). Crunchy hair is a no go for me and these particular gels provide enough hold without weight and crunchiness.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I really don’t have a specific favorite. I love them all. I say this because I gain so much information from a wide variety of websites and YouTubers, I can’t pick just one. They are all informative and helpful and I thank each and every one for taking the time to share their experiences and journeys.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Embrace your hair… educate yourself on how to take care of your hair. Have patience, every hair type is different and it’s important to do what works for YOU.

Where can people find you for more information?
Social media can sometimes be overwhelming, repetitive and difficult to keep up with so I’ve limited myself to Instagram @dabossb31. I will eventually start posting more pics. I love to inspire others and help them in any way I can. Feel free to follow and ask questions. I try my best to respond to all.


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