Naturally Fierce Feature: Karese

October 8, 2013

My name is Karese. I am 29 years old. I was born in Belize, and recently relocated from New York to Pennsylvania. But NYC will always be where I draw my inspiration from LOL.

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for about three years. I transitioned in 2009, the minute I found out I was pregnant with my first child I decided this was the best time to stop relaxing my hair. I would guess that I was fully natural by late 2010. I always admired big curly hair on people from afar, and of course Tracee Ellis Ross was my muse, so I dove right in. I had no idea what I was doing, all the natural hair education that’s out now I wasn’t privy too then, I worked with my amazing stylist Kim, and we made it happen.

What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or Big chopper & why?
I transitioned because it was always something I wanted to do, but if not for pregnancy I probably wouldn’t have the courage otherwise. I fell victim to the societal stereotype of long straight hair and never thought it was something that would suit me.

How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as curly kinky. I have no idea what it is on the hair chart, but I have multiple textures, where the back of my head is more curly and the front is very wavy with a very loose curl pattern.

What do you love most about your hair? What I love most about my hair is the versatility. I can wholeheartedly say I would never relax my hair again, if I want a straight look, I can have it. If I want a big undefined fro, I can do that, twist out, buns, puffs, you name it we can do it! I love it!

What has been the most memorable part of your hair journey?
The most memorable part of my journey is losing all my edges due to post partum shedding with both of my boys! It was a disaster, to grow your hair out to greatness and have it all fall it around the perimeter was heartbreaking! My transition wasn’t difficult at all, I went to my stylist throughout, and she would treat it as needed, and trim off a little every few weeks. When I was far along into my first pregnancy I cut it into a short Rihanna inspired bob and from there grew it out naturally!

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
During my transition, I mostly wore my hair straightened in the bob cut. Once in a while I would do a twist out. Now that I am fully natural, I am the twist out queen. I am not a fan of my wash and go hair. I love mini twist and Senegalese twists and braids as protective styling!

Any memorable reactions from family or others?
When I first went natural, nobody understood what I was doing. My family and husband weren’t sure what I meant, and how I would look. My mom thought my hair would look too nappy and coarse. But when they see how healthy and versatile my natural hair is, everyone loves it. My sister is now eleven months into her transition.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My hair regimen is very simple. I co wash my hair every week and twist it. I rock my twist outs during the week, and twist every night! Deep conditioning as mush as possible. Washing with shampoo every two weeks or as needed. My favorite products during my transition were Miss Jessie’s, but they are quite pricey, now I love Shea Moisture and Beautiful Textures. And my favorite oil is coconut oil and Mizani’s supreme oil.

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

My favorite youtubers are Ambrosia (xgoldn), MsvaughnTv, Toni Daley, Taren Guy, Msariella89, Naptural85, Iknowlee, Ahsiek1118, and so many others. They all have different texture hair from me but I love the inspiration they give to us naturals and the hairstyles! Blogs are usually anything on tumblr.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I would want the readers to know that we can’t go natural, because we want hair like Joan, or Corrine Bailey Rae, or this person or that person. Everyone’s hair is different and we have to embrace our curls, kinks, waves for what they are. BEAUTIFUL! Your natural hair is an extension of your God given beauty!

Tip: Going to bed with our Celie braids may not be the most attractive thing in the bedroom, but make it cute with turbans and satin pillowcases etc.

Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me on Instagram @3TheChicWay and my blog geared toward fashionable children and families, 3TheChicWay.tumblr.com.