Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, my name is Brigite. I’m from the Cape Verde Islands. It is an island off of the west coast of Africa! The best place in the entire world. I was born there. Now I reside in little old Boston.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural (relaxer free) since about 2011. However, I was addicted to the straightener like many other naturals. I did not begin to embrace my curls until December 2014, the year prior I had chopped off all my bra-strap length hair to start off due to excessive heat damage. I kept straightening it for a year after I cut it off, leaving me with heat damage once again. In December 2014, I decided it was time to let the straighteners go. That is when I decided it was time to stop straightening my hair and let it be in its natural state. It’s funny because most naturals struggled with letting the relaxers go, with me it was the straightener. The relaxer was easy to let go of.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I did both, I big chopped my heat damage in 2013 and continued to straighten it. In 2014 I decided to transition from my heat damage once again. Then on thanksgiving 2015 I cut off the remainder of the little heat damage I had.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is very THICK. I have a head full of thick hair. Very kinky. I would say 4a/4b. It’s very curly and has a mind of its own but I love it for what it is!
What do you love most about your hair?
I love how kinky my hair is. I’ve always loved kinky hair. I also love how fast my hair grows. I love knowing that not everyone around me has hair like me, and I can stand out in a crowd simply because of my natural hair.
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 is discovering curls I once thought I didn’t have. Another memorable aspect of my journey is inspiring other women simply because of my hair. Many come to me with questions about their hair and that makes me so happy knowing they trust my opinion enough to take it into consideration.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
My absolute transitioning styles were a braid out with perm rods on the ends. I also loved twist outs.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Yes, some negative comments such as “I wish your hair was straight” my grandmother always tells me even now “go do your hair” when really my hair is in its natural state, but eventually everyone learned to like it or accept it.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I remember when I was transitioning I would do too much with my hair and too often. Now, I allow it to do its own thing and wash it when it needs to be washed without a specific day or anything. I’ll either cowash or use shampoo if I have a lot of buildup. I’ll then deep condition with a very moisturizing deep conditioner for 30 minutes to an hour. After detangling my hair and washing off the deep conditioner I will proceed with my wash and go which lasts days.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I love Yolanda Renee’s YouTube channel, I think the content is very different and versatile. Curly Nikki is one of my favorite websites.
How is dating while natural?
Dating while natural is amazing. I’ve had my boyfriend Erick throughout this entire journey who loves my hair just as much as me if not more. He always motivated me to embrace my hair. It’s funny because whenever I have a protective style for too long he will say something like “ok I’m ready for the fro now” which I find so funny. It is always good to have someone support your natural hair. Also remember ladies that if he doesn’t love your natural hair, then he doesn’t love you for who you truly are.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want the readers to know that being natural is one of the best things to happen to me. I feel great knowing I am embracing my Afrocentric features. It also feels great knowing in a room full of people you will stand out because of your natural hair, having curly hair is something not everyone is blessed to have and we should embrace out uniqueness not conceal it with a relaxer or perm.
Where can people find you for more information?
My Instagram is Brigiteeeee (5 E’s) and snapchat: BrigiteBryant
