1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Danielle White. I’m a 35 year old mother of four. I was born and raised in California, but I currently reside in Compton. My hair Journey has been an awesome transition from being “unbeweaveable” to rocking my natural hair. It is safe to say it came naturally.
2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I haven’t used any chemicals on my hair in over 3 years. I’ve just started wearing my hair in its natural form since February 2015. I’ve never embraced my curls or natural hair because it was too hard to manage. I remember as a child crying my eyes out on wash day because it was so coarse. I also remember seeing my biracial cousin’s long, curly hair and wanting my hair to look like it.
3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
My transition came after I became pregnant with my last child. I didn’t want any harsh chemicals in or on my body while carrying her. I was a transitioner; I didn’t have the courage to go bald or do the big chop because of all the dents and creases I have on my scalp.
My motivation came from seeing black women with long, exaggerated weaves not embracing their natural beauty. I could see myself slowing turning into one of those women. When my 7 year old daughter asked me could she get a weave in her hair because her hair was to short and nappy, I instantly felt shame. My baby wasn’t happy with the way she looked and I was to blame. I had to show her that her naturally coarse hair was just as beautiful as long straight hair, so I went natural.
4. How would you describe your hair?
My hair texture is very thick with tight curls and dry. It gets better with time: all my hairstyles are better the next day.
5. What do you love most about your hair?
The things I love most about my hair is that it’s mine, it’s attached to me, it’s a reflection of me. The way my hair grows and is a direct reflection of my upkeep and grooming. It’s amazing and I’m so in love with it.
6. 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 was posting pictures on Instagram of me with my natural hair in public. A friend of mine told me not to, but it was too late. The next day I saw the pictures up of me and my fro and I loved it. My hair looked beautiful, my smile even seemed brighter.
The only obstacle I face is finding the right product for my hair type. I don’t like having to use a bunch of different products on my hair. So far, the Cream of Nature line has worked for me, but I find low sulfate shampoos work better on my hair than no sulfate. For shampoo and co-wash I use Pantene Pro V Naturals.
7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
My absolute favorite hairstyle that I wear is the “Frohawk”, also known as the “Ponyhawk” I find that it just looks much better than the styles that I’ve worn so far. It’s my signature style. When it gets a bit longer, I might try just wearing twist outs or bantu knots, but for now I’m rocking my Frohawk.
8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experiences being a natural woman have been pleasant for the most part, however my mother was the hardest to win over, especially my step mom. She is the perm queen, so when she saw me wearing my naps she was not amused. My birth mother on the other hand was okay with it when she saw. Once she saw the complete package, she loved it and admired me for my strength to be an individual.
9. What is your hair regimen?
I’m not the best at routine. I wash my hair when I feel like it. I try what works for me, not necessarily what is best for my hair. My favorite products for styling are the Cream of Nature Argan Oil line. When it comes to washing, I have found that Pantene Naturals works better on my hair texture. I use Nexsheen Arganics edge smoothing gel. On occasion, I use Eco style gel to boost my curls at times.
10. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I follow Protective Natural Hair Styles on Instagram as well as Global Couture Blog. Everything else I kind of just stumble across.
11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I think people should understand that their natural self is okay. A lot of times we get so caught up with acceptance that we forget to be ourselves. We’re so busy trying to be what the public determines as beautiful that we often forget that we are enough. Take care of yourself and your body, be happy with you and be the difference that you need to be in this world.
12. Where can people find you for more information?
Facebook: Danielle White
Instagram: @Marvelousmessc
Twitter: @Dannygrl2
13. Any tips on feeling sexy while natural?
I find that with the right pair of earrings and lipstick you can pretty much pull off any hairdo, the more stylish the earrings the better the look.
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