Naturally Fierce Feature: Erica

1.Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. (Name, where you’re from, etc)

My name is Erica Julia Mansfield. I am Nigerian and Russian, and I live in Surrey.

2. How long have you been natural?

Always been natural, I didn’t appreciate the beauty of my curls until I was about 13. I wanted to chemically straighten my hair for ages, but I’m glad I didn’t.

3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I shaved half my hair in 2011, out of pure madness. I loved that style, but I wouldn’t do it again. Taking time out to get hair cuts at male barbers was quite awkward and nearly as tiring as dealing with a full head of hair.

4. How would you describe your hair?

It’s real conversation starter, full of life, and untamed!

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love that I can wear it in the same style and it always looks different. There’s such a variety of things I can do with it.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

I most memorable part of my journey would probably the colour changes I’ve had. I’ve had green, pink and purple. I’m surprised that I still have hair left. It’s definitely not the easiest of hair types to deal with, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

7. What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’ ?

I really love the simple hair styles. Having it in a messy bun is so easy to do, yet still looks tidy. I love to wear my hair down too.

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?

Everyone loves my hair natural. They’re all shocked when I straighten it because I look like a different person. Everyone was shocked when I first shaved of the side of my hair because they loved the curls so much. The different hair colours got a lot of attention too.

9. What is your hair regimen?

I hardly ever use shampoo and I always leave in conditioner. It keeps my curls so defined. Usually, I use Aussie because it smells so good deep conditioner is really great for keeping my hair soft too. Once its washed, I comb it through and just leave it to dry. I use Morrocan Argan oil once its dried.