My name is Geraldine Ferrer. I am originally from Brooklyn, NY and currently reside in Philadelphia, PA. Personally, I have always been natural; however, I made a decision five years ago to transition towards developing a healthier hair regimen that allowed for the incorporation of more natural hair products and less heat. Throughout my journey, I have learned so much about my hair and encountered so many experiences that most natural haired women do. Being natural has also allowed me to shift from being shy to respectfully confident—it was then that I realized that I wanted to help every woman adopt these characteristics with respects to be natural or at least maintain their confidence and God-given beauty. As a result, I have recently launched a natural hair blog titled, For Curls Sake that mirrors my vision with interacting and educating the natural hair community.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural all of my life.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I began transitioning towards using more natural hair products and developing a natural hair regimen because I was tired of using heat on my hair so often. Because of the thickness and texture of my hair, it would naturally be ready to revert a couple days after straightening it which in turn meant that I was constantly applying heat to it to keep it straight. I knew that this wasn’t healthy for my hair and saw how my curls were limp and filled with straight pieces. So, I woke up one day and decided I was ready to explore my hair’s full potential in being natural.
How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as being young and free. When I wear my hair in its true natural state, it reminds me of my childhood years when my mother would only let me apply heat on special occasions. Since I decided to be serious about being natural in my adulthood, I have re-adopted that mindset, applying heat to my hair only on occasion. I also described my hair as free because I have learned to free myself from the criticism and social stigmas attached to being natural and truly learned to embrace my God-given hair which is a huge step of growth for me!
What do you love most about your hair?
I love how HUGE my hair can get.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my hair journey was when I gathered all I learned about my hair and launched my natural hair blog, For Curls Sake, to share my journey with others out of hopes to help naturalistas everywhere!
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Some of my favorite transitioning hairstyles would be twisted, braided and updo (bun) hairstyles. Til this day, if I feel my hair needs a break I resort to these styles because they preserve and have revived the health of my hair! Most times, I twist and braid my own hair. Within the past year I have experienced with extensions for the first time ever wearing Marley twists and I love them! I also do a variety of updo’s/buns.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
When I decided to wear my natural hair more often, my family and friends gave me great feedback! They loved it and slowly but surely each one of my friends–even my mother, has decided to be natural so they are all in their transitioning phases. I’m so humbled and honored to have inspired them to be natural because it’s something that I am constantly learning about and constantly learning to grow more comfortable with throughout my journey!
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My current hair regimen consists of the following:
Pre-poo: Deep Condition
Shampoo
Conditioner
DETANGLING:
Leave-In Conditioner
Creamy Moisturizer
Oil Mixture
TWIST/STYLE
There are some obvious variations to this regimen based off of what my hair needs at the time. For example, I will incorporate some homemade hot oil and protein treatments if I feel like my hair needs the extra moisture or strength. Some of my favorite products goes as followed:
Shampoos: Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle (Staple product) and any Shea Moisture Shampoo.
Conditioners: Trader Joe’s Nourish and Spa and Tresemme Naturals Nourish and Shine Conditioner (both staple products)
Deep Conditioners: African Pride Hair Mayonnaise, Hair Chemist Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Masque and Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner (All Staple Products)
Leave-Ins: Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Repair Cream (Staple Product) and Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In
Butters and Oils: Homemade Whipped Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil (All Staple Products)
Essential Oils: Peppermint, Tea Tree, Rosemary (All Staples)
Gels: Eco-Styler Olive Oil Gel
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Favorite Blogs: Naptural85.com, www.kinkycurlycoilyme.com, www.heygorjess.com www.tara-linda.com
Favorite YouTuber’s: Naptural85, Taren Guy, Alicia James, Fusion of Cultures, BlakIzBeautyful, SunkissAlba, Cassandre Beccai, WhoIsSugar, 101LadyT, SimplyBiancaAlexa, HeyFranHey, GlamTwinz334, MahoganyCurls, Quest for the Perfect Curl
Remember that being beautiful is not about the additives that we use to enhance and accentuate ourselves. Being beautiful is learning to love yourself and feel comfortable in your skin and most importantly, with your own hair!
Where can people find you for more information?
Facebook: r www.facebook.com/forcurlssake
Instagram: @_sing_solo
Blog: forcurlssake.com
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