Naturally Fierce Feature: India

August 28, 2015

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

My name is India Taylor and I currently live in Columbia, SC. I love meeting new people, traveling, writing and being a naturalista J. My hair journey has been very interesting to say the least, but it has also been rewarding. There have been many frustrating moments, but other days when I look at my hair and just smile.

2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?

I have been natural for almost three years now. I got my first perm when I was about nine years old. It’s funny because it wasn’t because my mother wanted my hair to be straight, in fact she was worried about me losing my curl pattern. She put it in my hair to make it more manageable, which it did and to her surprise my hair remained curly. I kept getting perms until I was nineteen when I realized that I had no need for them anymore because I could manage my own hair. As I transitioned, my hair got bigger and bigger. I didn’t like that. I’m literally just now fully embracing my curls and big hair. I think my problem was that my big, curly hair naturally attracted attention no matter where I went and I didn’t like that.

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

I wanted to see what my natural hair was like. I remember how crazy and big it was when I was little, and I was afraid that overtime my curls would become loser. I transitioned, and I’m glad I did. I think my head is too big for a big chop, and I like being able to put my hair up and do more with it.

4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair is big, fluffy and sometimes resembles a lion’s mane.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fullness of my hair and how strong it is. I have done quite a bit with color and have come to realize that my hair is very stubborn with taking color because it’s so strong.

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

I think the most memorable part of my hair journey was when I went to “Scarowinds”, it’s when the Carowinds amusement park turns into a town of terror for Halloween. I was walking through the haunted house and this guy saw me coming and as soon as he started to scare me he yelled, “Oh my God your hair is big!” instead lol! During that time, my hair was growing and I didn’t have too much transitioning left. I think there was this awkward stage where my hair wasn’t really short, but it wasn’t quite shoulder length so when I wore my hair curly it would shrink and I wasn’t too happy with the results.

7. What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

I like to keep it simple when it comes to my hair, plus I hate spending too much time on it. My go to style is a wash n go. I also love the look of bantu knots.

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

It’s been funny. My family and friends have always talked about my hair. Every time I see family members now, they ask me if I’m wearing a wig. I don’t get offended. I just assume my hair must look really good.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I love trying new products. Right now I’m really big on Argan Oil shampoos and conditioners because it makes my hair soft and moisturized. For my wash n go, I love Eco Styler Gel with Argan Oil and Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner. I’ve recently tried “Curls” cream brule and goddess curls and love those products!

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

I love Brandi Lofton and MoKnows Hair!

11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I recently started a YouTube channel and Instagram account for “A Crown Glory” (@acrownofglory) which introduces natural women to products and purpose. It’s different from most natural hair pages and YouTube channels, but I’m inspiring women to embrace their natural, God-given beauty.

12. What do men think about your hair?

Most men love my hair. In fact, I think that’s what attracts most guys to me at first. I’ve always said that my future husband is going to have to adore my hair because it can get crazy and big. He needs to like that and embrace it just like I am J.

13. Where can people find you for more information?

I am @mylifeasindia on Instagram, @_MyLifeAsIndia_ on Twitter, and India Taylor on YouTube. My blog can be found at www.mylifeasindiat.wordpress.com .