Naturally Fierce Feature: Kezia

July 25, 2016

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

My name is Kezia and I’m from the beautiful island of Barbados! I’ve been married for almost 2 years and I’m a mother to a very active 1 year old son.

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

I’ve been natural for almost 8 years. At 17 years old I decided that my natural hair was “too thick” and “too much for me to handle”. I made the decision to relax my hair and that lasted for about 2-3 years.

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

Relaxed hair was not for me, too much maintenance. My hair grows fast so every 6 weeks I had to go to have it relaxed again, not to mention treatments in between and I do not like the burns!Initially my hair seemed long and healthy but overtime it started to break. It was past my shoulders. Then after I realized it was breaking I cut it to chin length. Short hair is pretty high maintenance and I was not having it. What started as me putting in braids to give my hair a break, turned into me using the braids as my transition style for a couple months. In October 2008 was when I big chopped. My hair was just about 3 inches long.

4. How would you describe your hair?

If you’re into hair typing I am definitely 4c. That translates to kinky, coily, wire-like in texture. It is long, thick and black with lots of personality. In October 2015 I dyed the ends.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

Its texture! Its versatility! My twist outs are usually super defined and my twists are springy and look juicy.

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

Post-partum shedding causing me to lose my edges and being able to see them grow back slowly but surely. During my pregnancy I had no hair problems, my hair actually flourished. So imagine my surprise 8 weeks later to see the front of my hair by my forehead literally coming out in my hand. I also had some shedding in the middle. That sent me to do some research because I did not know what was happening. My edges have started to grow back (yay). Natural hair is challenging, no two ways about it. So many different things can both help and hinder hair care.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’

Two strand twists are my go to style, low manipulation on my hair. I can keep those twists for about 2-3 weeks and when I open them my twist out is banging! I also stretch my hair using flexirods, I tried African threading once, it felt like it took forever but my hair was stretched. I am currently experimenting with lots of updos.

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

My mother taught me the basics and with research I expanded on that. My husband has continually been supportive of my natural hair. He is my number 1 fan lol. He and my brother have been encouraging me to start a YouTube channel to share myhair experiences with others. My family doesn’t want me to do anything that will damage my hair. Initially people were asking if I plan to relax it again and they didn’t believe me when I said “no”. My family loves when I do hairstyles that show how big my hair is. Everywhere I go people want to touch it, or ask if it is all mine or if it is real.

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

Coconut oil and water are my staples. I separate my hair in 7 sections when its wash day and wash section by section. Currently I’m using hair products that are ‘paraben-free, sulphate-free’ etc. I have tried products from Shea Moisture, Eden Bodyworks, Cantu, Aunt Jackie’s and Crème of Nature-Argan Oil

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

Wow where do I even begin? I follow various vloggers on YouTube and many Instagram accounts.

On YouTube: LivingWithOsa, NaturalMe4C, VeePeejay, 4c Hair Chick, Craving Yellow

On Instagram: @krishtun @naptural85 @aleshanokeys@napturallychicjere *my hair crushes*

Blogs: Global Couture, Black Girl with Long hair, Natural Hair Rules
11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I’m a Christian so I always encourage everyone to put God firstin everything you do and never give up! Natural hair is challenging and time consuming but having healthy hair and the fact that it is so versatile is so worth it. However, what works for me may not work for you so do your own research, try things, read labels, make sure you are in this 100%

12. Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram: @keezyb

Facebook: Kezia Prince

YouTube account soon to come so follow me on IG or FB for updates.