Naturally Fierec Feature: Kierra

October 8, 2014

1. Tell us a little bit about your background.

Kierra Craig,I reside in the DMV metro area. I’ve been natural for two years thus far! I’m constantly encouraging the young girls I work with to embrace their natural hair!

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

I’ve been on my naturally curly hair journey for two years. I haven’t always embraced my tight ringlets/’s’ shaped curls. Since I can remember the flat iron WAS my best friend (seriously, we were in a committed relationship)! Sometimes, I would straighten my hair twice a week(I know, how dare I??)! It wasn’t until a hair malfunction one day that I decided to pick up the scissors and see for myself what this “natural life” was all about. Probably one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far.

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

I had no idea what ‘transitioning’ meant in terms of a hair journey at the time… I’m pretty sure had I knew I probaaaaably would have went that route instead. I did my own big chop August 7, 2012. It all started with my trip to the hair store…I had dyed my hair honey blonde- I then decided the color was far too bright. So from there I would dye it back dark brown, ALL ON THE SAME DAY. The crazy hair woman who lives inside of me convinced me I would wake up one morning next to my hair on a pillow- in my mind I had damaged my hair in the worst possible way by dying back to back. Seriously, I must have thought my hair strands were made of steel! By the end of the day, I was over it. I grabbed the scissors and started cutting.

4. How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as functional. Like many naturals, I have my AMAZING hair days- and then there are the not so great days. I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but, my hair gets extremely dry extremely fast. Because of that…I condition just about every night (deep condition twice a week).

5. What do you love most about your hair?

To be honest, I’m still learning to LOVE my hair- I’m not quite there yet. I still struggle to disconnect myself from the flat iron. Every 4-5 weeks I’ll get an itch to straighten….(pray for my strands!)

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 hair journey was by far the first few months..the struggle was real! People kept telling me my hair would grow rapidly after six months; once I hit that mark… I felt as though I was still in month 1!

7. What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

I had a sew-in installed around 7 months- biggest mistake I have ever made during my natural hair journey. I asked my stylist for a partial sew-in …when in reality I should have asked for a full. My leave out ended up being completely damaged. My curls no longer curled… I was stuck with 75% curls and a 25% patch of limp, lifeless curls. In an attempt to bounce back from my setback I wore individual braids for three months… I was frustrated by this point because I still felt as though my hair was not growing fast enough…. I decided I would be patient….I dedicated my life Wash-n-gos :-/

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

I received positive feedback from family and friends. I even convinced a few family members to go natural!

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

I’ve tried just about everything but after two years I’ve finally found me some staples…KinkyCurly leave in and Shea Moisture hibiscus conditioner. That’s it! Some days I substitute the Shea Moisture for Camille Rose hair milk. I seal my ends with jojoba oil–and Wa-La!

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

I am a natural hair carnivore so I spread the love everywhere! I love all natural hair blogs/YouTube channels.

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

You will get there. Trust me. Set small hair goals… Before my curls started touching my shoulders I would always say to myself “I can not wait until my hair touches my shoulder!” Make a commitment to deep condition often (and by often I would say at least once a week).. I’m totally convinced my deep conditioning is what caused my hair to reach this point.

12. Where can people find you for more information?

I’m on Instagram and Twitter: _Prized