Naturally Fierce Feature: Kristin

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.

My name is Kristin Rutty. I currently live in Charlotte NC, but I was born in New York. I have two cats and a dog. I live with my boyfriend of two and a half years. I love to draw, sing, play the guitar and watch movies.

2. How long have you been natural?

I never liked my curls growing up. I had always thought that my hair straightened was “prettier” or looked better in general. My mom was 17 when I was born, so having to deal with my long puffy hair was too much. I ended up getting a relaxer when I was 8 or 9. I didn’t start embracing my curls until 3 years ago.

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

My mom and bestfriend really motivated me. My friend was just starting to go natural at the time so she would always have a bunch of new products she wanted to try out and I would be the guinea pig sometimes. I had never bought products to define my curls so it always seemed unmanageable and frizzy. When I started to see that products helped I think that’s when I felt like I could go natural. My mom and I have similar hair type so when I saw her do the big chop and watched as her hair grew healthier/shinier/and faster it definitely gave me a good visual as to what I could do.

4. How would you describe your hair?

When my hair is curly it reminds me of a silky cotton ball. It can be very big and fro like yet really soft.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love that my hair is so versatile especially now that I’m natural there are so many hairstyles I can’t wait to try. I’ve always loved my hair but mostly because it would straighten out really well and was long, but now I love it either was. I enjoy wearing my hair natural just as much as I do when it’s straight. I don’t feel some type of pressure to straighten it in order to look beautiful because I feel beautiful regardless now.

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

Most memorable part of my journey has been while I was away at university. I had a college friend give me a “trim” which ended up with most of my hair cut off into a bob. I really didn’t care for bobs really so I wet my hair later that night and just cut off whatever relaxed pieces were left. I was going through a break up at the time and I was a freshman taking a full load of credits and work study. I was stressed and I really didn’t care about my appearance. My roommates and friends were really shocked but it was a funny story to tell for awhile.

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

While I was transitioning I mostly just did twist outs or wash and go’s. Every time I attempted to do anything else it looked tragic.

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

Family and friends had been pushing me to go natural for years but I was really stubborn and wanted to continue with the creamy crack. So when I finally decided to become natural it was much of a surprise lol.

I always felt that going natural was going to be too much of a hassle and unmanageable, but it’s not I just needed to learn what works foe me and how I like to wear it. I wish I had given up relaxers earlier.