Naturally Fierce Feature: Lauren

 

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

My name is Lauren and I am a native of Dayton, OH. I am a senior psychology undergrad student at Ohio University. Although I have been natural for some time, I think my hair journey is still developing. However, the beginning of my journey was very difficult because I knew nothing about natural hair care and had no one to help me with my transition. So let’s just say there were a few times I questioned my appearance lol. I soon got the hang of it and learned to maintain my hair, with a few mishaps here and there.

2. How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for about 3 ½ years.

3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? Why?
I finally decided to go natural after I graduated high school because I loved the way natural hair looked and I thought it was so versatile. I initially wanted to go natural when I was in middle school, however, I was dancer and was convinced that I wouldn’t be able to maintain my hair because of my physical activity. Once I graduated high school, I knew I wouldn’t be able to come how often to get my hair done and I didn’t trust anyone else besides my hairdresser of 6 years with chemicals. I began to think and figured that college was the perfect opportunity to go natural.
I began as a tranisitoner, I had long hair and did NOT have the guts to cut all my hair off. After a few months of struggles, I walked in the house and told my mother to chop the rest of my relaxer off.

4. How would you describe your hair?
My hair has its own mind lol. It is thick, long and a combination of all types of textures that I have yet to specifically figure out.

5. What do you love most about your hair?
I love the thickness of my hair. I say it’s a blessing and a curse, but more of blessing than anything. I love the volume that my hair has when I have a twist out or roller set. I am a fan of big hair and with the thickness of my hair, I am able to achieve this.

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 journey would be me chopping the rest of my relaxer off. I walked into the house one day and told my mother let’s do it. I told her to hurry up and do it so I wouldn’t change my mind lol. I sat on the floor in our living room with my eyes covered and heard the scissors cutting against my hair. I didn’t like how I looked, initially, but what I gained from it was to
accept myself and my natural beauty.My journey has been very difficult and even after years of experiments it’s still a little difficult for me.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?
Kinky twist and flexi rods are my favorite transitioning hairstyles. Especially flexi rods! My current do(s) would be twist outs. I have mastered twist outs and have found them versatile within themselves. I love them!

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Going natural has had its ups and downs. At the time, I was talking to a guy heavy and when I first chopped the rest of my hair I felt unattractive and I told the guy that I didn’t. You would think he would say something to make me feel better, but he told me “that I shouldn’t have cut it then”. I’m not a crier, but I can say that I was in tears after that. I have had some people in my family question my hair and make jokes, but it made me love my hair even more.I made my decision to be natural and accepted my hair for what it was. Another memorable reaction I got was from a marine visiting my college. We were having a casual conversation, because he entered my place of employment. One thing lead to another and he asked me when I was going to get a perm. I was shocked because I did not know this man. In my head, I was reaching over the desk and punching this guy in the face for his ignorance, but I was working and had to stay professional. I told the marine that I would NEVER get another perm and that I loved being natural. It was one thing hearing negative things from my family, but from someone I did not know really shocked me.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Shockingly, I do not have a specific regimen. I find it difficult to stick to a strict regimen, however, I do have some favorite products. I recent started using Giovanni’s ultra moist conditioner and Aussie’s moist conditioner as a co-wash. My all time favorite would have to be Cantu’s shea butter leave in conditioner. I use this all the time and it works wonders on my hair.

10. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My favorite natural hair YouTuber’s (which have helped me tremendously) would be My Natural Sista’s, Chime Edwards (Hair Crush) and Yolanda Renee. I’ve watched numerous other YouTuber’s, but these three channels have really helped me learn more about my hair.

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

Going natural can be a difficult journey and you may have numerous people telling you that you should not go natural or not everyone can do natural, but remember we were all born natural. Natural beauty is the best beauty and learning things about natural hair will not just teach you about natural hair care. It will teach you to love yourself, love the way look and accept you for who you are.

12. Where can people find you for more information?
People can find me on Instagram: lola_love93, Tumblr:signedlola.tumblr.com and my new
blog signedlola.wordpress.com