Naturally Fierce Feature: Alexia

My name is Alexia Pringle, but most people call me Lex or Lexi. I am 24 years old, I work full time in healthcare administration, I’m currently in schools getting my Masters in Healthcare Services Administration, and I was born and raised in Greenville, SC where I currently reside. I love the south! It’s beautiful!

How long have you been natural?

I think my last relaxer was my junior year of college around September of 2010. My big chop was on June 12, 2012 and ever since then, I have embraced my curls in more ways than one.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper?

Three of my sorority sisters were my inspiration to take on this natural journey. I was on the transition band wagon for a while, but then I started to get impatient with my hair. My cutting first started with a bob that eventually grew out, but then I became more impatient again, lol so I just said what the heck – I told my sorority sister – LET’S CUT IT! She did an amazing job with the chop, while one of my other sorority sisters, washed and coiled it for me.

How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as “free-spirited!” After a fresh wash, she does what she wants, whenever she wants! Lol.

What do you love most about your hair?

What I love most about my hair is that it changes so much! No style is ever the same! Even if I do the same to it one day, and then again on the next, it STILL turn out differently, and I LOVE it! I feel like it adds to my spunky personality.

What has been the most memorable part of the journey?

My most memorable part of my natural hair journey thus far has been when I went to get a blowout April 1st of this year, and was stunned at the amount of growth I had accumulated within the past year or two. It just motivated me to continue to treat my hair with love any care for even more growth. For the most part, I would say my journey had been everything I expected it to be. I was prepared for whatever my hair decided to do, lol. So, it really wasn’t that tough for me because I either had it sewed in a weave, in some twists or braids, and kept it trimmed when necessary. BUT I’m not perfect and neither is my hair, so some days “she” did make me rethink this natural thing – but I quickly snapped back to reality, haha.

What was your favorite transitioning style?

My favorite transitioning hairstyle was a sew-in and my current favorite do or go to style is a good ‘ol wash-n-go then the next night (if I’m in the mood and just don’t pineapple it) about 5 chunky twist with a coconut oil mix, unravel the next morning and go!

How has your experience been as a ‘natural?’

My experiences as being natural are amazing! I meet, learn from and inspire a good bit of people – family too. My mom has joined the naturally hair movement, as well as my aunt! This makes me want to continue to be good to my hair.

What is your hair regimen?

My hair regimen varies a little, but mostly stays the same: co-wash/finger detangle with conditioner from Trader Joe’s, rinse in cold water, deep condition with 3 minute miracle by Aussie adding to it sometimes a Palmer’s protein pack, grape seed oil from Trader Joe’s and a argon oil pack by Cream of Nature, leave on for about an hour with a cap on, rinse with cold water, towel dry a little, while still wet apply Kinky Curly Knot Today leave- in detangler or Extra Moisturizing leave-in detangle by Shea Moisture, Mane and Tail leave-in. On a daily after that, Coconut Oil/Vitamin E mix by Palmer’s or Mane and Tail leave-in depending on how much moisture my hair needs. Right now I am experimenting with Lotta Body’s new product line and it’s like it a lot. I’m lowkey a product junky, but not always using all of these products at once. I get lazy – depending on my mood and time, lol.

Who are your favorite hair vloggers/bloggers?

Some of my favorite naturalistas, youtubers and bloggers are: Alex Elle (alex_elle), Charmaine Daudu (@charmsie), Bri (b_r_i_b_r_i), Leniza Evy (@leniza_evy), Britany B. (@theblackhairguru), and René Daniella (@ownbyfemme).

What advice would you give others?

Do not get discouraged! Your hair will not look like everyone else’s or your “hair crush!” Embrace your natural journey, do what works for you and your hair type, and be good to your hair and it will be good to you back! Want to know more? Instagram, the internet and YouTube are your best friends!

Where can we find you online? Find me at @sophistakation8