Naturally Fierce Feature: Andrea

October 3, 2014

1. Tell me about yourself. Hi there! I’m Andrea, I am a personal style blogger based in Houston, Tx.

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

I’ve been natural for 3 years. I hadn’t seen my natural hair since I was about seven so I was really excited to see what my curl pattern was going to look like through out the whole process.

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

I transitioned for 11 months and then did the big chop. I planned on transitioning a full year but the anticipation built up and I just decided spur of the moment to go into a salon and let them cut off my relaxed ends.

4. How would you describe your hair?

In two words “wild child” because no matter what I do it still just does whatever it wants whether that be frizzing or not wanting to cooperate. As far as texture its more coily in the back and looser in the front.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

The volume which is crazy because when I had relaxed hair I hated how “poofy” and big it would get. The only way I’d leave the salon happy was if it was bone straight. Now I can’t get enough and my best hair days are when it is a little bit frizzer and pick’d out.

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

My big chop was definitely the most memorable, I was so excited and felt liberated through out the whole process and couldn’t stop touching my new growth. The trickiest part was trying to find styles that would blend the two different textures while I was transitioning, but finding natural hair videos on YouTube got me through it. There were times I’d get frustrated trying to find the right products and it was trial and error with doing twist/braid outs. With everything new it takes time to learn and get it right and I’m glad I stuck to it.

7. What are were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

I mostly did twist outs but now I’m obsessed with braid outs. It’s a slight difference but my hair stretches out more when I braid it.

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

My friends and family loved my hair after I did the big chop, my mom of course was a little sentimental that I cut off all my hair. The reactions I get from strangers ranges, now that my hair is a lot bigger it gets more attention. I’d say a good 90% of the reactions are nice and the other 10% are ignorant comments and people trying to be funny. I’ve just learned to ignore and even sometimes tell people just how rude they sound. You just have to deal with other peoples curiosity, and occasionally them wanting to touch your hair.(and don’t feel bad for saying no, I mean you don’t know these people and what they’ve been touching!)

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

I actually just made a YouTube video on my full regimen! But I wash my hair once a week with shampoo and conditioner(you can also co wash) then deep condition for an hour. After that braid my hair in small sections and sleep with them in and then undo them in the morning and pick out my roots. I change up the products I use quite a bit but I’ve found the perfect styling butter and gel recently; Zuresh Loc & Twist Butter(ginger and citrus) and Alikay Naturals Aloe-Berry Styling Gel.

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

I love Bargain Princess(Jennie) and HeyFranHey! Jennie’s texture is the closest to mine that I’ve found on YouTube and Fran has so many DIY’s videos for natural hair and all the things in your life.

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

You’re gonna hear this a lot but patience is the only way you’ll get through transitioning and even to your personal hair growth goal. I learned how to take care and be gentle with my hair and that’s what keeps it healthy and strong. Another thing is don’t compare your hair growth and textures to others! I remember watching a video on someones 2 year hair growth and thinking “that’s how big my fros gonna be by then!” and let me tell you it doesn’t work that way. People come from different backgrounds and have different genes from you and you have to remember that also is a part of why their hair is that big or long. You can also take really good care of your hair and make sure you are maintaining it to get to a longer length. A lot of things go into it, just know that your hair is beautiful and right now you may not feel as confident but with time you will.