Naturally Fierce Feature: Shanti (BKA Around the Way Curls)

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My name is Shanti and I am a twenty something mother, lover and creator. I am co-editor of the blog Around the Way Curls. I have been natural all of my life but I have not always been embraced and celebrated my God given curls. Until I was 21 I had no idea how to do my hair. I was dependent on the flat iron and ponytails. Finally, I decided to research proper hair care for my curly, kinky hair and I stumbled upon the natural world blogosphere where I found a lot of helpful information that has led me to really knowing and caring for my hair.

 How long have you been natural? I have been natural all my life.

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How did you come to embrace your hair?

I have never had a perm but I did come to a cross road where I decided that my long hair was no longer necessary and I cut it all off. Right now my hair is short and I love it. I feel like every woman must go through the trial and error of coloring and cutting their hair. I started a little later in life.

 How would you describe your hair? 

My hair is a mix of 3c and 4a. It is course and porous in areas and very moisture retentive in other areas.

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What do you love most about your hair?

When my hair was longer, I loved the versatility of my hair and it’s natural volume. I could do so much with it. Now that my hair is shorter I have grown to appreciate my many different curl patterns. I can really see each strands spiral and zig zag grow from a lil itty bitty one loop of a curl to a more mature spiral. I love to see the evolution.

How has the natural hair journey been for you?

I don’t really think of it as a journey really. My hair is like my skin. It has always been with me. I just do my best to take good care of it. Some days I love it. Some days I don’t.

What are your favorite hair styles?  While my hair was long, my favorite style was my retro bang with a twist out.

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Any memorable reactions from friends or family?

My family has always been a great advocate for natural hair. When I was about 11 years old my friend’s mom hot combed my hair and my father made me go wash it out immediately. He always encouraged me to leave my hair the hell alone or wrap it up in a scarf. He thinks hair is a direct link to vanity. My mom wants me to loc my hair! I try to stay in the steady middle path away from both extremes.

What is your hair regimen?

Due to my length, I am restricted to just wash and goes. I wet my hair, add Kinky Curly leave in condition, Eco styler gel and Josie Maran argan oil serum. Let it dry.

What are your favorite natural hair websites and youtubers?

I love naptural85 for styles, Curly Nikki for an encyclopedia of information, UrbanBushBabes for an all around envy fest.

Any advice or inspiration? Mind over Matter for EVERYTHING

 Where can we find you for more information?

http://aroundthewaycurls.com

Aroundthewaycurls@gmail.com

@aroundthewaycurls for instagram

@Atwcurls for twitter

 

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