Naturally Fierce Feature: Aryel

Hi Curly Girlies! My name is Aryel, I’m a New Orleans native who currently resides in Atlanta, GA with my (high school sweetheart) husband and our daughter. I recently completed my studies at Life University and I’m so excited (and ready) to see what’s in store for me next!

Plus, I’m really happy to finally be a part of the natural hair community; I’ve wanted to go natural since my 10th grade year in high school. I never went natural during that time, or the years following, because I was so scared of what people would say or think (like that really matters right!)… and I was so comfortable getting my hair relaxed; especially since I had been getting it done for such a long time. If I’m not mistaken, I had been getting my hair relaxed since I was around 11 or 12 years old. When I asked my mom why she chose to do it she told me it was because my hair was so thick and too hard to handle… c’mon mom!

Ha-ha, thankfully times have changed.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 1.5 years and I’m loving it. I cut my hair on November 21, 2012 and it was a big shock to a lot of my family, friends, and coworkers… I cannot lie I was shocked too!

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
In 2011, I attempted to go natural for the first time. I was transitioning at that point and I made it close to a year without getting a relaxer, but in the end, I caved.

The one person that pushed me over the edge and inspired me like no other was…my mom! One evening I picked her up from the bus station and was ever so surprised to see that during her vacation back home she allowed my big sis to chop off all of her hair. I was excited, inspired, and at that moment in that car I decided that the time to go natural was now. If my mom could do it, so could I!

Within a few days, maybe 2 to 3 weeks max…I big chopped my hair (myself) and was beyond thrilled!

*I must note that my husband was not feeling it (at all) at first, especially since it was his first time EVER seeing my hair that short…)

How would you describe your hair?
When I first cut my hair, my patterns were all over the place. I had a wavy side (the front left), super curly side (the front right), and a sort of straight section in the back (towards the middle). Now my hair is predominantly a mixture of really curly/slightly wavy patterns. I love it.

What do you love most about your hair?
I really love the versatility of it and I love my big curly ‘fro… I love everything about it and the added confidence it gives me. Overall, I just LOVE my hair!

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

My journey has been relatively easy and the most memorable part of my natural hair journey would have to be the day I chopped off my hair. I realized I didn’t care how or what other people would think of me; I was ready for this change to come. When I think back to that faithful day, all I see is a huge smile that is planted across my face as I clip my last piece of relaxed hair; this memory is one that I will cherish forever.

What are some of your favorite  hairstyles?
My 2 fav hairstyles are wash & go’s because it’s easy peasy, takes minimal time, and lead to big hair (my love, my all-time favorite) and two strand twists because it’s such a classic, versatile style!

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

My experiences as a natural has been one that is exciting, fun, and full of surprises. I really like when I rock my big curly ‘fro around family and friends who hadn’t seen me in a while. The expressions on their faces are truly priceless and often hilarious.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I really don’t have a regime per se but I try to wash my hair (at least) once every two weeks, I’ve begun deep conditioning it, and I try to keep it moisturized daily. I’m still learning ways to better care for my hair but I’m really lazy in the hair care department, but I’m really trying to do better y’all! (lol). Some of my favorite products are:

·         NeNe’s Secret: Leave-in Conditioner

·         Cantu Conditioning Co-Wash

·         Cantu Twist-out Gel

·         Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

·         Shea Moisture Shea Butter Conditioner

·         My DNA Hair Butter

·         And different oils (Jojoba, Avocado, Black Castor)

These are just a few I like…The list could go on and on.

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

I’m currently subscribed to a few YouTuber’s such as NaturalNeiicey, My Natural Sistas, and MahoganyKnots. I like the way they edit their videos, they’re never too long, and they’re always entertaining yet very informative (plus, they seem like really cool women). I don’t really follow too many natural hair blogs but I do follow quite a few natural hair communities on Google+.

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

If you’re thinking about taking the natural hair route, I’d say go for it! However, make sure you’re doing it because it is something you really want to do, please do not feel pressured to do anything you are not 100% ready to do!

And…

Yes, you may be scared/nervous to go natural but when you do, you’ll love it! It is like gaining a new sense of ‘self’, super empowering!

Where can people find you for more information?

Back in the day I was on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram  but I’ve scaled back heavily from all social networks and  now I’m only on Google+ and I’m also a blogger (www.LeadMeToHim.blogspot.com). My GP profile is 22aryel and there you will find all of my info and a little somethin’-somethin’ about my blog (which I’m super passionate about). I hope to connect with all of you soon.