Naturally Fierce Feature: Brandi

My name is Brandi Lofton and I’m originally from Georgia but currently living in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area. I am a lover of big, unruly, natural hair.  After getting relaxers for years, I decided to do away with them and embrace my natural texture.  I transitioned during my third year of law school and became fully natural August 2013.

How long have you been natural?

This August 2014 marks my first full year as a natural.  Yay!!

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

I was definitely a transitioner.  I did not have the courage to cut off all of my hair and rock out a TWA like many other naturals I love.  I transitioned for a year by slowly cutting off my relaxed ends until one day I decided to take the plunge and get rid of those dead ends once and for all.

How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as easily manipulated and unpredictable at the same time.  While I am able to achieve a variety of styles with my natural hair, there are times when my hair has a mind of its own and I have to rock with it.  The weather plays a big factor in how my hair evolves in a day.  To be more technical, I would describe my texture as medium thickness with predominately 3C curls and a few 3B curls in the mix.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of my hair.  Naturally curly and kinky hair is the best hair of ALL TIME!! (No offense to my relaxed and naturally straight-haired ladies)  As curlies, we can do so much with our hair.  The right products allow us to go from super-defined curls to an old school fro to a super sleek straight look.  We have the best of it all.

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 has been me embracing the person that God intended for me to be, flaws and all, and being confident in it.  I know many of you may be saying, “Going natural made that happen?”  Yes, it did for me.  Before deciding to go natural, I was discouraged from doing it by some people based on the fear of what my natural texture may look like.  By listening to them, I ignored my own desires and began to question the beauty of my natural hair.  Once I decided to go for what I wanted regardless of how others might view me or their opinions, I gained confidence in myself.  Today, I don’t place so much emphasis on my outward appearance but more on making myself a better person inwardly which is most important.

What are  some of your favorite  hairstyles?

My favorite transitioning hairstyle of all time would have to be rod sets.  I would set my hair on the weekend and rock my curls for a week or two.  This style was a lifesaver and helped me keep my sanity while dealing with two textures.  I also wore buns.  My favorite style now is a wash and go because its super easy, doesn’t require much maintenance, and gets better the older it gets.

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

My experiences as a natural have evolved in the short period of time that I have been fully natural.  In the beginning, family members and significant others did not embrace my natural hair as much as I would have liked and considered it a phase that I would grow out of.  After seeing my commitment to it, many of them have grown to love my hair and accept it.  Many friends of mine embraced my decision from the beginning and encouraged me to take the leap.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I generally wash my hair twice a week using a cleansing conditioner (As I Am Coconut Cowash or Shea Moisture Purification Masque) and follow up with a deep conditioner (As I Am Hydration Elation or BASK Vanilla Whiskey Reparative Hair Soak).  Once a month, I clarify my hair (ACV/water mix or ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo).  As I stated, I mainly wear wash and gos.  For styling, I use Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave-in and combine it with either Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and seal with Aubrey Organics Aloe Vera Juice.

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

I have soo many that I love but I will only name a few.

Websites/Blogs: Global Couture Blog (of course),Naturallycurly.com, CurlyNikki, ManeObjective, Black Girl Long Hair

YouTubers: Taren Guy, MahoganyCurls, Naptural85, Shameless Maya

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I want each of you reading this post to love yourself for who you are now, regardless of your shortcomings and flaws.  If you are unhappy with your current state whether it be mentally, physically, or spiritually, commit to making a change and stick to it.  If you are struggling with the decision of whether you should go natural, block out all negative opinions and do what YOU want.  After all, we only have one life and we should be able to live it to the fullest rocking one of our best assets – OUR FIERCE HAIR!!!

Where can people find you for more information?

I encourage everyone to check out my hair videos and subscribe to my YouTube channel here — >>www.youtube.com/georgia1988peach and to stay in touch with me daily follow me on Instagram @brandilou88.