Naturally Fierce Feature: Chanel

0

My name is Chanel, also known as CompleteBlessings, and I’m from New York City. I started researching how to take care of my hair (relaxed at the time) back in 2008 and happened to stumble across some natural hair YouTubers. Before I knew it, I was watching hours upon hours of YouTube videos on natural hair and decided to stop relaxing in February of 2009. The rest is history.

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

I’ve been growing my hair for 6 years now and 100% natural for 5. It took me some time to get use to my hair. It was a different look, but I was determined to get familiar with it. Eventually, I came to love my texture and haven’t looked back since!

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

I transitioned for about 16 months. I still consider cutting my relaxed ends off as a “big chop” because my hair was pretty long. I decided to transition because I was afraid of what I would look like with extremely short hair. After my transition, I realized it was still short (at least for me). It was good because I couldn’t “hide” behind my hair anymore and it forced me to love myself without it.

4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair is extremely dense (in terms of thickness), but my strands are fine. I have different types of curls and kinks all over.

0

5. What do you love most about your hair? 

I love that I have the best of “both worlds.” I can rock nicely defined curls after a wash-and-go, but my hair can also hold many different “sets” (such as twist outs, braid outs, etc.) and still come out nice.

6. 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 is happening right now. I love being able to inspire others to go natural and to believe that Black “girls” can grow long hair. I appreciate being able to encourage women through their journey and reminding them that they are beautiful. In my lowest moment, encouraging them encourages me.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

To be honest, wearing wigs was my favorite. Not because I thought it was better than my own hair, but because it gave me a break from dealing with the two textures. My second favorite was updos (of all kinds).

10734233_369228589913116_7999405432150120180_n

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

I’ve experienced what would be considered the “best” moments, and I’ve also experienced some of the worst. The best would be the encouraging words that I’ve heard from some “brothas” over the years. Knowing that they recognized our beauty in our natural state meant a lot (even when some others may not have).

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

I don’t really have a routine that is any different than most of us. I’ve learned that the simpler you keep your routine the better. I “listen” to my hair. If I feel it needs protein, I give it protein. If I feel it needs moisture, I give it moisture. And in those moments when I know I’ve done too much, I let it be by doing a protective style. There doesn’t always have to be a formula. “Listen” to your hair and you can’t go wrong.

0

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

As far as YouTube goes, I enjoy Taren Guy, The Monroe Sisters (Vaughn & Meechy),Sunshine Abuwi and Chime Edwards (to name a few). To tell the truth though, I’m more of an “IG head” (Instagram). I love Global Couture (wink), Hair Crush, ChicNaturalistas, Fros and Beaus & so many more.

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

While some women go and remain natural as an accessory, many of us are doing it to learn to accept our natural hair. Be proud of the fact that you desire to accept what was given to you naturally. Each day that we walk outside being proud of our kinks and curls, we are slowly but surely redefining the standards of beauty in our world. We are not just enthusiast about hair… We are a culture.

12. Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me on YouTube and Facebook as CompleteBlessings. You can also find me on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest as @ImOnlyBlessed. I am most active on YouTube and Instagram, but I made sure that my Pinterest page has some great natural hair styling boards for those who need assistance in that area. Follow me everywhere!


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge