Naturally Fierce Feature: Cherrell

My name is Cherrell and I’m from Baltimore, MD. I’m just a regular girl who loves her hair. I decided to go back to my natural hair two years ago. I’ve always had long hair and I kept it pretty healthy but it would never grow past a certain point. I love to change my hair and do different styles, so two years ago I cut my hair into a short tapered hair cut for the summer. I dyed my hair blonde so I stopped using perms for that period. I thought about going natural but wasn’t sure if I really wanted to. Then I figured I should at least try while my hair is already short, so I cut my hair down to about an inch on top and shaved on the side and began my natural hair journey!

How long have you been natural?

I just came up on my two year nappiversary this month!

What motivated you to go natural?
I was motivated to transition the top of my hair because I still wanted to look feminine during my growth process. I basically did a big chop through series of cutting my hair shorter and shorter until it was about an inch long.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? 
The most memorable part of my journey was when I was finally able to style my hair with twist outs/braid outs and all of the permed hair had grown out. My natural journey was pretty tough in the beginning because I didn’t know what looked good or now to do many styles. It was also challenging to find hairstyles that I could wear to work. It got easier and it’s a lot easier now but can sometimes still be a challenge!

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
My favorite style when I had a twa was a wash and go, it was so easy back then! Now days my favorite styles are Bantu knots, a twist and curl, and I’ve been loving twisted protective styles.

Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My family was apprehensive about the change, as well as people that I encountered at work. People would say things like, ” Oh I like your hair better long” or “I don’t like that look”. This was upsetting that they were not supportive, but I had plenty other friends and some family members that were natural and they were very encouraging. My boyfriend was also supportive from day one. All in all, I had to learn to accept my hair and myself just the way I was.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My hair care regimen is pretty simple. I wash my hair with organix tea tree shampoo and use their Moroccan oil conditioner. I try to deep condition my hair every week using a hit oil treatment or mayo treatment. I use a frizz control leave in conditioner by herbal essences after washing. Then I will usually twist my hair using Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie or cantu leave in conditioner and coconut oil. Another product that I love is Jamaican black castor oil for my scalp.

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

Some of my favorite natural blogs and you tubers are: Black Girl With Long Hair, and Naptural85 , and Nikkimae2003.

How has dating been as a natural?
One of my “natural hair struggles” was feeling sexy for date night! I tried a lot of styles and added clips and bows to my hair to spice the short hair up!

Any setbacks during your hair journey?
A setback that I had during my journey was when I was growing my hair out and I wore my hair in sew-ins but left the front out. Bad idea! I straightened the front if my hair enough that it lost its curl and I ended up cutting that part off and having to regrow it. Avoid heat!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

My advice is too stay strong and dedicated to your journey. Don’t let anyone discourage you or make you feel like you and your hair aren’t beautiful!

Where can people find you for more information?

My Instagram user name is: Naturallycherrell and I can be found on YouTube at YouTube.com/Naturallycherrell

I love the two tone hair color! Thank you Cherrll!