Naturally Fierce Feature: Christina

August 5, 2014

Hailing from Indianapolis, my name is Christina. I am a sexy wife, half-sleep mom, awesome optimist, hidden singer, love/hate poet, and full of nappy tresses. I love to plan parties and events for anything and everything. I just love people.

How long have you been natural? What motivated you to go natural?

I’ve been natural for 21 months. It will be 2 years in October 2014. And my motivation came from my unsureness, uncertainty, and being completely lost in my hair journey. I did not even have a hair journey to be honestly. I had no control over my hair and I knew that I had to change that factor. So I made my decision to get on a healthy hair track and now I’m in control.

How would you describe your hair?

Bouncy with a sistah-gurl demeanor. I do call my hair a “she” and I talk to “her,” never “it.” I have 4a/4b hair. My hair is thick in texture but looks springy and coily. My hair does not get dry, but she and humidity are forever enemies…POOF!

Did you transition or big chop?

I was both relaxed and colored and wanted to have natural hair. I did not have the courage to big chop and my family was surely against it. So from April ’12 to Oct ’12, I transitioned. Then I cut that last few bits off. My hair was neck length at the time, so it was a short transitional phase.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

I did Senegalese Twists a few times. But to start learning my hair, I did a lot of roller sets, flexi rods, and faux hawks. Now I do twist/braid outs and flat twists styles. Every now and again I would have my hair blown out or as an afro.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the free and liberating feeling my natural gives me. I do not have a schedule or a strict regimen I need to keep up with. I love that my hair is so versatile (puff, afro, twists, straight, etc.). I can really do anything with my hair. I love being able to learn about my hair and how to care for her, and not go to anyone else. When I succeed at a style, I am so happy that it was me who pulled that art out!

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

Oh my! 2 moments that stands out:

When I first started my hair journey back in 2012 of April, I started my Hair Diary. Reading back on that moment had emotions of being misplaced and absent in my own hair journey. Then reading 2012 of October, the entire tone change! I was fierce, excited, and determined to not only grow but maintain my hair. Ever since then I have kept my diary full of styles of roses and duds, product reviews, and what to try next time. I literally update my diary every 2 weeks.
There was a moment in the beginning of my hair journey where I got a partial STRAIGHT sew-in. You guessed it…I relaxed my edges. I had the style for 7-8 weeks, but the imprint of the relaxed edges stayed there for months. It was about 6 months before I cut them when they grew back out. This was the worst decision I have ever made for my hair…all for a style! I decided that I was never, ever, ever going to make that decision again. It was difficult having those edges because my styles were limited to protective styling and not out styles. But as my hair grew, it got easy to cut those suckers off.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I love Shea moisture products! I am especially in love with the Shea Moisture Smoothie. I also like Eco styler and Cantu leave in. I mostly create my own potions and mixtures including: castor oil, EVOO, EVCO, aloe Vera juice/gel, vegetable glycerin, lavender and rosemary essential oils. I feel using organic/natural products and the ones I mix up are best for my tresses.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, blogs, and vlogs?

I stay kinkycurlycoilyme.com and globalcoutureblog.net. I love reading the articles from other naturalistas and learn even more information to help me on my hair journey. My fav vloggers are: blakizbeautyful, mahoganycurls, Alicia James, naptural85, and MsVaughnTV. There short and simple videos give me the boost of confidence that “difficult” styles and be as easy as 1-2-3. I also love their enthusiasm and spirit for continuing their own healthy hair journey while helping me with mine.

What has been your experience as a natural?

My experience personal has been a wonderful journey so far. I enjoy my hair and what I can do with her. My parents thought it was a phase and my hubby did not like it at first. He came around when my hair started growing out and retaining length. Now he can’t keep his hands out my hair! He has HIMHS (hand in MY hair syndrome). The most memorable reactions I loved to experience and still do is the ones who are natural or going through their transitioning phase ask for guidance, support, and encouragement. I am always happy and willing to do so.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Thank you for supporting me on my own hair journey. I know lots, but I am still learning every day. Wherever you are at in your hair journey, love yourself continuously. Do this for you and only you. Yes, learn to care for your own hair and stay on the path for your healthy hair journey; but your priority is to keep a positive attitude about yourself and your tresses.

FOR MORE INFO:

Blog: desiremynatural.blogspot.com

IG: @mrspollard0504

Email: desiremynatural@gmail.com