My name is Donna and I’m originally from Michigan, but live in Chicago. I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad and received my Masters in Art, Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College. I am a photographer and do freelance hair and makeup. My YouTube channel is Donedo05.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been fully natural a year and a half.
What motivated you to go back to natural?
I had a relaxer since I was 9 years old and started transitioning for a year and 8 months, half way through my first year of grad school. My hair never seemed to grow past shoulder length when I had a perm. I “went natural” once I got tired of going back to Michigan to get a perm and I started liking how natural women wore their hair.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is kinky curly, thick and coarse.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love the versatility of it, I love that I can wash my hair multiple times a week and like how it looks naturally.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?
I think the amount of compliments I received while transitioning and being natural has been extremely encouraging and made me realize even more that the way God made me IS beautiful regardless of society’s European standard of beauty. While transitioning, detangling and blending the straight hair was most difficult. Once I cut off the permed ends, detangling was 100 times easier!
![image[1]](http://www.globalcoutureblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image16.jpeg)
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
While I was transitioning I wore a lot of undos and twist outs, now I wear more wash n gos, with a combination of braid outs, twist outs, and bantu knot outs.
![image[8]](http://www.globalcoutureblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image81.jpeg)
Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My family has always loved my hair no matter what style I wore. My 3 year old niece told me she liked my curly hair better than my faux locs.
What is your hair regimen?
I wash and deep condition my hair at least once a week. I usually cowash with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Aussie Moist Conditioner and Deep condition with what ever deep conditioner is closest (I probably have more than 60 different hair products so I’m trying to use them all up). Afterwards I apply a leave in (Giovanni Direct or Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia) and Eco Styler gel for my wash and gos or other styles. I have tutorials on my channel (www.youtube.com/donedo05)
![image[7]](http://www.globalcoutureblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image71.jpeg)
Who are your favorite Youtubers?
My favorite YouTubers are Shameless Maya, and NaturalNeiicey
Anything else you would like to add? Inspirational words?
Transitioning or doing the big chop can be hard but the results are worth it! I wish I never had a perm ever in life. I’m glad I know how to take care of my hair because now I’ll know how to care for my children’s hair too.
Where can we find you for more hair inspiration?
Instagram: Donedo, YouTube: www.youtube.com/donedo05, Tumblr: donedonaturalhair.tumblr.com Facebook: donedo
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