Naturally Fierce Feature: Fayketta

June 6, 2013

Hello Curl Friends my name is Fayketta Martin, my close family and friends call me Fay. I am from Philadelphia, Pa. I am a Registered Radiographer and a mother of two wonderful children. I guess I might say my Natural hair journey began the day I was born. I always had very long and thick hair since I can remember. It runs in my family. I hated my hair as a child and really didn’t start liking it until my 8th grade Graduation. I was allowed to get my first hair cut….I then feel in love with my hair. I learned to maintain my own hair aswell as my siblings hair at an early age. We was not allowed to let anyone touch nor play in our heads, those was the rules. My Great Grandmother was in charge of my hair , she had long, thick wavy hair that she sat on. She taught me how to care for my hair , she would use Olive Oil and Castor Oil on our hair and I hated it!!! She would say it’s good for your hair. I didn’t want to think so but, It was true and it was natural. I have a mixed hair texture of 3c/4a hair type. Some may say I was Blessed with a Gift and a Curse. Im blessed with a crown of glory and cursed or envied by those that wish they had it. I’ve learned to accept it and deal with the fact that it’s not going anywhere Natural Tress Me it is and that is all!!!

#MYHAIRCRUSH!

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for 9yrs, my last relaxer was in the summer of 2004.

Then: Early 20s, my fav updo-pin Curl ponytail all mines Now: Curls

relaxed hair

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

My hair was about 3 or 4 inches above waist length in 2005 when I decided to cut my hair in a China Bob hair style. At the time of my hair cut my hair was about half new growth and the remainder still had relaxer. My hair grows really fast , my family and friends would say Girl your hair grows like water, lol!! So I waited until it reached shoulder length and I had the relaxer cut off. I decided to embrace my natural hair, realizing that I never really needed that relaxers to begin with. I got relaxers for convinence, it helped me during my blow drying process. It help to thin my hair out allowing me to finish my hair sooner. Also helping to control frizz other than that I didn’t have a major need for relaxers.

What has been the most memorable part of yourjourney? Has it been easy or difficultor both?!

The most memorable part of my journey was and still is, finding products that cater to my hair. I have to admit that I have become a product junkie!!! I love trying new hair products. My transition has not been hard for me at all. I have always been able to mainain my own hair. I have notice since I stopped using relaxers that I nolonger have a dry itchy and extra flacky scalp. That is a plus for no other reasons. My overall experience has been GREAT!!

Her hair is the bomb.com~!

What are (or were) some of your favoritetransitioning hairstyles?
My favorite transitioning hairstyles was and are Twist/Outs,Braid/Outs, Buns, Chunky Braids, Bantu Knot/Outs and I only do Wash n Go’s during Spring/Summer months.

What have your experiencesbeen as a ‘natural?’
I haven’t had any negative experiences or reactions from anyone. They may ask a dumb question like “What you do with all that thick hair on ya head” Then I reply by saying “The same thing you do with those pounds of weave you have on your head!” Then they look at me like I have two heads or as if Im the one that sound crazy, lol!!! I guess beacuse I always had long hair , I’ve learned to adapt to all that comes along with it . Im use to all the stares, all that compliments, all desires to touch and the conversations with complete strangers about what hair products so I use etc. My favorite lines are “where you from or you must be mixed” lol!!!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I don’t have a special hair regimen I follow. Im not on any special diet….I don’t take vitiamins or magicle hair growth pils. I wash and condition my hair once a week and try to deep condish every two weeks. I get my ends trimmed every 3 to 4 months, thats the only time I go to my stylist. I will use my blow dryer or set under the dryer only as needed. I try to stay away from heat as much as possible. I perfer to air dry or use the dryer on a warm/cool setting only. As I stated before I am a product junkie, I like to try new products. All the hair products I use are not all 100% natural, If I like it I will use it. I do have a list of Favorites or HG products. Shea Moistures, Luv Naturals, Tresemme’ Naturals, As I Am (co-wash), CoilyHeadChick, Entwine Couture, Jane Carter, ECO Styler gel Olive/Argan, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Black Castor and Argan Oil. These are my must haves, I will always repurchase these products.

(Thanks for repping Global Couture “Curly Ashley tee”, Fay)

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

My favorite natural websites/youtubers are Naptural85, PGniiecey, Mahoganyknots, CoilyHeadChick, MahoganyCurls, Kinky,Coily,Curly Me.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirationalwords?

I would say to everyone to learn to be extra gentle and patient with your hair. We all have our very own Hair Cush on someone out there but remember what may work for them may not be best for you. Give your own hair a try, don’t get discouraged its only hair. If its meant for you to have long hair you will have it. I would rather have Healthy hair over Length any day. Embrace what you have and try to be happy with it!

Where can people find you for more information?

I can be reached or contacted :Instagram: @brwnskin_shawty

Facebook: Fayketta Natural Tress Martin

Meet My Hair.com : Natural Tress Flow (FayM)

Email: Faykettam@gmail.com