Naturally Fierce Feature: Irene

October 1, 2013

Hi my name is Irene Lloyd-Peniston, I am 26 years old originally from The Bronx, New York but currently reside in Brooklyn, New York. I’m currently enrolled in school to obtain a degree in Social Work, and work as a supervisor at a travel agency in the city. I am also married to an amazing man!!

How long have you been natural? I’ve been fully natural for 7 months, my last perm was on July 22nd 2013, I finally decided to do the B.C. (Big chop) on December 23rd 2013; I just couldn’t take the two textures anymore! It was horrible..

What motivated you to go natural? I begin to have the desire to go natural when I was 23, one day I found a childhood photograph of me, I had to be no older than 10 and my hair was amazingly long and thick, I always wondered what my hair would have been had I not permed it, colored it all the time and just let it go… I was never really educated on the transition stages and how easy it was to grow a perm out. YouTube became my best friend!

How would your describe hair? On a hair chart I would say my hair texture is between 3C and 4A it’s thick but extremely manageable, some days I don’t do anything but spray some water, add a little conditioner and do a puff (which is my go to hair style).

What do you love most about your hair? I love the fact that it’s so thick I think it’s beautiful, I look back at photographs of me with a perm and I just laugh NEVER AGAIN…. My hair has also provided me with more confidence. When I first did the B.C. I hated it, I even went out and purchased a wig because I felt horrible… but it made me realize its just hair and nothing can take away the beauty that’s within a person.

What has been the most memorable part of the journey? The most memorable part so far would be my husband helping me take out a protective style that I had for my birthday, I would ask him to help me perm my hair by telling him “its easy, just slap the perm on” – but him assisting me in taking out braids I had was wonderful for me.

What were your transitioning go to hairstyles? When transitioning I loved box braids and Senegalese twists. Those were my go to styles. I only transitioned for 5 months so the braids really helped me manage my hair once those two textures started to grow in.

Any reactions from others since going natural? My family was all for it. My father hated when I wore weaves and perms, my mother wants to go natural but she’s chicken, my husband keeps begging me to lock my hair (I’m actually entertaining the thought)…. when I first cut my hair there were a few shocked faces because I cut it extremely short but as it begin to grow everyone stopped staring so much lol. Overall I had alot of support.

What is your hair regimen? Currently in my spray bottle, I have water (of course), Olive oil, Dr. Miracles growth oil, and JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil). I purchased so many products once I cut my hair, I probably spent over $100 on natural hair products- and shockingly I use none of them. When doing my two strand twist I only use water and/or Eco Styler Gel. I co-wash my hair maybe every two weeks and only use shampoo on a need to basis… if my hair is in extreme need of a good wash and scrub- that’s the only time I’ll wash with shampoo. I also still use Dr. Miracles products alot of naturals do not like his line I personally love it, everyone’s hair is different, what some can take; others can’t. For my hair in particular his line works great.

Who are your favorite vloggers? YouTubers: I love msnikkiemae and tarenguy…. those are my top two!

Any inspirational words? Never let hair define you…. what’s left is your heart, spiritual relationship with God (or whomever your praise) and a loving relationship with yourself and that’s something that no one should be able to take away.

Where can you be found for more information?
FACEBOOK: Irene Lloyd-Peniston
INSTAGRAM: @_irock
EMAIL: ireneclloyd@gmail.com
YOUTUBE: loveirock26