Hello, my name is Jane Lorraine. I am a social justice advocatein my early 30’s, from Ohio. I am a daughter, sister, and best friend to many. My life has been an amazing journey so far, but I have to say that going natural was one of the best things I’ve ever done! It has helped me accept my natural beauty and myself. I was so inspired by my journey that I started a blog about it and wanted to share what I’ve learned about African American hair history as well. My experiences being natural have been extremely positive and self-affirming. I’ve been fortunate enough to inspire others to accept their natural beauty and am working on growing the natural hair community in my city as well.
How long have you been natural?
I have not had a relaxer in 5 years, but didn’t actually understand being natural until 3 years ago.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I actually went natural by accident! I got tired of getting relaxers, which always gave me scalp burns, and I needed a change for the better. I also started to learn more about the dangers of relaxers for your skin and health and wanted to truly accept my natural beauty. I simply stopped getting relaxers and did whatever I could to maintain my hair.
I didn’t do the big chop but instead transitioned for 2 years since I had no idea what I was doing with my hair! While Itransitioned, I kept my hair in cornrows but was not taking care of my hair the way I was supposed to. It wasn’t until 2011 that I discovered YouTube videos that helped me learn about my hair and how to care for it the right way. Now, my natural hair is strong and healthy and I love trying new styles.
How would you describe your hair?
It is strong, thick, and curly. I don’t pay too much attention to hair typing, because I have 3 different types on my head, but you could say that I am a 4A. No matter what style I’m rockin’, I have grown to see my hair as amazingly beautiful!
What do you love most about your hair?
I love that my hair can adapt and change depending on the style I want to create. It is very versatile and very receptive to moisturizing products. This has helped my hair get healthy quickly after I started taking care of it the right way.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I will always be amazed by how much I truly love my hair today. Growing up, I hated my hair and thought it was not manageable and I couldn’t do anything with it. I didn’t realize how much I had been influenced by a beauty standard that did not accept my kinky hair. Since there was no alternative image or information of how to take care of my natural hair I didn’t understand the value of being natural. After going on this journey towards self-acceptance, I started to love myself more and simply give my hair what it needed to be healthy. After that, my hair responded with shine, softness, and growth. It is amazing how when I started to accept myself, a beautiful result happened.
What are were some of your favorite hairstyles?
When I first went natural, I wore my hair in 2-strand twists for almost an entire year. I loved how the style would last weeks at a time and how fast my hair would grow. Today, my main style is the twist-out. This style keeps my hair manageable andcarefree since it will usually last me 3 days before I have to re-twist it. I use the flat-twist method so it doesn’t take long to do my hair either. I’m all about ease and consistency.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experience going natural has been very positive! I’ve gotten so many compliments from complete strangers about my hair that it inspired me to start my blog. People kept asking me what products I used and how I styled my hair, so I thought it would be a great idea to start a blog and put it all in one place for everyone to find. This journey has also inspired me to learn more about my culture and history, so I include aspects of that in my blog as well.
Family has been wonderful. My sister was very supportive of my decision and is by biggest natural hair fan! She is a licensed cosmetologist and used me as her natural hair model on her website. She would cornrow my hair when I first went natural, and then started experimenting with my hair by trying different braided and twisted styles. I even inspired her to go natural after she saw how strong my hair became and how fast it started growing. I am also SO happy that my Mom has also transitioned and wore her first twist-out recently! Yay Mom!:-)
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I try to keep it simple. I co-wash most of the month, shampoo when I need it, and deep condition weekly. I also oil and massage my scalp regularly. The styler I use most often is whipped Shea Butter with oils mixed in it. It is very moisturizing and gives my hair a nice hold while maintaining softness. Lastly, I only trim my hair twice a year.
My favorite products are TRESemme Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner, and Koil’s By Nature Deep Conditioner.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I give credit to the natural hair community on YouTube for saving my hair! It was because of them that I learned how to style and maintain my natural hair since I had no other examples in my life to turn to. The first video I watched was by Naptural85 and I’ve been a supporter of hers ever since! I also want to give a shout out to BeautifulBrwnBabyDol,HeyFranHey, MyNaturalSistas, Hair Crush, Urban Bush Babes,and TheChicNatural! You all ROCK!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Having natural hair is more than just trying a new hairstyle trend or fad. It is a personal and political statement of pride and love for yourself. You will learn many things about yourself as you go natural, so pay attention to your journey. I have found it to be a freeing and enjoyable experience. Notice how a wonderful thing happens when you accept yourself and let go of external beauty standards that do not nurture you. Most importantly, I want all my natural sista’s to love yourself just the way you are because our kinky, curly, nappy hair is BEAUTIFUL!
Where can people find you for more information?
Blog: http://HonoringOurHAIRitage.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/jane.lorraine.73
Twitter: @JaneALorraine
Email: JaneLorraineBlog@gmail.com
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