Naturally Fierce Feature: Janelle

My name is Janelle Sands. I am a proudly-raised Alaskan and I currently reside in Texas.

How long have you been natural?

For 13 years! It’s that crazy?!

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

I was completely and utterly moved by the one and only Lauryn Hill.  She inspired me to want to be a natural beauty.

How would you describe your hair?

I am rockin 3C curls. The back of my hair is a smoother texture and the top is a kinky texture, but mostly the same curl pattern.

What do you love most about your hair?

I think my hair has personality. I think I have a great balance of curl and kink. I can relate to most all hair types because of the diversity of my curls. I just love this thing, this natural thing!

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

I wanted to go natural my junior year of high school and my mom said,” no gurl, you do NOT have hair like your cousins.” I was like, I’ll show her one of these old days. So I waited until I went off to college to grow it out. Today my mother is a proud natural. It has been both easy and difficult. The transition was tough and I was really talked about because I transitioned at a time when NO ONE was doing it except for a few of the stars. Jill Scott, Maxwell, and D’Angelo were my main Curlfriends!

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

The braid out was by far my fave because everyday it morphed into a different look. I also love braids of all kinds.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?

The best reaction came from my husband. When we were in college, he saw me at an event out of time and we didn’t know each other, but we were the only two people with equally obnoxious afros, so naturally everyone thought we should be together. He later told me that he wanted to be with a natural beauty. I sometimes think to myself, if I hadn’t gone natural when I did, I might never have met my husband and the father of my sons. To this day he is my biggest supporter.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I have recently fallen in love with CURLS, shot out to Mahisha Dellinger! I am also a supporter of professional products like Keracare, and Moroccan Oil. But there are many products commercial and retail that have impressed me over the last few months as I have ventured out including As I Am, Keravada, Mielle Organics, Novex and Brigeo.

Shampoo twice monthly ( low-poo or gentle poo)

Conditioner wash in between shampoos for moisture or to restyle

Deep Condition bi-monthly. I can use strengthening protein treatments frequently because my hair is fine in texture.

Trim as needed

Rarely use heat

Moisturize and Seal with Leave in Conditioner and a moisturizing oil

Tie my hair up nightly in a silk scarf

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

Secret Curl Society ( Me), Natural Niecey, Rock Yo Rizos, EbonyCurlz(instagrammer), and HeyGorJess who was the first blog I have ever followed.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I believe that this movement is a way for us as women to love and appreciate one another. I am sure that there are more and more women forming relationships all on the basis of hair, which seems so insignificant, however it has changed our world. Embrace your hair and I guarantee, it will help you embrace your entire being.

Where can people find you for more information?

I can be found:

Instagram: @secretcurlsociety

Facebook: Secret Curl Society

Website: www.secretcurlsociety.com