Naturally Fierce Feature: Javonni

September 16, 2013

My name is Javonni McGlaurin. I am a recent graduate of Hampton University from St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently a volunteer for the International Youth Council.

How long have you been natural?

I have been completely natural for 7 months and 6 days! I like to tell people I involuntarily went natural. I traveled to Costa Rica for study abroad and I had no access to reliable hair salons. I had been getting relaxers since I was 13 so I did not know what to do with my hair. I was transitioning before I even knew what that was. When I returned I went straight to the hair salon to get a relaxer but I was curious about what was happening to my hair while I was abroad so I did my research. Now I’m a curly girl and I’m loving it!

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

I never had any issues with getting my hair relaxed but I heard all the horror stories of women that have gotten relaxers and their hair breaking off and falling out so I decided to stop while I was ahead. A few of my sorority sisters were going natural and they were telling me the pros of going natural. My motivation for committing to going natural was when I learned that I could straighten my hair and get the “relaxed” look without using chemicals. I transitioned for a year and two months then at the beginning of the new year I cut off the relaxed ends.it.

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

I’ve had a lot of memorable moments. I have taken a lot of big steps with my hair but more recently I put Senegalese twist in my hair myself! The journey can be a challenge at sometimes. It takes a lot of dedication to wake up every morning and figure out what I want to do with my hair.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

Some of my favorites were do’s are the flat twist with a side part and braid outs that are tucked and pinned.

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

My mother was skeptical at first she was getting use to the idea of my hair not being straight. When I would experiment with styles, instead of saying it was ugly she would get strange face and say “That’s….different” It’s better now. Shes loves to see what new style I’m going to rock next.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I wash my hair once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner. I deep condition once a week for 30min to a hour with a shower cap and a satin cap on top. I hate to say it but I’m a little bit of a product junkie. I don’t have a strict hair regimen. I make sure I have the basics, Shampoo, conditioner, oil, styler and moisturizer but when one thing runs out I pick up another.

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

The list could go on. I watch everyone and get inspiration from everywhere. The YouTuber’s I follow more consistently are Kimmaytube and mynaturalsistas. I learned so much from these three channels. My Wikipedia for hair is naturallycurly.com

What is your experience with natural hair in the workplace?

As a young professionals I think we sometimes feel criticism of society about natural hair not being professional for the workplace. My colleagues are not afraid to compliment me on my hair and tell me how they like seeing me with a new look and I’m not afraid to educate my coworkers on being natural and encourage discussions on hair. For those that are working in a government or business setting it is possible to be black,natural and professional like the globalcouture shirt says. (Preach)

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Lastly, let your journey be your own. Don’t let anyone else define how you should be as a natralista. For me being natural means not chemical relaxer but I did decide to color my hair. My journey. My choice.

Where can people find you for more information?

Facebook: Javonni Symone

Instagram: @Javonvon

Twitter: @Javonni_M

Email: j.mcglaurin4@gmail.com Feel free to contact me.