Naturally Fierce Feature: Kaprice

April 29, 2014

My name is Kaprice Harrell and I’m from a small town called Kokomo, IN. I’ve lived in Indianapolis, IN since 2009. I have been a freelance makeup artist since 2008. I’m also a proud mother to a 7 year old boy. My son is everything to me.

How long have you been natural?

I decided to go natural in September 2010. I transitioned until June 2011 then big chopped.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a big chopper? Why?

I was reading Cosmo mag at the time and a few girls in my class were natural. Their hair was so pretty and full. Initially I was like, “What the heck are y’all thinking?” I said that because I never even considered going natural. Growing up with a relaxer, I was scared to find out how my own hair looked (sad right?). So, I jumped online and started researching on YouTube. I’m a YouTube freakazoid and I’m always searching for what’s new with hair, etc. I ran across Hair Journeys and fell in love. I transitioned just because it was a comfort blanket for me. I needed to keep my scraggly little perm twigs for as long as possible. I thought to myself: “I love my hair and I’m cutting this mess off!” I cut off about 6 inches of hair and rocked a TWA for a little bit. I wore sew-ins for a long time after that.

How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as a natural hair melting pot! It is a little bit of everything honey! It’s kinky, curly, dry, and everything. I love it all. I don’t really look at the hair charts, but if I had to choose I would say my hair was closer to 3C hair. But I really don’t know.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of natural hair so much. Even when I press it out, I get so bored with straight hair. I know when I reach my natural hair goal that I’m probably never going to wear it straight. I’m a curly type of girl. I thrive on big hair.

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

The most memorable part of my hair journey would definitely be the big chop. I felt free after I did it, but it was weird. I think I wanted to be natural for so long during the transition period that it was just a liberating feeling. It was easy to cut my hair because I was excited, but there are times when I want a quick pony and I can’t do it. That’s another reason I wore sew-ins, because they are so convenient.

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

When I was in Cosmo class and told everybody I was going natural, a lot of my classmates were supportive. They said, “That’s what most people are doing nowadays.” One girl said, “So you’re not cutting your hair? You’re just going to stop getting relaxers?” When I said yes she said, “I couldn’t do that.” People are something else. I’m glad I didn’t let her rain on my parade.

What is your hair regimen (including favorite products)?

I really don’t have one regimen. I like to do the LOC (Liquid, Oil, and Crème) Method just because it keeps my hair moisturized. I use Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) as an Oil and Cantu Coconut Curling crème as the Crème portion. I try to wash and condition every weekend but that doesn’t always happen. Whatever I do, I make sure I put some kind of oil on my hair and I’m super gentle with my ends. I’ve been off and on with MSM for hair growth, so I can’t really say if it is working.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTubers, or blogs?

I like to watch YouTube women like MahoganyCurls, Naptural85 and Taren Guy. We don’t all have the same type of hair, but I just enjoy watching natural hair. I think I’m obsessed or something!

Anything you want to the readers to know? Inspirational words?

A lot of times I hear women say, “The only reason people are going natural is because everybody else is doing it.” And you know what, that might be true. But, what’s wrong with that? A lot of people didn’t know it was okay to go natural. We were scared of our own hair, but when we see others going natural it makes us feel comfortable. We feel like, “Oh so and so is natural, kinky and curly and her hair looks fab!” It lets us know we can grow our own hair. Yes, that’s something that a lot of women had a hard time doing when they were relaxed. Now, I’m not totally against relaxed hair. I understand that everybody’s hair is different and some hair types are more time consuming than others. But, if you’re looking for growth and fullness I highly recommend going the natural way. My hair hasn’t grown this much since middle school. Be patient and understand we all have different hair that grows at different rates. Hang in there!

Where can people find you for more information?

My page is public and you can find me on Instagram @KolormeKaprice for more hairstyles, tips and tricks. I am going to start a YouTube page very soon with the same name: Kolormekaprice.