Naturally Fierce Feature: Kayla

Hi my name is Kayla! I’m originally from San Antonio, TX, but I currently reside in Austin, TX and attend The University of Texas. I started my hair journey my freshman year in college and it is now the summer before my senior year (WOOHOO!). Returning to natural has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has opened doors for me and it is a GREAT conversation starter. The natural hair community is so supportive of each other and I love it!

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been completely natural for 1 year, but I have been on my hair journey for 2 and a half years.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
My transition was all about healthy hair. My hair was never super short or super damaged, but my ends were raggedy and my hair never seemed to grow past collarbone length. I had never considered going natural. My plan was just to stretch my relaxers for longer periods of time. As I did research on stretching relaxers I came across information on “going natural” as well and decided to give it a shot. I chose to be a long-term transitioner because I have never had short hair and was not ready to try it.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey was definitely my big chop. The first cut was the hardest. I immediately regretted my decision, but it was too late. Even though I wasn’t completely bald it was the shortest my hair had ever been and despite my uncertainty at the beginning, I LOVED it! My journey hasn’t been too difficult. I am a college student with a crazy schedule, so I do struggle with a high stress level at times, which negatively affects my hair.

What  were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
I lived in braid outs and twist outs during my transition and I STILL live in braid outs and twist outs lol. I recently tried out curlformers and I really liked them. They are expensive, but I am considering making the investment.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experience has been great! I’ve met so many wonderful people just by having a fro lol. As I mentioned it is a great conversation starter. Some of my friends initially said they preferred my straight hair, but it has grown on them (or they realized it wasn’t worth the fight lol). My mother is already natural, so my family was supportive. The initial cut was a bit of a shock to everyone simply because my hair had never been that short.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
• Shampoo: Curls Cleansing Cream (Once a week-Every other week)
• Conditioner: Nature’s Gate Aloe Vera (Every 2 days)
• Deep Conditioner: Mixed Chicks (Twice a week)
• Styling: Coconut oil, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (After every wash/condition)
• My regimen can vary based on my hair’s needs and the amount of time I have available.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
• Curlynikki.com
• Shamelessmya (even though she’s technically not a natural hair blogger)
• Naptural85
• Taren916

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
You spent x amount of years learning how to do your permed hair, don’t expect to learn your natural hair in 15mins. Keep at it!

Where can people find you for more information?
Youtube.com/kaylorray
Twitter and Instagram: @kaylorray
Kaylorray.tumblr.com

 Thank you, Kayla