My name is Kennedy!! I’m born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. I got my first perm in the 4th grade! My grandmother actually snuck and took me. I used to complain allllll the time about how big my hair was and how I wanted it to look like the other girls in my class (straight). My mom came home and was pissssseedddd! Lol. She never was a big “hair do-er” so she got over it pretty fast after she realized how manageable my hair had become after the perm. Since then, I had been receiving a perm at least once a year up until 2009!
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural now for about 4 years. I’ve never been comfortable with the big chop (mainly because I think I have an abnormally shaped head) so I was a transitioner. And boyyyyy was it a transition! lol. The year after I graduated from high school was a tough one for me. While my old friends were moving on with their lives and going to college, I on the other hand, was not in school, but yet working full time. I was spending a lot of time with my grandmother, and I was just learning more about myself and my interest. I had a lot of spare time so I started to created personal goals for myself. One of which was getting my hair to grow. I was in one of those hair phases where it just wouldn’t grow past my shoulders. And for the love of me I couldn’t figure out why. So I started watching these youtube videos about curly hair and how to get it to grow. And thats where my natural journey began.
What motivated you to go natural?
It became an everyday thing. I was on youtube for hourrrrs. Just taking notes. My favorite youtuber to watch was Taren Guy. (TAREN916 on youtube) She was my “hair guru”. lol. I studied all her techniques and started incorporating them into mine.
How would you describe your hair?
I have 3A-3b hair. I typically have a problem with retaining moisture and breakage. I don’t get my ends clipped as much as I should.
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What do you love most about your hair?
I have BIG hair. Lol. Volume has never been an issue with these locks of mine. Which I definitely GREW to love. When I first started transitioning, I needed every curl to be perfectly definied. I wanted my hair to lay flat. (for whatever reason *rolls eyes*) And it just haddddd to be perfect. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate my frizz and embrace it. Some women would love to have a little extra poof, so I’m happy with mine. 🙂
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Â
The most memorable part of my journey would definately be the reaction from my family and peers. They have seen me, step by step, go through this transition. And they’re responses are always so uplifting and definately made a huge impact on me continuing in this journey.
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What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I’m a firm believer in “less is more”, so I really don’t do alot of hair styles. I wear my hair out a lot. When I was transitioning I did a lot of twist outs and bantu knots at night to give me a cute little curly in the morning. I wear buns on the top of my head and thats about it. Lol. I wish I were more complex in the styling game sometimes but I just don’t have the patience. lol
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What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I co-wash my hair every 3-4 days and wash once every 2 weeks with a clarifying shampoo. I seperate my hair in 2 sections and apply an oil of my choice (normally cocunt oil). I then apply my moisturizer, my styling product, and then seal that with another oil of my choice. And that’s my regimen. When I’m wanting to achieve 3rd or 4th day hair, I spray my hair with a little water, and use a moisturizer that focuses on controlling frizz and then BAM! I’m back in bidness;)
I rotate my shampoos and conditioners. My hair starts to do its own thing when I’m using a product too often, so I’m forced to switch it up. My favorite moisturizer is Cantu’s Leave-In Shea Butter. My sealing oil that I live and die by is called Blissful Lengths by Curls. I use Kinky Curly’s Detangler every now and then. (I used to use this product EVERY time I co-washed my hair, and over the last couple of months, it hasn’t been working for me like it used to) My current favorite styling product that I’m using is Shea Moistures Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I have to give credit to Curly Nikki’s blog and Taren Guy on youtube for my natural journey. Taren has a similar curl pattern to mine, and I always admired her personality and style. Curly Nikki’s blog just had so many stories and suggestions for products, protective styling, you name it…I was on there every day!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
My inspirational words would only be to LOVE YOURSELF! Forget whatever negativity you hear from anyone else. God made us all different for a reason. Embrace your difference. Love your difference. And don’t be ashamed of it. 🙂
Where can people find you for more information?
I do plan on making a youtube soon. But as of now you can catch me and my hair on instagram @PRESIDENTKENNEDY. I try to answer as many hair questions as possible. Don’t be shy=)
