Naturally Fierce Feature: Mariah

September 29, 2013

My name is Mariah Peart and I’m from Brunswick,GA. I’m half African American and half
Jamaican. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always had naturally, long, thick kinky-curly hair. I got a relaxer when I was 10 years old. For 4 years, I’ve watched my hair pop off and get shorter and shorter. When I began my freshman year in high school (2006), I stopped relaxing my hair and began to transition to natural.

How long have you been natural? I have been completely natural for 5 years and 5 months.

What motivated you to transition? My mother motivated me to transition. She knew my hair better than I did. I was a transitioner, because I was too scared to big chop at first hand. So I transitioned for a year and 5 months.

How would you describe your hair? I would describe my hair as kinky-curly.

What do you love most about your hair? What I love most about my hair is that it’s very versatile. From an Afro to a Twist Out to an Afro Puff to Flat-Ironed hair!

What was the most memorable part of the journey? The most memorable part of my journey was that I was given a nick name that matched my first natural hair style (right after I big chopped). I was called “Puff” (LOL). My journey has been both easy and difficult. It was difficult dealing with the two textures of relaxed and natural when I transitioned. Yet, my journey became easier with styling and caring for my hair after I big chopped. My journey also became easier when I began to learn every strand of my natural hair and learned how to treat every strand by its personality.

What were you favorite transitioning hairstyles? My favorite transitioning hair styles were braids and buns. I loved to keep my transitioned styles at a minimum.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ My experience as a “natural” has been very exciting and funny. The more my hair grew, the more memorable reactions I received. When I wore my hair out, someone called me a “lion.” When, I was a junior in high school and my class had to watch a movie, I was told, “Excuse me, can you move your puff please?” Reactions from different people throughout my journey have been hilarious!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My hair regimen is very simple. I co-wash and condition with Tresemme Curls Hydration Conditioner. For deep conditioning (every two weeks or when my hair feels neglected), I like to use Pantene Truly Natural Hair Deep Conditioner. I love to use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Repair Cream and Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque for my leave-in conditioners. My favorite styler is Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel. The oils I love to use as sealants are Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil and African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil.

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

My ultimate favorite natural hair website is www.naturallycurly.com, my favorite Youtubers are Naptural85, HairCrush, SummerKellsey, NaturalNiiecey, Eclark6, Mynaturalsistas, TarenGuy, ShamelessMaya, MahoganyCurls, and srdesigns1. My favorite blogs are naptural85.com, curlbox.com, and curlynikki.com.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

What I would like the readers to know that when you’re growing your hair back to natural, know that it is more than just a journey. It’s a progressing lifestyle. My saying is, “Some may call it ‘Natural,’ but I call it ‘Normal.'” Learn to embrace, love, and care for your hair. Natural hair is so unique because of versatility. We’re not limited to just one hair style. It’s endless! So, stay consistent in your haircare that gives you great results and you can’t go wrong.