My name is Melanie Brown, I am 37 years old and a true Jersey girl! I am a wife, mother of two amazing kids and an aspiring makeup artist. My hair journey has been incredible and I love inspire others to love the kinks they were born with!
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for a total of 18 years! In between I had moments where I was frustrated and did not love my hair yet and had it professionally “texturized.” Both times, however, were epic fails and only proved that I needed to learn to accept my curls for what they were!
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
My mother inspired me to go natural. All my life I followed her style from the time I had a say. When she hot-combed her hair, I did the same. When she got a “Leisure Curl” in the 80’s I was amazed and begged her for a “Curl!” Lol. When she relaxed her hair in the 90’s I could not wait to get a perm, even though my scalp burned with each and every touch up. But you couldn’t tell me nothin’, especially when I had the classic “Halle Berry” Boomerang cut! Ha! This proves that mothers have a heavy influence over what their daughters believe about their own hair. My daughter is two years old and I emphasize that her curls are beautiful on every opportunity!
Anyway, one day my mother chopped her hair off into a short fro. I thought it was a bit odd at first but really admired her courage. Eventually a stylist over-processed my hair and I had serious breakage! I knew I would need to cut it but was not ready, so I braided it a bit and when I had a few inches of new growth, chopped it off! At first, I texturized my TWA because I thought I must. Then one day my old boss, (shout out to Gifted Hands Beauty salon in Hackensack, NJ!) suggested that my own curls were pretty and I did not need the chemicals. Well I stopped getting touchups from that day on, just a little gel or curl activator and voile!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My journey was super easy with a TWA. Just wash, gel and go. The issues came when I decided to grow it out. My hair is super thick and the same products did not suffice as I grew length, and 10 years ago, there were few products on the market for African American naturally curly hair. I did lots of puffs and afros, and they were cute but a large afro did not work for me long term. Every morning I had to wet it, get product all through, pick and make sure I did not lay my head against anything for fear of it being flattened! (I know my fro wearers can relate!) I made the mistake of washing it loose back then instead of in large twists as I do now, so detangling was a headache, as we curly girls know that our coils entangle themselves around each other. I lost so much more hair back then from the pulling and ripping! That is when I decided to texturize it once more. The stylist did it improperly and I was left with what looked like a bad wave which I had to blow out and flat iron every time I washed it. That is how big chop #2 came about.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I am known for my twist outs. I like the idea of updos but they never seem to work out, no matter how many CharyJay videos I watch on YouTube. I love wearing my hair out and I love it big and wild so twistouts are the way to go. This way my hair always stays stretched and so tangles are not an issue. I re-twist every night so I have a fresh look from day to day.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’
Any memorable reactions from family or others? When I had a TWA I got lots of compliments, however, my husband was not thrilled. He likes length. Fortunately for him I know how to work with my hair now! My family and friends has been supportive overall. As for society, I get asked about my hair a lot and really appreciate the compliments. I especially love when a newbie natural, transitioner, or relaxed lady asks how I got here. I offer lots of encouragement! J
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I never shower or sleep with loose hair, it’s always twisted. I sleep on a satin pillow case and/or use a satin bonnet! I only use a large tooth comb when detangling in the shower otherwise; my fingers do all the work! I dust my ends myself every couple of months or more. I flat iron once a year in the winter, mainly for a classic trim and a change, but once it reverts that is it! Otherwise no heat. With the exception of Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, I am a Shea Moisture Fanatic! My faves are their Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner, especially since I now have permanent color. I typically twist with the Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Deep Treatment Masque and spray the Reconstructive Finishing Elixir in before I untwist. The softness and shine that stuff brings is ridiculous!!! I also use Braggs Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar once a month to remove product buildup.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Well, now I am hooked on Global Couture 🙂 but I also like curlynikki.com, and blackgirllonghair.com. A few of my favorite vloggers are aliciajamesmusic, FusionofCultures and of course Naptural85!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want my sistahs to know that no one should be made to feel badly if they relax their hair. But it is important to ask yourself why. Is it because “natural” is not for you, as I have heard some say? If so, how can your natural texture be wrong? You would be surprised at what your hair can do with a little T.L.C. patience, and the right products! Speaking of which, try a product out for 30 days before giving up on it to avoid becoming a product junkie. Also, glam it up! I believe accessories, jewelry and makeup are even more fun when you are natural and you stand out! It is simply untrue that black men hate natural hair. I have observed that they love it and a confident, vibrant woman who rocks it! That is all!
Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on Instagram as Hotfitmama76.
Rastrear Teléfono Celular says
Si está pensando en usar una aplicación para espiar teléfonos celulares, entonces ha tomado la decisión correcta. https://www.mycellspy.com/es/tutorials/best-cell-phone-spy-apps-online-free-trials/
Melody says
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of
hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?
Melody recently posted…Melody
agen sv388 says
I think the admin of this web page is truly working hard in support of his web site, because
here every information is quality based material.
agen sv388 recently posted…agen sv388
perfume similar to maison francis kurkdjian says
What’s up, for all time i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the morning, as i love to
find out more and more.
perfume similar to maison francis kurkdjian recently posted…perfume similar to maison francis kurkdjian
Situs Judi Slot303 says
I blog quite often and I really appreciate your information. Your
article has truly peaked my interest. I will bookmark your site
and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I subscribed to your Feed too.
Situs Judi Slot303 recently posted…Situs Judi Slot303
Diandre says
This post is truly a good one it helps new net users, who are wishing for blogging.
Diandre recently posted…Diandre
Trini says
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism
or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself
or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any ways to help protect against content
from being stolen? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Trini recently posted…Trini
Serene says
Hey! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout
out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thanks a ton!
Serene recently posted…Serene
Zac says
What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how
regarding unexpected feelings.
Zac recently posted…Zac
Hokicoy Gacor says
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you
amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Hokicoy Gacor recently posted…Hokicoy Gacor
Isabella says
Why visitors still use to read news papers when in this technological
world all is available on net?
Isabella recently posted…Isabella
Terina says
I am really impressed along with your writing talents as neatly as
with the layout for your weblog. Is that this a paid subject
matter or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a nice weblog like this one today..
Terina recently posted…Terina
Baron says
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things
to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of
your ideas!!
Baron recently posted…Baron
Johnanna says
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
Cheers
Johnanna recently posted…Johnanna
naga169 says
Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You have performed a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this web
site.
naga169 recently posted…naga169
naga169 says
I every time emailed this webpage post page to all my friends, as if like
to read it then my links will too.
naga169 recently posted…naga169
naga169 says
Hey there fantastic blog! Does running a blog like this take a lot of work?
I’ve virtually no expertise in computer programming but I
had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic but I just wanted to ask.
Many thanks!
naga169 recently posted…naga169
joker123 deposit pulsa says
I am curious to find out what blog system you’re using? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and
I’d like to find something more secure. Do you
have any solutions?
joker123 deposit pulsa recently posted…joker123 deposit pulsa
bo slot says
What’s up to every , as I am actually eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated
daily. It consists of pleasant material.
bo slot recently posted…bo slot
Hokicoy Alternatif says
I love what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work
and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys
to our blogroll.
Hokicoy Alternatif recently posted…Hokicoy Alternatif
sabung ayam sv388 says
I think the admin of this web site is really working hard for his web page, for the reason that here every stuff is quality based information.
sabung ayam sv388 recently posted…sabung ayam sv388
joker123 deposit via pulsa says
It’s an remarkable article designed for all the online viewers; they will obtain advantage from it I am sure.
joker123 deposit via pulsa recently posted…joker123 deposit via pulsa
agen sabung ayam sv388 says
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road.
Cheers
agen sabung ayam sv388 recently posted…agen sabung ayam sv388
winning303 says
I used to be recommended this website through my cousin. I’m now not certain whether this submit is written by him
as no one else realize such special about my trouble.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
winning303 recently posted…winning303
naga169 says
Hello, I read your blogs regularly. Your writing style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
naga169 recently posted…naga169
naga169 says
My developer is trying to convince me to move to
.net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on various websites for about a year and
am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard
excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
naga169 recently posted…naga169
winning303 says
If you are going for best contents like me, only pay a quick visit this website daily because
it provides quality contents, thanks
winning303 recently posted…winning303
naga169 says
You need to take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web.
I am going to highly recommend this blog!
naga169 recently posted…naga169
slot88 says
What’s up, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one
is sharing facts, that’s truly excellent,
keep up writing.
slot88 recently posted…slot88
daftar slot joker123 deposit pulsa tanpa potongan says
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if
it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is entirely off topic but I had to
share it with someone!
daftar slot joker123 deposit pulsa tanpa potongan recently posted…daftar slot joker123 deposit pulsa tanpa potongan
bo slot says
Usually I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to say that
this write-up very compelled me to try and do
so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great post.
bo slot recently posted…bo slot
slot joker123 deposit pulsa 5000 tanpa potongan says
I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
slot joker123 deposit pulsa 5000 tanpa potongan recently posted…slot joker123 deposit pulsa 5000 tanpa potongan
cara deposit pulsa joker123 says
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am having issues with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anyone else
getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
cara deposit pulsa joker123 recently posted…cara deposit pulsa joker123
Hokicoy Daftar says
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your site?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to
say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people
could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot
of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space
it out better?
Hokicoy Daftar recently posted…Hokicoy Daftar
naga169 says
Simply wish to say your article is as surprising.
The clarity on your post is just cool and that i could think you
are knowledgeable in this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grasp your feed to keep
up to date with imminent post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding
work.
naga169 recently posted…naga169
daftar sv388 says
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my
own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved
what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
daftar sv388 recently posted…daftar sv388
laga ayam sv388 says
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out some additional information.
laga ayam sv388 recently posted…laga ayam sv388