Naturally Fierce Feature: NaKesha (aka Himay10nence)

My name is Nakesha (also known as Himay10nence on Youtube) and I am from Centerville, IL. Centerville is right outside of East St. Louis, IL.

Tell us your hair story.

When it comes to my hair… it has always been short. I have had every hair style: Ive has many different hairstyles: The “Anita Baker,” braids, Jerry curl, weaves, finger waves, twist and bantu knot outs.

I have always been extremely tender headed which made it impossible for my mom to do my hair.

When I was pregnant with my son in 1997 my hair was almost shoulder length (for the first time), but soon after it did what it would always do. It would break out off at the top, and then I did what I always did, get it cutoff. There was no name for my big chop back then.

I started locs several times, but they grew slower than expected. A guy came into my job and said I should feel ashamed of myself for looking like a “pickaninny.” (Sidenote:The nerve of that guy.) My family was also giving me a lot of grief about my natural hair.

That said, I always felt confident with other areas of my appearance. My biggest struggle was my hair growth. I cut it all off in the 11th grade and it was a freeing experience.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural on and off for over 20 years. I have BCd so many times I can’t count. My relaxer was 4 years ago which only last for two months. Then I BC’d again. In the between time, I enjoyed big fun wigs. Whether dyed in pink, red, mohawked, blond, curly, etc. I love to change my look. Right before my 40th birthday, I considered relaxing my hair but decide to go BC instead.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair has a mind of its own. It is dry, brittle, weak on top (stress spot). My top grows slow and products take forever to absorb in my hair.

What do you think about hair typing? I personally have never fully understood the concept, but it seems to help others talk collectivity and comparatively about hair.

What do you love most about your hair?
It is mine and no matter how many times I cut it always grows back. I grew increasingly grateful for my hair after I met a woman with alopecia. If asked to speak on what I dislike most about my hair, I’d say that I hate that it grows extremely slow and dry.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I wouldn’t actually consider what I’ve experienced a journey. I don’t have a hair goal. Most naturals are trying to get some ‘place.’ I just take it day by day. The most memorable part of my hair story has been connected to other woman that are frustrated that their hair doesn’t grow and the natural hair extremists that take it to a whole other level.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
As I always say, hair is an accessory, so I change it up all the time.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’
I have positive reactions. Many are so happy to hear me talk openly about the frustrations that can come with styling, hair growth, and finding products that work!

Why did you make the video ‘You natural girls make me sick’?
I think I had got frustrated one day, and because I have a sense of humor, I simply said “stop lying.” It was a call to be honest. Too many people are spending thousands of dollars to get their hair like someone that has always had long hair as a child. I think DNA dictates the length of hair (in most cases) and I was so sick of people telling me what to buy and what to do. I didn’t think the video was going to be popular or else I would have been cute, and at least applied makeup.

Click here to see part one of video:

Do you consider yourself to be a natural girl? Why or why not? No, because to me being natural consistent of more than just hair.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)? I don’t have a hair regimen. When I don’t have weave, I use Hair Rules Curly Whip and palm role (advice from celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood) my hair to define the curls. I also use a shea butter and coconut oil mix. I deep condition with Mis Jessies Rapid Recovery.

Who are some of your favorite natural hair vloggers and bloggers?
missentf
Forusnaturals
Whoissuga (First video I ever saw with a jacked uphair do #real)
Blklacquer (My first and fave hair blogger)
Tarenguy
Beautifulbrownbabydoll
Colouredbeautiful
MeechyMonroe & MsVaughnTV
Angellovelii
Kimmytube
Mynaturalsistas
Glam fun
Sistawithrealhair

Anything else you would like to share? Inspirational words?
Hair is an accessory, you can change it up whenever you want. Most natural are natural from ankle down, wrist down, and neck up. Don’t be a slave to a trend.

When I think of the word ‘natural’ I think of a natural life style. I think we should be talking more about all areas of living a natural lifestyle that extend far beyond hair!

Where can people find you for more information?
Next stop: Taren Guy’s tour “Luv & Learn Your Hair” Houston, TX on OCT 12th.
Radio appearance on Evolution of Perspective Oct 16th Call in to (760) 913-4144.
Social media:
http://instagram.com/himay10nence….
http://facebook.com/himay10nence
http://twitter.com/himay10nence—-
http://youtube.com/himay10nence ….