Naturally Fierce Feature: Octavia

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. 

My name is Octavia and I live in California. I’m premed and I love all things hair.

2. How long have you been natural?

Although I’ve never had a perm, the heat damage I’ve acquired over the years still did a number on my doo. I’ve been heat-free for a year and 9 months!

3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? Why?

I initially decided to go without straightening my hair just to see how long I could go without heat, but once I saw my hair’s health and texture changing I was curious to see what all it was capable of. I was leery of doing the big chop for my heat damaged ends so I just made sure to keep it trimmed regularly.

4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair can be likened to how I prefer to dance…barefoot 🙂 To feel the floor boards against every groove of your foot as you sway back and forth to a melody only you can hear. My hair loves to be detangled by the wind and be hugged by the sun.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I appreciate my hair’s versatility above all things. I can wear it sleek and wavy or large and in charge.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

The part of this journey that means most to me is the relationship, if you will, that my hair and I have developed. I’ve grown to LOVE and embrace everything my hair is and albeit strange, but I feel that my hair reciprocates that same emotion in its own way. It was difficult pioneering a natural hair journey because no one was used to seeing my actual hair texture. At the beginning, I got lots of questions about my hair …”Is it finished?” “You’re going to go out like that?” “When will you straighten it again?” But I was determined to see this thing through and kept truckin’.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

When my hair was going through its “ugly duckling” stage I lived and breathed twist outs. They gave me the texture my heat damaged ends couldn’t accomplish and they were uber easy to maintain. I also dabbled in other protective styles such as mini-twists. Nowadays wash and go’s are my BFF hairstyle.

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?

My experiences as a natural have been interesting, almost every where I go I’m asked how I “get my hair like that” and it’s a wonderful opportunity to share my journey and encourage them to embrace their hair for what it is. The most memorable reaction from family were my mother’s and cousin’s decision to go natural. I was elated that watching my journey inspired them to embark on a journey of their own.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My current hair regimen is a co-wash once a week using diluted ACV instead of shampoo. After I “wash” my hair I detangle with conditioner using TreSemme for curly hair. Styling my hair is done with Argan Oil Eco Styler gel and vitamin E oil to seal my ends. I use the ‘pineapple method’ at night and I may refresh my curls once or twice through the week with a bit of gel and my spray bottle filled with Infusium 23 leave-in conditioner, vitamin e oil and water. My favorite product is the Curl Boosting Jelly by Curls Unleashed-this product gives my hair life!!!!!

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

Favorite YouTuber’s of mine include Naptural85, Mahoganycurls, Summer Kellsey, FrenchyFatim just to name a few.

11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

If I had to go back and tell myself something before I started this journey, I’d say to let your motivation be to attain healthy hair and your it’ll take care of the rest. Don’t compare your journey with others, embrace what lies before you as your own. It will get difficult at times but stay committed because it’ll be so worth it 🙂

12. Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram: elephant4sale