Naturally Fierce Feature: Robin

June 18, 2013

My name is Robin. I’m 5’9. I grew up in Pennsylvania. I live a healthy lifestyle. Fitness, nutrition and hair care are my 3 passions. In January of 2010, I made a decision to start taking care of my natural hair and I started a Healthy Hair Journey/Waist Length Hair Challenge. My hair length was shoulder length at that point. In December of 2012, I achieved my goal of Waist Length hair (so it took me 3 years). My current goal is Hip Length Hair.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for a little more than 10 years.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I transitioned from relaxed to natural at the recommendation of my hair stylist. I was getting relaxers and lots of highlights. My hair was becoming very weak. My stylist said eliminating some of the chemicals I put in my hair would help to make my hair stronger. So I transitioned.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?
The most memorable part of my hair journey is taking place right now. Its having the ability to share my hair journey and inspire other women and show them, growing long hair is very achievable for women of color. My hair journey is difficult at times. Growing your hair out is not for everyone. A lot of women probably would not want to make some of the sacrifices I make. For instance, I am extremely gentle every single time I handle my hair. I don’t put any direct heat (like the blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron) on my hair for months at a time. Wearing protective styles like buns, french braids, braid outs and half wigs 90% of the time. Making sure I deep condition with a plastic cap under a hooded dryer once a week. Those are just a few of the things I do consistently.

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Honestly, when I was transitioning to natural, I was still going to a salon getting my hair blown out and flat ironed every week. Not until January 2010, did I start truly concerning myself with ‘hair care’.

Any memorable reactions from family or others since going natural?
I have lots of friends and family members who are natural. Team natural is taking over! So me going natural has never been a big deal.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I shampoo and deep condition my hair once a week. I begin the process by de-tangling my hair with my Tangle Tamer hair brush. Next, I pre-poo with extra virgin olive oil, sitting under a hooded dryer with a plastic cap for about 15 minutes. After that, I shampoo my hair with Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Clarifying Shampoo. Rinse. Then I deep condition with Giovanni Deeper Moisture Conditioner while sitting under the hooded dryer with a plastic cap for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse. Lastly, I detangle and moisturize. Throughout the week, I re-moisturize my ends as needed. I sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet on at night. On a daily basis, I drink about a gallon of water a day, eat well balanced meals and take a multi-vitamin.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I love Kimmaytube and Chime Edwards.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I believe most women have the ability to grow their hair to long lengths…..if that’s what they want to do. There is nothing special about my hair. I developed a hair regimen that works well for my hair, stuck to it and never looked back. If I can grow my hair out, anyone can!

Where can people find you for more information?
Currently, I can be found on instagram @msrobin_nella. I just joined instagram in April 2013. I post daily and I’m all about fitness, eating healthy, hair tips, positivity and empowering women. Check me out! And last but not least, I do have a lot of exciting things in the works. I will be showing up on other forms of social media very soon. So stay tuned!

Thank you Robin! These pictures will surely serve as motivation to ‘stay natural.’

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