1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.
Hi! My name is Robyn, and I live in Atlanta, GA, but I was born and semi-raised in Columbus, OH. As far as my life goes, I’m a serious nerd by day and a fun nerd by night. I am so happy I decided to embark on a hair journey. I have learned so much about myself and others along the way.
2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I have actually been natural all of my life. I want to thank my mom for not giving in to the many stylists that wanted to slap a relaxer in my hair when I was a kid. At that time, my mom embraced my curls more than I did. She loved to keep my hair big so I really didn’t get it flat ironed much. I do remember being embarrassed of my big hair one time when I was maybe 5 or 6 because it was so huge and fluffy and it didn’t look like the other girls’ hair. I’ve come a long way since then.
3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
My hair was pretty long all the way through grad school. Then I dyed most of it blonde and started straightening my hair every week. You can already imagine what the combination of those two did to my hair. My curl pattern was so limp, but I really didn’t care, and my hair was breaking off rapidly. I was very oblivious to the change in my hair, however. I decided to grow it out after I got tired of so many people asking me if I cut my hair. I said, “Wait, I’m the girl with the long hair. Do I have short hair now?!” I had to make a change fast. I decided to slow down on the heat, but I did NOT cut my hair. I figured I would grow it out and trim as it grew. I refused to have short hair.
4. How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as being one of the craziest heads of hair I’ve ever seen. I have almost two totally different textures on my head. It is so crazy.
5. What do you love most about your hair?
I love that my hair can make me look so different on any given day. I’ve literally had people who only knew me with straight hair and totally did not recognize me with curly hair.
6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My journey has been hard/frustrating, but so exciting and empowering at the same time. The most memorable part of my journey was the day I told my husband I was going to straighten my hair after three months curly, and he said “Why? I like it curly.” Mind you, he was a straight hair fanatic!
7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
In the beginning, I wore buns a lot. Lately, I’ve started doing more twistouts, braidouts, and rod sets.
8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I’ve only had one awkward reaction to me wearing my hair natural. I think the person just preferred straight hair so I didn’t hold it against them. Everyone has their preferences. For the most part, though, everyone absolutely loves it. My mom is natural too, so it’s been so awesome to bond with her over new hair products and ideas.
9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Honestly, if you catch me Monday-Friday, my hair is probably in a bun. I usually will wet it/cowash it in the mornings with whatever conditioner is in my shower at the time. Right now I’m using MOA (Melaleuca, Omega-3, Argan) Moisturizing and Repair Conditioner. Then, I turban dry my hair and put in an oil, either olive oil or grape seed oil. I add a leave in conditioner which I rotate between whatever catches my eye that day. Some of my favorites are Paul Mitchell the Conditioner and Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-in Hair Treatment. Then I add a gel, usually Eco Styler, and slick it back in a bun and go.
10. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I usually just go to YouTube for all things natural hair. My favorite YouTuber’s are the GlamTwinz. They really inspired me to grow my hair long again.
11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
If you have a goal, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. You have to remain focused and disciplined, but it will all be worth it in the end.
12. Where can people find you for more information?
You can follow me on Twitter @lv1913 and on Instagram @reanatural.
