Naturally Fierce Feature: Samantha

The name is Samantha and I reside in New York City. My family is of Haitian descent and I am a curly natural.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural my entire life. With many bumps and turns in my journey of learning about my own hair.

What motivated you to stop straigthening your hair?
What motivated me to transition from straightening my hair every two weeks to barely straightening it at all was wanting that perfect curl back. I began to miss how my hair once was and decided to take better care of it.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
Most memorable part of my journey was when someone told me to stop straightening my hair and wear it the way God gave it to me. In its most natural state even if big and curly! It was a both easy and hard journey. But I learned a lot along the way.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Flat twists, braid outs, high buns, Mohawk using a banana clip, Bantu knots, and a halo. These hairstyles help me on protective days.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experiences have been pretty good. Friends love my big frizzy hair and always want to touch it. Many people tell me how much they wish they had hair like mine. My family had gotten so used to my straightened hair that they were shocked when I started wearing it in its most natural state.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My new found regimen which works wonders for me are the following. I co wash at least three times a week using Cantu products (rinse out conditioner and leave in conditioner) these two products are like magic butter to my hair. Leaving my curls extremely hydrated and shiny and bouncy. I feel as if it gives my curls the little boost of life they need. Also my own mixture of coconut oil and olive oil along with one egg for a deep conditioning mask twice a month. Sometimes I add honey because naturally it is a humectant meaning it attracts moisture which is what all curlies need. I also use Organix brand shampoo and conditioner once a week for cleansing. I love the organix line but I stick to the coconut shampoo and Moroccan oil conditioner. I also try to eat healthy. I eat almost everything with spinach and drink lots of water. I have also found biotin supplements to work well for me. This isn’t the case for everyone.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Some of my favorites on youtube are Shameless Maya, SunkissedAlba, Taren Guy.
Blogs from Instagram include She Has Gone Curly and Curly Beauties.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Learn about your own hair because no one has the same hair. After that learn to love, cherish, and adore your hair. Moisture must become your best friend and stay away from heat styles as much as possible.