Naturally Fierce Feature: Samantha

June 27, 2014

My name is Samantha Pollack. I was born in Suriname, Paramaribo. At the age of 12, I moved to The Netherlands.

How long have you been natural?

I am natural since 2007. The first time I relaxed my hair I was 14 years old. I thought I was prettier with long and straight hair. I relaxed my hair for 2 years. Then I became familiar with the flat iron. I thought: why should I use chemicals if I can get my hair straight by using the flat iron? Since then I have not used chemicals on my hair again.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

My first big chop was at the age of 16/17. It turned out that I flat ironed my hair in an unhealthy way. In 2007 I was completely natural. For 3 years I have taken care of my hair in a healthy way, until I bought a new flat iron in 2010. I straightened my hair with too much heath so I got heath damage. Having a big chop for the second time wasn’t on my list, so I cut my hair time after time. In this period of time I started my “natural hair journey”.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair type is between 3c/4a. It is kinky/ tightly curled. You could compare my hair with the hair of Tanika Ray and Kelis(before she had short straightened hair). My hair is heavy elastic and is easy to blowdry when it is wet.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fact that I never get bored with my hair. It’s thick and it has volume. I can do different styles with it. Twisting, braiding, wash n go’s, bun etc.

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

I did not experience my journey as difficult. I did compare my hair a lot with celebrities and other girls. I was jealous of the girls who had long curly hair. At that time I wished my hair grew faster. Now I just let my hair do her thing.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

The hairstyles I love to do when I get tired of my Wash n Go’s are: twisting and the goddess twist.

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

The most memorable reactions I got was when my hair was red. People were looking at me and asking me if ‘that’ was a wig? Asking me if ‘that’ was my real hair? If they could touch it. I felt like a mannequin. In the beginning I hated it, but after a while I got used to it. I understood why people were looking and asking me questions. That was something they never saw before.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I start by rinsing my hair. Then I apply Texture my way conditioner. I then comb it out gently from the end to the roots. I rinse it out and wrap a towel over my head. When it is 75% dry I apply Texture my way Detangle & Mixed chicks Leave in conditioner. After this I let my hair air dry. When my hair is completely dry I pineapple my hair. The next day I take my hair out of the pineapple & fluff the hair. Good 2 Go.

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

Youtuber’s: Mo Knows Hair, Natural Neiicey, Beauty By Lee, Mahogany Curls and a lot more..! My list is too long hahah.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

My favorite quote ‘The hair is the richest ornament of women’ -Martin Luther King

I love this quote so much. If my hair looks great, I feel great! My natural hair makes me feel confident. I will never straighten my hair only because society wants me to. I would never straighten my hair only because people force me to. Be confident with your natural hair. Some people will talk negatively about your hair, but don’t let these words break you. Don’t compare your hair with others, how difficult this might be.

Where can people find you for more information?

People can find me on Youtube: Jadoremycurls

Tumblr: Jadoremycurls

Instagram: Samanthapollack

Twitter: Jadoremycurlss