Naturally Fierce Feature: Shereece

August 14, 2013

Hello, my name is Shereece and I’m from Los Angles, CA.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural most of my life, with an an exception of a 3 year period.

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

When I was a sophomore in high school I got my first relaxer. My hair was super thick & long and hard for me to mange. I got my first hair cut in my senior year of high school & my stylist told me I didn’t need a relaxer, just regular trips to the salon to help me manage it. That was over 20 years ago & I’ve never looked back.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair is very thick. Wavy at the roots and spiral curls. I’m not sure of what my curl pattern is. My curls are NEVER the same. They have a mind if their own lol!

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of my hair. Whether I am wearing my curls out or in an updo, or even wearing it straight.

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

I remember when I decided to stop straightening my hair, it was so freeing! I no longer felt like I had only one option for styling my hair an that was straightening it. I embraced my curls and it changed my ife! I no longer had to spend hours blow drying and flat ironing my hair. That process was exhausting for me. The transition was easy for me as far as feeling good about giving up the need to wear it straight. The hardest part for me was finding products to manage my new found curls. It would be some years later that I discovered the beauty of layers and diffusing!!! Youtube Guru Taren Guy had lot to do with me truly getting a grasp on styling my curls. It was through her videos I learned about diffusing & lots of products for curly hair.

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

Honestly I’ve always either wore my hair straight or a ponytail. But now my go to styles for my curly hair are mostly wearing my curls out or up in a high bun or side bun.

Any memorable reactions from family or others?

One time I went to a beauty supply store and a lady came up to me and asked me what kind of hair I had in my hair lol! She said itwas exactly what she wanted, then she paused and said ” Wait that’s your own hair huh?” We both laughed! It was flattering and funny. Another memorable moment I had was a co- worker who came up to me one day and said she loved my curls & that seeing my curls made her feel happy. At first I was like huh? Then she said they were pretty and simply made her smile. Also people always want to touch my curls lol!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I wash my hair on a weekly basis. Sometimes I clarify and sometimes I co wash depending how much product I have used during the week. Lately I’ve been using the Pantene Relaxed & Natural line for washing and conditioning. I switch up my shampoos & conditioners. I still haven’t found a system I love. After washing and conditioning, I style my curls using some of my favorite staple products. I do NOT towel dry my hair. After the washing process I ring the water out and then clip it up. Then I apply leave in conditioner which is Mixed Chicks leave in, a generous amount. Then I use a heat protectant by Bioterra, which I purchase from Sally’s Beauty Supply. Then I diffuse until my hair is about 90% dry. Then I apply Jojoba Oil that I purchase from Trader Joes. That’s about it. I want my hair to be bigger and have volume, I will be trying to some new techniques and products very soon!

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

My all time favorite is Taren Guy. I love her Youtube channel. I also have been watching Natural Niecy’s Youtube channel & Hey Fran Hey.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

I wanted to mention a very important part of caring for your natural hair that I forgot to include as part of my regimen. Finger detangling is a MUST for me! I was losing so much hair during my wash process using a wide took comb. My hair had started getting thinner and I couldn’t figure out why I was losing so much hair detangling. I recently watched a finger detangling video On Hey Fran Hey’s Youtube channel & began using her method and it made a HUGE difference!!! Now I barely lose anyhair while detangling. I do this process before washing. I believe you should embrace your natural hair, because it is truly a part of who you are. Be patient with the process and be willing to let your hair do it’s own thing. Eventually you will find what works best for you. Show off that fabulous hair!!!

Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me on Instagram @shereecefontaine