Naturally Fierce Feature: Sherika

September 17, 2013

My name is Sherika. I grew up in Smithfield, Va and currently live in Hampton, Va

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural 3 years and 2 months

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

I’ve been natural twice. The 1st time I transitioned but I did not know that at the time. This current time I chopped it all off! I was so happy and nobody couldn’t tell me I wasn’t cute. lol. Big ups to all the transitioners…because that was so hard for me. I lasted 6 months my first time around.

How would you describe your hair?

I get confused with the curl type system so I would guess its around 4a…but Im not positive. I do know I have a lot of different textures. Some coily, some wavy and curly and a patch that has no definition at all.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love Riah’s (my hair’s name) versatility!

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

I would say my big chop. It was so easy back then. The longer my hair gets the more difficult it becomes and I go from wanting locs to big chopping all over again.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?

I’ll try almost any hair style. I like to change it often. But when i’m in a jam its the side puff or bun.

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

Most people where like OMG I cant believe u cut off all your hair but nothing that I couldn’t handle.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I use all Essence of Oshun products to which I am the owner.

I part my hair into 6 to 8 sections. Apply Tranquility detangling prepoo to a section at a time and come thru with a wide tooth comb. I think loosely braid that section up and move on to the next section until all sections are completed. I then use Bliss black soap mud washto cleanse my scalp. I concentrate the wash on my roots. My hair is still in the loose braids. Apply a small amount to soaking wet hair and massage my scalp with the pads of my fingers to lift all debris. Rinse the scalp thoroughly. Apply Turbulence deep conditioner to clean wet hair unraveling a section and loosely braiding it back up. Apply product from root to ends of hair. Cover head with plastic cap. Sit under heated dryer for 15 minutes or 30 minutes without dryer. Rinse thoroughly. Apply growth oil to scalp sparingly. Massage scalp with pads of fingers. Unravel braids and apply Desire leave in conditioner as sparingly or as liberally as needed for your hair texture. Rub in hands and smooth onto hair. Be sure to concentrate on your ends. Comb thru if necessary and braid back up n let air dry. (or sometimes I blow dry.)

Here is where the regime changes depending on what I decide to do with my hair.

Whip appeal shea whip may be used as a styler or moisturizing sealant. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way. Rub in hands to melt whip. Smooth onto hair. I use this for braid outs, twist out, puffs and mini twist. I also at times moisturize with Desire leave in conditioner throughout the week if my hair feels dry or to smooth for puffs or retwisting.

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

I love www.blackgirllonghair.com and youtubers I follow are whoissugar, naptural85, aliciajames, and mahaganyknots to name a few but its a lot of them out there!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Have fun with your hair and take LOTS of pictures!

Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram: srbanks81 website: www.shop.essenceofoshun.com Facebook: Essence of Oshun fan page