Naturally Fierce Feature: Shireen

Tell us a little about yourself and your hair journey.  My name is Shireen Frederick. I was born in Antigua (a tiny country in the Caribbean) but I’ve been a New Yorker for many years. I just turned 29 and may be going through a bit of a “midlife” crisis (which influenced my big chop). I did Business and Education in school and I think that those fields “pressured” me into maintaining the long straight hair. I recently changed my profession (again) and I’m now a Direct Care Counselor for Individuals with developmental disabilities and I now have more freedom to wear my hair as I please. (Hoorayyy!!)

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls? I have been natural for most of my life but I decided to relax my hair for about 6 years. When I wanted a break from relaxers I would do the Indian weaves and stuff. I always thought I had the nappiest hair in the world and wearing those weaves made me feel like my little naps were always in the way. I could never get them to straighten out as much as the weave and I would experience real stress and frustration. It’s really sad now that I think of it, but I used to feel that my hair was too nappy to be seen by the world.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why? The truth is, Global Couture was very instrumental in convincing me that my hair is beautiful. I stumbled across the Global Couture Instagram page one day, and the pride exhibited in the messages on the clothing and the women who wore them, spoke to me. Global Couture really made me look at African American hair in a different light. Eventually I bought a couple of tanks from you guys, and gradually eased myself into wearing my natural hair in public, starting off with crochet braids until I decided to do a big chop. The big chop came from a fear of my looking like a “plain Jane” after I decided to wear my own hair out. I wanted something edgy and fun that could display my personality and pride of my beautiful coils.

How would you describe your hair? My hair is jet black. Quite soft and easy to comb when moisturized. I’m just realizing that I also have different textures. The back is quite curly while the middle and the top is super thick like cotton! I’m still learning about the textures so I’m not sure what number I am but I’m thinking I’d be closer to the coily type (probably 4c).

What do you love most about your hair? I love how it feels between my fingers! It’s tangle free and I can go for days without needing to use a comb! (Freedom!)

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?The most memorable part of my journey is my appearance with this short natural hair. I haven’t seen myself with a natural hairdo for many years and I’ve never cut my hair this short. I am so surprised that my head isn’t distorted and that my face looks really nice with such little hair! lol I’m loving this new look so much!

The sad part is, I’ve gotten so used to the wigs and weaves that before I go through the door I have a slight panic attack that I’ve forgotten to put my hair on, but one quick mirror check reminds me that I’m fab already and I don’t need anything to cover my hair up! (Hopefully eventually that fear will disappear!)

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’? The truth is, I didn’t have much of a transition to enjoy because while I was getting rid of my processed ends, I was wearing weaves and wigs. I’d never go outside without one or the other. However 2 years ago, I got frustrated with the tangly permed ends after a shampoo and had my mom clip the ends off.  After that I kept weaving until this past month I decided to woman up for my birthday and do this edgy Mohawk which is absolutely my favorite.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural.’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?My experiences as a natural have mostly been positive. Everyone loves it. Strangers everywhere I go stop me and compliment me on my hair and I’ve even been asked for my stylists contact info because it’s just so hot! My boyfriend is super conservative though and although he loves the natural look and the cut, he’s not a huge fan of the edgy designs. But I say, let freedom reign! Lol.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

Since I’m just getting my feet wet with the natural hair, I’m still learning about what products are best for me. Right now I’m using cantu Shea butter for moisture and I am about to try Curls Unleashed. So no favorite products yet!

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs? Not much of a blogger, so the only blog I’ve been on is yours which means you guys are my favorite! I love Global Couture! I love your products and I love what you stand for! No favorite YouTubers yet either but I have found some really interesting natural styles on Pintrest.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words? One thing I’d like every reader to leave with is the importance of self love. We were created with a perfect image. My perfection is different from your perfection. We all are perfect! There should be no standard by which we should measure ourselves. If we learn to embrace what makes us different, what makes us unique, we would no longer find the need to “hide” behind what society has labeled as ideal. I say variety is the spice of life and we shouldn’t all be walking around with the same texture of hair on our heads. Love your curls! Love your coils! Love your naps! There is beauty in every texture, every hair type, so be apart of the beautiful garden that covers our world. Contribute your flower, your hair,that is you!

Where can people find you for more information? 

You can find me on Instagram: @thedivafiededucator, Facebook: Shireen Joyce-Frederick, Email:shique27@hotmail.com. Feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have or referrals you might need. 😉