Naturally Fierce Feature: Tonya

May 3, 2013

My name is Tonya Martin and I am originally from Kenner, LA (a suburb of New Orleans). My hair journey from relaxed to natural actually stated in 2007. There wasn’t a lot of information out there like there is now, so everything I found I put it in a binder and made my own book. I have since copied it and given it to family and close friends.

How long have you been natural?
Since January 2009

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I transitioned and my reason for doing so was because I have always had long hair and I look like a boy when my hair is cornrowed, so I dared NOT big chop my hair!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My most memorable part was the day I removed my kinky twist extensions and didn’t know that I should comb my hair first BEFORE washing it and it was a tangled mess! I had a head full of single strand knots aka fairy knots. I lost a garbage can full of hair and cried myself to sleep. I was THIS close to going back to a perm! That was the longest weekend of my life. No it has not been easy….especially if you are transitioning, it’s not easy, but once I got over the hump at about 8 months in I’ve never looked back.

What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Some of my favorite transitioning hair styles were braids, flat twists and wigs honey!

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others? Truthfully speaking, I have had better reception from other naturals and Caucasians than from blacks that aren’t natural. I do get a few comments and compliments but not as much as the stares. It used to bother me, but not so much anymore. My family talked about me at first and asked the common question, “Why?” But after about a year, my mom, my aunt and my sister have all gone natural. Now, 4 years in, a few cousins and friends have joined the natural hair movement. My most memorable moment was when I went to Dallas to visit my cousin and she opened the door and she had big chopped all of her hair off after teasing me for 3 years about going “nappy.”

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair regimen is mine because I don’t do what others do. I wash my hair about once a month. Yep, I am not one of those that wash their hair every week. I typically pre-poo over night with Shea Moisture’s Purification Masque and coconut oil. The next morning I rinse with ACV and then wash, deep condition and apply my leave in, oil and cream My favorite poo is Terraessentials MUD wash (Lemon scent). I am still on the hunt for a good conditioner and deep conditioner. I’m a PJ (Product Junkie) so I’m having fun searching! My favorite leave-in’s are Oyin’s Hair Dew and Uncle Funky’s Daughter Midnight Train. If I am doing a wash & go, which is rare, I apply Hairveda’s Red Tea Moisturizer on top…if I am twisting, my absolute favorite styler is Curl Junkie’s Pattern Pusha. I always mix with Oyin’s Shine & Define, that product is awesome!!!

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I really don’t follow YouTubers to be honest. I tried to follow them but back then I couldn’t really afford all of the products they were using and I quickly discovered my hair texture wasn’t like theirs because my hair NEVER turned out like theirs! LOL!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I would tell all naturals to just enjoy being natural. Stop tripping about having long hair and taking pills to get it to grow “overnight”. Research what you’re putting in your body. IF your products are natural, why are you taking non-natural pills? Don’t be so critical of those that chose to stay relaxed, remember most of us were there once upon a time. Get to know YOUR hair. Do your research and find out what works for you.

Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on Instagram @ “naturally_nuawlins” or on Facebook “https://www.facebook.com/mstonyamartin?ref=tn_tnmn” I have a group on Facebook that’s geared to helping my friends and family embrace their natural hair. It’s a secret group because most of them want to show their transition or big chop & their progress in private since we all live in different places. The group consists of a few product owners, bloggers and a few YouTube personalities. If anyone wants to join, send me a message on Facebook and I’ll friend you and add you to the group.