Naturally Fierce Feature: Shunte

My name is Shunte and I was born-and-raised in Atlanta, Georgia—currently thriving in Dallas, Texas. I’m a documentary and bargain FIEND that recently developed an interest in yoga and have been slowly trying to get mybody to bend like some of the yogis I follow on IG…I have a LONG way to go! My journey has not only been a growing experience for my hair alone, but it has alsochallenged my views on traditional standards of “beauty”.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since September of 2012, so this month makes my 2 year anniversary! I’m really excited because I’ve always viewed that 2 year mark as the point wherenaturals have become most comfortable with their hair and I can honestly say that’s how I feel about mine now. I haven’t always embraced my “curls” or lack thereof in my case. I can remember trying lots of gels, curling custards, and curl enhancers before realizing you can’t define what you don’t have! Now, I just let my fro do what it wants. I don’t try to make it something it isn’t.

 

What motivated you to go natural? Were you a big chopper or transitioner?

I decided that Big Chopping would work better than transitioning for me. My hair was severely damaged and I just wanted it gone so that I could start fresh. I did it on a whim, I don’t think it really set in for me until I sat in the chair and the stylist started cutting. Before I knew it, I was “bald-headed”. After I big chopped, I started getting haircuts at a local barber shop and wore a fade for almost two months. It was so freeing! I really enjoyed the simplicity of shorter hair.

How would describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as KINKY. It is extremely thick, prone to shrinkage, and I have very few defined curls. It grows straight up and out, feels like cotton and I love it. If you were to reference the hair typing system, I think I would fall into the 4C category.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fact that my hair is moldable! Unlike softer textures, kinky hair pretty much does what you tell it to do and stays put. I can easily alter the shape of my hair by using a pick, doing some light tugging and pinning and BAM! I can go from heart-shaped hair to a round fro very easily.

What has been the most memorable part of the journey?

The most memorable part of my journey has been the conversations and interactions I’ve experienced since I’ve been natural—most of them with people from different cultures. I used to get really annoyed when someone outside of the African American culture would ask questions about my hair, but now I use it more like an education tool. I’m very open to answering their questions and I’ve even allowed people to feel my hair if they ask. It hasn’t always been easy; however, I think that taking a more relaxed approach has proven to be more gratifying than being so up-tight and defensive about it.

What is your favorite hairstyle?

My favorite style, at the moment, would have to be a twist ‘n curl (flat twists all over with flexi rods on the ends) onblown out hair. I try not to blow dry too often, but I love the movement I get from styling on blown out hair. I also get the BEST puffs from old twist ‘n curls—it looks very effortless.

Any memorable reactions from others?

I’ve always got positive reactions from my family—the majority of the women in my family rock natural styles. So when I went natural they were very supportive and we would share product suggestions and styling tips.

What is your hair regimen?

Lately, my hair regimen has been pretty simple. I shampoo once every other week using Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo, and co-wash using Shea Moisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus c-wash conditioning cleanser on the weeks I don’t shampoo. I use Shea Moisture’s curl enhancing smoothie and the hold and shine moisture mist throughout the week for maintenance. When it comes to stylers, I’ve learned that the Shea Moisture products don’t work well for me; I mainly use them as refreshers and moisturizers. For my flat twists and other stretched styles I use the old school stuff—GREASE (Softee’s Hair Food)! I’ve heard many naturals say that products containing petrolatum or mineral oil are harmful to the hair, but they’ve proved to work best on my coarse strands. I love it.

 

What are you favorite vlogs/blogs?

I’m OBSESSED with watching naturals on YouTube! They are soooo inspiring and have such great information! YouTube was my encyclopedia when I was making the decision to go natural. I would spend hours researching how to take care of natural hair, what products to try, and how to deal with people’s opinions of your decision. My favorite YouTubers are Sunshine Abuwi—she was main inspiration to Big Chop—Toni, Carmen & India of MyNaturalSistas, Jenell (BlakizBeautyful), TheChicNatural, AfricanExport, of course! AnnisaLiMara, Naptual85, Jessica Pettway, Tia (BeeUtifullyMade), LadysClarke18…there’s so many! But yes, all of these ladies are incredible and have each inspired me in one way or another.

Any advice?

For anyone who is struggling with the decision to rock her natural hair, I just want to say GO FOR IT! There’s nothing worse than admiring other beautiful women being comfortable with the way their hair grows out of their scalp and WISHING you could do the same—just do it. Don’t over analyze it, you’ll talk yourself out of it every. Single. Time. The liberation that comes with wearing your hair in its natural state is one that can’t be compared to anything else. Let it be.

 Where can we find you online?

You can find me on IG: @eZbeingkinky and I have this cool little blog (lettersbyshunte.blogspot.com) where I share letters that I write to my Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ. Check it out! Hopefully it’ll bless you. Until next time, be unapologetically YOU, much love.