Teen Natural Feature: Ingrid

Ingrid Tomaz, I’m 16 going on 17. I was born and raised in Massachusetts but both of my parents are from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How long have you been natural? I’ve been completely natural for 2 months now.

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

At first, my aunts forced me to go “natural” when I was about 13, but to Brazilians that automatically means relaxing the roots of your hair. What truly motivated me to go completely natural was a video I watched in English class my freshman year. It showed me how the african american community changed the way the looked to be what society thought was beautiful. After that I transitioned for 9 months and did my big chop in March of 2014. I decided to big chop after I promised my friend that I would. I was FREAKING out at first, but I’m so glad I did it. Another thing that motivated me to big chop was God. I had to love the way God made me.

How would you describe your hair? I would describe it as cute, but feisty and spunky. It has a mind of its own to be honest.

What do you love most about your hair? I love how my hair has two different curl patterns and I just love it natural! Even when its frizzy. I’m just happy it’s happy and healthy.

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 was when I looked in the mirror after my big chop. I literally looked at the mirror, screamed, and started to cry of laughter. My journey has been both easy and difficult. The first month of my journey my hair was short so it was easy to take care of and easy to style. I would just add a little bow and I would just chill. It has been difficult because I’m still trying to figure out which products are good for my hair. It has also been difficult because of the length it’s at right now, but I’m trying to be patient!

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?

Transitioning: I would just let my hair out and let it be free. Present day: I either add an accessory or I just leave it alone.

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

I just remember coming home from my friends house after I big chopped and my dad’s reaction was “Wow, you are so beautiful. You look like an angel” I will never forget that, it touched my heart. Going back to school the next day was scary, but everyone complimented my new style so it was a pretty good start to my journey.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is my favorite because it does its job well! In the mornings I use a little of that with water and put it on different sections of my hair. I occasionally shampoo my hair, probably two times a week because I’m involved in sports, but even so I use a tiny bit of moisturizing shampoo. When I get out of the shower I leave some conditioner still in it and add hair oil and the curl enhancing smoothie.