Hi, below are the answers to the questions and attached is a zip file of images. thanks!
1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. (Name, where you’re from, etc)
My name is Nogah, I am from Philly. I currently live in North Carolina and am a marketing events manager for a travel company. I also have a natural hair blog, YT channel and IG called GirlWithNoCable that documents my natural hair journey and encourages black women to love themselves and embrace the beauty that is being a Black Queen
2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I haven’t always embraced my natural hair. In fact, I’ve had relaxed hair longer than natural. Five years ago I tried going natural in college and lasted only a month. I didn’t know anything about my hair and honestly didn’t take the time to learn. When I decided to go natural again two and a half years ago I was determined to stick with it and that’s how I started blogging. I felt keeping track of my journey (products that worked, techniques that did and didn’t go well, etc) would keep me focused on the end goal: healthy natural hair
3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I tried to transition, but quickly got tired of the multiple textures and just decided to big chop, it was awesome I loved my TWA, I secretly miss it sometimes. It felt so good to be 100% natural even if it was the smallest of fros. It allowed me to just work on my true texture and fully embrace my natural beauty.
4. How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as type 4. The crown of my head is very kinky and tight, while the perimeter is a looser texture. A lot of people assume all black hair is the same, but it’s not. Even though my hair is kinky and coarse, it’s actually kinda thin and very fragile, especially when dry.
5. What do you love most about your hair?
My favorite thing about my hair is my texture. I think type 4 hair is just so cool. I love our versatility and dare I say shrinkage. I love that we can achieve volume when wanted and can still rock a neat and elegant pin and tuck.
6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my hair journey was my big chop. It happened unplanned and really during a moment of desperation. I was getting ready to go out with my boyfriend at the time (now fiancé) and his family. It was my first time meeting them so I wanted to make a good impression. I’d been transitioning for just a few weeks and my new growth had started coming through. I couldn’t figure out how to work with the permed ends and kinky roots, so I decided to just chop it all off right then. I figured it would look great because it would be all one texture…WRONG. After taking kitchen shears (yes not even hair cutting scissors) to my hair I looked in the mirror and was mortified. My hair was all different lengths, bald in the middle (that’s how little I paid attention to my own hair, didn’t even know I had a bald spot) and it was just a mess. On top of that, I had no clue how to work with my hair now that it was natural. Today, my fiancé and I look back on that night and laugh, but in the movement he was so through with me lol
Overall my hair journey has been very enjoyable. Other than some mishaps with using oil to moisturize my dry hair (never do this! putting oil on dry hair does nothing but suffocate and break your hair) I’ve seen a lot growth with just my 2.5 years of growing my hair.
7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’
Twist outs have always been a favorite style for me. Depending on the product I use I can get big fluffy curls or smaller defined coils. I also get great two and three day hair with braids outs, I like to do them when I know I won’t have time to style my hair all week.
8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural.’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My experience as a natural has been great. My family wasn’t too concerned, I did have one aunt make a comment about never being able to wear nappy hair in public, but other than that not many of them cared lol. I get stopped and complimented on my hair all the time.
9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair routine consists of shampooing once a week, usually on the weekend and cowashing midweek, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. My current favorite shampoo is the Shea Moisture 10-in-1 Renewal and my favorite cowash is the Pantene Truly Natural cleansing conditioner. I deep condition once a week after shampooing, my favorite deep conditioner is the Honey Miracle Mask by TGIN and I apply a protein treatment once a month, my favorite is Aussie 3 Minute Miracle. I moisture about every other day, my favorite moisturizers are the Eden Body Works Jojoba Hair Milk and raw Shea butter. I don’t use too many stylers, but I love Eco Styler gel with argon oil and Curls Blueberry Bliss jelly.
10. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I get a lot of inspiration from IG, I really like CurlyNikki.com of course and BlackGirlLongHair.com. My favorite Youtubers are Avielle Amor, Jaeleh Mahette, Jackie Aina (even though her content is more makeup, she just slays!), LiveNaturallyLove… seriously I have so many lol
11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
My motto has always been ‘speak things into existence’. I know how important results are, making connections and putting in that hard work, but I believe 90% of our success starts from from within. We have to love ourselves and be our own biggest cheerleader. I speak positive affirmations to myself every single day, even on bad days. This helps me stay positive and not let my present circumstance dictate my attitude and affect my future. Black women are so strong and caring, but we sometimes forget about ourselves. We have to care for us first so we can then be there for others.
12. Where can people find you for more information?
Everywhere!
Twitter – girlwithnocable
IG- girlwithnocable
Youtube – girlwithnocable
Snapchat – Gwnocable
Tumbr – girlwithnocable
Site – girlwithnocable.com
