alltressedup.net

Some time ago, we tweeted letting our followers know that we would love to feature their natural hair story.  Well, this NATURALbella_ responded and let me just tell you that her hair routine is full of natural hair vocabulary and acronyms.  Get ready!  Let's meet NATURALbella_!

Who does your hair?

Since my BC 14yrs ago, I along with my stylist and sista-friend, Renee are responsible for the daily care & up keep of my tresses. Usually I visit the salon 2x/month, but I've developed my own hair regimen, which allows me to care for & maintain my hair on my own successfully!

What are your three favorite products and why?

Mmmm three favorite products, that's hard because I'm a fan of great hair products however recently my hair has developed a love affair w/ Shea-Butter. I currently use a homemade Shea-Butter mix I adapted w/ the help of @Nap85 and my hair loves it and has responded so well to it! JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) is another favorite, it has really thicken my new growth at my edges & nape. I've always had thick hair but I see great improvement since I've experienced some damage to those areas :( . Oils are staples w/ my daily regimen & another staple is Coconut Oil not only does it make my hair smell amazing, but it gives my hair such natural sheen & seals in moisture.  (Side Note- I use either Vatika brand or Whole Foods 360 brand).

Please describe your hair routine.

Okay,  my hair routine is a big deal as I've become committed to a detailed regimen whether I'm home or at the salon. My hair regimen is as follows:
No Direct Heat until Jan 2012
*Moisturize w/ S-Curl (Shea-Butter Mix) & Seal Ends w/ EVCO daily*

• Apply JBCO to scalp & massage for 5mins. (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday )
• Pre-poo withStrong Roots Red Pimento Growth Oil (overnight). (Friday)
• Shampoo with MillCreek Botanicals Jojoba Shampoo;DC (deep condition) w/ Jojoba Conditioner & JBCO; Air dry (tee-shirt). (Saturday)
• Vitamins - Biotin, B-12, Multivitamin;
• Oils- EVCO (or Vatika), JBCO, TTO (tea tree oil), EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), Shea-Butter, Jojoba Oil.
• Protective Styles - Bun, Braid/Twist Out, Roller-Set;
• Satin Cap/Scarf Nightly!
• WATER, WATER, WATER

When at the Salon (2x/month)

• ORS Olive Oil Shampoo,
• DC w/ ORS Olive Oil Conditioner w/ TTO
• Leave-in Conditioner, Roller-Set
• Flat-Iron 1x every 3mths

What is your favorite quote of the moment?

Another hard question b/c I'm such a fan of quotes, one that stands out to me currently was tweeted by @tribecalledcurl
"If #naturalhair like wool was good enough for Jesus then its good enough for me. So happy GOD made me #nappy. #teamnatural."

Another one is something I've come to realize & that is:
My #NaturalHair isn't a #movement or #fashionstatement, its my #peace, an #honor...its #WhoIAm

Why you chose to 'go natural'...

Fourteen years ago I did the BC all because I saw an African-American female with this big curly blonde afro standing outside a salon, little did I know her name was Renee & she'd become my stylist & sista-friend! According to my mom, I was 13 when I got my first relaxer & she made the decision to do so because I was starting to do my own hair and it would have been more manageable.

I received a relaxer twice per year from age 13 until my BC at age 18. At first, going natural was just a style I wanted to try, then it became a statement to be bold & different beause here I was in my freshman year of college with a low cut, no relaxer, & natural curls, the complete opposite of what typical females had.

Over time, my "difference" became a whirlwind love affair that I can't shake & thank GOD! My grandmother (rest her soul) always said, "your hair is your strength" now I don't know if that's a southern thing (lol) but it always stuck w/ me & in time has shown to be true to me. What I LOVE about natural hair is the many options...never a dull day!

Where can we find you online?

I'm currently in the process of starting a blog, but I can be found showing love for natural hair & self-confident women everywhere on twitter and can be followed at @NATURALbella_ I'm also on hairlista.com with the same profile name. Its funny how I've been natural for 14yrs but in the last two years,  my crush has just grown into a full love affair. If I can be of any help, support, reference to any new, current, or considering Natural ladies I'm here!

What GOD Gave Me is Just Fine!...