Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
My name is Traycee Simmons from YouTube and Instagram. I'm from the sunny Los Angeles, California.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type? 
I have high density hair and my individual strands are very thick and coarse. I'm 3c/4a mixed low porosity hair.



When did you start your natural hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your favourite "go-to" hair products. 
I big chopped August 2015 and officially started my natural hair journey. I try to keep things simple (KISS). I'm a wash and go girl.
Regimen:
1x a week with a no sulfate shampoo 
1x a Deep Condition under hooded dryer b/c I'm low porosity
Co wash mid week only if needed
Bentonite Clay Mask 1x a month

I air dry or use the cool setting on hair dryer with a diffuser . I don't use heat on my hair. I love using the L.O.C. method whenever I moisturize. I usually moisturize when my hair needs it and not daily.
I love the Shea Moisture line. They have a line for everything and they are always on sale at Walgreens and CVS - its easy on my pockets. I like to stock up when they have their BOGO sale.

My favorites from the lines are Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Masque and the 3 in 1 Masque. My wash and go "must have" is the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing smoothie & Eco Styling Gel.

I love the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter for my braid outs.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other natural haired ladies who are currently Transitioning or about to Big Chop? 
My advice to all of you that are transitioning is to be patient. Transitioning was one of the hardest and scariest things I've ever done. Do everything in small sections and do low manipulation styles. I transitioned for 19 months using wigs. Protective styles helped me so much.

My advice to those that are preparing for your big chop would first be do it when your ready. You will have a set of people trying to get you to chop right now and another set that will try to talk you into waiting. You have to do it when your ready because the pressure is real. You may also be surprised by your texture after you big chop. I was natural almost 20 years ago but wore my hair straight and was completely dependent on my stylist during that short phase of my life. I thought I was a 4C ... I was completely shocked by the fact that I was a 3c/4a. I honestly hate hair typing and I feel its not important. I do understand that it helps people know your hair type but I feel that knowing your porosity is much more important if retaining length is important to you.



More than ever before, ladies are transitioning back to their natural hair and we love it! What made you go natural? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement and your hair? Would you consider relaxing your hair again? 
I'm loving the natural hair movement. The natural styles I see give me so much life. I'm totally late to the party. I didn't actually chose to go natural. I was kind of forced into it because of my eczema. I've always had eczema but it was at its worst and relaxing was making me miserable. I loved my relaxed hair and was blessed with a great relaxed hair journey. I didn't struggle with retention. I kept my relaxed hair at waist length. I didn't know how much I depended on my length and relaxed hair until it was gone. Going natural was very scary and emotional for me. I didn't have my long hair to hide under anymore and I had to adjust seeing myself with kinky hair. Seeing so many beautiful naturals on Instagram helped me so much. I'm so in love with every thing about my natural hair now. I have confidence now that I didn't know I was missing. I'm so thankful for the natural hair movement. These women taught me to see beauty in myself in my most natural form.

I would never relax again. I'm just too much in love with my natural hair. If I have ever crave straight hair I will just throw on a wig or flat iron my hair. That's the beauty of being natural, I can have the best of both worlds!

Name a challenging moment you experienced in your natural hair journey and how did you overcome it? 
My hair is growing and I'm retaining length well. My most challenging moments now are still with my scalp. My eczema is doing much much better now but because of my allergies I still have flare ups. Staying away from chemicals and sulfates has made a huge difference. Finding a hair style that fits my very active lifestyle was another challenge. I workout hard 5x a week so it was frustrating in the beginning. Wash and go's work best for me and I just pineapple while I train. The next challenge is a twist out. I've tried multiple times and failed LOL.

What do you absolutely love about your natural coils? And why? 
I love my coils because they are mine. It's what God gave me! I love that its both kinky and coily. My natural hair makes me feel more free spirited and truer to myself.

Let's Be Friends!

Instagram: @trayceesimmons

Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
My name is Tori. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica. I moved to Dallas, Texas when I was 16 years old and have been living here ever since.

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type? 
My hair would be type 4 according to the hair typing system, primarily 4b/c, with looser textures in the front and back sections.

When did you start your natural hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your favourite "go-to" hair products. 
I started my hair journey in 2009. My relaxed hair was really damaged so when I first started my hair journey, I simply wanted healthier relaxed hair. I stumbled upon YouTube videos of ladies who had beautiful, healthy relaxed hair and I wanted to see if some of their tips would help improve my hair. In 2010, I began transitioning back to my natural texture. After transitioning for a year and a half, I big chopped in 2012. My current regimen is pretty simple. I shampoo and deep condition my hair every two weeks. I usually keep my hair in large braids or twists, moisturizing and re-braiding as needed. I moisturize my hair once or twice a week and I will occasionally co-wash if my hair needs a midweek refresher. Some of my favourite hair products: Any of the Shea Moisture Shampoos Camille Rose Naturals Deep Conditioners (all of them) Oyin Hair dew, Kinky Kurly Knot Today, Sweet Almond Oil


What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other natural haired ladies who are currently Transitioning or about to Big Chop? 
My #1 hair tip would be to keep things simple. The wealth of information on YouTube and hair blogs can often be overwhelming. But, I have learned to not get too caught up with what every one else is doing. Focus on what works for you, find a simple routine/regimen and stick with it.

More than ever before, ladies are transitioning back to their natural hair and we love it! What made you go natural? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement and your hair? Would you consider relaxing your hair again? 
I made the final decision to go natural after being diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. I also fell in love with my natural roots in between my relaxers. I absolutely love that more and more ladies are making the decision to return to their natural textures; I think it’s very empowering. In a society where young girls are constantly made to feel like they are not beautiful, I think seeing others boldly rock their beautiful natural hair is something that our younger generation can definitely look to for motivation and encouragement. The thought of relaxing again has crossed my mind, but I probably wouldn’t. Relaxers were really damaging for my hair. Plus, my natural hair offers a bit more versatility.

Name a challenging moment you experienced in your natural hair journey and how did you overcome it? 
I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and/or bald patches. I was treated by a dermatologist and have not had any known problems since.

What do you absolutely love about your natural coils? And why? 
I love everything about my hair to be honest, but after my experience with Alopecia, I have learned to appreciate the thickness of my hair even more than before.

Last week I attended the Jessicurl "Meet & Greet"event at HoneyFig in Toronto. I had a blast! The event was packed with product reviews, product demonstrations, hair discussions, fun, and a lot of laughter! We were in a nice intimate setting, maybe 15-20 people in total. I'm so happy I went, especially since my decision to go was so last minute. I met ladies with gorgeous kinks and curls. They were extremely nice and approachable too. It felt real good talking about hair face-to-face rather than over the internet (don't get me wrong, I love talking to my ladies over the net too...it's just more fun in person ☺), it was like a sisterhood. I had the pleasure of reuniting with the owner of HoneyFig and spending time with her lovely sales reps (I'm coming back again just to visit you guys..LOL).

Overall, the event really opened up my eyes on this particular product hair line. I learned a lot about Jessicurl and what it can do for afro kinky hair. Yes, the owner is Caucasian, I know that can be an issue for some when it comes to product usage, but she really targets all curly hair types i.e. those with type 2 hair -type 4 hair. Based on her knowledge and what she shared at the meeting, she understands our hair type and through her products she helps address those issues i.e. dryness, shrinkage etc. It really shocked me to see ladies with type 4 hair rave about her Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment (Read up on it here). It's rich in herbs, butters and THICK in consistency. I just may try it out in the near future...who knows! Well that's it, just wanted to share my outing....

Here are a few pictures I took of the event:









Here are some of the products that caught my eye:

Raven is appearing more in the media since her weight loss, now she's popped up again due to her new hair do'. She's natural! In my opinion it looks nice on her. I wonder if she will remain Natural? Or is this just a break from the weave, pony tails and wigs? Hmm..we'll see!









♥ Sunshyne

Hey Everyone,

I'm really getting bored with my hair, more specifically my hair color, and just out of curiosity, how many of you actually Henna your hair? Part of me would like to try this because of all the benefits....but first I want to know how many Relaxed and Natural ladies do this :)

Please vote below!!



♥ Sunshyne

A fellow Hairlista, Uneek Natural, posted this video today and the story really caught my attention (thanks girl for posting it) so I thought I'd share it with you all.

Let me know your thoughts and feelings.



♥ Sunshyne

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Gabrielle Allen aka MsLizziA and I am from New Orleans,La.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I was natural when I was a kid up until about age 8. My mom relaxed my hair much against my aunt's, who is my hairdresser, wishes. I wasn't really inspired to go natural the very first time. I was curious about how my hair would look with a texturizer so I grew my hair out with the purpose of getting a texturizer. I loved it but it became entirely too tedious to do so I just decided to put a relaxer over it which caused all of my hair to fall out. As soon as I got that relaxer, I hated my hair and I wanted the fullness back. The same month I put that relaxer in was the same month I decided that I would go natural and this time I would learn to take care of my hair. That's when I found Hairlista!

The first time i transitioned in 2008, I transitioned for a year. The second time I went natural I transitioned in Feb 2009 with braids for 4 months and then big chopped!


What is your hair type?

My hair type is 3c/4a but I really try not to get caught up on hair types.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love the versatility, the fullness, the fact that I can straighten my hair without chemicals! I makes me different and it makes me standout from everyone else. New Orleans doesn't really have many women walking around with natural hair so I like that I can be different from everyone else.


What are your hair goals for 2010?

My hair goals for 2010 are to get my ends healthier and to retain length so I can be APL in 2011.

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Currently the biggest problem I have been having with my hair is my ends. They have been taking me through it with everything from SSKs (single strand knots) to just being dry. I have started DCing by saturating my hair in my deep conditioner as if i were applying a relaxer and concentrating on my ends. I have also start protective styling more often.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love braidouts because it's easy, it takes less time, and I adore the look. I do braidouts on wet hair, damp hair, dry hair, and blown out hair. Sometimes I ask my cousin to flat twist it for me and sometimes I just do individual braids on my own.



List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

These are my staples:

Coconut oil - Great for DCs and leaves my hair soft
Olive Oil- Wonderful for detangling and pre-pooing
Crisco - Yes, Crisco because it's a great moisturizer and it is what i have been missing in my DCs
Roux Porosity Control - Love love love LOVE this stuff. My hair never used to retain moisture prior to discovering this.It literally saved my hair. I use it before or after I DC
Wheat Germ Oil - The ceramides boost my DCs like you wouldn't believe
Jamaican Black Castor Oil - I use this for my ends when I twist or braid my hair
Suave Coconut Conditioner and V05 Strawberries & Cream - My cowash conditioners
Aussie Moist Conditioner - My leave-in conditioner
LeKair Cholesterol - I make my own DC so this is the base of my deep conditioner
Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade - Great for my edges
Qhemet Alma Heavy Cream - This is my daily moisturizer even though i don't use it everyday. I used it mostly for when i bun my hair.
Eco Styler - My staple gel

I have my edges in micro braids right now and the middle of my hair is in a sew-in so I am PSing right now. As of now I just basically moisturize my scalp. I can't really wash my hair with this in because it will make the hair a tangled mess.

My regular regimen is pretty simple:
Cowash 2x a week
DC once a week
Moisturize and seal 2x a week
Pre-poo and Clarify every 4 weeks
Trim whenever I feel its needed

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Sometimes I just use conditioner and sometimes I just use eco styler. The key for me defining my hair has been applying the products and shaking my head once im done to put them all back in place. This method works really well for me.


How do you detangle your hair?

I saturate it in olive oil if its dry and detangle it from tip to root. If its wet, I just use conditioner and detangle in the same direction.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I would say cowashing and has helped my hair flourish. The very 1st time I went natural, i remember always having issue with my hair being dry all the time so when I went natural the 2nd time, I started cowashing. Not only did my hair take off but it was actually moisturized!

Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you possibly can about products and how to care for your hair before you go run out and buy stuff. BE THROUGH . Just because someone markets a product as "made for naturals" doesn't mean it is. Know your ingredients, read reviews, and ask other naturals about their experience. Also, be patient with your hair and don't manipulate it so much. It will thank you for it later.


Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

You can find me on my natural hair blog, http://strawberricurls.tumblr.com, on twitter,http://www.twitter.com/mslizzia, and on fotki, http://www.fotki.com/mslizzia .
You can also find me on Hairlista, Longhaircareforums.com , NaturallyCurly.com and Curlynikki.com's forums.


Thank you Gabrielle Allen for sharing all that information with us!

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Rene Syler. I grew up in Sacramento, CA but my television career took me to Reno, NV, Birmingham, AL, Dallas, TX and ultimately NY where I live now.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I have been natural for just over a year and I LOVE IT! Being on air talent for various TV stations and ultimately CBS (The Early Show), I wore my hair in the style of most black anchorwomen, relaxed and styled into a bob. When I got to CBS, we experimented with my look a bit and I started wearing it curly. The problem was, it was still relaxed straight, then my staff hairdresser, EVERY MORNING, would blow it out and then hot curl it (you know, with the oven, not a regular curling iron). Along with that, I was getting it relaxed every 5 weeks (per another hairdresser’s suggestion) and coloring it too! It’s a wonder I had any hair on my head when I left in late 2006. I continued on with my over processing ways until November 2008. I cam down with asthmatic bronchitis and had to be hospitalized. They pumped me full of medication and when I was released two days later, I headed right for the beauty shop for a touch up. Well, my poor hair had had enough. It started breaking and falling out, most acutely in the crown where the hair was about ½ long. I had never, even in all the years of abuse, had an issue with my hair falling out. I was so stunned I didn’t know what to do. By this time, I was seeing another hairdresser who told me no more relaxers, at least for the next several months. I took her advice and then some. I used no relaxers, I didn’t even manipulate it much, it was all hats for me (perfect since it was winter in NY). By late December, I had about ½ inch of new growth and I was shocked by how beautiful it was! I had no idea because I was so busy beating the heck out of it , relaxing as soon as one little curl turned up. I had actually forgotten what my natural hair looked like! Lo and behold it was gorgeous and in that instant I decided, no more chemicals for me, I am a natural girl.

I transitioned for about 3 ½ months, checking out YouTube videos and my own daughter’s hair for inspiration


What is your hair type?

I guess I am a 3B with 3C around the crown but not really sure. I could be all 3C. But what I have discovered is I have a bunch of different things going on on this head, LOL. I have hair that is nearly bone straight right next to a corkscrew shape, tightly curled hair. I do LOVE the curl pattern near the nape of my neck and at times, wish I had a head full of that. This whole journey, as traumatic as the beginning was, has been a wonderful learning experience. I was a 45-year-old woman who had NO IDEA how to take care of her own hair, much less what my hair type was or the products I should be using.


What do you love most about being natural?

There are so many things I love about it. I love that this mass of curls totally fits my personality, wild and untamed, soft and surprising. Curly, straight, twists, I love the versatility, who knew I could do so much with my hair? I love that I have NEVER had a bad hair day since going natural. I love that God made my hair so unique and I now (after more than 4 decades of not) appreciate it. I love that it takes so little time for me to get going in the morning and I love that its like a new toy with me.. everyday is a new surprise.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

When I first cut my hair, all I could focus on was length. I now understand “if you build it they will come” in other words, the length is a byproduct of a solid foundation of good hair care.

I just want the kind of healthy hair that turns heads and makes people ask, “ is that a weave?” KIDDING!


Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

I would have to say I am blessed because I haven’t really had many challenges with my hair, once I stopped beating the crap out of it! But I suppose my main challenge would be retaining moisture. I baggy at least 4-5 nights a week, for the whole night and that helps immensely. I also carry around travel size moisturizers in my make up bag and will apply it at least once or twice a day, depending on the time of year.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I am really pretty much a wash-n-go girl. I use Hair Rules for curl definition, though sometimes I like the way it looks with just a little JBCO on the ends. I like twists as a protective style and I pull them back during the day but to be honest, I have not managed the twist out look for me as yet. My hair is still a bit uneven as the back has a looser curl and hangs differently. So when I do a twist out is resembles a mullet. I do roller sets about once a month.


List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? Share what works for you!

Well the path I took to get here is littered with shampoo bottles and curl products, lol but here goes.

--I pre-poo overnight with olive oil then cleanse once a week using Organic Curl Maintenance shampoo that I buy at the health food store. It has no sulfates which I SWEAR by.

--Deep Condition with whatever is on hand. I like the Olive Oil Replenishing Pak by ORS.

--I have been around the horn on gels and crèmes and the like. I started with Miss Jessie’s, then on to Kinky Curly Custard Crème, Deva Curl before settling in on Hair Rules, which is my favorite. I like it because you use it in the shower and then let it air dry, or sit under the dryer. It pulls my curls together and minimizes frizz without looking wet or greasy.

--I baggy overnight 4-5 nights a week to help ends and retain moisture.

-- I use NO DIRECT HEAT, in fact, I used a flat iron only twice in the last year and one of those was an emergency TV appearance.

--I avoid like the plague sulfate shampoos and conditioners with silicones in them. My curls really started to pop after I did those two things.

--I co wash 3-4 times a week with VO5 conditioner (no cones) and dry hair with a COTTON (not terry cloth) T-shirt, which helps minimize the frizz.

And that’s it!

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I’ve tried a lot of things, but have settled on Hair Rules. I think you really have to find the thing that works best for your hair. I was not a fan of Kinky Curly and though I began with it, really ended up not being wild about Miss Jessie’s. I like my curls to look natural, like I just rolled out of bed, gave my head a shake and they tumbled into place. Some of the other products made my hair look wet or greasy and I was not wild about that for me.


How do you detangle your hair?

I use a Denman brush to detangle sometimes but mainly I just use my hands. I get the hair good and soaked with my cheapie conditioner and then use my fingers as a rake sort of and work my way through it. I like using my hands because I can get a feel for how hard I am working my hair and if need be, lighten up a bit.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

Wow, that’s a tough question as I don’t think there is really an easy answer. But it boils down to what I stopped and what I started. I stopped abusing my hair with chemicals, color and heat. But it really took off once I got the sulfate shampoos and silicone conditioners out of my regimen. The baggying helped me retain length and treat the ends well though I never had much problem with breakage (outside of the post hospitalization episode). Being consistent with the hair vitamins, exercise and drinking water have helped a lot too.



Do you have any advice for other naturals?

A couple of things I think are very important.

--For those who have just BC’d I’d say be patient and enjoy every stage you are at. I look back at pictures of me from last summer and think, oh look how cute that short hair was. Your hair WILL grow if you are good to it.

--Have realistic expectations. Yes, your hair will grow. No it will NOT grow three inches in one month. Expecting it too, watching with a tape measure will only create stress, which will not help. RELAX!

--Find the regimen that works FOR YOU! You will read about so and so tried this and her hair grew three inches in a month (no it did not) and you may run out and buy and try that regimen. Don’t be sucked into that cycle. Follow your own path.

--Be Flexible. You may need to make changes here and there. Products that worked for your hair while it was shorter may not be as effective as you get more length. Don’t be afraid to switch it up.

-- Be proud of your look! Others may not understand “why you cut off all that beautiful hair” but they don’t need to. This is a personal decision and you don’t need to explain your motives to anyone. Look in the mirror, repeat after me “ I-AM-BEAUTIFUL!”


Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

I update my progress on my own website at www.goodenoughmother.com, on facebook, I have a fotki page (need to update that too, LOL) and of course, HAIRLISTA.COM!

Thank you Rene Syler for sharing all that information with us!

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Vonetta, and I’m originally from Georgetown Guyana (South America), but I now live in Brooklyn, NY. http://www.hairlista.com/profile/VonettaFischer

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I relaxed my hair for the first time in third grade at the age of nine. I totally pressured my mom into doing it. My oldest sister insisted I didn’t because she loved my curly hair, but I so wanted to fit in at my new school in a new country (by this time I was in America for three years) so we did it. I loved having relaxed hair but by the age of 24 I was fed up with it. I couldn’t take the new growth being a completely different texture than the rest of my hair, getting the blow out in between touch ups, the scalp burns I always got when I did relax, it was all just too much. So I decided to be natural. I tried transitioning for about 3 weeks but being the impatient person I am I went to a hair salon and asked her to cut all the straight ends off. It was actually really funny because she looked at me in disbelief she was like “that’s almost all of your hair! Are you sure that’s what you want?” She tried and tried to get me not to do it but I insisted, and when she turned and reached for the scissors, honestly for a few seconds I wanted to back down but I didn’t change my mind. Seeing myself with shorter hair totally freaked me out for a good couple of minutes. I thought to myself” OMG your nose looks ten times bigger now!” but after a while I totally starting feeling the look, yes it was drastically different but I liked it. There were some days in there when I hated it but as time went on those days came fewer and fewer.


What is your hair type?

My hair type is a 3C.

What do you love most about being natural?

My curls! I just love having curls, I love when I’m having a great hair day and my curls are bouncy and soft. I can do so many different styles as a natural girl that I couldn’t when my hair was relaxed. The freedom I do whatever I want with it is great! J I like relaxed hair, 3 out of my 4 sister have relaxed hair and they always look amazing, but I stressed so much more over my hair when it was relaxed compared to now. Yes I do have my days when my hair just doesn’t want to work at all, but I just bun it and I’m good J Now that I’m natural my hair is so eclectic it’s amazing! <3

What are your hair goals for 2010?

I’m aiming for shoulder length hair when it’s dry, at the moment I’m about three inches past shoulder length when wet or straight. When my hair dries like almost all curly hair I experience a great deal of shrinkage. I’d also like to have thicker healthier hair, hair, ( I <3 big hair!) I’ve seen so much improvement in the last two months and that has me crazy excited to see how my hair will be in Dec. 10!

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Since my hair has grown out in the last month or two my twist outs have failed miserably I’m currently experimenting with different variations of a twist out to see what will work best, hopefully I figure something out quick, because I’m trying to be bun less for the rest on ’10. If all fails I’ll just revert back to doing wash and go’s (where I co-wash add styling products and let it dry without any further manipulation).

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love doing twist outs (see question # 9 for a description on how I do them), I also do this flat twist updo thingy I like to do, it’s a little hard to describe so I’ll post a video on how to on the Hairlista community website.


List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

Deva Curl No Poo, Organix Coconut Shampoo, Moroccan Oil Shampoo, and Miss Jessies Crème De La Curl Cleansing Crème : if I have a lot of build up on my scalp and feel the need to shampoo

Herbal Essence Totally Twisted, Suave Coconut Conditioner, Moroccan Oil Conditioner, Trader Joes Tea Tree Conditioner, and VO5 Strawberries and Cream conditioner : for Co-washing

So Shine Gel, Deva Curl/Curl Angell, Miss Jessie’s Curly Butter Crème, and IC Firm Hold Spritz,: as styling products

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (thanks the Sunshyne :}) and Moroccan Oil: for scalp oil treatments every time I wash. I also use Moroccan Oil on a daily basis to add shine to my hair.

Yes, I <3 Moroccan Oil ever since my hairstylist Keisha used it in my hair I’ve been addicted. Their line of products are amazing!

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Miss Jessie’s Curly Butter Crème, Moroccan Oil and DevaCurl Curl Angell make my have uber soft and manageable.

I always start by co-washing my hair and detangling, to style I add Moroccan Oil to my scalp trying not to over power my hair with too much, the I divide my hair into about four sections I add Curly Butter creme to each and ever strand and repeat the same process using So Shine Gel and Curl Angell (yes I use three styling products at one time, I’ve found this helps my curls pop more when dry) I then double strand twist my entire head adding white rods to the end for added bounce when I’m all finished I spray my hair with IC spritz for added hold. Finally I add Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp right before going under the dryer. I usually go under my hooded dryer for a half an hour, but as my hair has grown I now have to stay under for a whole hour in order to dry my entire head. I HATE!!!!!! Being under the dryer, lol!

How do you detangle your hair?

I always, always detangle when my hair is wet and saturated with conditioner. I separate my hair in four sections and comb thru with a wide tooth comb. I start at the ends and work my way up. If I encounter a knot I stop combing and detangle with my fingers, making sure they have a little conditioner on them.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I think twisting my hair and taking Biotin has really helped to aid in my hair growth. Now I have fewer knots in my hair and I’ve noticed some added thickness and length.


Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Know your own hair. Honestly, no two heads of hair are a like. What might work for me may not work for you. Realizing this has totally helped me to better understand my hair. I also believe in taking Biotin I’ve definitely seen a huge improvement in growth and thickness since I started taking it. Protect your hair at night, whether it’s by twisting, braiding, setting, or just tying your head with a scarf do it. Also moisture is your friend, when your hair is dried out it’s at its weakest state and can be damaged easily. And own your style regardless of your hair type accept it, own it, and work the heck out of it! Confidence makes any hairstyle look good!


Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

My best friend and I have a fun/funny blog called http://goinplatinum.blogspot.com. Just us giving our opinion and I want to start doing more hair and make-up posts in the upcoming future.

Thank you Vonetta for sharing all that information with us!

What's your name and where are you from?

Brittany Matthews and I am from Silver Spring, MD (DMV).

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

When I was younger me and my sister had hair down to our behinds, needless to say it was overwhelming for my mom to manage two heads of thick long hair so I got a perm. I received perms all the way up until my freshmen year of college when I decided I wanted to grow my hair out for health purposes and to have the option of wearing it natural if I chose to. In 2006, I received my last perm a week before Thanksgiving, I also cut my hair into a bob. Right before the new year I cut my bangs. It took me about a year to get rid of all the chemical.

What is your hair type?

I have naturally curly/wavy hair that is very thick. My hair is more curly underneath and more wavy up top.

What do you love most about being natural?

Being natural can be a challenge but one that is well worth it. My hair is stronger, longer and over all healthier than it is was with a perm.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

I have become very interested in reaching MBL which I originally said was too long for me but I have changed my mind and made that my hair goal for 2010

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Trying to cut back on the time I spend doing my hair is the main problem. I have yet to find a solution to this problem. I do not EVER go to the hair dresser I do my own hair and it takes about 4 hours to wash, condition, blow dry, and flat iron.


What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

99% of the time my hair is down with my bangs out or parted down the middle. I use a flat iron to get my hair as straight as possible then I wrap it at night to give it some bend.

List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

I am a NEXXUS girl 100% I love the entire line.

1. Therapee shampoo
2. Humectress conditioner
3. Silk elements heat protectant

I use these products in this order then I blow dry and flat iron my hair. IF I use any oil at all (my hair created it's own oil in excess) I use Lisa's Hair Elixar from the Carols' Daughter line.

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I never wear my hair natural. This summer is actually going to be my first time wearing my hair natural so I have yet to find a good product for my hair. I know that when it's natural it dries out extremely fast so something with a lot of moisture will probably be necessary.


How do you detangle your hair?

I don't detangle my hair because it almost never tangles. I don't comb it before I wash or before or after I condition. I only comb it right before I sit down to blow dry it the comb usually slides right through.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I would attribute a large part of being able to manage my hair to the Silicon. I no longer use this product but when I was using it my hair was amazing!!! Now I attribute all my hair success to the NEXXUS line in it's entirety.


Do you have any advice for other naturals?

For the Naturalista's who wear their hair natural often I would be careful straightening it to much because it can lessen and ruin your curl pattern.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Hairlista is the only site I use solely for hair but my facebook page has pictures of my hair at all different stages over the last 4-5 yrs. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1228950114#!/profile.php?id=1227900161&ref=profile

Thank you Brittany Matthews for sharing all that information with us!