Introduce yourself! what's your name? where are you from? 
 My name is Rebecca, I was born in France from French West Indian (Caribbean) parents. And I live in France!

How would you describe your hair? What's your hair type?
My hair is mostly type 4 although it is coarser in some places like at the back (4b) and looser in the middle (3c).  In its natural state, my hair is thick yet fairly supple and I would say I have high hair density (loads of hair follicles so loads of hair).  At the moment, I would describe my hair as healthy... although it can always be better :-) The length is currently at bra strap after having cut a few inches back in September last year. I have no specific length goal.

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 
I first relaxed my hair when I was 13 or 14 years old and have not stopped since. My mum would take good care of my hair and she would spend hours each week doing my hair. There came a point when we both felt that relaxing my hair was probably a good idea, giving us much needed 'help'.

I have experimented quite a bit over the years with products, techniques etc. and it all helped me understand how to handle my hair.

When it comes to my hair routine, I try to keep it very simple, although I am always keen to try out new products. I wash my hair every couple of weeks and on wash days (usually Saturdays or Sundays), I typically wash my detangled hair with a gentle shampoo, I deep condition with my favorite conditioner mixed with oils for at least 2 hours. I air dry as much a possible. I dry my hair with a leave-in until almost dry (using a comb attachment). I then follow with the hair straighteners for a smooth effect.

When I feel my scalp and hair are a little bit on the dry side, I will pre-poo with a combination of oils and conditioners and leave it on overnight or for a few hours.

I relax my hair only twice a year and in between I tame my new growth with oils and loads of moisture. I trim as needed (or after my relaxers).

In terms of products, my 'staples' of the moment are the Yucca & Baobab thickening moisture mist from Shea Moisture - I use it as a leave-in: it smells sooo good and leaves my hair moisturized and flawless without feeling weighed down.

Here are my go-to products for my hair routine:

Shampoo: Palmer’s Olive Oil formula with Vitamin E
Deep conditioner: Organic Roots Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner (also used for hair detangling) and Organic Roots Stimulator Hair mayonnaise.

What #1 hair tip you would pass on to other relaxed haired ladies who are starting their hair journey? 
My #1 advice is patience, patience and more patience. You will need loads of it to get to know your hair, what products and routine work best for it.

Nowadays it's becoming more uncommon to see relaxed hair or products geared towards relaxed hair. Do you feel a 'pressure' to go natural? Why or why not? What are your thoughts on the natural hair movement? 
I don't feel pressure to go natural. My sister went natural 4 or 5 years ago. She had had longer hair than me; she’s very passionate and dedicated to her natural hair and I admire her for that! To me, it's not about being in 'team natural' or 'team relaxed' but more about having a healthy head of hair you feel good about. We need to do what makes us happy!

Why do you choose to remain relaxed while many are transitioning back to their natural hair? 
Today, this is not my personal aspiration, but I do respect all women who decided to transition. I choose to stay relaxed because I love my relaxed hair. I feel completely at ease with it.  I am able to understand it, manage and take care of it. Maybe in 5/10 years, I will change my decision, you never know!

What do you absolutely love about your relaxed tresses? And why?
I love my silky lengths, the sleekness and the fact that my hair is very very easy to maintain. I also like the versatility; I’m able to move from a sexy voluminous hairstyle to a strict bun or braids.

Put It Up! 
The best thing to do while working out is to pull all of your hair off of your shoulders whether that’s in a ponytail, high bun or low bun. Protective styling the hair is best while keeping it wrapped with a silk or satin scarf. Tying the hair down helps keep the hair controlled, smooth and sleek during your exercise. Quick tip: do not take down your hair until it completely dries! This will help lessen the chance of your hair texture reverting.

Be Smart About Drying 
Ditch the flat irons and blow dryers for a healthier option. Try air-drying your hair while it’s in loose braids or a low bun overnight or grab the blow dryer and dry your hair on the cool setting. Cool air helps to close the hair cuticles encouraging them to lay flat and smooth resulting in healthier hair.




Ditch Itchy Scalp 
Those who sweat a lot in their scalp tend to experience excessive itching and overall discomfort in their scalp. Applying Coconut oil to the scalp 2-3x/week along with frequent Apple Cider Vinegar rinses in the scalp can help to eliminate the itching and remove dirt.


Less Shampooing is Better 
Using shampoo in the scalp is a great way to remove excess dirt, build up and sweat; however, using it after each workout can cause excessive dryness. Washing the hair with shampoo daily or every other day can strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. Eventually this can cause damage to the hair. If you must cleanse your scalp with shampoo, use one without sulfates for added hydration.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: On Maintaining Relaxed Hair While Working Out

As part of my nightly maintenance while my hair is flat ironed, I like to wrap my hair to ensure it stays smooth and frizz-free. Wrapping my flat ironed hair prevents me from using additional heat throughout the week. By wrapping nightly my new growth remains straight and I can stretch my flat ironed style for over 1 week.  Here are the tools I used:  - Wide-tooth comb - Boar Bristle Brush - Satin Scarf - Satin Bonnet Thanks for watching!

Oh, for more pictures and info on my Top Knot Styles visit these links:

1. Top Knot Bun
2. Half Up Half Down Top Knot

Thanks for watching!