Older Natural Feature - Tiffany

Tiffany

1. How long have you been Natural?

• I've been natural for 13 years. My last relaxer was for my senior prom in HS. But I recently did a big chop due to severe heat damage, so I'm starting my journey all over again.

2. Why did you become Natural?

• I decided to go natural because I was a broke college student and it was just cheaper to flat iron my own hair.

3. Was it a hard transition? How did you transition?

• Transitioning the first time around wasn't hard at all since I transitioned using heat. I wore my hair straight for about three years before I started wearing it natural. My second go round was much harder though. After years of heat damage I tried to transition heat free until all the damage was gone. I lasted about 6 months, but it was too hard and frustrating so I just cut it all off.

 4. Did your age aid in your decision to go Natural?

• Not really. It was a factor, I was young & broke,  but not necessarily an aid. Plus, going natural wasn't as big a deal back then as it is now.

5. Does your age make it easier or harder to be Natural?

• I think my age makes it a little harder to be natural. Only because when I was younger I had more free time to dedicate to the maintenance and styling of my hair.

6. Do you see many Older Naturals in your area? If so, what styles are they sporting?

• There aren't too many older naturals in my neighborhood, but there are a lot in my office. The ladies in the office usually keep it pretty conservative. Buns, Puffs and French rolls.      

7. How do you primarily wear your Natural hair?

• I primarily where my hair in a ponytail or a bun when I'm at work. On the weekends I'll do any thing under the sun. I like big and wild hair, so wash & go's, twistouts, braidouts, mini twists, drop curls, cornrolls etc.

8. Favorite products and/or product line?

• I love the Shea moisture, Kinky Curly and Tukka Hair Care lines. My favorite natural products are Shea butter, EVOO and Raw Honey.

9. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for other Older Naturals already Natural or thinking about it?

• I would tell all ladies considering going natural to make sure you love your own hair texture before you go natural. Don't go natural because you like someone else's texture. And for the ladies already paving the way, I would tell them not to limit your styles to only what you see other naturals do. Seek out hair styles in all textures, from relaxed to curly or wavy, even styles on woman of other races (white, Korean, whatever). You'll be surprised how a different texture (kinky/Afro) can put a spin on a traditional style. But stick to your natural length (hair in its shrunken state) rather than your true length, otherwise you may be disappointed with the outcome.

 

Beautiful, beautiful hair and I love her sound advice about loving your OWN hair before going Natural and not because you like someones else's.  She's right about how versatile our hair actually is.  Love that wild pic above too.

Check out my new feature next Monday which is my Older Natural Feature day.  Come and share your story with us as well.

Take care Naturals,

Sabrina