Older Natural Feature - Luanda

Luanda

1. How long have you been Natural?
I've been natural for 4 years.





2. Why did you become Natural?
My boyfriend (at the time) encouraged me to go natural. I was wearing Kinky Twist braids at the time and he said I would look good in dreads. I disagreed.

3. Was it a hard transition? How did you transition? 
It wasn't hard to transition. I took the braids out and went to a salon (which happened to specialize in natural hair) to actually get a relaxer, but I decided to do the BC, just that day. I rocked two-strand twist for awhile, until I learned how to do it myself.

4. Did your age aid in your decision to go Natural?
My age wasn't a factor at all in my decision.



5. Does your age make it easier or harder to be Natural?
My age doesn't matter either way, I don't look my age at all.


6. Do you see many Older Naturals in your area? If so, what styles are they sporting?
There are a lot of women at my church, my circle of friends and at my job that are natural. We have Natural Parties (where we get together about once a quarter, swap products and tips and just hang out). They rock everything from Fros, protective style to blown out straight hair.

7. How do you primarily wear your Natural hair?
Currently it's up in a protective style. When I do it, it's usually in two-strand twists or a puff. I go to a Natural Salon quarterly for a trim and a blow out. In between then, I have a good friend (whose in hair school and in this group) who does my hair on the regular.

8. Favorite products and/or product line?
100% Shea Butter, homemade products. I don't like a whole lot of product in my hair (I was the same way when my hair was relaxed). But I do like the Shea Moisture Brand.

9. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for other Older Naturals already Natural or thinking about it?
What I've learned from my natural friends and in this group is that, this hair journey is trial and error. You have to do what works best for you. Every product doesn't work the same on everyone. Have fun with your hair. It's only hair at the end of the day. Don't be afraid to step out of the box and be different. I'm not my hair, but it is my greatest accessory!

 I just want to thank Luanda for sharing as well as being so patient with me for getting her story up on the blog!  She's got a beautiful smile and her hair frames her face perfectly.  I love her simple hair care and I'm loving Shea Moisture 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