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| Andrea |
1. How long have you been Natural?
Fully 100% and embracing my natural curls – since 2010
2. Why did you become Natural?
Getting relaxers every 6 – 8 weeks and dying my hair and the stress of losing a job resulted in me leaving trails of hair every where. It was so damaged that anytime I touched it, hair would literally fall out.
3. Was it a hard transition? How did you transition?
It was not hard at all because I didn’t know that was what I was doing. In 2009, my hair became really damaged from the relaxers and dying. (See above.) I knew I needed to do something so I alternated between wigs and braids for a little over a year in an attempt to let my hair rest and restore.
4. Did your age aid in your decision to go Natural?
Not really. My age did help with the confidence portion, because I do believe that at my age, 54, I’ve finally learned not to give a crap what others think.
5. Does your age make it easier or harder to be Natural?
Neither, see above about not giving a crap what others think.
6. Do you see many Older Naturals in your area?
If so, what styles are they sporting? I do see some, but mostly they wear twa’s or locs.
7. How do you primarily wear your Natural hair?
I have finally gotten to a place where I understand my hair and what makes it thrive and I am really lazy with my hair so I wear wng’s 90% of the time. My wng’s can last 7 days without doing anything to it except putting it up in a high ponytail at night and in the morning letting the ponytail loose and I’m out the door. I tried twist and braids outs but being the lazy natural that I am, its too much effort and manipulation for my hair.
8. Favorite products and/or product line?
My holy grails are: Rhassoul clay for cleansing, Paul Mitchell Conditioner and Wetline Styling Gel for my wng’s. When I do style my hair in a bun or updo, I use my homemade hair butter.
9. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for other Older Naturals already Natural or thinking about it?
Patience, patience and more patience, because understanding and knowing your hair does not happen overnight. My hair is the healthiest its been in over 30 years and I only wish I would have done this sooner.
Thanks to Andrea for sharing. What gorgeous hair along with a beautiful older woman doing her thing. Man…I love her way of thinking…”I’ve finally learned not to give a crap what others think.” You got that right! I am loving that way of thinking because you gotta go Natural for YOU AND YOUR HAIR. Screw everybody else! Am I just in a mood? Naw, it really does have to be your decision. What a lovely lady.
I’m always looking for lovely Naturals to share so don’t be shy!
Take care Naturals,
Sabrina
She's beautiful and has a lovely head of hair.
Yes, she does.
Hair and confidence! love!
It's the only way to be.
Great profile AJ – you're glowing!
She certainly is.
Thank you Sabrina for the platform that shows us "older" women can and do embrace our natural curls. I appreciate the opportunity and thank you everyone for the compliments.
I am just glad to be among such wonderful and beautiful older women. I appreciate all the love and sharing and you are so welcome.
AJ looks gorgeous and her personality is just as beautiful. I'm so happy to see mature ladies featured. Good job!
Thanks for sharing. I love doing this and will continue as long as there are women willing to share.
Nice, very nice!
Thanks love!
I just wanted to say thank you for making this blog. Although I am white and have stick straight hair, I too have recently started going natural so to speak, which for me meant giving up hairspray and my curling iron. I have experienced many of the issues that you talk about in your posts about learning to care for newly natural hair and dealing with others perceptions about natural hair, that it is unkempt etc. and you have been very positive about embracing natural hair no matter what others think about it. So thank you for being a strong voice in support of natural hair and embracing internal and intrinsic beauty!
Thank you so much! Yes, going Natural can come in any form and be for anybody. Since going Natural with my hair I have started eating better and looking at the back of products seeing what I am putting in my body and on my body. I appreciate the wonderful words and I am very glad to know I'm being positive as there are tons of negativity out here. Thank you for sharing.