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| Brandi |
My name is Brandi and I am a wife and mother to 3 children. I will also be turning 40 on April 20th. I made the decision to go natural back in 2010. I transitioned for a solid 9 months during which my hair grew like never before. I took a new job and eventually folded under the pressure to look apart and relaxed my hair much to my dismay.
In 2011 at the age of 38 I decided to give it another go. I wanted to be a natural as all the other women in my family are naturals. I began my transition doing bantu knotout’s and braidouts. These were my go to styles. I used curl activator gels to keep my hair soft and keep it from breaking at the line of demarcation. Finally, Feb 1st 2012 after a 6 month transition I did my Big Chop and haven’t looked back since.
I wish I had gone natural 20 years ago but my mind wasn’t ready to step out and be set apart from what was considered to be cute. I know now that I am beautiful with my natural hair and there is no need to conform to society’s images of ” Beauty “.
There are many natural women in my city, and we are rocking it out. I see natural haired women of all ages from early teens to late into maturity.
My favorite and go to hairstyle is the Two Strand Twist Out ! I am falling in love with Qhemet Biologics but my staple and forever love will be good old Crisco ( shortening ).
If I had any words of wisdom to share with a new natural it would be to love their own hair that God gave them. I would also tell them that the key to length retention is MOISTURE, and more moisture. Every oil is not a sealant and every water based product does not provide proper moisture. Be a product junkie for your first year being natural and find what works well for your hair. When you find what works stick with it and keep your regimen simple.
I have to thank Brandi for taking out the time to share your Natural hair journey with us. She’s so pretty and I love that hair color! She’s got some great wisdom to share and please take heed. Moisture is key and not every product out there will get it for you. Heck, what your sister or best friend’s go to product may not so if just starting out expect to be a product junkie for at least the first year. You gotta figure it out and so does your hair.
I’m still looking for older Naturals to share so email me at seriouslynatural4@gmail.com to let everyone see just how happy you are being Natural!!
Take care Naturals,
Sabrina
Thank you so much for this feature. I love how it came out and appreciate you Sabrina !!!
Oh, your welcome love. I appreciate you taking out the time to share.
I love her advise to be a product junkie for the first year. Because it is so much fun and helps in those awkward moments. And when you find what works for you – I did after 7 months – you can finally relax – no pun intended!
Yes, how else can you figure out what works unless you are one? I agree with her and appreciate her sharing. Thank you for commenting and congrats!