Introduce yourself
I’m a wife and mom of two coily-haired girls ages 4 and 1. I’m also an avid end-times prophecy watchman (or watchwoman, if you prefer). Professionally, I’m an exercise physiologist and health promotion specialist turned freelance writer and editor. My three favorite topics are:
1. The Word
2. Wellness and
3. Hair
Talking about them makes me feel energized and satisfied.
When did you decide to go natural?
I’m an “accidental natural”. In Autumn of 2011, I kept forgetting to get a touch-up but I noticed that my hair was happier. That’s when I decided to permanently end my relationship with relaxers. Going natural turned out to be a very happy accident.
What was the reaction from friends/family when you went natural?
This topic is emotionally charged for me right now because I literally JUST got an email from my sister that read “I give into the creamy crack!” There was a pic attached with her freshly relaxed roots (she went 8 months without a relaxer, FYI)! I’m a little sad right now so bear with me, please. I replied, “*sigh* Okaaay.” I was going to let it go until she answered with “Couldn’t get the bouf under control for the corporate environment”. Natural hair in the workplace is a hot-button issue for me. Now that I know they “got” my sister I’m not too happy about it. The feeling is very “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”-ish.
She and some other family members decided to stop relaxing their hair after I did or they were already long-time naturals (my bestie’s been natural nine years). Others said things like “You can go natural because you have good hair, but my hair is not like yours.” [Whenever I hear statements like that I shudder and rebuke the Good-Hair demon with his lyin’ self. ALL healthy hair is good hair!] *looong sigh & pause*
Then there was also, “Uh uh, honey, I’m not going back to the press n’ curl days”. The last quote is my mom’s. She has agreed to try relaxer-free straightening but she’s still not 100% sold on it yet. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Are any of you dealing with this, too? At least I still have my transitioning sister-in-law on board. She also gets credit for planting the idea in my mind about a natural hair blog.
Current products and regimen (Type 4a Coils)
Products:
- Shampoo- L’Oreal Ever Crème sulfate-free shampoo
- Rinse-Out & Co-Wash Conditioner- Tressemme Naturals
- Leave-In Conditioners: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In or a little bit of Tressemme Naturals conditioner
- Sealing Oils- A mix of coconut oil (Trader Joes’ organic virgin) & castor oil (I’d like to try jojoba soon, though. Do you all like it?)
- Stylers- Eco styler and/or Calvis’ Crisco Mix- link to my results pics w/ Crisco mix: http://www.how-to-go-natural.com/products-homemade-store-bought/crisco-for-hair-results-pics-calvis-mix-science/
- Deep Conditioner/Hot Oil Treatments- I mix my own depending on what I have and how my hair feels. I might use any of the following: coconut oil, avocado, honey, castor oil or olive oil.
Cleansing/Styling Regimen:
I co-wash and seal about 2-3 times a week. I style it wet and wear it slick, wavy and defined. I only straighten about once every four months to check the length. Now that it’s cold out, I’m back to deep conditioning as needed. I use a clear rinse (semi-permanent, colorless) to give my hair an extra protective coating and to guard against moisture loss. I only shampoo before I apply the clear rinse or as needed for build-up.
What do you love about your hair?
Mainly I love the volume, versatility and the curl pattern. That “pop” of a nicely-defined coil is DOPE!
How important is diet and exercise to the health of your hair?
Let’s put it this way: your hair can’t be much healthier than the body it grows from. Hair and nails stand last in line for nutrients behind vital tissues needed to sustain life. Also, if the eyes are the window to the soul then the hair is the window to your health. Often, the first signs of disease and deficiency will show up as changes in your hair, skin or nails.
For example, low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency among women, especially those in their child-bearing years. Excess hair shedding, brittle hair/nails, dry skin and peeling nails are common symptoms of iron-deficient anemia in addition to fatigue and depression.
One of the best ways to maximize iron absorption from food is to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages within two hours of eating (caffeine blocks iron uptake). Instead, drink a beverage rich in Vitamin C, such as lemon water, since ascorbic acid improves iron absorption.
Is there a website where we can find out more about you and your natural hair journey?
Yes, ma’am. Glad you asked. Find my blog at How To Go Natural Blog. To get weight-loss and hair-growth tips in your Facebook newsfeed, stop by and ‘like’ our page (also called How-to-Go-Natural.com) at How To Go Natural Facebook Fan Page.
Katrina’s beautiful, healthy curls
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