You never know, you might be that tipping point of motivation that someone needed so if you want to tell us about your Journey refer to the Spotlight Tab for details on how to submit your own stories!

Sit back, take a few minutes and indulge in all of the beautiful stories and pictures! 

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30/08/2016

Diane has been natural for a whopping 20 years and loving every minute of it! This beautiful natural has more than “just” a handle on her natural hair, as an author, co-founder of renowned natural hair event and model, Diane definitely is a woman to be reckoned with! The love she has for her hair can be seen and read and I am delighted to be able to share her hair story! Thank you for sharing with us Diane! 

• Introduce yourself

I am the Founder of I Grew it Long & Co-Founder of Natural Hair Week. 

NATURAL HAIR WEEK is the largest, original Natural Hair & Beauty Event in the UK. Launched in July 2013, this six week national event delivers an experience of education, entertainment and encouragement to visitors interested in natural hair and beauty (www.naturalhairweek.com). 

I GREW IT LONG: My first book ‘How I Grew it Long Naturally’ was published in June 2012 and launched at the Afro hair & Beauty Show, London. Since publication I have been featured in Black Hair Magazine, Black Beauty & Hair Magazine, national newspapers & radio stations including Passion Radio & Genesis Radio. I have also led focus groups & presentations on natural hair at numerous events. My second book ’65 tips to Healthy Hair Growth’ was published for Kindle in March 2013 and print in April 2014 (www.igrewitlong.com). 

MODEL: With over 18 years experience as a model, I have been featured in countless fashion shows, magazines, exhibitions, publications & TV commercials.

• How long have you been natural?

I have had natural hair for 20 years but have been consciously looking after my hair for the last 9 years.

• What are your signature styles?

A simple high bun which is how I mostly wear my hair.

• What products/routines do you use?

I have started using more natural based products with lots of organic oils including jojoba, grapeseed & olive oil. I use hemp butter to condition my hair. My hair care routines are all featured in my book ‘How I Grew it Long Naturally’.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

It was a journey of growth and self discovery that prompted me to grow and nurture the hair I was born on this planet with.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

None at all – it is just a little time consuming but worth it in the end!

• What do you love about your hair?

Versatile it is and the feeling of liberation I get from wearing it naturally, as it is!

• Describe your hair in 6 words

Versatile, Fun, Natural, Soft, Kinks, Coils.

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

Water, Hemp Butter, Jojoba Oil, Hair Scrunchies, Hood Steamer.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

Don’t give up – the rewards far outweigh the challenges!

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Email: info@igrewitlong.com

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29/11/2015

Raven has been natural for 6 years (and counting) and loves everything about going back natural, especially her gorgeous mane of healthy hair.  This gorgeous natural has a number of different styles that she likes to experiment with in combination with her favorite products. Raven runs a few inspiring social media pages (which you will find within her hair journey story) and I highly recommend following her! Thank you for sharing your story with us Raven!

• Introduce yourself

My name is Raven Ja’Nae Campbell. I am 25 years old.

• How long have you been natural?

My 6th year natural hair anniversary will be on January 10th [2016] and I love natural hair!

• What are your signature styles?

My signature styles is the high curly puff and the curly ponytail to the side but I also love my perm rod and flexi rod curls.

• What products/routines do you use?

Some of my favorite products are Camille rose naturals , Shea moisture , aphoghee and soultanicals . I’m currently using the shingling method which is another amazing way to define my curls when it’s still wet. At night, I may twist my hair using Camille rose naturals twisting butter to protect my hair and then I use my silk scarf and wrap my hair so I will not damage it during the night.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

One day I was at Paul Mitchell’s Hair school and my friend was cutting my hair in a bob and I saw this girl with a gorgeous curly Mohawk. I told my friend I wanted that hairstyle and he said I would have to go natural. So, after I saw her hairstyle I told myself I will not get any more perms. On Jan 10 , 2010 I decided to cut the rest of my perm from my bob. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t think anyone would like my hair cut this short. I always had long hair and thought I looked very crazy when I did my big chop.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

I didn’t have any difficulties going natural.

• What do you love about your hair?

I love that my hair is growing out healthy and also thick. My hair is very curly while it’s wet but I love my hair when it’s dry because it gets bigger. I love my big hair the most .

• Describe your hair in 6 words

My hair in 6 words: kinky , curly , wavy, healthy, thick and very soft!

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

I can not live with out my pick, curl wand , flexi rods, perm rods, rapunzel the future of hair products, and my silk scarf.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

For some one going natural I would tell them to be patient and stay away from heat styling products when growing out their natural hair. Natural hair take a few years to grow out and patience is key.

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?

I can be contacted @mynaturalhairisdope on IG and on Facebook. My Email address is rosey4290@yahoo.com

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25/10/2014

Saran has been a natural head for pretty much all of her life and loves every single one of her kinks, curls & coils! Apart from being enthusiastic about natural hair she loves healthy living and motivating others to be the healthiest they can be. Saran decided to create AntiguaBarbudaGirl a space where she not only shares her experiences but also hopes to inspire others to take charge of their lives. So take a peek at  her blog if you are trying to get motivated yourself! Thank you for sharing your story with us Saran!

• Introduce yourself

I am in my early thirties, a general physician by profession and a health/fitness and natural hair enthusiast. I created AntiguaBarbudaGirl a couple years ago in order to encourage other to live a healthy life style and also to share information that I have gathered over the years about natural hair and health.

• How long have you been natural?

I have been natural my entire child hood life and most of my adult life. There were two separate years during university days that I texturized my hair.

• What are your signature styles?

My signature styles are 2 strand twists and any variety of a bun.

• What products/routines do you use?

The products I currently use on a regular basis include the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner, the As I am coconut co-wash, grapeseed oil and shea butter.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

Well I have been natural most of my life and used to my hair already, I can’t say that I was inspired by anyone to have my natural hair. But I am inspired by other natural hair women all the time to create new styles and try new products.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

Yes I have faced difficulty with my natural hair similar to other natural hair women. I used to struggle with dryness which is not really a problem now and with single strand knots which I still get, but one can never be 100% free of them, it comes with the territory.

• What do you love about your hair?

I love everything about my hair, I call my hair my first love, lol. I like the texture, the colour, the look, every curl and coil.

• Describe your hair in 6 words

My kinky curly coily first love

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

I cannot live without water, conditioner, grapeseed or olive oil, 2 strand twists and shea butter, trimming shears.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

The advice I would give someone who is planning on going natural or who is on their hair journey, is to do your research on what’s best for your hair and don’t ever compare your hair with someone’s hair.

• How can you be contacted?

Blog: http://antiguabarbudagirl.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntiguaBarbudaG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/antiguabarbudagirl

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26/7/2014

The versatile and gorgeous Nicole (who is a poet by the way), has been natural for 3 years already and loving every moment of her journey. After years of using relaxers she was intrigued to find out what her natural hair looked like and thus began her hair story. Nicole was lovely enough to share her journey on Maicurls but you can also find out more about her hair on Natural Nicole as well as a number of different aspects that are a part of this strong and independent artistic woman! Thank you for sharing your story with us Nicole! 

• Introduce yourself:

Hello my name is Nicole and I’m the founder of www.naturalnicole.com.

• How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for 3 years after having a relaxer for about 20!

• What are your signature styles?

My signature styles would be the twist out and high bun.  These styles are easy to do and I can wear them several days.

• What products/routines do you use?

I love Design Essentials Natural Sulfate Free Shampoo, DE Stimulations Super Moisturizing Conditioner, Jojoba oil and for my moisturizer I just started using Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter again.  My hair routine consist of me washing, conditioning and styling my hair every 2 weeks.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

No one really inspired me to go natural.  I decided to go natural out of curiosity, I wanted to see what my natural texture looked like especially after having a relaxer for so long.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

The most difficult challenge I face of being natural is that it takes me to long on my wash/style day to do my hair from start to finish.  Also it took forever for me to find products that work for my hair.

• What do you love about your hair?

In one word VERSATILITY!

• Describe your hair in 6 words

Coily, Kinky, Fluffy, Cute, Natural, Healthy!

• What are 6 products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

I cannot live without my DE Stimulations Super Moisturizing Conditioner, my detangling comb, hair clips, shampoo, twistout and high bun.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

Go natural because you want to not because it’s the “in thing” or because your friends or relatives are pressuring you. 

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?

You can find me at http://www.naturalnicole.com/, Twitter: @naturlnicole, Instagram: naturlnicole

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18/6/2014

The lovely naturalista Kesia has such a friendly and bubbly personality! This beautiful lady did a short transition till she went back natural and has never looked back since. Her blog IslandKynks  provides readers with a lot of DIY recipes, hair care tips and styling ideas. So you know I have to say go and take a look at the blog! I have already written some DIY’s I want to try 🙂 Keep reading her inspiring story below to find out how she taught herself to embrace her natural hair. Thank you for sharing your story with us Kesia! 

• Introduce yourself

Hello Girls, Kesia (aka Isle of Azure) from IslandKynks here. Just a natural girl living on a small island in the Caribbean, living life and enjoying my natural tresses. As a lot of girls, my Mom started to relax my hair at a very young age because it was so hard to deal with and we did not have the knowledge of how to take care of natural hair the way we do today. Plus I really really really wanted my hair relaxed. My hair of course, started to break up, thinned out, was badly damaged and never grew past my shoulders ever. I could never figure out why until I started to do research about relaxed hair and the great benefits of returning natural. I love blogging on WordPress because I can post thoughts, ideas, recipes and tidbits for all you girls out there that just want healthy beautiful hair. Plus the support and positivity from naturals, transitioners, texturizers and relaxed girls is amazing, unlike any other I have seen online. So thank you very much for reading and do hope you enjoy ladies.

• How long have you been natural?

Have been natural for 2 years 3 months. Transitioned for 4 months (Nov-11/Feb-12), did BC on Feb-28-12.

• What are your signature styles?

My favorite are loose strand twists mainly because they are the ones I am best at. For formal events, I will do a fancy updo with cute hair accessories. When I want a more defined look, will do twists with gel and do a mean twist-out. When I want a fun style, I will do Bantu Knots then rock a Bantu-Knot out in all her glory. Lots of fun.

• What products/routines do you use?

My wash days are every 3 weeks, finger-detangle, wash with ACV, do a tea rinse, style and done in 5 hours tops. My daily products are: Tresemme Conditioner (alternate every 3 months); Olive, Coconut, Avocado, Almond Oil; Oyin Pomade; Black Pekoe Tea for my tea rinses; ACV for Hair Wash, Okra Treatment( once per year). 

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

A favorite aunt inspired me. When she returned natural, it was such an amazing experience, she wanted all of us girls to do the same. Took me a while, but finally after being sick and tired of managing my short, fine, damaged relaxed hair, I decided to return natural so my hair could grow, be healthy and could take care of  “her” by myself.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

It was especially difficult in the beginning, because a lot was trial and error. Also I hate shedding but it is a natural process so I learned what was normal for my own hair. Coming to love and appreciate my own tresses for what they are and not forcing them to curl. Being amazed by every kink, zig zag & coil. Dealing with fairy knots, hehe.

• What do you love about your hair?

I love that she is beautiful in her own way, has a mind and personality of her own. I can try so many styles, more than I ever could when relaxed. No matter how many times I do the same style, she will never ever come out the same. She is unique in every sense of the word. Our hair is our crown ladies so wear your crown majestically. 

• Describe your hair in 6 words

Kinky, Coily, Zigly Zagly, Unique and Alive.

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

Water, Olive Oil, Tresemme Conditioner, Scrunchies, Wide Teeth Comb, Satin Scarf.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

Sit down, do your research for 2-6 months, transition if you wish, take your time, BC when you are ready for it. This is once decision you have to make for yourself, so make sure this is what you want to do, yes returning natural and staying a natural is work, patience, time and endurance, but well worth it 100%, you will be pleased!

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?

Feel free to check out my blog, IslandKynks on WordPress (http://islandkynks.wordpress.com/) or if you have any questions, send me an email to: zion_areli@yahoo.com. I check my emails daily and will get back to you ASAP. As long as the question is hair-related, will be more than happy to help you to the best of my abilities.

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17/4/2014

The beautiful Ms. Rae (who considers herself an introvert) works in the field of Instructional Design, owns the informative blog You May Love Raw (formerly known as Love Thy Introvert) and admins  the awe inspiring The Natural Hair Blog Directory. Talk about having a balanced and full life huh! Rae has been natural for most of her life but turned to heat over the years and felt like she needed to stop after experiencing some damage. Keep reading her inspiring story to find out how she embraces her natural hair. Thank you for sharing your story with us Rae! 

• Introduce yourself

My name is Rae. I’m the blogger of www.youmayloverae.com/, and I administer naturalhairblogdirectory.com. I’m quite a nerd lol and I embrace it fully. My career is in instructional design. I love to study personalities and design techniques. My interests include cooking as well as natural hair. I’ve been natural just about all my life since about 2nd grade. I have always had my hair to be flat ironed/pressed whatever you want to call it. Over the years, it was damaged from too much heat to the point that it was extremely thin, shedding like crazy, and my edges were frail. I transitioned for about 4 months before I did a semi big chop in Sept 2012. 

• What are your signature styles? 

My signature styles change almost every year LOL the style that I wear the most nowadays are medium sized Marley twists and what I call the tuck and roll protective style. I’m a lazy natural so whatever is quick and easy or at least easy to where I don’t have to do my hair often is a winner in my book!

• What products/routines do you use? 

I normally will wear my hair in a twist out one week and then that following week I will do my tuck and roll protective style. My wash days only happen twice a month. The first wash day is when I shampoo with Carol’s Daughter Tui Shampoo and do a protein deep condition with coconut oil and SM Anti Breakage Masque or SM Deep Treatment Masque. The second wash day I co-wash with Aussie Moist. I do moisture deep treatments for both wash days with Aussie 3 min miracle. For both wash days, I usually detangle with Aussie Moist before I style.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair? 

I don’t know if saying I was inspired is accurate for my experience LOL. I’ve been natural almost all my life. Now if we flip the question to say what pushed me to wear my natural texture instead of continuing to wear it flat ironed, it would have to be the fact that I knew how healthy my hair use to be. So to see it frail and thin, I knew I had to do something to save my hair before it got even worse. So that’s why I made the decision to ditch the flat iron/pressing comb fully. 

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural? 

Yea, I think that when you start out it’s like feeling your way through the dark. The hard part is that your hair isn’t EXACTLY like anybody else’s. Even if your texture, porosity, strand thickness and stuff is similar, you still have your unique genes of how your hair behaves and your location’s weather and so much more that affects your hair. So since your hair is so unique, you have to really learn your hair and what products works with it. Once you’ve conquered this, it’s almost smooth sailing in my opinion. Then it just goes to you choosing your styles and stuff.

• What do you love about your hair? 

I love how it can hold a style. One great thing about kinky type hair is that you can definitely hold protective styles like twists and pinups pretty well (unless the humidity is being ridiculous). I love my puff. I’ll be honest, I use to want more curly or coilier hair. I have friends that have this texture.  I use to want that texture more because it seemed like they can just jump out the shower and have the perfect curly hair but mine needed a little more attention. But I think that now that I have found the styles that fit me and my time constraints, I have grown to love and embrace my texture more. I love my little puff! I enjoy my hair now. I think there are pros and cons with every texture so the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. So we should all not allow ourselves to get caught up in someone else’s texture and examine the good in our own.

• Describe your hair in 6 words: 

Spunky, Fierce, Sweet, Bipolar (LOL), Bold, and Fabulous 

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without? 

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, JBCO, Coconut Oil, butterfly clamps, hair sheers (for them pesky ssk), and ouchless goodie ponytail holders.

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey? 

Be patient with your hair. Don’t rush when you’re trying to style it. Don’t get too anxious for it to grow. Find styles that look great on you in every stage and enjoy your hair at every stage of growth that it’s in. Also if you ever run into a time where you are just fed up and don’t know what to do with your hair, just put it in twists or braids and let yourself chill out a bit. Just make sure that if you do that, that they aren’t done too tight because your edges just aren’t worth it. It takes entirely too long to regrow edges for you to allow a cute temporary style break them just like that. Also always be sure that you keep your scalp moisturized. But just remember that it’s okay to take time to breathe from dealing with your hair especially if you’re thinking about going natural. Take that time to research and come up with a plan of how you want to progress in your hair journey.

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)? 

My blog is at www.youmayloverae.com/ (IG/twitter/facebook: loveanintrovert). Also if you have a blog/vlog, please submit it to thenhbdirectory.com. If you don’t have one, tell your favorite blogger/vlogger to sign theirs up. Any questions can be sent to me at thenhbdirectory@gmail.com.

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1/4/2014

Ms. Samantha, blogger and entrepreneur of Kinky Coily Love  who loves her thick and versatile hair, was initially inspired to go back natural in part thanks to Solange Piaget Knowles and the fact that she got tired of hair damage through the use of relaxers. Continue reading to find out more about her story and experiences. Thank you for sharing your story with us Samantha! 

• Introduce yourself 

My name is Samantha and I blog at http://kinkycoilylove.com/. I’m a senior studying metropolitan studies at NYU and I’m hoping to attend cosmetology school this summer.

• How long have you been natural?

2.5 years

• What are your signature styles?

Two strand twists and afro puffs

• What products/routines do you use?

My favorite products are Kinky Curly- Knot Today, Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner, and Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I co wash/deep condition about every other week and follow up with an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse and use the Liquid, Cream, Oil (LCO ) method w/ Knot Today, Curl Enhancing Smoothie and castor oil. 

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair?

Solange is a real big factor in me returning to natural. Other than that it would be the damage that relaxers did to my hair. I got tired of the thinning of my thick/coarse hair.

• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural?

Only when dealing with other people’s perception of my hair. Sometimes people look at my hair instead of looking me in the eye and that can be annoying.

• What do you love about your hair?

It’s thickness and versatility 

• Describe your hair in 6 words 

Thick, Versatile, Unique, Unadulterated, Black, Lovely 

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without?

Shower cap, satin head tie, leave in conditioner, conditioner, apple cider vinegar, and scissors (I like to search and destroy any dead ends, single strand knots etc. when needed)

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey?

Be patient and don’t compare your hair or journey to ANY one else, unless it’s to help you find a product that works for you. Never bring yourself down because you don’t look like the next person. Your hair is NOT straight anymore, so comparing straight maintenance to curly will do nothing for you. 

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?blog: http://kinkycoilylove.com/ , www.facebook.com/kinkycoilylove , www.twitter.com/_kinkycoilylove, IG: @Kinkycoilylove

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5/3/2014

I am honored to introduce you to Ms. Shanti, blogger of Around The Way Curls. She is a daring Big Chop natural with a very bold approach to everything (that I envy)! She also happens to have gorgeous hair and skin! Thank You for sharing your story Shanti!

• Introduce yourself
  

Hello my name is Shanti and I am Co-creator of the blog Around The Way Curls

• When/why did you Big Chop?

I recently big chopped in November of 2013. My hair has been progressively getting shorter mini haircuts until I bit the bullet in the end of January and cut short and even. I cut my hair initially because of color damage. The first cut was in a style and it still had the illusion of length. I finally did away with that security net and cut it all off because I know it’s just hair and it will grow back. 

• How the experience was?

It was pretty painless. No fear. No tears. 

• Are there any difficulties you are facing/faced? If so what? 

I know I sound all nonchalant, and unaffected by cutting all my hair off but everyday is a struggle. It is growing out and it is awkward and I know I have many more awkward phases to go through! All I can do is be confident in my identity as Shanti rather than feeling confident because I have long, coveted, curly hair. It is interesting because know that I cut off all my hair, I can see how distracting long, curly hair is. People stare, they care little about you per se, they are more interested and attracted to your hair initially. “If her hair is pretty, she must be pretty cool too”. Nowadays people are a little less forward and interested in me quite honestly. HA!

• What do you love about your current journey? 

I love that I am discovering how shallow I am. Sometimes I watch myself obsessing about my hair and I just have to chuckle at how stupid I can be! It’s interesting to see where my priorities are and how I have to constantly maintain awareness in order to keep what’s important at the very top and what is asinine at the very,very bottom. It is a very revealing process. Want to know who you really are? Cut off all your damn hair. 

• What you did to get to where you are today (products,routines etc,)?

I simply wet my hair, add kinky, curly knot today leave in conditioner, sheamoisture curl smoothie and almond oil.

• What advice would you give someone who is considering a Big Chop? 

Do it, do it, do it!

• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?

Aroundthewaycurls.com

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 16/2/2014

I am excited to introduce you to Ms. Maggi, fellow blogger of Cluelesscurl. She is an Eco-Friendly enthusiast and loves making her own natural products for her hair and skin. Thank You for sharing your story Maggie!

“Old-timer” Natural

• Introduce yourself – Hi, I’m Maggi and I live in Southwest FL
• How long have you been natural? I returned to natural in the summer of 2009. I was jumping in and out of the pool that year.
• What are your signature styles? Flat twists or bun
• What products/routines do you use? At first my product use and routine was all over the place. Now I’ve found what works. I henntonite once a month. I co-wash once a week. Flat-twist using  my aloe vera custard as my leave in. I would either air dry or use soft bonnet depending on how my day is going.

• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair? The natural hair community inspired me. I was fed up with getting relaxers. I had stopped relaxing my hair in 2006 but I didn’t know how to take care of my hair. One day I Googled, AOLed, and Yahooed my fingers off. I was in awe at what I saw/read. We were empowering one another and started a movement. I was sold and the rest is history.
• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural? In the beginning just like any other journey but not so much now.
• What do you love about your hair? The fact that it starts conversations and it’s versatile.
• Describe your hair in 6 words – Beautiful, Healthy, Versatile, Creative, Curly, Thick

• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without? Wide tooth comb, flat twist, conditioner, headbands, scarf, and water.
• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey? Go for it! Don’t be afraid the natural hair community got you covered.
• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. You find me at my blog CluelessCurl. I blog about my ups and downs to being eco-friendly. I also feature women of color who are on the same journey. Also, I’m on twitter @CluelessCurl.

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17/10/13

I am very excited to share the lovely Hair Story of the stunning Ms. Victoria Davis! 

“Old-timer” Natural

• Introduce yourself – My name is Victoria and I am the blogger behind ClassyCurlies.com. I love to write and within the next couple of months I will have a degree in magazine journalism as well as professional writing.
• How long have you been natural? I have been natural a little over three years.
• What are your signature styles? I absolutely love two-strand twists and twist-outs. Two-strand twists are very convenient and easy since I am constantly busy and on the go.

• What products/routines do you use? I wash my hair about every 7-10 days and depending on how my scalp feels I may wash with a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash. Conditioner is by far my favorite hair product ever created! I love TRESemme Naturals conditioner as well as Paul Brown’s Hapuna conditioner. I deep condition my hair very often to retain moisture and softness.
• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair? I honestly became really curious about how my natural pattern would look. I had a relaxer all of my life and it was simply curiosity. At first I wasn’t interested in going natural, I just wanted to stretch out my relaxers. Soon after getting glued to YouTube and watching countless videos on natural hair care I was sold.
• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural? I haven’t faced many but when I first did my big chop, I had a few family members that were not happy. I had always had shoulder length hair and so my cut was a big adjustment…for them. My grandmother couldn’t stand my hair and my mother kind of gave me the side eye a few times. Turns out they are both natural now. Go figure!

• What do you love about your hair? I love the versatility of my hair. I can wear it short one day then wear it long the next. I love the small curls that my hair has. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
• Describe your hair in 6 words – Crazy, Rebellious, Soft, Healthy, Thick, Kinky.
• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without? Conditioner, Coconut oil, Plastic caps, Shea Butter, Headbands, Satin Scarf

• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey? Learn to accept you for you. You can’t please everyone but the most important person to please is yourself. YouTube and blogs are your friend!
• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)? You can contact me on my blog at www.ClassyCurlies.com. You can also follow me via social media (@ClassyCurlies) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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02/10/13

I am so honored to introduce my first featured beauty Mrs. Jenell Stewart! Thank you for your story! 

“Old-Timer” Natural

• Introduce yourself – My name is Jenell B Stewart and I am the founder of www.kinkycurlycoilyme.com. I live in Brooklyn, NY with my hubby and my son (my munchkin), and I’m pregnant with our little girl.  I have a Masters in Education and I am African.
• How long have you been natural? I’ve been natural for 3 almost 4 years.
• What are your signature styles? I love the twist out and braid out. But since I got my hair cut I have been obsessed with Wash-n-Go’s!

• What products/routines do you use? Some of my favorite brands include SheaMoisture, As I Am, CURLS, Karen’s Body Beautiful, Design Essentials and many many others. 
• What/Who inspired you to grow your natural hair? I was inspired by the beauty in natural hair. My cousin talked to me about going natural and I was nervous. I actually tried to talk her out of it, but after she showed me videos of women with beautiful natural hair I was sold.
• Have you faced any difficulties while being natural? None at all. Everyone loves my natural hair and I’ve been so blessed to start my own business as a result.
• What do you love about your hair? I love the personality that it gives me.

• Describe your hair in 6 words – Fun, Spunky, Unique, Soft, Fly, Gorgeous
• What are 6 the products/tools/styles you cannot live without? SheaMoisture Restorative Conditioner, Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave In, my Turbie Twist, the ORS Hair Mayo, Eco Styler Gel, Flor Bella Boutique Satin Bonnet
• What advice would you give someone who is planning on going natural/on their natural hair journey? Embrace the journey and have lots of fun!
• How can you be contacted?(Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)? 

Business – http://kinkycurlycoilyme.com, http://youtube.com/blakizbeautyful, http://facebook.com/kinkycurlycoilyme,http://twitter.com/blakizbeautyful, http://instagram.com/blakizbeautyful

Personal – http://youtube.com/jenellbstewart, http://facebook.com/jenellbstewart, http://twitter.com/jenellbstewart,http://instagram.com/jenellbstewart

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Thanks