Name: Clarissa
Social Media Names: itsdearclaire
How long have you been natural?:
I’ve been natural for five years now!
Why did you go natural?:
I went natural in 2009 just to see what my curl pattern would look like. I never saw my natural curl pattern. Can you believe that? I was brain washed to believe that if I saw any new growth it was time for a perm.
A short regimen you can share:
My regimen changes according to the season. If its winter I implement different products in my regimen because of the hair weather.
I wash every two-three weeks and co-wash every other week in the summer. I try my best to do either a protein treatment or hot oil treatment once a month. I use Shea butter and castor oil on all of my twist outs in the winter. It’s a great sealer for my ends.
What are some of your favorite products?:
My favorite product is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Condition. It leaves my hair feeling so silky and soft. I always use this product in the summer for my wash and go.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treatment- a tongue twister! Lol
It removes oil, dirt and helps retain moisture! The smell of peppermint and eucalyptus oil in this product is amazing.
Castor Oil – My hair can get dry during the winter months. Castor Oil has been by go-to moisturizing product! Its thick and it locks in moisture.
Shea Butter – Shea Butter is like gold to my hair. If I want a luscious curl definition, I use Shea butter.
What are some of your favorite styles?:
My go to style is a gorgeous twist out!! I love twist outs! This is the one style that I can maintain for two weeks.
But I do have to say I love the versatility of natural hair! So far I’ve done faux locs, crochet braids and even hair shadowing. I love protective styling and being able to switch up my hair style every now and then.
What is one piece of advice that all women should have (pertaining to confidence)?:
Never compare your hair type to someone else. Love your natural curl pattern and embrace what God has given you!!
“If you love it, it will GROW.” What works best for someone’s hair may not work best for yours- It’s all about finding out what works best FOR YOU.
What is your most favorite and least thing about being natural?:
My favorite thing about being a natural is being able to start a conversation about hair with people outside of my race. A lot of non-African Americans are curious about our hair. The lease thing i like about being natural is not being able to do wash and gos in the winter lol which is understandable.
What natural hair bloggers/vloggers inspire you?:
Some of my favorite YouTube channels are Fusions of Culture and Naptural89
Do you have any advice on going natural?:
Make sure you keep a picture journal of your natural hair journey. Whenever you are discouraged about your hair growth or the tense journey you can always look back and see how far you’ve come!
