I’m Elle, and I’m a DC native currently living in Los Angeles. Basically, I’m a hair junkie. Usually when I’m done with work, I’m doing something that pertains to hair, whether it be shopping for products, researching ingredients, conversing on my hair boards, working out (stimulate that scalp!), reading books about hair, or doing my hair. Everything about hair is just so fascinating to me, because everyone’s hair is so different. Recently, I got a few textbooks on the science of hair from the library, so I know exactly how nutrition, the elements and chemicals affect my fro – I named her Izzy. Besides that I do what any 20-something woman does; right now I’m just loving life and loving my new city! One day, I’d like my hair to be so large it blocks people out of pictures.
When did you decide to throw the relaxer out (if you did)?
My last relaxer was in May 2009; I got relaxers for 21 years. After a few months, I cut my hair into a Mohawk/frohawk, and still had relaxed hair on top, but I wore it in a curly wash and go. Finally, in December 2009, I cut off the top of my mohawk and BC’ed to an inch of hair in order to be fully natural!
What was your support system like once you went natural?
I had a TON of support from being on hair boards; the ladies there are SO helpful and have a plethora of information. When I first decided to stop relaxing, I was on the boards for hours looking for inspiration and ways to care for my hair. I still frequent them today, because I love looking for new tips for my hair, browsing for product raves, and simply chatting about hair. For anyone who wants to go natural, I highly recommend finding a board to join.
How would you describe your hair journey so far?
Fun! Sometimes I look in the mirror and I’m like, “Hey, girl!” Yes, I talk to my hair sometimes – trust me, it’s not that abnormal. I enjoy playing with my hair and trying out new products, even though I already have staples that I can always go to. When I had a relaxer, I didn’t even know what my natural texture was, so I often stare at my hair in disbelief. But I love it; it’s super curly and getting bigger every day!
What are your favorite hair/homemade products?
My favorite deep conditioner hands down is extra virgin olive oil and honey, and sometimes I like to add in some coconut milk. As for products, lol, where do I even start? I have so many! Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner is amazing; if it were alive I’d definitely marry it and have its curly headed bottle babies. My favorite leave-in conditioner is Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave-In, and my fave stylers are Komaza Haircare Califia Styling Pudding, Kinky Curly Curling Custard, and plain aloe vera gel.
When it comes to your hair, what do you find most challenging?
Hands down, my low porosity hair. It takes forever to wet my hair in the shower, it rarely likes to absorb products, and it takes ALL DAY to dry. Seriously, I can do my hair at 7am, and at 10pm my roots will still be damp. To help my hair get more moisture, I’ve started doing weekly Cherry Lola treatments, which contains yogurt, baking soda, and Bragg’s Amino Acids. I do it about once a week and my hair loves it.
Your hair is so beautiful, but what is the most craziest remark you have has received about your hair?
Once, I was at a party, and a couple of guys had a debate with me about how black I am, because they weren’t sure if they wanted to call my hair kinky or curly. This literally went on for about fifteen, minutes, and one told me that I had to be mixed with white because I have freckles and because of my hair. Say what?! The length of that conversation alone was bizarre enough. Any advice to the aspiring successful natural haired women out there/closing remarks? Whatever reason you want to go natural, make sure you do it for you. Whether it’s for a hairstyle, the health of your hair, maintenance, anything…just do it for you, and no one else. It’s your hair, and you don’t need to answer to anyone!
Where can we find you on the net?
Everywhere! I’m always reviewing products on my blog, The Quest for the Perfect Curl (no, that doesn’t mean perfectly styled hair, lol), and my YouTube channel. Also, I talk to many of the #naturalhair ladies on Twitter, my name is CurlyHeadedPJ.