What is your name and your profession? Hello everyone my name is Cristina also known as Barbie Conga. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I am currently a social worker for kids and youth with mental health needs. I really enjoy anything having to do with fitness especially lifting heavy weights (I am all about that girl power). Why did you go natural? One day I woke up and decided I would rock my curly hair for the day. Oops! I was immediately slapped in the face with the reality that my curly hair was non existent. I immediately felt really bad inside and wanted my curly hair back. This alone was my motivation to get my healthy curly hair back. How long have you been natural and when did you BC? Technically I have never had a perm in my hair. However, I colored and flat ironed my hair excessively to the point I had no more curls. My hair looked permed without me ever having a perm. But since 2010 I have not colored or flat ironed my hair. I transitioned for a couple of month but became annoyed with the straight ends and curly roots so I Big Chopped after a couple months. What are your staple products and hairstyles? I am a wash and go type of girl. However, recently I have been loving flexi rod sets on my hair. I really recommend this to all the ladies that do not want to big chop and need some assistance with those straight ends. Favorite products right now are: Cantu Cowash, Cantu Conditioner, Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner, Shea moisture curling soufflé, Shea Moisture deep treatment (all of them), Mixed Chicks leave in conditioner, and Camille Rose curl love moisture milk. What are your natural hair goals? At this time I don’t really have any major hair goals. My only goal is to continue to maintain healthy hair.   How do you keep your hair intact overnight? In the past I have tried the pineapple method however, this method does not work for me. So I leave my hair out and sleep on a satin pillow case ( I really like this method because it also allows my hair to breath during the night). How do you maintain length? Water, Water, and more Water (I always stress the importance of water for healthy hair)! Along with a healthy diet, little to no heat, and weekly deep treatments. Name 1 reason you went natural and why you love being natural. My main reason for going natural was myself. Once I realized my hair was no longer curly from all the heat damage I did not feel like myself. I felt like a part of who I am was gone. I love being natural because whenever I take a look at my hair in the mirror it reminds me who I am. It reminds me of my parents, my roots, my culture and my self confidence. Where else can we find you on the net? Stay in touch with me on instagram @barbie_conga I have some really exciting things coming up for the ladies. [gallery type="rectangular" ids="5942,5943,5944,5945,5946,5947,5948,5949" orderby="rand"]