How long have you been natural and when did you BC?

I began my Natural transition back in August 2008. I transitioned for 8 months before I made the mistake of getting a texturizer. The sad part about it was that I did it over a boy! But luckily I realized the error of my ways  that same day and began my transition again… the boy and I never talked again after that day. So 9 months later on January 22, 2010 I did my BC! I was actually a pretty random incident. I had said I wouldn’t come into 2010 with relaxed ends but I did. My best friend and I were sitting in my room. While she was reading Chicoro’s “Grow It” she just said, “Jari I think we should cut your hair tonight.” And we did! It was the best night of my life!

What are your staple products and hairstyles?
My staple products would have to be Giovanni’s Organic line, specifically the Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner and Giovanni’s Direct Leave-In. Sometimes I may use Kinky-Curly’s Knot Today/Curling Custard or Curls’ Souffle. When mixing my deep conditioner I use the Giovanni Smooth As Silk conditioner mixed with honey and extra virgin olive oil. It makes my hair feel and look AMAZING! I am usually very picky about the products that I put in my hair, mainly because I don’t want to disrupt the acid mantle of my hair and scalp/pH. As far as my staple hairstyles I’d have to say my flat twists and two-strand mini twists. They usually last the longest and are best for my hair because my ends aren’t always exposed to this awful Georgia weather.

What is your regimen?
I shampoo and condition my hair about once a week, depending on the style I am wearing. I deep condition bi-weekly, making sure to implement an even mixture of protein and moisture. I always do an apple cider vinegar rinse to maintain a healthy pH in my hair and scalp. I do a daily spritz with distilled water just to moisturize my hair and sometimes I will seal it in with EVOO. My routine is very simple.

What are your natural hair goals?
My goals really surround maintaining healthy hair, whether it be long or short. I do have a goal to obtain APL hair within the next year or so. I have already gained 7 inches in hair in the past yr. I also have a goal of reaching out and educating other women/men that are relaxed, transitioning or Natural on how to properly care for Black hair.

How do you keep your hair intact overnight?

I always tie my hair down with my silk scarf, no matter what style I am wearing. It tends to ruin a few style but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. I know the drying effects of sleeping on cotton sheets/pillow cases so I sacrifice the look for the health of my hair.

How do you maintain length?
I do a lot of protective styling to help maintain my ends. I know that the hair is dead, but it can easily be preserved with proper care. I always keep my hair moisturized and am careful no to play in it too much… although that can be very hard sometimes. I never like to have my hair exposed to the extreme elements (rain, cold air, sun etc.).

Name 1 reason you went natural and why you love being natural.
I went Natural because for the longest time I could never figure out why I got a relaxer in the first place. My mom would always tell me how beautiful my Natural texture was and how easy it was for her to maintain. However, in the hands of my grandmother, my natural hair had no chance. She’d always press it straight and even allowed my aunt to give me my first relaxer when I was 8 years old. I never had a desire to have my hair relxed and nor did my mother… but once the cycle started she nor I tried to stop it. So 12 years later I finally made it happen! I enjoy the freedom of being who I really am. It’s so easy to conform to society’s views but hard to be yourself… kinda strange I know. I’m not living my life to enjoy a quick fix. Being Natural is proof of that =.)