I went natural about 10 years ago because I wanted more hair color options for my hair. At that time, I had no plans on being natural for so many years. Over the years, I got used to my natural hair and getting a relaxer was no longer an option for me.

 

 

Name: Naikeya Haley

Location: New York, NY

Profession: Cosmetologist/Student/Blogger

What was the hardest part of your journey?And the best part?
The hardest part of my journey was finding the right products for my hair. I was trained as a professional, to believe that salon products were the only solution to caring for my hair. It wasn’t until last year that I started experimenting with all natural products, and cheaper nonprofessional products.
The best part of my journey has been getting to know what my hair is capable of, without a relaxer. The compliments from random strangers is also nice. I don’t remember getting so many compliments in my relaxed days.

What did your hair journey teach you?
My hair journey taught me to appreciate my natural hair, by eating right, taking vitamins, and drinking lots of water. Water is essential to the body, and it’s the most important moisturizer for hair. I also learned a lot about the benefits of using natural oils to seal moisture into my hair. Through trial and error, I found out what my hair likes, and what products I should stay away from. Reading labels before purchasing any product for my hair and skin, is now a regular practice of mine. If I see ingredients like Mineral
oil and Dimethicone in the list, that product goes right back on the shelf.

Describe your worse hairdo and your best hairdo and please include a picture if you can.
My worst hairdo would have to be when I colored my locks blonde. Although I loved the color on my skin tone, it dried my hair out and caused major breakage. Between me coloring my locks, and dealing with postpartum hormones, I had to cut my locks off and start over again. I thought it was cool because I knew I could grow my natural hair out freely, but I do miss my locks at times.

My best hairdo would be my current TWA. I like it because my hair looks healthy, and it’s finally growing in nicely. My color free coily fro, is growing faster than my hair has in a long time. I’m excited to see how big my fluffy will get over time.

Looking back, has your perception of your hair or black hair in general changed? Please elaborate.
My perception of both my hair and black hair, has changed in many ways over the years. Even though I used to perform relaxers and weave services professionally, I no longer stand behind either one of those services. I’ve seen first hand, the damage that both of those services can do. There is nothing worst than informing a client about the possibility of their hairline never growing back. I know how much money black women spend on
their hair, and it’s sad to see the condition of their hair after years of receiving those services. We all need to embrace out unique natural hair textures, and put these conglomerate relaxer and human weaving hair brands out of business.

What is your favorite hairstyle?
My favorite hairstyle is an updo. Updo styles give women such femininity and classic charm. That’s one of the things that I miss about my locks, because I had enough length to pin my hair up. I can’t wait to be able to put my hair up in a funky fro updo.
Can you please finish the following sentence: I love my hair because ?.

I love my hair because: I love my hair because it’s what God gave me. I could not ask for a thicker, fuller, curlier head of hair. My hair is my crown, and I wear it with pride!

Blog/website: http://naturalnina.com/

 

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