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Where are you from?
C: I was raised in West Covina, about twenty minutes from downtown Los Angeles. I currently live in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. I work for a marketing firm and write for Esteem Yourself magazine.

When did you go natural?
C: Actually, I’ve always been natural. I’ve never had a relaxer, texturizer, or even color in my hair. My mom didn’t want me having any of that. She had horrible chemical damage from a relaxer, and didn’t want that to happen to me. I was definitely a salon girl, though. I would mostly wear braids and “press ‘n curls” growing up. I didn’t realize that so many Black women had relaxer in their hair until I was out of high school.

I noticed that there seemed to be more “oohing” and “ahhing” over my hair when it was flat-ironed, as opposed to curly or kinky. The boys liked the girls with the long, straight hair, that kind of thing. I hated it because it created a division and resentment between all the Black girls. I’ve known some women who were scared to wear their hair out and “nappy” in public, because they didn’t feel attractive. But it’s so beautiful and unique, I can’t say that enough. And for some reason, natural hair makes us look younger, too.

Have you had any difficulties wearing your hair natural at work?
C: I’ve worn different styles at work and school. I’ve done funky cornrow styles, buns, goddess braids, twists. I’m a little bit more conservative when I go on a job interview, though. I remember more compliments than any negative comments about my hair at work. Sometimes, it creates awkward moments, like people asking or trying to touch my hair. I would never think to ask to touch a White woman’s hair, especially in a work environment. I think it’s rude, well-meaning intention or not.

What style do you like to rock?
C: Over the summer, I began experimenting more. My new favorite style is cornrows on the sides and the back, but with the front section of hair undone and curly, styled to the side. It’s very funky, very 80s, with minimal maintenance. It’s my “attitude” hair!

Right Side

Front

Can u give a tutorial for that style?

C: 1. Wash, deep condition, and detangle the hair.
2. Apply your favorite oil (I love avocado) and leave-in while your hair is still damp. This is very crucial for optimum shine and manageability.
3. Before you begin to cornrow your hair, section the top of your hair and make a large braid. (You will not cornrow this section of hair, just make a single loose braid.)
4. Twist the braid toward your scalp and secure with a bobby pin.
5. Now, cornrow the rest of your hair. The number of rows will depend on how big or small you want your braids to look. I usually do about seven.
6. Take the ends of the cornrows and twist them all into one single braid.
7. Twist the braid towards your nape into a bun, and secure with a bobby pin.
8. Remember the first single braid you pinned up? After it feels completely dry, untwist the braid. If it is completely dry, it should be very defined with a lot of bounce.
9. Style the unbraided section to the side of your face, separate and fluff if you want more volume.

What do you like about being natural?
C: The styling options, for one thing. But the best thing about being natural is the kind of community we create. We show the world that we love our natural texture, and not all of us wear relaxers and weaves since birth. I think there is certain kind of confidence and style that the natural style commands. No one can do it like us.

I think I feel more confident and even more outgoing wearing my natural hair “out”, as opposed to a bun or basic ponytail. My hair actually makes me feel unique in a world of mass-produced clothes and conformity. It’s a very special thing.

If your hair had a nickname, what would it be?
C: Decepticon! It is so deceiving. People assume that my hair is this, or my hair is that. But no one will ever really know. Some days, it’s hard for me to know what kind of hair day I’m getting into!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: www.naturalhairnerd.com

I’ve posted Christina’s product list in the Medium and Loose Curls Products page. Check it out HERE.

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