Forever Brittany ❤

Her Hairstory

Name: Brittany, 23.
Location: East Texas

When and why I decided to go natural ?! : March 7, 2010.

I decided to go natural for quite a few reasons, actually. But I’ll spare you and give you two.

I wanted longer, stronger, and healthier hair first and foremost.
I was frustrated with perm damage and additional damage from heat. And beyond that…I also suffered a lot of breakage from stress related issues, poor diet, and several rounds of various medications for my epilepsy. And secondly, I thought it would also help me sustain better financially as a college student. During my perm days, my beautician couldn’t keep me out of her chair. Every two weeks, faithfully.

Were there any negative or unexpected reactions regarding your decisions?!

Absolutely.

I didn’t have any support from my family and friends in the beginning. My family members are traditionalists ( very old school) and very much into keeping an excellent ‘appearance’. In other words, their sense of normality stems a lot from Eurocentrism and societal acceptance. Straight hair is ( for a lack of better words) more acceptable, more presentable, normal…

It wasn’t until about 8-10 months ago, before my family actually came around. Their attitudes gradually changed after they saw that their opinions of me didn’t matter to me.

As far as my community, it didn’t bother me at all. The comments, the stares, the abrupt laughing …etc. It didn’t and doesn’t bother me, because other people’s opinion of me doesn’t matter.

*You’ll live a very disappointing and unrewarding life if you live your life for others and their mindless opinions. It took me a while to learn that.

Did you big chop?! If so, what was that like?!

Yes, I did big chop during my second attempt.

It wasn’t really an issue for me, because at the time my hair was already short and breaking from stress related issues and from several rounds of various medications for my epilepsy.

Hair care routine: It varies by season.
Summer:
I moisturize everyday with water, EVCO, and almond oil.
I co-wash every 2-3 days.
I deep condition once the week.
* under a dryer with a shower cap.
I shampoo/ clarify with ACV every two weeks
I apply a homemade protein treatment once the month.
My preferred styles are twist outs and two strand twist bantu knot outs.

Type: Type 4. Kinky-coily.
Starting length: Big Chop
Current Length: SL
Goal Length: BSL

Favorite products?

I’m not a brand name junkie, really. However, I do love Shea Moisture’s Coconut Hibiscus line. My hair also loves EVCO ( extra virgin coconut oil), Almond oil, and Castor Oil.

Go-to style? Two strand twist bantu knots.
I’m in love, love, love with two strand twist bantu knot outs.
What are those you ask?!

Brief how-to: Part your hair in four sections and secure each with a clip. Dampen one section ( at a time) of hair and detangle each section with fingers or wide tooth comb. Apply oil and desired moisturizing cream,or gel ( L.O.C. method or if the L. C. O method, which ever works for you). Part an additional four sections in that section and two strand twist each mini section. You should have four mini twists. Proceed to take each twist and twist it into a bantu knot and secure. ( Check out Naptural85 tutorial on bantu knots and twist outs).

What was the most valuable thing you’ve learned while on your journey?

Water is life.
Moisture, Moisturizing, Moisturizing with WATER.

Ladies, moisturizing your hair is essential to healthy hair and optimal hair growth.

Also, The LOC, LCO method.
Google it.
Take a multivitamin, drink at least 64 oz of water, and implement a healthier diet. ( <— Things I’ve learned recently)

If you could do it all over again, would you? And what would you differently?

If I could do it all over again, I would.
And in a heart beat.

I would’ve better prepared myself mentally for all the negative backlash. As well as further educating myself beforehand. I did some research, but not nearly enough.

Any words of advice for a new natural or transitioner?

To elaborate on the last question:

No one told me that my hair regimen would be as unique and intricate as a snowflake.

What works for you will not , or may not work for any one else.
Your friend’s hair may love EVOO and yours may loathe it.

It’s all about trial and error.

I took a scientific approach to growing my hair. I actually applied the scientific method, lol. The more you research, the more you should take note and document what works for you.
Take pictures and notes, religiously.
I keep a journal and a tumblr blog.

You’ll be thankful that you did later on.
Whenever you get frustrated ( and trust me you will), go back and look over those pictures. You’ll need to visually see how much your hair has grown. Looking at old photographs are like looking through the eyes of someone else, or so I think.

And again, look over your notes and laugh about some of those outrageous concoctions you mixed up and applied on your hair that had you smelling like a boiled egg for days on end…

This is an adventure, not an arduous journey.
Enjoy your adventure.

And remember two things:

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
– George Bernard Shaw

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
-Dr. Seuss

Website or place to follow your journey?

loveisaderangeddogfromhell.tumblr.com

Thank you for reading.

ForeverAsia: Thank you oh so very much for sharing your amazing hair story! I’m sorry to hear that you have epilepsy and hope you are doing well, staying healthy, and fierce! I COMPLETELY sympathize with you on the old school parenting, my mom would literally tell me stuff like, ” you need to get dressed and do something with your hair, you represent me when you leave this house blah blah blah…” I’m like, “excuse me, I represent me, girl bye.” Lol but I feel you it sucks. My mom still till this day would rather have a jacked up weave then go with her natural hair smh. But I’m glad your family came around that’s good news! Lmao @ “intricate as a snowflake” seriously tho, my haircare routine feels like a science experiment now! @_@I love your outlook on things, as I too try and send out the same message of celebrating ones individuality and uniqueness. I thank you again for sharing your awesome story with us and hope you come back soon! I’m excited to follow your progress!