Please introduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Kendra. I still consider myself a new natural, but I love telling my story in hopes that it will inspire someone else to start their journey.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for about a year and 8 months.
What made you decide to go natural?
In the past I would always straighten my hair. It was completely heat damaged and I just couldn’t handle the constant breakage anymore.
Did you do the big chop or did you transition?
The first 7 months I tried to just transition because I was very afraid to cut my hair. Unfortunately my hair was beyond the point of no return. So I decided it was time for a mini chop. I didn’t chop off everything but I did lose a lot.
What was the hardest part of going natural in the beginning?
The hardest part for me had to be getting used to going out with my natural hair. After being so used to having straight hair it was definitely a shock every time I looked in the mirror. It helped me to feel comfortable with myself.
Did you care what others would think about your hair? Do you still care?
I would be lying if I said that I didn’t care….especially in the beginning. Since my hair was dead, I felt that everyone saw my hair as unruly, dry, and ugly. After I cut my hair and started deep conditioning it more I started coming into my own and didn’t care as much. It’s now a year and some change later and I don’t really mind the natural nay sayers. It’s my hair not theirs.
How did others react to your hair in the beginning? How do they react now?
The people who saw me everyday would always tell me how much they loved my hair but they were pretty much the only ones. Others would look at me and kind of just say “oh that’s different.” Um okay. Now I’m lucky if I can go a day without someone trying to touch my hair. A lot of people compliment my hair now. I get asked a lot if it’s real or a wig.
Have you faced any struggles from being natural in school or in the work place?
I honestly haven’t. My coworkers were always very supportive of my journey even through the rough days, they helped me to stay on the right path.
What is your current hair regime?
I try to wash my hair twice a week. Each time before I wash it, I use olive oil to seal my ends. Then I shampoo my roots and condition the rest of my hair. After I usually put JBCO on my roots and twist my hair with my favorite leave in. Then I cover my hair with two shower caps and my silk bonnet overnight. The next morning I let the twists dry and take them out.
What products do you love?
My absolute favorite products:Dermorganic Shampoo
OGX Biotin & Collagen Conditioner
Jamaican Black Castor Oil mixed w/ Coconut Oil,
Cantu Leave In Conditioner
What is/are your favorite hairstyle(s)?
I love how my fro looks after a twist out. I always get the best results from it.
What is your hair motto?
Find a routine that works for you.
What’s the best part about being natural? What is the hardest part?
The best part for me is having healthy hair. It sounds corny…I know. But if my hair is happy then I am happy. The hardest part has to be keeping up with my routine. There are some days that I’m too lazy to deep condition just because it is such a process.
What tips or advice would you give others that are starting their natural hair journey or thinking about starting?
Like I said earlier find a routine that works for you. When I started I would blog hop and just try all of the things that other people did in their transitions. Everyone’s hair is different and not everything will work for you. Try some things out and stick with the things that work. We all have to go through that rough period before we reach our goal. Don’t get discouraged naturals! Stay focused and love your hair. 🙂
Great blog Kendra. I'm so happy you took your natural journey. It's beautiful. Nothing is more beautiful than when a woman accepts herself and her hair the way it is naturally. Love you.
Great blog Kendra. I'm so happy you took your natural journey. It's beautiful. Nothing is more beautiful than when a woman accepts herself and her hair the way it is naturally. Love you.