We are diving into my friend Vee’s natural hair journey. She shares her decision to go natural back when she was in high school and discusses her journey to learning to feel comfortable wearing her natural hair down. Vee has been natural for over 8 years. Over the years she has learned to love her curls and feels liberated not having to keep up with anyone else’s beauty standards. Let’s get into this natural hair journey.
Please introduce yourself
My names Vee I currently reside in Los Angeles where I’m attending graduate school at UCLA!
How long have you been natural?
I have been using natural products since junior year of high school. So about eight years. I have never really straightened my hair often, but was definitely uncomfortable with wearing my hair down all of middle school.
What made you decide to go start your hair journey?
In high school my curls began to loosen and become flat. I researched why it was happening and amongst other things, product use was a huge contributor. I decided to use natural products and since then have loved wearing my hair natural and down.
Did you do the big chop or did you transition?
I got a trim, but never cut my hair very short. My hair isn’t very thick and so I did not feel the need to significantly cut my hair for added “bounce”.
What was the hardest part of going natural in the beginning?
The hardest part about going natural was the initial shock to my hair. Because I was experimenting, my hair would become stiff, oily, frizzy, or worse. It was extremely frustrating. Products were also difficult to find, and expensive! I could never wear my hair down, which was my intention.
Did you care what others would think about your hair? Do you still care?
In high school I cared about what people thought of my physical appearance. Now I could care less. No one can take away my confidence and truly, my hair routine has never been about other people.
How did others react to your hair in the beginning? How do they react now?
I always tried to find natural ways of treating my hair such as ACV, olive oil, and eggs. My dad used to (and still does) joke about using grocery food. Anytime I hold an egg he asks me if I’m going to use it on my hair. No one else really paid much attention. I grew up with brothers, and around most people who had straight hair.
Have you faced any struggles from being natural in school or in the workplace?
I haven’t faced many additional struggles in adulthood due to hair. In high school I didn’t usually straighten my hair anyways. I remember in middle school I wanted to straighten my hair to fit in with my friends but my mom wouldn’t let me. That was frustrating. But as I matured I grew to love my natural curls. At times I receive comments like “wow your hair is big today” or “your hair looks together today”, and, sometimes I feel the need to put my hair in a bun during interviews. This is minimal however, and I know other girls who experience negative feedback when they are wearing their naturally beautiful hair.
What is your current hair regimen?
My current hair routine is deep condition once a week, shampoo three/four times a week, and condition five/six days. It all depends on my activity. I often wear my hair in braids when I sleep, and a braid bun when I work out. Before I get into the shower I put conditioner in my hair and let it sit for five-ten minutes. I rinse it off in the shower then use shampoo. After shampooing I comb my hair and add more conditioner. Sometimes I do not thoroughly rinse out my conditioner, as leaving a little extra in is often beneficial for me. After I’ve rinsed, I wrap my hair in a t-shirt or pillowcase. I used to experiment with air drying, finger combing, and using different types of physical combs. When I’m not in a rush I love to finger comb my hair, but usually I stick to my denman. I use detangler and then comb my hair out. After, I run leave-in product through my hair and towel blot. I don’t blow dry my hair because I don’t feel it’s necessary for the look I prefer.
What products do you love?
I love Kinky-Curly Knot Today* for detangler, Kinky-Curly Curl Custard* for Leave-In, SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Conditioner*, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner*, SheaMoisture Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oil Damage Rehab Shampoo*, Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls*, and Pure Jojoba Oil.
What is your favorite hairstyle?
My favorite hairstyle is simply when I let my hair down to air dry. I also love to add braids to the top of my hair so it’s not in my face. But in general I love wearing my hair down.
What is your hair motto?
Do what works for YOU. Many times girls try to fit hair standards of others. It’s often frustrating. Falling in love with your hair is amazing and will feel much less exhausting. Not every product will work for you. For example my hair hates products that are shea butter, coconut oil, and tea tree oil heavy. These are things that work amazingly for others. Use what works for you.
Falling in love with your hair is amazing and will feel much less exhausting
What’s the best part about being natural? What is the hardest part?
Being natural is awesome. It feels liberating to not have to straighten my hair or upkeep it to fit someone else’s standards. I don’t have to constantly worry about harmful products damaging my hair, which was a huge concern for me before. The hardest part for me is moving to different climates. I recently just moved from Las Vegas with no humidity, to Santa Monica with a lot of humidity! This has my hair in shock and so I am readjusting my products. It’s frustrating because I cannot wear my hair down often without becoming a frizz ball. However, I know that I’ll get the hang of it.
What tips or advice would you give others that are starting their journey or thinking about starting?
I would tell people to experiment. Try samples of products or more affordable options to begin with. Do your research and find your hair type. Back in high school I used the Naturally Curly website and it helped tremendously. Watch different videos and pay attention to the ingredients list. Be patient! I would also say embrace your unique hair, normalcy is overrated.
Recommended: How to Learn to Love Your Natural Hair
What would you tell your younger self about your natural hair?
I would tell my younger self to not feel frustrated about my hair. It’s okay to not straighten it often, and it’s okay that your “edges” aren’t perfect. What matters most is you feeling confident in yourself.
How has wearing your natural hair changed or influenced your style and/or self-perception?
I think that natural hair research helped me communicate with other girls who were experiencing similar things. Though I didn’t struggle with my hair as much as others, I realized that so many girls are afraid to go natural because of criticism and stereotypes. After becoming well versed in natural hair care and styles I looked to these girls with admiration, and made sure to remind them that they are flawless!
What part of Vee’s natural hair journey inspired you the most?
