Please introduce yourself.
Hello! My name is Ashlynd and I’m born and raised in the fabulous city of Las Vegas.
How long have you been natural?
I started wearing my hair curly in October of 2010. From October of 2010 to February of 2012 I texturized my hair. February of 2012 was the last time I put any chemicals on my hair (with the exception of hair dye).
What made you decide to go natural?
Laziness! Haha ☺ I just didn’t want to straighten my hair one morning.
Did you do the big chop or did you transition?
I transitioned for a bit from the texturizer then in October of 2012 I cut off 7 inches. Man, my hair was SO SHORT!!
What was the hardest part of going natural in the beginning?
The hardest part was definitely the length in the beginning. I had cut my hair to neck-length. It was an adjustment to get used to because I was used to having anywhere from shoulder to waist length hair.
Did you care what others would think about your hair? Do you still care?
I’ve never been the type to care what others think of me, so that never crossed my mind. And no, I still don’t care.
How did others react to your hair in the beginning? How do they react now?
When I first cut my hair, I had a few comments of how short it was, but none of the comments were necessarily negative. Now, I do get compliments on my hair in general. Back in middle school was a different story!! Oh man, the kids were cruel! But now it’s all positive remarks.
Have you faced any struggles from being natural in school or in the workplace?
Middle school was particularly tough. I remember two girls in 7th grade always talking about how I had a bird’s nest on my head. I would go home crying from embarrassment. Now that I’m older and working in the corporate world, my hair has never been an issue or struggle.
What is your current hair regimen?
I used to have a solid hair regimen but I’ve been slacking lately. I do shampoo once a week and cowash the rest of the week. I alternate between “Curly Girl Friendly” products and silicones/sulfates. I try to deep condition weekly but that doesn’t always happen so I’ll go to work in a bun with deep conditioner in my hair some days.
What products do you love?
I absolutely love love love Kinky Curly Knot Today. That product is my styler/leave in all-in-one. I just apply and diffuse. Lately I’ve been experimenting with several different brands and learning that my hair is very very picky. It likes leave ins; everything else is a hit or miss.
What is your favorite hairstyle?
I like my hair down, full, and voluminous.
What is your hair motto?
“Try it!” You never know until you try.
What’s the best part about being natural? What is the hardest part?
The best part is how simple it is. I apply products and go about my business. The hardest part is the tangles when I go 2 days without touching my hair…ugh I hate tangles!
What tips or advice would you give others that are starting their natural hair journey or thinking about
starting?
Don’t give up! It’s challenging and frustrating in the beginning but it is worth it! Pay less attention to growth and more attention to a solid routine and before you know it, your hair will be where you want it to be.
What part of Ashlynd’s journey inspired you the most?
