Newly Natural Queen of the WEEK: Ashley

Hello Beautiful People!

Meet my NNQ for the week...

Name: Ashley

Time Natural: Aprox. 1 year

Why did you go natural?:

 What first inspired me was kelis, followed by one of my friends in cosmetology school. I always liked the exotic look but never had the patience. That all went away when I tried to color my blonde patch back to black and my hair broke off. I felt like it failed me, but really I failed it.

Did you BC, transition or both?: 

 I transitioned with weaves, I was too scared to cut it. After about 4 months I unleashed it and soon after shaved half my head. After three months of that I decided to cut it all off. I've always had the most ignorant phobia of "looking African" so this was my cure.

What response did you get once you BC'd?:

My reaction going natural wasn't always good, some people close to me made some rude remarks

What is your hair care regimen?:

Still Searching and Experimenting.

What is your hair type?:

 My hair is medium coiled curls, the pattern varies throughout my head. 

What works best on your curls?:

  I'm still finding the right products for me, but right now Carol's daughter and clear gel is working for me.

What makes you a Natural Hair Queen?:

I think what makes me a natural hair queen is that I'm finally embracing myself, and not hiding it. This is me, this is Ashley.

Newly Natural Queen of the WEEK: Keeta Ray

Hello Beautiful Blog Readers!

I would like to introduce you all to my New Natural Queen of the week...

KeetaRay!

Read below to find out a little about her and her natural hair journey.

Enjoy!

Name: KeetaRay

Time Natural: 1 year

Why did you go natural?:

 I was tired of getting perms and even though my hair grows at a good rate, I noticed it getting visibly thinner over time. So, March 2008 I got my last perm. In May 2008, I decided I wasn't going to get another perm again, and so my natural journey (consciously) began :) I researched A LOT online (YouTube, Fotki, motowngirl.com, and nappturality) to get a better understanding of natural hair and what to expect from mine. I hadn't seen my natural hair since I was 12, and even before then my mom pressed it out so I never really knew my texture. 

Did you BC, transition or both?: 

I did my BC November 22, 2008, after transitioning for 8 months. I had 4 inches of hair.

What response did you get once you BC'd?:

Most people loved it and I didn't get many negative reactions, which was nice. But of the few negative reactions I did get, I was so proud of myself for making the choice I made that it didn't affect me. I have no regrets, the only thing I wish is that I had done this sooner.

What is your hair care regimen?:

My regimen is pretty simple. 

95% of the time I do twist outs or braid outs, rarely do wash-and-go's because my hair dries out more with them. 

I co-wash once a week and while my hair is still wet, I apply my Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In, then I twist with shea butter & coconut oil and a little bit of IC Olive Gel for hold.

 I let it air dry overnight and untwist in the morning. 

I'll usually retwist my hair every other night and I always sleep with a bonnet on.

 I deep condition about once every 2 weeks, and shampoo as needed. 

I get about 3 trims per year (so it seems). 

What is your hair type?:

 My texture is mostly 4a, with some 3c and a little bit of 4b.

What works best on your curls?:

Creamy moisturizers like shea butter work best for my hair. 

What makes you a Natural Hair Queen?:

I think what makes me a natural hair QUEEN is that I own it. This is me, and I have never felt more like "myself" than I do now. 

Be Feature: Captured Kinks, Curls and Coils

(image credit)

1.      Please, introduce yourself!

2.      What is your current hair care regimen? 

3.      What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?

4.      What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

5.      Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?

6.      What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

7.      Where can we find you on the web?

8.      Anything EXTRA you want us to know?

 Send all info to [email protected] (Subject line: Captured Curls)