Captured Curls: Tobia

Please, Introduce yourself!

Hi there! My name is Tobia and I currently live in Brooklyn, NY.

What is your current hair regimen?

As my hair gets longer I noticed that it also gets drier and requires more love and attention. I co-wash my hair whenever it asks for it (usually twice a week) and deep condition every week. I start off by detangling my hair with a mix of conditioner (Treseme Smooth & Silky), olive oil, jojoba, and tea tree; I section of my hair with six clips and rinse out each section. I then follow up with a homemade DC (honey, rosemary, aloe vera, and an egg), I often leave the DC in for five hours, sometimes overnight depending on how lazy I am. When I wash out the conditioner, I follow up with Treseme Moisture Rich Conditioner, rinse it out and then I sprits on my leave (Treseme Leave In Split Remedy), apply coconut oil and then twist. Once a month I will wash my hair with a beer and oil concoction, before the wash I prepoo with coconut and peppermint oil and then follow up with the conditioning process!

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

It’s really hard for me to pinpoint my hair texture; I have a little bit of everything. The back is looser with very defined curls while the crown is very kinky and the driest part of my hair. My hair is very soft and fluffy. Coconut oil and finger detangling work really well for my texture.

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

My family was very supportive of my decision to go natural. My mother’s hair is locked; my little and older sister both have natural hair so it was more like I was joining the club.

There have been a few people who do not understand why I transitioned back to my natural texture and even a few who have suggested that I relax or at least flat iron my hair. A few months ago I would probably take the time to argue with them and defend natural but I now realize that is not my responsibility. This is just how I choose to wear my hair, the way it was meant to be.

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

I transitioned for 4 months, just couldn’t bring myself to BC. I used sponge curls during the transition stage so that I could deal with the two different textures.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

I love my hair because it is actually mine and I have watched it grow. I love that I no longer run for cover when I smell rain, I am no longer attached to a blow dryer, flat iron or any other hair tools to make me feel/look good. I love that no matter how many naturals there are in a room no two’s hair is actually the same.

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tstgermain1

Instagram: @tsgermain

Tumblr: http://minusculethoughts.tumblr.com/