Captured Curls: Andrea

This stunning Bantu knotted beauty has been on my radar for months now! Some of you may recognize her as one of the models from Beads By Aree and others may be unfamiliar. Either way this gorgeous girl definitely deserved a spot as this week's Captured Curls, I hope you enjoy her story.

xoxo,

Alex

Please introduce yourself?

-My name is Andrea Collins and I am 22 years young.  I was born and raised in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) but my heart resides in DC.  I am the wife to the most amazing man on Earth and the ultimate big sister to my 5 younger siblings.  I enjoy food, people with creative abilities, altering and creating clothing, excitement, and laughter.  All in all, I am a pleasant and artistic stylista who believes in positivity and originality........ with natural hair :)

What is your current hair regimen?

-To cleanse my hair, I use Motions shampoo and conditioner.  For moisture, I deep condition my hair monthly, every other day I grease my scalp with any kind of light grease, and I use olive oil or Carol's Daughter Hair Milk daily on my hair.  Lastly, every 6 to 8 weeks I go to a beauty salon to get my hair trimmed. Maintaining moisture and trimming the ends of my hair is very important in keeping my hair healthy.  To protect my hair at night, I sleep with a silk bonnet or a silk scarf if my hair is in a protective hair style.  

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

-I care for my hair the same as I would if I would home.  I carry everything needed to maintain my hair; moisturizer and scarf unless the trip is long term then I bring my shampoo and conditioner as well.

How would you describe your hair type?

-Full with tight, kinky spiral curls.

What type of products work best for your curls?

-All products by Carol's Daughter that are used for people with natural curls and any kind of light greases and oils.

When did you first decide to go natural or have you been a curly girl all your life?

-I have been natural from the day I was born up until high school, when I turned 14.  My hair took relaxers very well because of the thickness and strength of my hair.  It was as if my hair was unbelievable, plenty of people assumed my hair was either a sew in or wig. Ha! Almost two years ago I had a Mohawk that I became bored with so I decided to chop it all off and do the natural thing for a while.  I was keeping a close cut up until 5 months ago when I decided to let it grow out.  Now my hair is five inches long!!! :D

Did you big chop or transition? (If you transitioned, for how long?)

-As stated above I did a big chop.  Since my sides were already cut short, I went to the barber and got it evened out.  My hair was a little less than an half of inch long and I felt bald!!! I grew to love it though.

Did you ever struggle with curly girl insecurities? If so, what helped you adjust to your naturally curly hair over the years?

-Not at all, I love the texture of my hair and that it is A LOT easier to maintain than relaxed hair.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

-The thickness and darkness of my hair is what I like most and I LOVE that I can say my hair is real and at its purest form.

Where can we find you on the web?

-Right now, only Instagram (drizzythekitty) and Facebook (Andrea Collins).  I will be creating a tumblr within the next several days.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I design and alter items so stay tuned and be on the look out for my online shop coming soon!!! :)