1. When did you make the decision to go natural? Did you transition or big chop?
In the summer of 2009 I initially did a big chop from bra strap length hair to a Rihanna style short cut. I figured if I could go that short might as well go all the way and join the natural movement. I've had two more BC after the initial chop. 

2. Why did you go natural?
One weekend when I wasn't able to get to my regular stylist, I ended up at a Hair Cuttery with an amateur beautician which resulted in a tried and true mohawk. When I finally got to my stylist to doctor up the botched job we decided to try out a TWA and the rest is "hairstory". :-)

3. Do you regret your decision?
I don't regret it at all, I was a slave to the creamy crack and wasted tons of money keeping my hair bone straight, week after week. It feels good to be able to pick and choose when to visit the salon, and not have it be a mandatory event. 

4. What do you love most about being natural?
Versatility. Natural hair is delicate but at the same time strong and can be manipulated and styled in many different ways with greater chances of achieving your desired style. While I've always had length to my hair, when my hair was relaxed I often heard, "you have this length for the style Ari, but your hair isn't thick enough!" I don't have that problem any longer. 

5. What are your favorite products right now?
I consider myself a product junkie so I will try anything that may seem appealing or has all natural products. At the moment, I am addicted to Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, EcoStyler Gel with Olive Oil, and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing

6. What is your daily/nightly regimen?
It varies depending on how much work I feel like doing. On a lazy day I co-wash, add leave in conditioner, EcoStyler gel and go. On days when I'm feeling a little spunky, I use all the products mentioned above, and while my hair is still wet I pull out my blow dryer to diffuse my hair into voluminous curls. For professional/upscale events I do a two strand twist out. To preserve any of these styles, I use a silky, stretchy type fabric that I made into a tube like scarf. I start with the scarf around my neck and pull it over my face for the pineapple effect on the hair. 

7. Any advice to those considering taking the plunge?
The journey to becoming comfortable with your hair in its natural state is different. Do what makes you happy. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to your "hair story"!

If you're interested in learning more about Ari, check out her new business Facebook page: Temptress Beauty. Temptress Beauty specializes in mobile makeup services and pole parties in the Jacksonville, Florida area. You can contact her at [email protected].

I need your help.........Share your hair story!
 
A new segment "Hair Story Thursday's" is all about telling your natural hair journey. Spill the beans to be a help to someone that also LOVES their Natural Hair. Please include 4-5 pictures with your story (Big Chop, your fav hairstyle, looks during transition). Don't forget to include your contact information (website, instagram, twitter, facebook) to direct traffic your way. It's all about helping each other :) We're not in this journey alone and telling your story is sure to help someone.......Inquiring minds want to know LOL!


Here are the questions to answer:
1. When did you make the decision to go natural? Did you transition or big chop?
2. Why did you go natural?
3. Do you regret your decision?
4. What do you love most about being natural?
5. What are your favorite products right now?
6. What is your daily/nightly regimen?
7. Any advice to those considering taking the plunge?
  
Please email your info to [email protected] with the subject line "Hair Story". I will post stories in the order they are received. Thanks in advance for your submission! 

Excited to hear about "YOU", 
Foxxy 

When did you make the decision to go natural?
At the beginning of 2010 I was pondering the idea of going natural. My last relaxer was in March 2010.

Why did you go natural?
2010 was the year of my 30th birthday, so I thought what better way to bring in my 30's as a naturalista! I decided to go natural because I figured WHY NOT! I've tried every other style imaginable, it was time to get to know my natural curls. I begged for a permed when I was 11 years old and I never got a chance to know and love the curls that God blessed me with.......NO BETTER TIME THAN THE PRESENT! Two years prior I experienced hair loss from a overprocessed relaxer. That experience was like no other in my life. A Woman's hair is her glory and experiencing the loss of it without any control, any way to stop it is traumatizing. I never want to go through that experience again due to some chemicals, when I could get the same "straight" results from my NATURAL hair.

Do you regret going natural?
NO, NO, NO, NO.........Going natural is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Just having the versatility of my natural hair: curly, straight, braids, twists, etc - the options are limitless and I love it!

What do you love the most about being natural?
I love that I don't look like everyone else. I started to feel like I was "that girl"; meaning the one with the fresh relaxed body wrap and layers for days LOL! Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that but I just wanted something different. I like to stand out and be ME. Being natural helps me achieve that by complimenting my personality. The compliments I receive are so genuine and kind. It feels great to inspire others to learn more about themselves and their natural curls! I wanted to share my tips and hairstyles with the world so I started a facebook blog: Foxxy's Curly Adventures......Check it out!

What are you favorite products right now? 
I like a lot of products, but right now I'm loving UR Curly Shampoo and Conditioner, Giovanni Direct Leave-in conditioner, Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream, Oyin Handmade juices & berries, Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue, and my favorite of all Eco Styler Gel with Argan Oil.   

Any Advice?
My number one rule of advice is start a daily/weekly regimen and stick to it......Your hair will love you for it! Also learn one go-to protective style when you need a break. It will definitely help when your hair just won't act right. If you are contemplating going natural, remember that this journey is yours, and yours alone. Everyone won't be on the same page with you. The negative comments will come, but be confident in your decision to ROCK your natural curls and kinks with pride. In my opinion, the natural hair movement is not about talking down to others that choose to have a relaxer. Regardless of how one chooses to wear their hair we should build each other up. This movement is about getting to know YOURSELF better. Understanding one more aspect of what God blessed you to be......Be uniquely YOU!

Blessings to you,
Foxxy