Where do you live?
A: I am reppin BMORE and I still live there! I was laid off at the end of 2009 and I currently going to grad school. I am working on my master’s degree.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I decided to go natural because I was sick of perms. I was sick of everything about perms…the burning of your scalp, the smell, and more importantly the hair breakage I experienced every six months or so. I was over perms and wanted to try something different, so I went natural.
I got my last perm on April 14, 2007. My plan was to grow my hair out for a year with protective styles of braids, cornrows, and kinky twist. However, every time I took out my protective styles I just wanted to perm my hair. On September 15, 2007 I was driving around looking for someone to do my braids and I could not find anyone who was available.
So I was driving down Woodlawn Drive and looked over and saw the salon Dreadz N Headz. I pulled in the parking lot and walked in and told the receptionist that I wanted to cut all the perm off. The lady started washing my hair and asked me “Do you realize how much hair you have permed?” I reassured the lady and told her that I wanted all the perm hair gone. I sat in the chair and the owner of the salon, Malaika – Tamu Cooper, asked me if I was sure I wanted to do this. I said yes and Malaika grabbed a handful of my permed hair in the front of my head and she counted to three and started cutting. She did it for free and told me “Welcome to the Club!”
A: I tried dying my own hair and I used 3 boxes of color. The texture of my hair slightly changed…I was not pleased. I will dye it again, but I will go to a professional and investigate other options like vegetable coloring and henna.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
A: The most effective thing I can do for my hair is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize…my hair sucks up moisture like crazy! So I have to keep it moisturized….
What do you use in your hair?
A: I try to only use natural or organic products in my hair. Since I have decided to use only natural products, I have noticed that my curls are more defined. Here is my list of products at the moment:
- Shampoo: Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle, Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose,
- Conditioner: Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle, Giovanni 50/50 Conditioner, Suave Natural Tropical Coconut
- Deep Conditioner: Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose
- Moisturizers: Shea Butter Homemade Concoction (I got the recipe from a friend), Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive Heavy Cream, Qhemet Biologics Honey Hydrating Balm
- Extras: Homemade Spritz, Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree Gel (water based)
I am always trying new products, but I will never stop using my Qhemet Biologics products. THOSE ARE STAPLES!!!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: No blog, but I am on twitter…you can follow me @boonie84 if you like! I follow people back! J
Anything else you want to add?
A: Don’t get discouraged when working with your natural hair. It takes a lot of trial and error to find what works for you and your hair. Don’t let the negative comments about your hair get you down or make you give up on your natural hair journey. I was shocked at some of the reactions of family and friends…there was no middle ground it was either Love or Hate. Almost 3 years later, I still get negative reactions about my hair being “nappy” or looking dirty, but it doesn’t bother me because I know my hair is so healthy now. So despite it all just keep pressing on…
You and your hair are beautiful!! Your happiness radiates through your pictures!
She looks great! I’ve been natural for almost one year and can’t wait till my hair is this long. 🙂
I am so proud of my friend Adriene for garnering this feature! It is well-deserved. I have watched her natural hair journey over the past few years, and was inspired by her to go natural myself. I still look to her for advice and product recommendations!
She looks SO Purdy!
Adriene,
You and your hair are gorgeous- you’re right, we shouldn’t listen to the haters. Remember, they hate themselves most.
absolutely beautiful!!!
we have similar hair textures
Bawduhmore, reppazint! Yes, honeh! Your hair is FAB… And as far as that nappy/dirty comment. Uhhhm… I’m sure you see the same loose, stuck together tracks with a side of dandruff that I see walking these streets! And oddly enough they always seem to be the ones giving real, organic nappyheads the side eye. Sidenote: I tried virgin organic coconut oil for the first time last night. All I can say is WOW!!!!! I am definitely a believer now. It smells good,its very light, melts to the touch, deep moisturizes, makes your hair glossy; its FABULOUS! I got it @ the… Read more »
I LOVE IT!!! BEAUTIFUL!! I need to get something to help my hair grow!
You have a pretty smile! And your hair has a real nice sheen to it; do you use anything special to make it shiny or just the products you already listed?
Thanks for all of the great compliments!!! 🙂
@The Notorious ZAG — AY Baltimore! lol I hear great things about Coconut Oil. I might have to check that out!
@Laela — The product that gives me the best shine is Qhemet Biologics Honey Hydrating Balm!
I love being in the natural hair club with other beautiful sisters!