Melanie was featured in our Natural Bride series. She’s back, by popular demand, to talk about her hair in detail.
M: I live in beautiful Oakland CA. I love my city!! Currently, I work the front desk at a local hair salon.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I was so tired of having to relax my hair so often and I was even more tired of the scalp irritation and unhealthy hair. I was also curious to see what my natural hair looked like because I’d been relaxing it since I was 13!!
I did the big chop in May 2007. Before that, I had thought alot about it, did some research and originally wanted to transition for about a year, but I got impatient and just went for it. I shaved my head within 2 weeks of deciding to go natural. It was liberating.
In what ways has going natural affected you?
M: I felt like I was getting to know me all over again and it also made me feel closer to my heritage. I felt super confident and beautiful. I got great reactions from my family and friends, and my husband loves it! I love how versatile it is and having thick healthy hair is fantastic.
What’s your regimen?
M: I co-wash with a Kevin Murphy product called Hydrate Me. Then I apply a leave in conditioner and comb it out with a wide tooth comb. The leave in I use is Kinky Curly Knot Today. After that, I usually apply Kinky Curly Curling Custard or Cantu Shea Butter and do two strand twists. I like to wear a twist out with 40’s style rolled bangs. I achieve those by putting in some Lotta Body Setting Lotion and a anti-frizz cream from Kevin Murphy called Easy Rider. I roll in up in a foam roller and the next morning it’s super smooth.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
M: Leave the color alone!! I became a red head for a while a it made my hair so dry. Also, I’ve become anti-heat as it makes my hair super dry as well.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
M: Keeping moisture in it and staying away from products with petroleum and alcohol.
How does your hair express who you are?
M: It’s big, and so is my personality (so I’ve been told). It’s totally an attention grabber.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: http://pinkychampagne.blogspot.com/
I LOVE MELANIE’S HAIR AND I THINK SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY OF HER HAIRSTYLES AND HAVE COMBED A FEW MYSELF. I LOVE HER NATURAL HAIR. AND SHE DOES INDEED HAVE A BIG PERSONALITY JUST LIKE HER HAIR.
BEAUTIFUL!! LOVE MELANIE’S STYLE! (yay Bay Area)
Love her style!!! Does she youtube???
you gals are bananas if you don’t love this girl! i follow her blog as another brown skin sugar-pie with an affinity for my awesome big hair and fantastic vintage collection, and was stoked when i saw her featured on here as a natural bride and then a style icon after i was. what’s good bay area, you guys have a freakin’ gem!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Black Girl Long Hair. Black Girl Long Hair said: Melanie (vintage natural bride back by popular demand). bangs are adorable! http://bglhonline.com/2010/04/melanie/ […]
Love the whole polka dot look and that afro is to die for! I love the thickness of it and it looks so healthy. I’m so anxious/exicted for my hair to get that length! Will definitely be checking out your blog.