Melanie // Natural Hair Style Icon

Melanie was featured in our Natural Bride series. She’s back, by popular demand, to talk about her hair in detail.

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/