
R: I live in the DC Metro area, but honestly, I rep Detroit. Detroit is where I went to school, where I got schooled, and where I learned about who I really am. I am a mother of 3, and a bi-racial 3c (super thick!!) curly girl. Currently, I work with a small non-profit that services middle school girls in Southeast DC, where we teach them the arts (I focus on drama and theatre), as well as goal setting, academic focus, and help to guide them as they learn to steer their own paths to success. I am also a stage actress/director and singer in my spare time.
Why did you go natural?
R: As a child, I thought I was cursed with all of this โgood hairโ and โPeetuhRican hairโ (I know yall have seen Crooklyn), because no one knew what to do with it. My mother is from Central Missouri, where black folks are a rarityโฆso when she had this brown baby, she was all kinds of confused, and would send me to a salon weekly for a washing and style (2 braids, parted down the middle. I thought I was big stuff when I got bangs, yall!).
Then came relaxers, which caught me up in their โissuesโ. My stepmother gave me my first relaxer when I was in the sixth grade, and I kept it that way for years to come. After relaxing my bra strap length hair in 2002, I ended up with a patch of hair an inch long at my crown, and had to cut. It wasnโt worth it anymore! I began growing out, and eventually, did the big chopโฆand we all know that once you do the BC, its so easy to keep going!
After growing all of that hair back (and even locing my hair) in 2006, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In being treated for that, I lost my locs, and had no choice but to start over.
Going natural has effected me in many ways. After losing my hair from cancer treatments, I was terrified of losing it again, for whatever reason. I was afraid to comb it, to sleep on it, to style it. When I finally calmed down, I became โfully awareโ of my hair. I began a regimen that included only edible items. If I couldnโt put it in my mouth, I refused to put it in my hair! Everything that was put into my hair could be bought with an EBT card, lol! I have since loosened the grip on the variety of products that I use, but that period of time has taught me to value my hair for what it truly is.
Whatโs your regimen?
R: It changes depending on the weather, my mood, my travels or my kids. Some days, Iโm lazier than others (I KNOW Iโm not the only one!)
When I cleanse, I like to use NJoiCreationS Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Bar. It gives me the lather I need, while giving me the ACV I like to use at the same time. While it does smell of ACV while using it, its gone after the rinse. I am also fond of Oyinโs Grand Poo Bar, but I use NJoiโs more often, because of my scalp eczema.
I condition exclusively with Oyinโs Honey Hemp Conditioner, and wish they sold it in a gallon jug with a pump! I use this as a daily conditioner; I add a little to my spray bottle; its my deep conditioner; sometimes I will even add a small amount of baking soda and use it as a co-washโฆlike I said, EXCLUSIVE! I also like to use their Juices and Berries for detangling, plus it just smells RIGHTEOUSLY DELICIOUS! (And noโฆwhile I do LOVE my Oyin, they are in no way twisting my arm to speak on their products. They just happened to be the first company that I loved after my cancer ordeal)
I spray daily with water, with a concoction of things added, depending on what I have on hand. It may be conditioner and almond oil or honey and extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes, I will add peppermint or grapefruit oil as well, just because I like how they smell.
For styling, I have found that Oyinโs Whipped Pudding and Burnt Sugar Pomade are best for pull backs and ponytails, as they help keep things sleek and shiny for me (WP also helps my scalp eczema, and smells heavenly!). When its time to let the curls out, and rock a big fro, Miss Jessieโs Curly Pudding does the job! Honorable mentions go out to Hair Rules Curly Whip and Wavy Mousse, as well as NJoiCreationS Coconut Cream Hairdressing.
How do you retain length?
R: As far as retaining length, I NEVER comb dry hair, and I have a series of tools that I use when I do comb throughโฆbeginning with the wide toothed comb in the shower, to a denman brush, a triple row comb (for my extremely thick hair) and a rat tail comb or bristle brush for smoothing. I get regular trims, because hair this big often has single strand knots, and split ends. I also vary the positions of ponytails, and sleep on the satin pillow cases that I found at your neighborhood โgiant, taking over the world, all in one discount department storeโ (at only $7 each, and in 5 different colors, these are a must Natural Beauties!)
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you learned from?
R: Mistakes that I have madeโฆhmmโฆwell, back in the day, I used to carry around my spray bottle, because I loved the look that my wet hair had. This was before I discovered my styling products of course. I noticed that my hair would stink though, and eventually realized that it was mildewing, since I never gave it a chance to fully dry! Also, getting my hair cut while its straightโฆHUGE MISTAKE! Of course, if its straight, its dryโฆand then you wet it, and notice its flat in the backโฆlooks like Iโd been napping all day, and came out of the house like that! No Sir! Never again!
Whatโs the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
R: This may sound really corny, but its true. A few years back, Ma$e (did I really just type that? lol) had a song called โBreathe Stretch Shakeโโฆand I always did the dance with my hair. I have to let the fro out and just be free (Breathe); sometimes I need the protective styles (two strand twists, braids, etc) to stretch it out. I shake it out, to get the full looks I try to acheive, and sometimes, I just have to โlet it goโ, by wearing a hat or a scarfโฆbut I like to call that being โLazy, With Styleโ. I have to keep it creative, because I have been blessed with a FULL head of hair once again, and boredom usually makes me think drastic thoughts (of which, I would never forgive myself!)
awesome story, lovely head of hair
go rayona!
http://sartorialme.blogspot.com/
you are just too cute ms. Rayona!!!!! lol!!! โbreathe, stretch, shake!โ lol!!!!
thatโs whatโs up homey
I love your story, and thank God for bringing you through your illness! Iโm going to search for the products youโve mentioned. I stopped getting perms over 10 years ago, but have been straightening my hair ever since. My hairstylist has been trying to get me to wear my hear naturally forever โ Iโve finally tried itโฆonce! I liked it, but think I will wait for the front to grow out a little longer (the back is bra-strap lenth and front near my ears).
Take care & God Bless!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Beautiful sister! Beautiful hair! Peace and Blessings Rayona ๐
Awesome story, now if I could even find some of those delicious smelling products you mentioned Iโd be happy-er with my recently โback to naturalโ hair!
Look at my Sis!!! Go head, Yonna!!!
Awesome story. Your hair is absolutely beautiful and you have such a radiant personality!
Beautiful woman, beautiful hair with a beautiful story to tell. Youโve found yourself and in doing so, you are helping other young ladies find themselves as well. The pride is showing.
Rayona, God bless your heart! Iโve had a bout with cervical issues myself. Be Blessed and encouraged always!! Your in my prayers! ๐
Thanks for your post. Love your story. Would like to know if you can send pictures of your tools? I have been natuaral for one year and still trying to find the right tools. Thanks.
Thanks everyone! I do appreciate it!
As far as products, Oyin, Miss Jessieโs and Hair Rules all have their own webites, or can collectively be found on naturallycurly. NJoiCreationS can be found on Etsy.com (just search ofr NJoiCreations), and tell her I sent you!
Awesome recount of your hair journey and your journey to wellness. I love you much Rayona, and with my whole heart. Keep being fabulous.
Absolutely stunning! I definitely understand the โwet lookโ having natural curly hair!LOLโฆBut the spray bottle? THAT is hilarious!!!
Rayona,
Did you go to Eastern? I swear I know. If you are, I attended your going away party in A2 with my ex, Derek O. or โScoopโ as everybody BUT me chooses to call him lol.
Your hair was always FAB! Iโm so glad youโre doing well in D.C.!
Peace!
Charnika
http://www.youtube.com/user/160Days2Lose2?feature=mhum
From one survivor to another, thanks for sharing your story!
LMAO @ โEverything that was put into my hair could be bought with an EBT card, lol!โ.โฆdats sum Detroit Sh*T right there!
OMG, i just found my hair twin! Finally after years of searching. We use the same products, Oyin and NJcreationS from Etsy.com. Plus we both got freckles and pleasantly thick body type, YOU GO GURL, me too, lol. Does she have a blog or site??? You can reach me at daydreaming28@gmail or Iโm on all forums under makeupvixen.
Rayona, your story and hair is so beautiful. I wouldlove to see some pictures of your transition. Do you have a fotki or pics of a wash and go? How long did it take for your hair to get this length. Itโs just gorgeous and so are you. Thanks for sharing your story.
Love you Star! Great Profile!
Rayonaโs twist out is gorgeous!
Pretty Girl Swag. ๐
I relish, cause I discovered just what I was having a look for. Youโve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye