Savannah // Natural Hair Style Icon

Where do you live?
S: I live in a small town in Arizona, by the name of Casa Grande. It’s very calm and peaceful, but there are no opportunities here so I need to get out of here. I am currently looking for a college to attend. To pursue my nursing career.

Why did you go natural?
S: I made the decision to go natural based on a few reasons. The first one being, that I was tired of relaxing my hair. My brother would always tell me my hair was going to fall out if I kept relaxing it. I actually started to believe him! I also wanted to prove to people that African American hair can grow. Lastly, I just thought it was time for a change, I was tired of having to hide behind wigs, weaves and what not. So I had to make that change. I am very proud. I wouldn’t change my decision for the world.

I actually transitioned on accident. I was tired of relaxing my hair so I just stopped completely. Then I went on the internet and looked up, “how to grow African American hair long.” I found some website (sorry forgot the name) that site took me to another site, and that to another. Then, I was taken to a YouTube video with this girl with the most gorgeous hair. Curiously I clicked on it and watched it. It still left some questions unanswered. So I did some research, discovered transitioning and began to transition in I believe May of ’09. I couldn’t do it for long. The two texture were just to crazy for me to handle. So I big chopped in June of ’09.

Going natural has affected me in such a positive way. I do believe that I have a lot more confidence in my appearance, and the way I walk and talk. Knowing that I don’t need something artificial to tell me that I am beautiful. It was like my transition from a girl to a women. This is really the next chapter in my life.

How would you describe your hair?
S: Kinky, thick strands, dense and very porous.

What’s your regimen?
S: Well my regimen changes often and I haven’t really got a hair routine down pat, but as of now these are some things I do with it.

• I shampoo my hair with raw African black soap and vinegar diluted in water. (I also use this as a clarifier).
• After I shampoo I then use my Vo5 moisture milks conditioner or my Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner and detangle my hair with my Goodie Denman brush.
• Next, I rinse and add raw honey to each section of my hair (it helps to work in smaller sections), twist it up let it sit for about 15 minutes and rinse it out while my hair is still twisted.
• Then, I untwist my strands and add olive oil and any heavy conditioner I sometimes use the Hello Hydration conditioner or the Tresemme conditioner.
• Lastly, I detangle and twist/braid. Put my silk bonnet on and let it dry over night.
• The next morning I unravel my twists/braids using coconut oil and we’re good to go it is super moisturized and lasts about 3–5 days.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
S: Let’s see, I’d say not knowing the importance of moisturizing my hair. I know I need extra moisture in my hair, because like most natural hair my hair loves moisture. I have also learned that my hair hates avocados. I’m really sad about that, because I wanted to love them.

I’ve definitely had some trial and error with my hair but this only helps to better my knowledge of my hair.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
S: Moisturizing my hair is definitely the most effective thing I do for my hair. Without moisture my hair would be doomed!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: Yes, I just create a youtube account for my 2nd year natural journey it is http://www.youtube.com/vannerella

Any parting words?
S: I would like to say if you’re thinking about going natural don’t listen to what others say. Do it for you regardless of what others may say or think. Know that no matter what anybody says you are beautiful.