Taneica // Natural Hair Style Icon

Where do you live?
T: I live in Lakeland, Florida. I rep for all the natural girls out there with insatiable appetites for awesome shoes and fashion. I am an entrepreneur and freelance writer. 🙂

Why did you go natural?
T: To be honest. I didn’t make the decision for myself. My mom made it for me when I was very young. I have never had a perm! Growing up, my sister and I begged my mother for the creamy crack so that we could have hair that blew in the wind. I remember my mother telling my sister and I how beautiful our hair was and if we wanted to destroy it by putting chemicals in it, we’d have to wait until we were adults. By the time I was able to perm my hair, I had already discovered different ways to style and care for it. My hair also became (and still is) a huge part of my image. I’m known by most who meet me as the girl with the big hair, big personality and bad ass shoes. Why would I want to give up that kind of persona? 😉

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
T: I am very confident and unapologetic of who I am as a person. I feel that my hair has helped me become this strong, fabulous, proud person over the years. I really have to say that my mother was a huge motivating force for me growing up. When I came home crying about someone saying my hair looked like scouring pads, my mother would tell me at least I had hair to scour pots with. When she had to pick me up from school when they threatened to put Nair in my hair, she’d remind me that they were likely jealous of my long, healthy, REAL hair. It’s very difficult to think you’re anything less than fierce with a mom like mine. Having natural hair makes me unique, it always has. I feel like I can walk into any room or situation and “wow” whomever with my big personality and I have big hair to match! Natural hair has also made me more patient with myself and others.

How would you describe your hair?
T: I have arm pit length 4a, b, and c combination hair. My hair is very coarse, thick, and kinky, but very strong. I have very thirsty hair. I think that’s known in the natural community as porous. As much as I dig my hair, I can’t seem to keep it moisturized when I sport it “out”. I have to keep it twisted, braided or pulled up, to retain moisture and length. Otherwise, my hair will shrink and break 🙁

What’s your regimen?
T: Less is more with my hair. I have a very simple and low maintenance regimen. Every month, I do the following: Henna/Indigo treatment followed by a co wash and deep treatment. I twist or braid my hair up and then rock a twist out for week two. I moisturize by spritzing my hair daily with Oyin Juices and Berries and sealing my ends with olive oil. I also grease my scalp with DooGro. I know it’s petroleum, but my hair LOVES IT. By the third week of the month, I visit my hairdresser to get my hair washed and deep treated before twisting it back up. When I wash my hair at home, I use Dr. Bronner’s peppermint castile soap. I also use Hello Hydration or Long Term Relationship by Herbal Essences for co washes at home. They both have wonderful slip and smell sexy.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
T: About three years ago, I was going through something and decided I wanted to have hair like Rihanna’s *straight face*. I cut my bra strap length hair within two inches of it’s life. What I didn’t take into consideration is that unless I straightened it, I could not style it. I also didn’t take into consideration that I was going to look like every other idiot out there who was trying to look like a celebrity with a team of people to make her look the way she did. As you can imagine, I cried when I washed my hair and realized that I did not have the tools or expertise to style my hair. I immediately regretted cutting my hair and walked around looking pissed in a hat for MONTHS, lol. I learned that my hair makes me unique and that I seriously don’t need to be anybody other than my own wonderful self. It’s insulting to my creator to be anything less that the fantastic human being he created me to be.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
T: The most effective thing that I do for my hair is leave it alone. I don’t fuss over it, I seldom try new stuff and I don’t comb or brush my hair constantly. My hair has commitment-phobia and acts up when I pay it too much attention to it.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Remember when I mentioned above that I’m an entrepreneur? Well, my beautiful sister and I are the proud owners of a natural hair, fashion and entertainment resource site called Shatterproof Glass Dolls. We’re very proud of our website and would love for you to come visit!

Anything else you want to add?
T: Don’t allow anyone to define your beauty. Every inch and detail of who you are, every strand on your head, was created with love and careful consideration. You’re fearfully and wonderfully made. Be proud of who you are and the way you look. Carry yourself with pride and the knowledge that nobody can take your swagger unless you allow them to. Stay gorgeous!!!