Where do you live?
G: I live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (yes its a real city lol), I’m originally from Stone Mountain, GA and I’m defintely a true “Georgia peach” at heart. I’m a stay at home mom of 3 baby boys, Ameer 4 1/2, Isaiah 3, and Elijah 20 mths. To say my my hands are full would be an understatement.
Why did you go natural?
G: I was one of those people who had no idea of the concept of “being natural” I always thought that relaxing was something every black girl did until my younger sister Chloe said she was transitioning and suggested I do the same, and so I did. I also was having issues with shedding and thinning of my hair when I was relaxed.
When and how did you transition into natural hair?
G: I started transitioning on June 25 2008 and I transitioned for a whole year, during this process I learned how to care for my hair and become my own stylist. I used protective heatless styles like braidouts, twistouts, rollersets, spiral sets, twist’n’curls and buns. A lot of my styles were gathered from all types of social forums like youtube, K.I.S.S., etc.
In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
G: Since becoming natural I’ve actually begun to live a more holistic lifestyle. I’m cautious of what I put on my hair and skin, and careful of what I ingest into my body. It’s given me more self confidence and I now love me in my natural state.
How would you describe your hair?
G: My hair is afro textured, coily, curly, and I have fine strands. Some may say 4a/4b but it really doesn’t matter to me mainly because everyone has multiple textures and you just have to work with what you got.
What is a brief description of your regimen?
G: My regimen is extremely basic and super simple:
- Co-washing: Suave naturals, Yes to Cucumbers (any of them) conditioners
- Shampoo: Shea moisture Moisture rention shampoo
- Deep Treatment: Pantene Pro‑V relaxed and natural moisturizing conditioner
- Heavy moisutrizer: Kera Care butter cream
- Oils: grapeseed, castor, evoo oils
- Apple cider vinegar: balances the ph in my hair after a shampoo (conditions)
- Leave-in: Kinky Curly Knot today, Karen’s body beautiful sweet ambrosia leave in conditioner
- Styling aides: Organic root stimulator smoothing pudding, Oyin handmade burnt sugar pomade, KeraCare twist and define cream
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
G: I’ve learned to stay away from heat “Heat is the DEVIL!!!” I’ve suffered from heat damage and I also don’t use a lot of product on my hair. I like my twists and spiral sets to be light and airy never weighed down or greasy.
Whats the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
G: The best thing I do for my hair is that I listen to it; when it’s dry I co-wash, when it’s feeling stripped I moisturize. I also use protective styling to grow my hair and to maintain my length, most importantly I’ve learned how to properly care for my natural hair.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
G: Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/chocolatetresses
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1053161805
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Chocolatetresss
My Blog: http://chocolatetresses.blogspot.com/
Anything else you want to add?
G: I’d like to encourage anyone who’s thinking about going natural or in the transition stage to give it a try. I don’t think any harm will come from being the natural you.
Her hair is beautiful! I really want to know how to get the look where she has the flower in her hair.
@Jessica here’s the video for that style.
http://www.youtube.com/user/chocolatetresses#p/u/129/NTGt75SEjBc
httpv://www.youtube.com/user/chocolatetresses#p/u/129/NTGt75SEjBc
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTGt75SEjBc&feature=channel_video_title
Thanks
I love your Youtube channel!
OMG im swooning at the pic of u and ur boys! It looks like a magazine pic! @ jessica she has a tutorial on ur YT channel.
I love her style, and her boys are adorable!
Hi, Gabrielle!
I’m Tanya and I live in La Verne (so, lol, I know about Rancho!!). Your boys are lovely (I have two myself) as is your hair. I’m transitioning for a long time (15 months and two weeks counting, whoo-hoo!). I wish you the best.
Yay! I’m from Rancho Cucamonga — Ontario California. Right on the border next to the Ontario Mills! It makes me happy to see someone else from there on this site!
Love her! One of my favourites on the YT. Such a gorgeous lady (with some toned arms lol).
Wow! Your hair is gorgeous. Beautiful photos of you and your 3 boys!
Barbara
http://www.barbaranaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com
[img]http://bglhonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/barbnaturallyspeaking in green inset.jpg[/img]
you look great, your kids are beautiful and i dont know how you keep your body so fit after having 3 kids!
You just made my week with that hairstyle; I’m loving it!
I love watching her channel!