Katelyn // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
K: My name is Katelyn. I currently reside in the small town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, but I’m reppin McDonough, Georgia (Henry County) because I stayed there the longest as my dad completed his service in the Army. I am a student at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Fine Arts-Drawing and Painting with a minor in Spanish. Basically I draw and paint everyday and hopefully will be graduating in three semesters, so pray for me! lol

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
K: After viewing my pictures as a child, I saw all that beautiful natural hair that I had and decided I wanted it back.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
K: I transitioned some time in 2007. I was not brave enough to do a BC so I gradually cut my hair every time I would see my natural hair grow out. When my hair was at least 6 inches with shrinkage, I finally had my friend chop all of my relaxed ends off.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
K: Going natural has given me way more confidence! I feel unique and free because I no longer have to hide my natural hair with a relaxer. I am a SHOW STOPPER! My hair brings a lot of attention to me everywhere I go. If I was paid a dollar every time someone asked me if this was a wig or my real hair, I would be a millionaire! lol

How would you describe your hair?
K: My hair is kind of thick, but quite manageable. My curls are different sizes; big at the top and really small in the back. I have two different types of textures. I have coarser kinky curls from the middle of my head to the front and silkier curls in the back. My hair has a mind of its own! Sometimes my curls will be tight and curly from root to end but on other days they are kinda loose with waves at the roots. It just depends on which product I use in my hair and whether or not I comb my hair out good enough when it’s damp.

What is your regimen?
K: Over the years of transitioning I have tried so many different products and couldn’t even begin to tell you the names lol, but currently I am using Shea Moisture products along with this watermelon fragranced gel I got from Walmart called La Bella. It’s green and comes in a huge plastic jar. It tames my kinks and my curls hold for at least a week.

I also use this leave in conditioner by Aussie called 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner. This leave-in keeps my curls hydrated and gives them a little shine. I switch between Herbal Essences, Aussie, Garnier and TRESemme shampoos and conditioners for curly or wavy hair. I get bored easily with the fragrances, so I like to switch it up every now and then.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
K: After googling and youtubing natural hair tips lol, I have learned NOT to overwash my curls with shampoo. Before I learned this I used to wash my hair 3 or 4 times a week. This made it very dry and my curls didn’t look alive at all. So now I only co-wash my hair with conditioner twice a week and only shampoo it every two weeks unless it’s sooo dirty from the product or I sweat it out at the gym. Co-washing has been very good to my curls and brought them back to life.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
K: The best thing that I do for my hair is putting my curls up on the top of my head like a pineapple to prevent breakage and so that my curls won’t be smashed in the morning. I also love putting my hair in two strand twists so that I can stop playing in my hair so much. The twists usually last up to two weeks and I think this helps with growth as well.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: I can be found on Tumblr at kinkykurlykate.tumblr.com. FOLLOW ME, I FOLLOW BACK! (‘:

Anything else you want to add?
K: For anyone who is considering going natural, I say “GO FOR IT!” You will looooove it!