Aundria // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Aundria. I currently reside in Southfield, Michigan, but I was born and raised in Detroit. Above all things, I love. I write and I create. Professionally I am a Sales Information Manager for your favorite retailer.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I decided to go natural because it was easy, also because it feels good. There is an electric sense of freedom that comes with my natural hair, it’s fun.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
A: During the summer of 2009 a friend challenged me to run backwards down a hill. I did and I fell, leaving me with a stiff back, neck and severe headache for several days. One of those days I went to an outdoor concert that ended early because of a rainstorm. We all know what happens when rain meets hair. The rain left my hair in its natural curly/frizzy state. Being that I could barely move there was no way I was going to try flat ironing my hair before work the next day. I liked the way it looked, so I kept it that way. Crazy story, but that’s how it happened.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
A: I have always tried to maintain some level of distinction in my appearance. If going natural has affected me in any way, I would have to say that it has helped redefine my individuality.

How would you describe your hair?
A: I would describe my hair as versatile. It’s thick, but manageable. Even though it can be very wild at times, it’s really easy to tame. While I do love my naturally curly hair, I love that I can blow it out and flat iron it if I want to.

What is your regimen?
A: In order to keep up my natural look, I simply wet my hair while I’m showering. I typically brush it thoroughly every other day while it’s wet in order to keep it from getting too tangled. I use Pantene’s Curly Hair Series Dry to Moisturized Shampoo and Conditioner. Every once in a while I blow it out, flat iron and trim it.

How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
A: I have learned that brushing or combing my hair from the bottom up helps reduce breakage and retains the length. I retain moisture by using a conditioner daily.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
A: I have learned that chemicals — bleaches, dyes, and perms don’t work for me. It’s been over 15 years since I’ve had a perm and I have experimented with color, but eventually they made my hair dry and broken.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
A: The best thing I do for my hair is keep it moisturized. There are times when dryness and split ends interrupt my plans of just letting my hair grow but I’ve never been afraid to cut it off if it’s damaged.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: aleighscreations.blogspot.com

Anything else you want to add?
A: Every day, without thought, the sun rises. Even when you can’t see her through the clouds, she shines… Keep shining!