*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
B: My name is Bianca. In the art world I go by [Bianca Emilia], so if you see a picture with that on it, itโs my picture! I am a 19 year old girl that lives in Norway, more specific Tromsรธ (http://www.reiseplaneten.no/miniguider/Tromso/). My mom is from Norway. I was born there and raised by her, but my dad is from Nigeria, as you can tell by my skin and hair.
For a living I work at a nursing home now and then, but Iโm looking for a new job, so thatโs not my main thing in life. The things I really spend time on are different creative things. Iโve danced since I was five (ballet, jazz ballet, street jazz and now hip hop), I do a lot of photography and some model jobs now and then (would love to do more of those!). I love creative writing, so Iโve been writing on a blog for over 4 years. I sew, make movies, write scripts etc. A creative soul by other words.
What is the natural hair scene like in Norway?
B: As I mentioned I live in Tromsรธ, a place where my hair is very special. Most of the girls here have straight hair. I have two friends with my hair type (half Norwegian), but they are using relaxers, as the rest of the people with hair like mine. Iโve only seen a few people that have their natural afro. It is very normal for people to have braids and use other techniques. All of my friends (and random people) are very fascinated with my hair.
When and how did you transition into natural hair?
B: I donโt remember the exact year I did decide to go natural, but let me tell you a little bit about my hair history. As far back as I can remember I always hated it. So, when I was younger I did everything in my power to change it. I used relaxers often, different hair products, bleached it, and so on. But as you know an afro can never be straight โnaturalโ (as I wanted).
When I grew older I realized how much I had damaged my hair. I was very unhappy about my look when it came to my hair and face (living among pale people with blue eyes), and I hated the fact that I couldnโt show the natural me without hating what I would see in the mirror. An urge in me started to grow as I became older. I really wanted to be natural. I really wanted to like myself. So I did what I could to make the first thing become reality. I remember the last time I used a relaxer; standing in the mirror looking how straight my hair looked with the relaxer in, quite happy, but then when it was washed out I realized I couldnโt keep doing this. The price wasnโt worth it because as the hair dried the more it looked like my real hair and when I touched it I could feel how destroyed it was. I didnโt want to cut it because Iโve always wanted long hair, so I kept the damaged relaxed hair. Until one day, after about 3 yearsโฆI cut it. Suddenly there was an afro on my head. I didnโt like it at first, but I felt proud. Finally I was the real, natural me again.
Iโm still having trouble accepting it, but everything in its time. This decision has had quite a big affect on me. Now damage to my hair doesnโt come from relaxing, but from the way I handle it. Here in Tromsรธ we donโt have any hairdressers that know how to treat my type of hair and the hairdressers donโt have the products that are meant for it. (If you guys have any tips about what hair care products I should use, that I can also order from the internet please contact me at the email address at the end of this interview).
How would you describe your hair?
B: I donโt know if the pictures speak for themselves, but I will try to explain. My hair is screaming for moisture every second of the day. The volume isโฆwow. It is thick, extremely curly, very dry, and justโฆliving its own life. When I wet my hair it hangs down to my breast, but when it dries it reaches down to a little longer than my ear.
What is your regimen?
B: I probably donโt take care of my hair as much as I should, but I have invested in a good shampoo and conditioner. I use Forever Living Products shampoo and conditioner. I use shampoo when I feel it needs it, but I use conditioner almost every time I shower. When Iโm going to brush my hair I have to do it when itโs wet, and has conditioner in it. After that I sometimes use Anti Frizz by John Frieda, and the serum that defines your curls from Toni and Guy. I sometimes let it air dry, but often I just wrap it in a towel.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that youโve learned from?
B: My mistakes are many, but the main thing was I tried to change it. Iโve tried relaxed and Iโve tried natural, and the last one is sure the best for me.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
B: All the pictures in this interview are taken by me. http://biancaemilia.blogg.no (text, pictures and some music tips, but I blog in Norwegian)
http://biancaemilia.tumblr.com (this site is where I post my photography, and also a place where you can ask me questions) I also have twitter and facebook, but I only write in Norwegian there.
biancaeaf@hotmail.com (If you would like to contact me about anything please feel free)
This entry reminds me of why sites like BGLH are so importantโฆ
Bianca, it sounds like youโre new to the natural hair community. Welcome to your tribe! Youโll find lots of answers here. ๐
Your hair looks great, Bianca! Itโs a process and journey, so stay patient and diligent. I donโt have any daughters, but my two boys are biracial and my husbandโs great-grandparents were from Norway (canโt remember the name of the town though!).
I absolutely loved this postโฆ
Bianca, I sent you an email with some realistic product suggestions.
Personally speaking, I think itโs too much of a hassle and absurdly expensive to try to get your hands on most of the products found in the US โ and Iโm American living in Europe. Granted, I can get my hands on some things whenever Iโm back in the States (which is around once a year), but products can be quite heavy and not worth the 2nd baggage fee (depending on which airline youโre flying, but most now have this ludicrous 1 free bag policy).
+1. Iโm also an American living in Europe and most American hair products are quite simple, you could make them yourself. Plus, there are some really good European stores that sell and make good quality hair products.
@BrinkyDinks
Where in Europe are you? Iโve lived in Germany, Belgium, and now France (very recent arrival). The availability of natural hair-friendly products is a lot better in France and Belgium, but everything is cheaper in Germany so I rely on a few reliable products I can get anywhere (e.g., HE Hello Hydration) and I just buy oils and aloe vera juice on Amazon. Again, Iโm able to bring things from the States, but they donโt last the whole year so I just make my own concoctions.
What a beautiful young lady! I enjoyed all of the pics! Love the hairโฆitโs amazing ๐
Just WOW!! I love your pics! Thick lovely hair!
I appreciate the honesty. She and her hair are gorgeous
I love how simple her regimen is!
Sheโs absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you for this interview. You are stunning and your hair is stunning. I hope you look in the mirror one day and truly know that. Good luck on your hair journey. It was also an adjustment for many of us, but the time does come when you grow to absolutely love your hair. With time you begin to understand it, to know what works and what doesnโt and your life will be so much richer for it.
Iโve been obsessed with her hair and photography for the last week! Awesome to see how quickly she was featured here. Nice to see sheโs also newly natural, like me. ๐
thanks for sharing this interview. the photo is captivating, but the actually interview was so interesting.
You and your hair are beautiful!
Thank you so much for your candor and honesty. It is as beautiful as you are.
Your hair looks great!! You are doing something right. If you are still looking for suggestions on hair products to save yourself some money; use what is offered in your hometown, it is just as good. When I was in Norway during the winter near Stjรธrdalshalsen (training with the military outside in the mountains for a freaking month!) one can only imagine what the weather up there can do to hair and skin. However, I got by just fine using what was offered in the town stores. I have very thick 4c hair. My face, was another storyโฆI got wind and… Read more »
Forever Living products, are they the aloe vera products? Iโve heard theyโre very good, iโm hoping to try a few myself. I live in London thereโs so much choice here but there are 2 companies on the internet you might want to have a look at. Sheabutter Cottage and Beautiful Roots. There are many more but iโve used both these companies and iโd recommend them. However there not exactly cheap. Are you able to get hold of coconut oil even olive and as someone has already suggested try concocting your own hair receipies.
Absolutely gorgeous.
Hi Bianca uโr beautiful.I going in transition of going natural from relaxer I have like 3โณ of my natural hair my relaxer hair is by my bra it is scary to cut my hair but Iโm not doing the BC Iโm going to cut it by my neck so my grow hair meet the same length as my relaxer hair.Product the Iโm using is Shea Butter organic it is fantastic your hair will look shine and moist also Emeergency from nexxus is a deep condition the u can use every week price but good also I used kinky curls, and… Read more »
I appreciate ur honesty about your struggles with accepting your hairโฆ not many people can be open like that. Im glad u opted for Natural hair instead of relaxedโฆ u are Beautiful!!
Omg. Hi everybody. I was shocked when I opend the article and started to scrolling down. Thank you so much for all of the positive comments on this interview. You guys are amazing. I will try to answer all of you, but Iโm quite busy these days so please be patient with me. Thank you all for sharing products with me, here, on my mail and on my tumblr, and thank you all forโฆeverything. Iโm speechless, I really am. I appreciate every single word. You guys are the best. Thank you thank you thank you!
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What type of camera did u see to take those amazing pictures? btw I love ur hair<333
What type of camera did u use** to take those amazing pictures? btw I love ur hair<333
Finally! My exact hair type!