Jennifer // 3C Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

How would you describe your texture?
J: My hair is predominantly 3c with a few frizzy pieces here and there. Normally my hair does not cooperate or look exactly how I want it to look, but that’s the beauty of natural hair; It just does its own thing! Although it may not look like it, a single strand of my hair is actually thin and coarse. I have been natural for about a year and a half now and still going strong!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: I try to do as little to my hair as possible because I’m trying to reduce the amount of split ends I have. To avoid tugging on my hair by trying to style it, I usually just leave it down. Just a little Olive Oil by Organic Root Stimulator is applied to my entire head of hair and topped off with a shine serum (Nature’s Shine by Organic Root Stimulator). As for the flyaway strands, I simply wet them and add a little Frizz Ease Smooth Start Repairing Conditioner by John Frieda to them. I then pick my roots out to add even more volume! During day 3 or 4 when it looks extra messy, I do a simple ponytail, bun, or wear a headband/scarf.

What does wash day look like for you?
J: The days when I have to wash my hair are such a drag. I normally wash it every 3–4 days. Once my hair is fully soaked, I add a handful of really cheap conditioner (Pantene). I go through bottles quickly! I then divide my hair in 4 sections and use a super large pick to begin detangling. This process takes a while. After my hair is completely detangled and the conditioner is washed out, I use Tresemme Moisturizing Shampoo, but only shampoo the roots of my hair to avoid damaging the ends. I work the shampoo in and quickly wash it out. Next, I use Organix Moroccan Argon Oil Repairing Treatment. I absolutely love this product and recommend everyone to try it! I work a good amount into every section of my hair, comb through it once again with a pick, clip up each section and wear a shower cap until I’m done washing the rest of my body. I wash out the treatment with cold water and lightly pat my hair with a towel. At this point my hair is damp, but not dripping wet. I work in John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Smooth Start Repairing Conditioner into every part of my hair and scrunch, flip, scrunch, flip. Basically whipping my hair back and forth in order to define each curl. I then immediately add a small amount of olive oil to my hair and let it air dry. When sleeping, I make sure all my hair is loosely on the top of my head.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
J: I barely style my hair. It’s usually left down if it doesn’t look too messy. Otherwise, I throw it in a bun or ponytail.

How do you combat shrinkage?
J: I don’t mind shrinkage near the top of my hair, but to give the illusion of longer curls and even more layers, I take the very back, lower section of my hair (near my neck), wet it, add a little conditioner, and make two braids. I end the braids halfway so that the ends remain curly. I make these braids every night before I go to sleep and when I wake up simply take them out. The curls are now waves and your hair will appear longer in the back.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
J: Walking through the mall one day this lady asked if she could straighten a section of my hair. I said yes and regret it until this day. A section of my hair on the left side of my hair has lost its curl. Whichever straightener she used completely killed the curl pattern of my hair. Now I am left with a wavy, damaged area on my hair. I usually add a curler or braid this piece and add extra repairing treatment to it. Besides that, some people would consider the excess frizz as a problem, but I actually really like frizz.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
J: Always have conditioner in 3c texture hair and use a pick or wide tooth comb when detangling.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
J: Try to avoid as much heat as possible and do not have your curls layer-less! Get layers to avoid looking like a mushroom.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Facebook.com/Jennifer325 — Blog coming soon! 🙂