Lybra // Multi-Texture Style Icon *Update*

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Lybra was originally featured on April 16, 2010. I caught up with her to get the deets on her day to day natural hair regimen.

Introduce yourself!
L: My name is Lybra and I’m from DC, but I’m currently living in Atlanta.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
L: This was my third and final time going natural. Gosh, it was so many things that made me want to do it. The first two times I did it to see how long I could go without a relaxer and I wanted to color my hair without the double process of relaxer and color. I transitioned for a few months and went back to the creamy crack when the two textures were too much for me. This time around I was curious about my hair and who I was as a woman. I had recently relocated to Florida. I didn’t know anyone, but my boyfriend so I was pretty much free to experiment with myself without those “I knew you when sort of people”. None of my peers at the time were natural; it was all weaves and lace fronts. My TWA made me stick out like a sore thumb! Let me tell you, that little bush caused me to move past my insecurities and stop fading in the background. Going natural was step one in the process of self love I always say.

How would you describe your texture?
L: I’ve never really been into the hair typing thing, but if I had to say it’s a mixture of 4a, b, and c. On the top I have very wavy hair without much curl at all. The sides are very tightly coiled and the back barely has a curl pattern. My entire head of hair is extremely thick and pretty coarse. Many say it looks soft to the touch, but that is really because I keep it moisturized.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
L: I am really low key when it comes to my regimen. I use Shea Moisture products, coconut oil, and raw shea butter to seal the ends. My hair and scalp can get pretty dry sometimes so I co wash and deep condition once a week. I wash with a sulfate free shampoo maybe once every 6 weeks or so to remove product build up. Sometimes I use apple cider vinegar diluted in a spray bottle directly on my scalp if it really needs clarifying. It’s been awhile since I’ve henna-ed my hair, but if my hair feels weak then I will henna.

My go-to style is braid outs because they give me the most stretch. My hair has some serious coils, and stretching cuts down on tangles throughout the week. I refresh my hair with rose water and coconut oil when needed. I also don’t re-braid every night. I pull my hair on top of my head and do the pineapple method for bed. I try my best to keep my hands out of my hair and not over style it during the week because my hair breaks if I over manipulate it.

What does wash day look like for you?
L: Lately I have been needing to mentally prepare myself for wash day because the longer my hair gets the longer the process takes LOL. I finger comb and separate my hair into large braids and pre poo with coconut oil. Separating my hair into braids makes my hair easier to manage after washing. I co wash my hair with whatever conditioner I have on hand. Usually I use the Tresemme Curls line, or Hello Hydration, but right now I am using Suave Naturals Tea Tree Conditioner.

I take the braids down one by one and add my deep conditioner and braid it back up. To deep condition right now I am using Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair with a shower cap. I leave the conditioner in for a few hours while I do something else around the house. I rinse with cold water and wrap with a towel for about a half hour to soak up the moisture. I’ll turn on a movie and take down my braids one by one to separate into about two or three smaller braids for a braid out.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
L: My favorite go to style is probably every natural’s favorite…The Puff or a Bun. I love the puff because it is fun and easy, and mine is pretty massive. I love to bun my hair when I want something quick, protective and toned down. Sometimes if my hair is still wet or if I’m not feeling a puff I will quickly put a wrap on my head turban style. I’ve even worn them to my job at the courthouse. As long as they match what I am wearing it looks put together.

How do you combat shrinkage?
L: I use braid outs to stretch my hair. Living in Florida for a few years I learned to not concern myself with shrinkage too much. Humidity is going to cause my hair to shrink and I am totally okay with that.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
L: I don’t really have any problem areas except for a few grey hairs here and there. It’s genetic for everyone in my family to go grey in their early 20s so I can’t do much about that. The only thing that really bothers me about the greys is the fact that they don’t seem to curl much, so they stick straight up and taunt me!!

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
L: Moisture is key and being gentle while detangling.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
L: 1. Not moisturizing thoroughly and over using gel.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: LybraPhyllise.blogspot.com, etsy.com/shop/7elementsdesigns, Lybra-Phyllise.tumblr.com, Instagram: Lybra Phyllise