Melshary // Multi-Texture Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
M: Hello, my name is Melshary. I am originally from Brooklyn, NY, but I’m currently living in New Jersey.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I actually went natural out of laziness and by mistake. I absolutely disliked sitting in salons and getting my hair done. It was so boring and time consuming. My last relaxer was in November of 2009. When I saw my natural, curly hair growing in I was excited! Right then and there I decided to transition and never perm my hair again. My only problem was I didn’t know how to transition or how to take care of my newly natural hair. I turned to YouTube and found a whole community that was new to me. It was awesome and I learned tons from many beautiful natural women.

On my birthday, September 22, 2010 was when I did the big chop. I transitioned for almost a year, but had to have most of my hair cut off due to heat damage. That day I cried and laughed all at the same time. I felt super free! Now I’ve been natural for almost 2 years and I’m loving every minute of it. Going natural was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

How would you describe your texture?
M: Honestly I don’t do the whole hair typing thing. I have so many different types and curl patterns in my hair it just doesn’t make sense to. My hair is thick, very THICK. One thing I have heard my entire life from people that have done my hair is “you have a lot of hair”. On the sides and back of my head my curls are tight, and at the top it’s a different story. The curls are loose and wavy. Depending on what products I use my hair acts very well. I really don’t have too many issues with my hair.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: This month I was sent some wonderful products by a young lady name Airest. Her line is called The Heritage Brand. She was nice enough to let me use her products and I totally fell in love with them. First there’s a cleansing clay that is meant to clean your hair. I use this product in sections and really work it into my scalp. Next I apply her leave in moisturizer also in sections, and last I apply flaxseed gel. I let my hair air dry and I’m all done.

What does wash day look like for you?
M: Wash days for me are super simple. I use Suave’s Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and VO5 Moisture Milks as my conditioner. I’ve been using these 2 products for a long time and they have never failed me. VO5 makes my hair easy to detangle.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
M: I always wash and go, and I always make time to do them. If I’m pressed for time I just spray an old wash n go with some water and coconut oil and I’m good to go.

How do you combat shrinkage?
M: This might seem strange, but I don’t mind shrinkage at all. It doesn’t bother me one bit. I don’t fight against what my curls want to do.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
M: My only problem areas are those looser wavy curls at the top of my head. They tend to need extra products. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to that bit of hair.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: Moisture, everyday. My hair needs to be moisturized on a daily basis or it will look dry. My hair also needs to be detangled often or it will become a knotty mess.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: Never detangle while dry. That’s a big no no for me. It causes tons of breakage. I also can’t use 2 heavy styling products at one time. What I mean is I can’t use a thick creamy leave in and also use a thick styling product. It becomes too much for my hair and makes it look limp.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me on YouTube: www.youtube.com/melsharya, Instagram: Melshary and Twitter: @melshary