*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Tamika Fletcher, I am the co-owner of Natural Resources Salon in Houston, TX. I’ve been natural since 1997 and for the last 15 years I’ve had an intimate affair with my hair. Like most good relationships I’ve tried to be tender, kind, patient and understanding about exactly what it is without trying to change its true identity.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I started this affair because the relationship I had with it before was damaging its core, so I decided to change. I kept going back until finally I felt like some of the damage was possibly irreversible mentally and physically. I was losing more hair than I was growing. So the answer at that time was to stop everything and research better possibilities.
How would you describe your texture?
T: My hair type is a very curly 3C.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I shampoo and condition my hair once a week. I detangle first with Nourish – Earth’s Nectar Leave in Conditioner. I twist my hair into large twists prior to shampooing. I shampoo while in chunky twists to prevent tangles. I remove the twists during the conditioning, rinse out step. I then use a blow dryer and Earth’s Nectar Hair Conditioning Cream to stretch the curls.
Stretching out curls with a light blow dry makes natural pin ups easier, which is my favorite natural look when I’m on the go. I’ve never lost curl definition using a blow dryer. However, so far in 15 years I’ve been too afraid to flat iron my hair straight or offer the service at the salon because so many of my friends and customers suffer heat damage after flat ironing their hair at the 450 degrees it would take to straighten my hair. So, the most I’ll do is a blow dry. It helps to add volume and length when twisting, curling, or pinning up hair.
I love micro twist outs on my wet hair for hot summer months, or natural two strand pin up buns on hot days when I need to pin it all up and away. My fav go to accessory is the Upzing by Conair. It holds my thick curly hair together giving me the modern version of my favorite old school banana clip that my hair has physically outgrown.
Tell us about your hair color?
T: My hair color can be achieved with Dark and Lovely Honey Blonde. I definitely have to condition more often now to make sure I’m balancing the effects of the color on my hair.
What are some natural hair care do’s and don’ts you would recommend?
T: One of my favorite tips is never shampoo tangled hair thinking “the conditioner will detangle it.” you will actually have more tangles that are easier to break wet. Take the time to gently detangle with leave in conditioner or a small amount of conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Don’t put tension on your hairline with hair bands or by pulling it back with hair ties too often. It will weaken your hairline over time. Try a two strand flat twist or braid from ear to ear (without tension) to frame the face and jazz up a simple Afro style.
Don’t flat iron with high heat. You could possibly lose a significant amount of curl.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The first style I recommend to naturals is to try every version of a twist out possible (wet hair, dry hair, damp hair, with gel, with oil, blown dry, small twists, large twists!) This is great practice for the basic skills you will need the rest of your “natural” life.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Please look for us on Facebook as Natural Resources Salon — we post something new and interesting everyday!
YouTube: NaturalResources TV — lots of informative natural hair videos and DIY beauty product videos
Pinterest: natural resources salon
Instagram: naturalrsalon
The twisted styles are divine. The hair color divine. Your hair is gorgeous. You in your hair are gorgeous.
Repeats to self *must not dare, ever attempt that magnificent color, must not…*
What a face! And really liked your story. “I kept going back until finally I felt like some of the damage was possibly irreversible mentally and physically” — Wow!
Loved the pompadour roll in the last pic and great tips, you’re fantastic on camera!
love the hair color. glad to know you don’t have to lose your hair if you add color.
Beautiful hair and great color.
I looked under the 3C naturals and was suprised to see different textures claming 3C and was a little confused as i didn’t realise it looked so different from each other.
1- http://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/06/lexi-multi-texture-style-icon/
2- http://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/05/frans-3b3c-cleansing-regimen/
3- http://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/05/jennifer-3c-style-icon/
No malice is intend before i get pelted with virtual tomatoes LOL.I just want to understand this a bit better since Hair Typing ain’t going nowhere we might as well discuss it.
I agree, so many folks say 3c and it looks like 4a. I love her hair and think its beautiful regardless of the hair type. But, when you try to get a regimen together you compare types to see what may best fit your hair. I know there isn’t a one size fits all regimen out there but the system at least gives you an idea of what is best for your hair.
Thanks for understaing my point,it is helpful knowing what works for others as you can always learn something new. 🙂
honest question: is hair typing really necessary since you have to find out what works for you regardless of what works for others in the same hair category? example: almost EVERY 4 type i’ve read up on loves Coconut oil.… my hair, type 4, doesn’t like it at all!! i’m not sure that every 4abcde hair reggie will work for all 4abcde’s, same with every other type. i ask because i think across the board we know some things are “no goes” (especially w/ consistent use); such as petroleums, sulfates , some silicones, no matter what hair type. just saying. but again, i’m… Read more »
Well, Kimmaytube describer her hair as type 4 (I think), but I definitely remember her saying her hair does not like coconut oil. She mainly uses olive oil.
I used to make the mistake of only viewing reggies that were for what I believe to be my hair type (4abcde…whatevs) but I see now that the typing system is flawed and good info is just good info. I think it’s too confusing.
i understand what u mean…her hair does not appear 3C to me at all…but then i guess this hair typing thing is subjective. Her texture blowdried reminds me a lot of mine, and i wud consider myself a type 4 natural
Nonetheless…her hair is FABULOUS!! i ADORE her updos! they are creative and chic! n the colour is fantastic as well…enjoyed reading and clicking thru her photos 😉
*intended
Fabulously elegant hairstyles in the bottom pictures of the post, I’d love to see some of tutorials for your styles!
I second that!!!
Please ask Tamika to do some tutorials if she has the time! Her updos are simply fab!
I want to go to TX just so you can bless my hair! Simply gorgeous, keep up the phenomenal work lady! **Off to visit your YT channel**
Beautiful hair indeed and great styles!
But I must concur with ‘J’ and this is why I HATE hair typing! I dont mean to bash anyone but this girl is NOT a 3C, 4A/C at most. Why can’t we just embrace what we have instead of trying to make it more than it is? And so many claim to be 3C cus it’s still looked at as “good hair” and I for one thought going natural was helping US to accept who we truly are, beautiful, in all our ‘types’.
i know.
i don’t usually care how people classify their hair and don’t think it’s worth disagreeing with them, but imo, this is obviously not 3c hair.
i don’t mean to “insult” her, but that hair is almost 4c looking to me.
lol.
Is her hair type so obvious? I can’t see her natural curl pattern in any of the photos, so I couldn’t say with confidence what her hair type was, regardless of the confusion already surrounding the typing system. Moreover, I am insulted by your suggestion that is should be an insult to imply that she has 4c hair.
“And so many claim to be 3C cus it’s still looked at as “good hair” …yes, yes, yes.
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! SMH LOL, I was waiting for someone to re-type her hair… “but this girl is NOT a 3C, 4A/C at most”. How in the world are you going to tell this woman what her hair IS or IS NOT?! Until you see her hair or anyone else’s hair in its natural state just washed you cant say sh*t. Depending on how someone styles their hair you might never know, what their real texture is. My hair is extremely curly, but if I don’t put anything in my hair it will dry up or if I comb out my hair it will… Read more »
your hair is beautiful either way
Wow,you have beautiful hair! 🙂 My point was, just to say that hair typing is subjective.It is hard to pin point which is which if everyone is claiming a texture and it ALL looks completely different. I understand no head of hair is the same but there should be a common denominator. Seeing your picture makes me think even more and shows that we really don’t know much about natural textures. I think it’s important to discuss things as that is how we grow. It isn’t our job to say “this person isn’t this hair type” but what we CAN… Read more »
I totally agree Gigi, I have ramen noodle type curls on wet and products on my hair but on dry comb out hair there is no curls in sight…thanks 4 sharing your pics!
You are so right! It kills me how people just think they are the expert on someone’s hair/type. All of that stuff is relative until you see hair in its natural state. When my hair is wet, I have O‑shaped and S‑shaped curls. I have extra curly hair. You and I can be hair twins, actually. Almost similar to yours. When mine dries or if I blow it out, it looks similar to Tamika’s texture and my fro is similar to yours. Typing is subjective yet, but pictures don’t tell the whole story. She’s been natural for 15 years and… Read more »
Hi everyone..can someone please tell me the difference between 4a and 3c. Is it the same?? Am so confused..
don’t worry, she isn’t even 4a.
a 3c/4a might be naptural85. see her youtube channel.
a 3c might also look like denimpixie. see her youtube channel.
search “3c hair” on youtube.
Whitney wears a lot of twist/braid outs and Elle wears a lot of w‑n-gs so it’s not really the same comparision as when the hair stretched, as Tamika is wearing. Hair typing is best done on wet hair so you can see the curl pattern before manipulation. It’s not a perfect way to identify curl pattern, but we should keep that in mind. Hope this helps!
all you have to do is look at her twist outs vs whitney’s…
tameka has videos on youtube.
and elle/denimpixie is not always in wigs. that’s nuts.
i would also add mahogony curls to the 3c/4a. haircrush is probably 4a/4b.
pretty amazing that you can look at this woman’s hair and act like it’s actually 3c. i don’t usually like to get into discussions of this nature (because they can be petty) but by no measure is this woman’s hair 3c, wet or dry. she got nappy-arse hair. lol.
sorry.
@ merry, she actually said w‑n-gs, (wash n go’s). but in general (not directed towards merry). the reason hair typing can be divisive instead just helpful is because people put labels on others, if 3c is not “good/better” in our own minds than 4a/b/c then it wouldn’t ?!” (if indeed those bringing it up are 4a/b/c [like myself])? but because we don’t think her hair looks like Tia & Tamera Mowrys then she’s not 3c, it isn’t an exact science, every 3c isn’t going to look exactly the same. we’ve not been on the intimate journey she’s been on withher hair &… Read more »
** if 3c is not “good/better” in our own minds than 4a/b/c then it wouldn’t MATTER RIGHT?!”
lol typo
Merry
Why is this bothering you so much? Hair is hair, child.
can’t say i’m bothered, just mildly amused. i looked at the hair and i’m thinking, no way that’s 3c.
so, i just wrote it.
+1
Maghony Curls is defiantly in the 3 family of hair tyes.…nothing about her hair says 4abcdefghijklmmop
Oh cool thanks :-D:-D:-D
SO IN LOVE WITH THE COLOR!!!!! I may have to start back coloring my hair
I LOVE LOVE LOVE her up dos! I definitely want to learn how to do them on my self.
Okay, I’ve just adopted you as my best friend Tamika. You just look like someone who’d I’d want to listen to. Quick question: I just watched one of your vids and you said that you use your Denman brush on you dry hair only–the vid where you showed how to do a quick twisted bun. Which Denman are you talking about AND isn’t brushing dry hair supposed to be the debil? A real no-no? Help me out here…Thanks so much
Aside from the relevant debate on whether this sis has type 4 hair versus type 3, it’s good to see that the news affiliate in her hometown has taken to having her and her salon be featured on several topics for women and our hair.
I’m surprised at the debate about whether or not she’s 3C. I could be wrong, but I have long been of the assumption that hair type is best discerned when the hair is wet. In all of the pictures featured here, her hair is clearly in some sort of stretched style, which makes it difficult to tell what type she actually is. I actually don’t care about what her hair type is. I can’t get over how beautiful and simple the styles are, and I love the fact that she’s been natural for longer than it’s been popular. I loved… Read more »
It’s bothersome to me to see people make these comments about hair type when you’ve hit the nail on the head…“her hair is clearly in some sort of stretched style, which makes it difficult to tell what type she actually is” We have to remember that the hair typing system is not perfect. And keep in mind that she is a stylist, and I’m sure she knows what kind of hair she has. I’ve met Tamika on several occasions (that’s actually me in the green cardigan getting a quick style) and she’s a beautiful person who knows a lot about… Read more »
Even though her pictures have her hair in stretched styles her hair has the appearance of type 4 hair in stretched styles. 3c hair tends to look smoother when stretched because the cuticles of the hair are smoother. If her hair was pressed in every picture I would agree that we couldnt discern the hair type but it looks clear to me that that’s type 4 hair.
I am mostly 3c/4a and the back of my hair is looser (3bish). I would have to disagree with your assumptions that hair that falls into the 3 category always looks silky smooth when stretched. That is flat out wrong! Perhaps, it can look that way when it is freshly down, but after a day or two, it begins looking like a Type 4. The drier the hair becomes, the less silky it looks. Also, you have to factor in hair porosity. Someone with really porous hair (anyone can have this type of hair), will not have silky looking hair.… Read more »
I was wondering about the 3c bit, cause her hair texture is alot like mine. Love the hairstyles though
YOUR HAIR IS GORGEOUS!!!!!
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Her hair is beautiful and so it the color! How do you even “type” hair? Should it be while the hair is wet or once it dry? I really don’t get or even care for the hair typing thing I just like to see all beautiful hair regardless of texture.
Your hair is beautiful! I have often seen images of your hair(you) online and it was nice to read how you care for your hair. I too use the blow-dryer to stretch my hair as I get a lot of shrinkage. I will be elated when my hair is long enough to achieve some of your looks! Thanks for sharing!
Lovely hair! I wish I could color my hair but my fine strands can’t take it, I know from years of doing it. I will definitely be trying some of these pin up styles! I am not a fan of hair typing at all because it always seems unclear. Is typing done when hair is wet or dry? With product or naked? I think if she says she is 3c why not believe her…what would she gain from saying she is a 3c if she is a 4 something?
It’s not about believing her some people just don’t correctly know their hair type. By looking at her hair she looks like a standard 4a/4b. I just think hair typing shouldn’t be the only way to describe your hair. She should have went into more detail about her hair(density, thickness, etc.).
Love those hairstyles!
That’s type gorgeous hair!
ditto and that’s all that matters.
Amen! This entire hair typing thing always seems frivolous to me.
Tamika!
I was so excited when i read your post, it was really inspiring. i can’t wait til my hair is that length!
Question: I live in AZ, so HIIIIIGH temps during the summer months, do you switch up deep conditioners or condition more often during the summer time?
also what conditioners have you found to work best for restoring moisture & protien?
She’s beautiful and so is her hair! not to mention i’m loooovinggg the color, rock on girl! 🙂
Tamika’s hair is GORGEOUS, no doubt about that, but I always thought of 3 type hair as “shiny” with loose curls. Hair for example like Tia & Tamera’s natural hair texture. Of course we don’t know if she has loose curls because her hair is not in its wet state, but from looking at it dry and stretched, she looks like a 4 type.
I COULD BE WRONG, but I’ve seen other naturals on BGLH with hair stated as type 4 that looks just like hers.
There are a lot of type 3’s that can look like type 4’s when stretched — maybe you should look at them before you go breathing down her neck. Natural chica looks like a 4b when her hair shrinks but she is obviously a 4a because it defines when wet. She may well be a 3c and she shouldn’t have to prove anything, its her hair — she’s knows it better than all of you. I REPEAT A LOT OF TYPE 3’S CAN LOOK LIKE 4’S! DON’T ANY OF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HAIR! You are not her, so if she… Read more »
Um…it ain’t that serious to be writing in all caps and insulting people. Relax–you make a good point but look insane snapping like that. Elevate the discussion, don’t come on here trying to insult people. For real…at the end of the day it’s just hair. Learn some anger management skills.
But Lela7 is expressing her OPINION (I used caps!!! so I guess I’m shouting too) I thought that the point of the site is express different views.… If she wants to rant about it, leave her alone. I see nothing wrong with hair typing cause no matter what every one will still find a way to say either ‑ve or +ve things about natural hair. To you it might be just hair but to someone else it isn’t so don’t judge!!
I stand by my statement. If a person is getting all upset and yelling (and yes all caps usually means one is yelling–look it up if you don’t believe me) and not elevating the conversation then it becomes disrespectful and stunts conversation about a topic that needs to be discussed delicately. We should be searching ourselves for the answer to why we get all riled up, instead of going on forums and venting frustrations in a way that puts a focus on the anger (and the presentation of the information) and not the topic. I’m tired of people doing inappropriate… Read more »
People 3c hair is curly and kinky! The curls are tight and well-defined, but not loose by any stretch of the imagination. It shrinks a ton, too! It can get frizzy, too!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/317232200.jpg[/img]
This is what I think about when it comes to 3 type hair and maybe 3c is a bit kinker but still the same texture.
You remind me of Tamera Mowry .
That is not 3c hair!
Tamika is my absolute favorite. She’s great with your hair and her heart is as beautiful as her mane. I’m so proud to see her success.
Her hair might be a 3C. The typing system is all about the size of the curl, not the texture. All 3Cs aren’t silky, Maybe when her hair is wet, the curls are 3C size. But whatever her type, the hair and color are gawgeous!!!!!
Absolutely beautiful! Love the feature and the things she and the salon are doing. Way to go!
Thanks So much for your kind words ladies, I loved sharing with you guys. I’ve always defined type 3 hair as hair that has a defined curl. Type c hair is defined as thick curly hair. If I’ve insulted any 3C naturals I apologize. I teach my clients to love every turn of every curl in their hair so I certainly don’t feel insulted nor do I mind being reclassified by any definition of curl. My first thought was not to answer the question because I’ve always felt we are creating a hierarchy of curl that is continuing to segregate… Read more »
That was a very gracious reply. Your hair is truly beautiful. I’m glad that you were featured!
Very tasteful response, because it was getting ugly out here. I used to not mind the hair typing system, but when I saw how seriously others took it, I just said, forget about it. As one commenter said, you have type gorgeous hair.
What a nice response.It’s good to know you are teaching your clients to love their hair,we need more stylist like that. I was just confused that’s all, no matter what tetxture your hair is it’s beautiful and looks like it is well loved. 🙂
Love your hair! I feel bad you even felt the need to further elaborate on your texture.
Thanks for the classy response, but I’m still eager to know if you really use a Denman to brush your dry hair b/c I thought that was a no-no. And which Denman do you use? I posted earlier…
There is no need to apologize. The whole arguing over the hair typing is just a bunch of hot mess. Your hair is beautiful so you are deservedly a natural hair icon.
Thanks for sharing your story!!
Great hair styles!!! Love them!
Wow, she’s really pretty, and I LOVE her sense of style! I think I may have found a hair twin too. I can’t wait to try some of these up do’s—so elegant and classy! GO girl!
Ok call me a copycate but I’m about to bite some of these styles!
THANK YOU FOR PUTTING A NAME TO HER FACE!!!
I have seen her pictures on various tumblrs and have always admired her hair. GORGEOUS!!!
this is one natural hairstylist that I would actually trust with my hair!!! LOVE IT!
lmao how in the hayell are y’all attempting to argue about her hair texture when it clearly says she blowdries after ever wash and didn’t provide any pictures of her hair wet??
beautiful hair, Tamika!
I’m not clear as to what type someone believes her hair to be is so important.
That’s why when anyone asks, I call myself a 1–4Z. That way all basis are covered.
Meant to say 1–4A‑Z
“I call myself a 1–4Z.”– I LOVE this! I don’t believe that hair typing is important either because everyone’s hair is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
hair typing is bullshit in general. Whether you say you’re a 39z or a 3t, it won’t change the hair on your head, so it doesn’t matter. Also, the system is damn confusing, and everyone seems to think different things = different numbers. I don’t think it helps as far as product recommendations either. I don’t use the things other folks with similar curl patterns use. Most people who’s hair looks similar to mine seem to have issues with moisture, but my issue is too much moisture. So, I don’t believe the shape/size of curls/coils matters when it comes to… Read more »
looks about right
How exciting to see a post featuring Tamika! I have been planning to go to this salon ever since I started my transition almost a year and a half ago. My co-worker Esquire went there before he moved and many of my clients go to your salon as well. I live about 10 minutes away. Once I complete my transition I will definitely be paying you a visit! Reading your story makes me even more excited! I have heard nothing but great things about your salon from my clients. Beautiful woman and beautiful hair! 🙂
Gorgeous hair and color but it’s not 3c, perhaps 4c. There’s NOTHING wrong w/ classifying/identifying differences!
On one hand you guys say hair typing is rubbish then come down on the lady for typing her hair ‘incorrectly’. Give it a rest already
Re-read sweetie, “There’s NOTHING wrong w/ classifying/identifying differences!” in other words, WTF is the big deal in labeling hair types. The boo-hooing over a simple observation does need to be given it a rest. Some act as if calling 4a-b‑c hair 4a-b‑c is a curse word. =/
Who cares about her hair type…Hair typing will never be relevant for me
I am in LOVE with her hair color and hair styles!
As a “new natural” (under a year), I found the hair typing system to help me as to find out what styles, strategies and possibly products would work on my hair. I know some of you say that is not necessary, but as someone who has not been natural since my early teens and is now approaching 30, it helped me charter the former unknown that is my hair. I noticed a lot of features on the site say that the typing system is divisive, while others straight up refuse to offer a “type” to their hair. Until reading the debacle… Read more »
These twist styles are unbelievably beautiful. I’m inspired.
Absolutely stunning hair — gives me something to look forward to as it continues to grow. But, as many of you said, she does not appear to be a Type-3-anything. She resembles a Type 4 A‑B, even if blown dry. Because there appears to be much consensus on this point, it shows the hair typing system and how we internalize it might not be as subjective as some like to think.
Why does her type even matter?!!!! People are obsessed with something as inane as a curl pattern. Bottom line, her hair is gorgeous, her face is angelic and people missed the whole damn point of the feature. Starting to think that our race will always be divided. She is beautiful and I’d let her do my unruly transitioning hair in a second if I lived anywhere near her salon. Grow up people.
i dont care what her hair type is..she is gorge and so is her hair <3
Wonderful hairstyles!… I have been natural for one year and 6 months and basically style my hair in a puff or other “headband hairdo”. I’ve been searching for alternative hairstyles for my length since as the hair grows the puff is now really high!..I think you and natural chica are as close to “hair twins” as Ive seen…I am officially inspired to grow try something new since I was like ok…what do I do now…on another note,clearly this hair typing thing makes no sense cuz here I was all the time trying to explain to people that no i didnt… Read more »
Tamika! You’ve got the best hairstyles I’ve ever seen on an icon article!!! And the reason why they’re the best? Because they’re so varied- some are kinky, some are curly, some are just simply textured, some elegant and some funky and wild. And I love that you don’t use massive heat. VERY encouraging. You are simply adorable!
Ugh. This is why I hate that Andre even started this mess.
Anyway, beautiful hair and spirit, Tameka. You do gorgeous styles and I enjoyed watching the segments that were featured on Fox 26 News. If I lived in Houston, I’d definitely go to your salon:)
amen…once i saw 80-something comments, I knew it was because people were arguing over hair type confusion.…what’s new?
Fox 26 is actually doing a story on the business of Natural Hair tonight at 5pm cenral! You guys should watch if you’re in Houston.
Oops! Apologies on spelling your name incorrectly in my initial comment, Tamika!
Wow! I see the conversation is still going strong!
Tamika,
You are a very classy lady and I love your hair. I am transitioning and look forward to visiting your salon when I am completely natural. BTW, I enjoy watching your segment on fox news. 🙂
Whoever composes the style icon posts, I beg of you PLEASE stop labeling style icons supposed hair types…since it has been started it’s caused nothing but drama, confusion and takes SO much focus of the actual interview itself. I’ve seen some mean and unnecessary comments just based on hair typing alone. It’s ridiculous. It’s literally the same conversations/arguments every freaking time, they are just adjusted for the hair type being disputed. Jeez…
I totally agree.
Dear BGLH,Please stop LABELING your title post with the hair types as it causes a stir all the time.I
I
figure it gets a lot of readers which is a probably the aim but you can still get readers another way.I understand you didn’t create the Hair Type but it is a divisive subject so we kindly ask that you remove it form the title post.This is about us uniting with our journey and not nit picking what our hair is or loolks like.
Kindest Regards
J
I thought that the point of the site is express different views.… If readers want to rant about the different types, leave them alone. Just don’t read their posts!! They are expressing their OPINIONS. I see nothing wrong with hair typing/labeling cause no matter what every one will still find a way to say either ‑ve or +ve things about natural hair. To you it might be just hair but to someone else it is more important to them, so don’t judge!!
I am not judging i understand it helps certain ladies,what i am saying is that it does cause division whichever way you look at it.I dodn’t even know my own texture because accordingto this site it changes all the time. I know it ain’t going anywhere but there is no harm in asking. 🙂
It does not cause division, the good/bad hair debate was created long before hair typing. She could have labeled her hair curly and someone would have said it looks coily, not curly. You run the risk of offending someone no matter which way you go.
@EG — I totally agree with you. A person just can’t win on this one.
I found this interview to be a very informative one.
I would suggest that folks focus on her hair regimin and types instead of focusing on the description “hair type” of the person.
3a,b,c, 4a,b,c — It’s all about curl size. What is there to be so offended about!
I agree, if a label is needed why not just use “low porosity natural hair icon” or “coarse natural hair icon”, those would be 100xs more beneficial. I’d love to hear more about regimens pertaining to hair attributes rather than size of curl.
I didn’t even realize this was going on… and must admit I hadn’t thought about this, but as a sista who is well aware of many of the divisive tactics created for Afrikas destruction, I totally get your point. Another thing that I dislike is this obsession with having blonde or any other non natural hair coloring. If we are so proud of our Natural God given Ebony crowns, why would we dye it. Well aware that we have always colored our hair, as there are tribes in Afrika who still practice the head to toe covering using that red rock/stone, that… Read more »
Look ladies, I like that the hair types are advertised. Why? Because I have TIGHTLY coiled African Hair beyond 4C and I cannot stand looking at styles that I cannot replicate and things that just don’t work because I am getting advice from someone who has a curl pattern I do not have. Please keep labeling the hair type. Those who don’t like it don’t really have to look but some of us would like to see it.
Some act as if calling 4a-b‑c hair 4a-b‑c is a curse word. =/
right? lol
I went to this salon once. It was an amazing experience I felt a little awkward at first as it was my first trip to a salon for about a year and I didn’t know what to expect but the people were amazing and very helpful and after a mixup with my appointment did extra even though they didn’t have to. All the while I’m pretty sure Tamika was working next to me (I remember seeing the hair it looked so cool and pretty I could help but stare at it). If you’re ever in Houston this salon is def… Read more »
Oh my goodness. This women is a natural hair style icon because of her diverse range of beautiful hairstyles. I haven’t seen such creativity and diverse hairstyles in awhile so I’m definitely saving this for inspiration.
Who cares about the whole 3c thing? Not me. Thank you BGLH for sharing Tamika’s information with us.
Congratulations on 100 comments Tamika! You must feel like a celebrity, Lol, you definitely look like one! Leila closes the comments section and people complain, hair typing isn’t listed and people complain, hair typing is listed and people complain. She shouldn’t have to be tasked with policing the content of adults, risk having natural celebrities and natural submissions be skewered by a few mean-spirited and deliberately cruel comments, nor be blamed when the comments section turns into YouTube. She has expressed that she created and maintains the site with the best intentions in mind, so how some use it reflects their… Read more »
Discussion is a good thing,as everyone will have something to add and that is the best part.Muscles don’t grow without having resistance applied so without challengin ecah others opinions we will not grow. T
The Natural Movement is picking up now even though i acknowledge many naturals were around before then so it’s important to talk about.
Maybe in 5–10y ears we will not even care about it so much.
Lol, this is crazy, like some said it’s not even THAT serious. Whether hair typing exists or not you have to be blind not to be able to tell the variants in hair textures thus the hierarchy would exist with or without the system point, blank, period. The whole getting mad because someone retypes someone’s hair is also ridiculous, people make mistakes all the time with the hair typing system no matter who they are. The labeling of the article as 3C makes no difference, you have to be hair type obsessed because I for one did not even look… Read more »
Hi Tamika,
I just had to stop in and let you know that your hairstyles are brilliant! You’re styling skills are incredible. I definitely want to try some of these out when I get the chance.
As soon as I saw this woman describe her hair as 3c, I went straight to the comments! LOL. I don’t care about hair typing, I actually like it because it gives me and idea or point of reference of what would work on my hair when I see someone with the same hair type. But this woman is clearly NOT 3c. She either meant to say 4c or is lying to herself because she doesn’t want to accept that fact that her hair is in the 4 category. That is her problem, not mine by simply correcting her based… Read more »
Lol Same thing I did. If your going to hair type be honest her hair is not 3c.
Yep.… She has a very tight curl pattern.… that is not 3c hair.
I did the same thing–I went straight to the comments because I was thinking the same thing. It’s distracting because it’s so obvious. However, her hair is beautiful and she has done a great job of switching up her styles, something I have an issue with actually having 3c hair. I actually believe 4‑b-c hair might be easier to style than mine. Some of my friends who have 4‑b-c hair seem to have an easier time of combing through their hair than I do :-/. Anyhow keep up the great styling ideas ladies!
ROFLMAO !! here I am doing the same thing ! She is NOT what you usually see when describing 3c hair.Her hair looks a lot like mine which is mostly 4a plus some kinkier b on the sides that still forms little curls with KinkyCurly & when it’s washed & properly moisturized.I call “4 MINE” because it can look like any type 4 depending on what I put in it & its condition.I think that’s true of a lot of type4s,plus everyone’s hair is different. There’s a girl at my gym who’s got what I usually see labeled 3c: super… Read more »
I am in so love with your hair (size and style). I wish you were on here a year ago. I have a cousin that lived in Houston and she was forced into going natural for medical reasons. She’s back home in Atlanta now but I bet she would have had a much better start if she came to you. Thanks for the inspiration!! I watched your 4 styles in 5 vid and I’m buying that stretchy comb tomorrow!
I’m glad persons said something because i got confused.. her hair looks exactly like mine (my hair color is close to hers rite now as well) and i am type 4 as far as i knew.…but then she was like 3c… lol
So thanks to all of you who corrected it!
I’d like to see some tutorials for Tamika’s styles, for those of us nowhere near the Houston area.
Also, I cannot tell you how many times I have said, “I wish i could pay a stylist to teach me how to do a few nice styles on my own hair.” Not so that I never need a stylist, but so that I am not so hair challenged on an everyday basis. The hair bootcamp idea is revolutionary, and I wish it were a nationwide movement!
What I want to know is how does she avoid any heat damage if she is blow drying once a week???? Wish my hair could withstand the heat!!!!
y’all need to learn the difference b/w texture and hair type before you get you panties all wadded up about folks’ hair.
coarse hair will look that way regardless of curl pattern. take a look at a few asian women’s hair up close and person sometime. their hair is naturally straight, but VERY coarse. conversely, super kinky hair can look super silky when straightened.
it’s mind blowing how ignorant folks can be despite spending so much time on a site devoted to info about hair.
Thanks so much for sharing this interview and pictures! I loved the creative styles she did and I look forward to trying it on my hair.
Thanks again!
Beautiful hair.….gorgeous styles!
I love her hair — so thick, vibrant and bouncy! The fact that her hair is so healthy-looking even with the use of color is pretty cool. And the versatility of her styles is beautiful — I need to get myself some styling skills! I’ve been to her salon before — it was a great experience, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone in the Houston area. The stylist Shamika gave me the best set of twists my head of hair has ever seen, and they only got prettier with time!
Tamika is an asset to the natural hair community. She is very informative and she is definitely a natural style icon! If ever I visit Houston, the Natural Resources Salon will be one of my stops!
Can someone tell me how she is able to blow dry her hair every week without damage? I would like to be able to do this…but have experienced heat damage in the past from blow drying too frequently.
Well I actually want to thank you for labeling, not sure what the issue is, because I only found this particilar article by googling 4c natural hair styles, much easier then when i searched natural hair styles. But I’m not in this, I have no idea the drama that is fueled behind the labeling.
sorry i mean 3c.
Is there a natural way to color your hair?
Yes, Gigi. You may use Henna to naturally color your hair. I also color my hair with boxed color as Tamika does. However, I use Revlon products every few months. I have not had any issues with my har health. I wash it 1–2 times a week. Sometimes 3 times. And I condition it each time I wash it. I moisturize with coconut oil every other day because it not only coats my hair shaft but also penetrates teh hair shaft.
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doesnt look 3c looks like a twist out 4a/4b or something… who cares
I love Tamika’s hair styles. From other pictures I’ve seen of her hair, her hair texture looks more like it’s in the type 4 category.
The pictures of the women in this article are stunningly beautiful. I think it is high time that women of African descent embrace their own natural beauty instead of trying to conform to Northern European standards of beauty. I think the men who love them would also agree, as a common complaint of men who date women of color is that they are “not allowed to touch the hair” which has been so overly processed and artificially and expensively constructed that it is off-limits to anyone but their hairdresser.
[…] Tamika […]
[…] Tamika […]
I’ve been natural for about 16yrs, My hair is about 3in long now since I’ve stopped cutting it. My hair is thinner now that I’m older and is curly. What can I use to make my curls bouncy and what is a good moisturizer? Everything I’ve used freezes my soft curls making them feel hard. Pls help!
So, I have been natural my ENTIRE life and yes, it has not been easy. I’m naturally a 4a/3c curl type but it’s not mixed in. I literally have 2–2.5 textures in different places in my head. This makes products KEY to achieving any style. I’m so grateful for the new infusion of natural hair/curly hair product lines, websites and youtube divas dedicated to sharing their hair prowess! This is a totally new time then the mid-90s when I was rocking wash n go ponytails and twists (a la da Brat)! That said, Tamika is NOT 3c. Not a’tall. Maybe she… Read more »
I tend to agree with everything you said. pretty hair and color
You r so rite!!!! tamika hair is definitely NOT 3C!!!!! N yes! It’s all about finding out what’s rite for you. It’s ur hair, play with it, experiment. 3c hair needs lots of moisture n NO heat! Het thins out our hair! Stick to natural oils n sulfate free chemicals. another little bit of advice is drink lots of water! It really help hair growth! That’s a fact!
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Oops, I meant my hair got coarser, finer and more prone to breakage (just frizzy/fuzzy feeling) after a few months of having it bleached. I found that filling it in with a protein treatment helped, but didn’t solve the breakage problem completely.
Also, I can spell 🙂 My screen name should be “lifetime natural” lol 🙂
Unquestionably imagine that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to take into account of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other folks consider issues that they plainly do not recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as neatly as defined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks|
I recently discovered Apple Cider vinegar sprayed on my hair makes it soft and makes my natural curl more defined. I don’ even need conditioner. Check it out.
Tamika, I enjoy reading about you and your hair. Your hair color is nice. I am fan of twisted out and Bantu Knots.http://www.outerbeautysupply.com/twists-curly-locks-natural/
I’ve seen her before. I love every single one of these styles. I just subscribed to every single thing: FB, IG, YT, lol. I am going to try the light blow drying to get some of these looks.
Some of these styles are so fab…I wish I could do them too
Hey Tamika, i struggle trying to get my hair soft and straight without heat..can you help.