Bianca // Multi-Texture Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
B: Hello everyone! I’m Bianca or Curly Binky and I currently reside in the St. Louis, MO metro-east area, although I’m attending college in Kentucky.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
B: Honestly, I went natural because I was seriously OVER relaxers! My scalp is extremely sensitive and I got large chemical burns, which turned into scabs after every perm. My best friend had already begun her transitioning process, so I figured that I’d give it a try as well. My transitioning period went really smoothly and I never looked back. 🙂 As of May 22, 2012 I’ve been fully natural for two years! I BC’d in 2010, after transitioning for 16 months.

How would you describe your texture?
B: I wouldn’t say that I am fully versed with the hair typing system, but I’ll do my best lol. I have about 3 different textures throughout my head ranging from 3C-4B. My strands are dense. The bottom is a blend between fine and coarse with looser curls. The crown of my head is the most coarse and cotton-like. The sides resemble small coils.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
B: As far as styling goes, you’ll typically catch me in a twist out on any given day of the week. If I’m being lazy, I’ll probably let my hair stay in the twists for a few days underneath a beanie lined with a satin bonnet before releasing them.

My hair thrives on water and moisture, so I only shampoo once a month with a sulfate-free shampoo. Recently it’s been Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo. For the remaining weeks I co-wash with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner and detangle with a large wide toothed comb.

What does wash day look like for you?
B: I dread wash day lol! If I have a free schedule it’s great, but with a hectic school life it can be troubling because everything typically takes a grand total of 3 hours. :-/ If shampooing, I’m using the Shea Moisture Shampoo, or if co-washing the Herbal Essences Conditioner.

After my hair is detangled I rotate between Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner and Garnier Fructis 3 Minute Undo with about 1 tbsp of honey for a deep treatment. If I feel like treating myself I’ll add an egg for protein, or create a blended avocado mask for moisture. After letting that sit for an hour, I detangle again then place it into about 8 medium sized twists using a homemade whipped shea butter cream. I then seal with an oil mix of olive, coconut, tea tree, and rosemary oils.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
B: The puff is everything! When my twist outs get old and lose definition, I spray my edges with water, smooth my hair with Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, wrap on a scarf to set…and voilá! I rock that for at least 2–3 more days.

How do you combat shrinkage?
B: The majority of my hair is pretty coily so skrinkage could set in pretty fast if I tried something like a wash n’ go. The twist outs help to stretch the hair a lot, and after a few days I’ll retwist my hair at night with the shea butter and oil mix to prevent any shrinkage that has begun.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
B: I have to be really careful when detangling my hair because it’s just SO thick! While washing, I let the conditioner sink in for at least 5–8 minutes before trying to separate and comb through. I’ve found that handling my hair with care has greatly added to my retention. It’s super cliché, but when dealing with natural hair, patience really is key lol.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
B: Water and shea butter! If those were the only “products” I had to style my hair for the rest of my life, I’d be perfectly fine.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
B: Overly drying shampoos and light moisturizers. Even some shampoos fellow naturals rave about have been ridiculously drying on my hair! It took me a while to find a shampoo that was both cleansing and moisturizing, so don’t give up. Also, I’ve found that my hair loves heavy butters to weigh it down so light lotions don’t do much for this mane!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
B: Instagram — Curly_Binky
Twitter — Curly_Binky
Tumblr — Labellabee.tumblr.com : )