*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
J: Iโm Jodie, originally from beautiful Jamaica, but I currently reside in Brooklyn, NY.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
J: I last permed my hair July 2009 and I started wearing my hair natural in March 2010. So Iโd say I have been natural a little over 2 years now.
Honestly, it was a challenge to myself to see if I could really do this โunattainable featโ of letting my hair grow from the root without chemical manipulation. People put such an emphasis on wearing their hair natural and in todayโs society, it is a big deal. It shouldnโt be though. Itโs going back to (or just wearing) the hair I was born with. Simple. Yet I get so much grief over it.
How would you describe your texture?
J: Goshโฆletโs seeโฆI never really got the number/letter texture scale. My hair is a lot of things. Itโs coarse, thick, fluffy and full. I like to describe it as โlambโs woolโ-strong yet soft. Lol. The curls are looser in the front, more coarse and kinky in the middle and softer/lighter/curlier in the back.
Because Iโve fully come to accept my hair, I just let it do what it wants. I just work with it. Thatโs the thing with natural hairโฆI can get away with a lot of styles because my hair is โwild and free and naturalโ ๐
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: Wearing my hair natural isnโt a big ordeal for me. I donโt have extravagant styling/treatment regimens. I wash about once a week. I comb my hair when I wash it (which is once a week lol). Never comb it dry. I wash with whatever shampoo and conditioner. However I must say I love Cantu Conditioner; it detangles very well.
As for twisting/styling, I almost never use the same thing twice when it comes to products. Meaning, when that product is finished, I buy something new. I literally use whatever is in my bathroom cabinet or buy new things all the time. Jamaican Lime & Mango Locking Cream is very good. I usually use a little olive oil purchased from the beauty supply store because it smells better than olive oil from the kitchen. ๐
I usually wear twist-outs. When that starts looking old, Iโll attempt a high pony. I put chunky flat twists in the front, pin up the back and pin up one side.
What does wash day look like for you?
J: As I said earlier my products vary, but right now Iโm using Suave shampoo and conditioner. And two-strand twisting with Design Essentials Foaming Wrap Lotion for relaxed and natural hair. When those run out, who knows what Iโll try.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you donโt have a lot of time to style.
J: I just usually fluff with my fingers. On a bad hair day (i.e.: on an old twist out thatโs not as fresh), I usually put a knee high sock around my forehead and gradually tighten it around my hair so it creates a puff on topโฆbecause elastic bands can not hold this hair!
How do you combat shrinkage?
J: I donโt. Lol. I donโt have a lot of shrinkage usually, but I also donโt wet my hair in-between washes. It just doesnโt work for me. That will cause my hair to matt into a cotton ball texture. No good.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
J: Like most natural haired girls, my problem area is moisture. Iโve just accepted that my hair is a tad on the dry side and wonโt be as shiny as straight hair. And I refuse to pile on the gunk (products or whatever) to try and make it shiny. Every now and then Iโll throw some olive oil in it. My hair is like a sponge, I feel like it just absorbs the olive oil quickly.
What are 2 doโs for your texture?
J: Do tie it down at night. Do really small portions when you do a twist-out for a long lasting, well-defined fro.
What are 2 donโts for your texture?
J: Donโt wet it. Itโll shrink right up and get super matted. Donโt pile on the products.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: I do share some hairstyles and before/after shots on my Instagram and Twitter. Check it out: BriteEyes92!
Love your story short and to the point, and I love the twisted updo to the side
Ur hair is so beautiful. Less is really more, I love d way u dnt use much n still hv a gorgeous head of hair
I read this blog everyday and finally I stumble upon someone familiar. We used to go to South Shore together and share the same circle of friends. Funny enough, literally all the girls we hung out with back then are natural now (including myself). Itโs awesome. Btw lovely pics. Stay blessed!
Beautiful hair! Something about you reminds me of Meechy Monroe (www.meechymonroe.com); I think you all could pass for sisters! ๐
You took the words out of my mouth! I swore that was Meechy Monroe until I saw the other pics. Pretty hair!
TeamJA! Great Hair and story, I guess as long as hair is moisturised, the exact product doesnโt matter so much.
oan: TeamJA go haad an dun, it tun up inna London yah now!
It buckkk! Love your hair Iโm transitioning n loving it big up every yardie
Big up JA in the house. Lovely feature on a fellow Jamaicanโฆhair is great
I like that more and more ladies are saying that they dont do anything to combat shrinkage. Shrinkage is a part of natural hair. Itโs not horrible as itโs presented to be. Think about it this way: shrinkage could be another style. If you wanna rock a short style without cutting hair, then rock a shrink look. ๐ Iโm learning to embrace naturality in every aspect.
Yes! Exactly! So many different looks with our hair. Love it.
Awwww. Just lovely. Iโve always admired your hair. Jodieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee where have you been. Facebook and the group misses youโฆ
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Love you Jodes! You and Nelly are my hair heroines. Youโre hair is beautiful, I love your simplicity. Iโll try to be more like you and quit the product build-up.
Love you Jodes! You and Nelly are my hair heroines. Your hair is beautiful, I love your simplicity. Iโll try to be more like you and quit the product build-up.
She is pretty and flyy.
Antie Jodie! I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this. Sheโs always so fly! These pictures donโt even tell the half. Great post. Go โhead Jodie. Iโm so proud of you. Chichi.
Jodie! u r SO CUTE!!! lol. like ur simple regimen n hair styles, i shall begin to follow u on instagram!
Likkle more!
Jodie is fierce! Always have been, always will be! I wish I were so bold to go natural and let my hair does what it do. Work Jodes! Love all the pics and styles you wear! Great interview!