Jodie // Multi-Texture Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
J: I’m 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 I’d 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 “unattainable feat” of letting my hair grow from the root without chemical manipulation. People put such an emphasis on wearing their hair natural and in today’s society, it is a big deal. It shouldn’t be though. It’s 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: Gosh…let’s see…I never really got the number/letter texture scale. My hair is a lot of things. It’s coarse, thick, fluffy and full. I like to describe it as “lamb’s wool”-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 I’ve fully come to accept my hair, I just let it do what it wants. I just work with it. That’s the thing with natural hair…I can get away with a lot of styles because my hair is “wild and free and natural” 🙂

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: Wearing my hair natural isn’t a big ordeal for me. I don’t 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. 🙂

I usually wear twist-outs. When that starts looking old, I’ll 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 I’m 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 I’ll try.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t 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 that’s 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 top…because elastic bands can not hold this hair!

How do you combat shrinkage?
J: I don’t. Lol. I don’t have a lot of shrinkage usually, but I also don’t wet my hair in-between washes. It just doesn’t 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. I’ve just accepted that my hair is a tad on the dry side and won’t 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 I’ll 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 do’s 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 don’ts for your texture?
J: Don’t wet it. It’ll shrink right up and get super matted. Don’t 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!