*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
N: Hi there, my name is Nicole and I live in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
N: Hair is a really big deal in Atlanta, and when I would get sew-ins or relaxers with my hair laying all nice…I would never be fully satisfied. It really just didn’t fit ME. My last year of school I decided to cut my relaxer off, and I have to say at first it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. There were days when I cried. Days when I cursed under my breath at the fact that I had to get ready for school in 20 minutes with my hair looking like mushed taco meat, and days when I just didn’t feel beautiful.
Now with it being a little over a year I have to say this was the best decision I have ever made. Everyone says it fits me so well. I feel good about myself, inspire others, and get a LOT of attention (sometimes attention that isn’t needed :/). And I get more compliments than the girl with the long Remi sitting next to me. I’ve been natural for a year and two months now! I’ve really learned to love what I was born with.
How would you describe your texture?
N: Um I’m a 4a, which took some getting used to. I had to realize that my tight curls were just as beautiful as a 3b. Since day 1 my hair does what it wants, frizzes up, shrinks, the whole nine. But I am able to manage it more as time goes on. It’s extremely thick.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
N: When I had my TWA I used a lot of Miss Jessie’s products — wetting it in the shower and adding some Curly Pudding and coconut oil before I walked out of the door. I really liked the whole curly look. As it got a little longer I would do a lot of wet twist outs using Jane Carter products along with Mixed Chicks. I usually twisted with regular conditioner (yes I know some people don’t agree with this). Then I went through the whole I want it big and long phase where I would wash it with As I Am products, blow dry it, do big dry twists, and let it go wild for days. I got tired of blow drying it…fast. And now I vary doing all of the above depending on how I feel.
What does wash day look like for you?
N: My wash day starts out with me bracing myself because it takes a while lol. I wash my hair in the shower using As I Am poo then using various conditioners like (Jane Carter, Giovanni, Shea Moisture, or just whatever is the closest!) I then get under my Huetiful Hair Steamer with Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery. I wash that out then finish off with Mixed Chicks Leave in Conditioner and coconut oil, then style!
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
N: My favorite go to style is my good ol’ pin up. I part the back down the middle and roll both sides up, pin up my sides and wet or pick out the top. I actually get the most compliments with this.
How do you combat shrinkage?
N: If I know it’s going to be a rainy week I deal with shrinkage by blow drying my hair and keeping argan, olive, or coconut oil on it. This really helps stretch my hair and keep it at a good length for as long as possible.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
N: I got a little bored when I was first growing my hair out and decided to get a little color added. Now that my original color is really getting some length on it the added color wants to break off. I just deal with this by keep my hair moisturized.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
N: Oil and water are our friendddd, put a bonnet on that head at night and moisturize from root all the way down to tip.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
N: Stay away from cheap gels, we don’t have that type of hair lol. Try not to keep so much tension on it by using stretchy headbands 5 times out of the week and don’t go a day without using some type of moisturizer
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
N: Follow me on Instagram if you’d like: CleopatraTheFox.
Beautiful girl! Love the hairstyles as well ! 😀
Love her hairstyles! Very cute.
I love how confident she is about her hair!
I wish I was like that at her length.
That’s a little over a year’s growth?! That is A LOT of hair for aprox. one year. Beautiful hair…the curls reminds me of my hair. I also get frustrated. usually I just leave it in a curly fro…twists out just make me look crazy and homeless (maybe because it’s only about 5 inches long), and i’m not the type of girl that does bows, flowers, and scarves in my hair. If I want to go fancy I pin up the sides and do a frohawk and I’m good to go. I was thinking about adding a bit of colorful highlights,… Read more »
I don’t think she included transitioning.
@mel “crazy and homeless,” is now my new way to describe hair.
Nicole, I love the style in your main photo which shows up in several others. It’s so old Hollywood glamour.
Thanks for sharing you story along with your beautiful pictures of your hair. Your hair grows fast and looks to be healthy. I have another hair crush to add to my collection
🙂 I will check you out on Instagram ms lady.
Fabulous hair and styles chica! I love the pic of your side shaved, tres-chic!!! And I SO feel you on the getting complimented more with natural styles versus other styles! Definitely been there. 🙂
Yayyyyy.… ATL!!!! Love the hair!!!!! It’s looks really healthy and the curls are darling! Thanks for sharing!
Xox
Lynn
Aww i went to high school with her.… Gorg!