Shiborne // 3C/4A Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

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Introduce yourself!
S: I’m Shiborne from Harlem World, NYC!!

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I went to visit my best friend down in Florida one Summer and she had gone natural about 2 years prior; I fell in love with her curls and attempted to go natural twice before actually committing to it. I’ve been natural for a little over 4 years now.

How would you describe your texture?
S: I have a mixture – 3c in the front and 4a in the back. I have a lot of strands of hair, but they are very fine and fragile.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: My curly fro is my favorite. I don’t have to worry about the weather and it always looks decent! I’ll separate my hair into 4 or 6 sections at night and loosely twist each section, pin them down and wrap them in a scarf, and take them out in the morning for some length. I also like to wear a high wild and curly ponytail, two strand twists, and I’ll get extensions during the winter.

About twice a year I go to the salon and get it clipped and straightened (it has to be during cool weather). One drop of sweat or a drip from someone’s AC and poof…back to a fro I go.

What does wash day look like for you?
S: I wash my hair once a week using Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus or Peppermint Castile soap (I use this for my face and body as well). I detangle using Pantene Pro‑V “Curly” Conditioner by separating my hair into 4 sections, adding a lot of conditioner and finger combing each section. Then I use a wide tooth comb afterwards for good measure. I rinse with cold water and put in a leave-in conditioner (Kinky Curly Knot Today). I then add oil (natural, no brands) Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, Castor, Almond, and Avocado. Sometimes I’ll mix them all together, or maybe 2 or 3, or maybe even just use one. It depends on how I feel. Then I’ll either twist my hair in sections to let it air dry or put it in a low ponytail to air dry. *I do not use towels to dry my hair, only T‑shirts.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: High curly ponytail or a bun. I try not to do this too often to prevent breakage!

How do you combat shrinkage?
S: With twisting my hair into 4 sections and pinning them, it gives me a little stretch without messing up my curls.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: The front section of my hair seems to be the driest and does its own thing as far as curl pattern is concerned. I just pay a little more attention to this part and make sure it’s always moisturized.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: Moisture and moisture! I go through my hair carefully and by sections, just so that I won’t miss anything. I lightly grease my hair almost every night and I NEVER go to bed with out wrapping my hair in a scarf or satin bonnet.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: Going too long without a wash. My hair tends to get heavy and limp when I go too long without a wash. And rushing through detangling is a big NO NO. My strands are thin and my curls are tight, so I take my time when I’m detangling to get less breakage.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: No blogs just yet, but I am on FB and Instagram @Shiborne7.