Michelle // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
M: Hi!! My name is Michelle and I am from the South Suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I was tired of my hair breaking off, looking brittle, and feeling dry. I had contemplated going natural and I decided to get my hair done for my birthday in September 2009. I consulted with a natural hair stylist on what my options were if I no longer wanted to relax my hair. (I honestly thought a relaxer was the only option after having one since I was 10). After that session with her I said, “The heck with a relaxer” and decided from that day on that I didn’t need to relax my hair anymore! I long term transitioned. I transitioned for 24 months. July 2009 was the last time I got a relaxer in my hair. During my transition I got what I call “mini chops” until August 2011 which is when I cut the final remainder of the relaxed ends.

How would you describe your texture?
M: I don’t really do the hair typing thing! My hair is just really thick!! The left side of my hair is different from the right. LOL! The right tends to be more tightly curled and the left loose and wavy.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: It depends on how I’m feeling. I like to wear two strand twists, twist and curls, braid and curls, and high buns. I use Qhemet Biologics Atheiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter to style my twists (this is my staple). Let me tell you, I love an old twist out!!! I love to separate my hair as much as possible to achieve big hair. I also love doing braid and curls with flexi rods on the ends. This style really gives me BIG HAIR as well, which I LOVE!
I also go to my hair stylist 3 to 4 times a year if I want a style that I cannot do, or to have my hair trimmed and straightened.

What does wash day look like for you?
M: Wash day is pretty simple for me. I pre-poo my hair the night before with coconut oil. I wash my hair in the shower in four sections and finger detangle. I co-wash my hair once a week with As I am Coconut Co-wash, and I also use Tresemme Naturals as well. I rinse with cool water and apply Giovanni Direct Leave in for my leave in conditioner and then style my hair. I wash my hair with a sulfate free shampoo once a month. I use Cream of Nature with Argan oil. I deep condition twice a month with my newly found holy grail Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner with Vitamin E Organi-Gro (wish I could find a big bottle – I only can find the sample packets).

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
M: My favorite go-to hairstyle when I don’t have a lot of time is the high bun. I love this hairstyle; it’s so simple and only takes 5 minutes or less!!!!

How do you combat shrinkage?
M: I embrace shrinkage. No love lost here lol! I do like braid outs though. It stretches my hair more. It is what it is…It’s going to happen LOL!

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: The right side and the left side of my hair are nothing alike. The right side will curl very tightly at the ends and the left is wavier.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: The two do’s are make sure to always moisturize my hair, and always sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf at night.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: My two don’ts are rushing with detangling my hair, and drying with a towel (No towels here! LOL!)

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: Blog: www.happilyevernatural.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/HappilyEverNatural
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MissNaturalista86?feature=mhee
Instagram: @Naturalista86