*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Shantae and I am from Venice, Illinois but I currently reside on the East Coast.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I went natural after a bad experience with relaxer and bleach. I had always dyed my hair really light colors (sandy brown, golden, reds, red/orange), but this time I outdid myself with the bleach by mistake. It left my hair very dry so I decided to forego all chemicals. I have been natural for almost 4.5 years now!
How would you describe your texture?
S: I would describe my hair as in between 3c and 4a. My front is much more manageable than my back. My strands are coarse and my hair is very dense. I have trouble with plenty of SSKโs and detangling is one heck of a chore!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: This is what I do every 2โ3 weeks. Prepoo with Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner and almond oil (let that sit for about 30 minutes) and cowash with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. 99% of the time I wash my hair I always follow with deep conditioning for at least an hour. I do this by combining (here we go lol) Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner, Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner, almond oil, coconut oil, and Giovanniโs Smooth As Silk Conditioner. I cover it all with a plastic processing cap and sit under a hooded dryer (with conditioner, oil, and cap) for 30 minutes. I then let it cool for 30 minutes. Then rinse. I style my hair by doing 8โ9 flat braids or twists (which will turn into an updo or bun), medium sized loose twists, or flexi rods. I moisturize/style with Shea Moisture products, Cantu Leave-In and use coconut oil and castor oil to seal.
When I plan to wear my hair straight, the regimen is different with much less product. My straight hair gets REALLY straight and is easily weighed down by product. I wash with Aubrey Organics White Camellia Shampoo. I deep condition (still for an hour) with Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner, Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner, and Aussie Moist Conditioner. I rinse, then apply John Frieda Frizz Ease, just a dime-quarter size, blow dry in sections, and flat iron.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you donโt have a lot of time to style.
S: My favorite go to style without question is the high bun! So easy, fast, and cute. Wearing my hair in twists is always good too because then I can just pull them back with bobby pins and they last 3โ4 weeks!
How do you combat shrinkage?
S: I have yet to find a product that decreases shrinkage and I have a lot of it! I have tried banding, but with banding my hair takes like 2 days to dry! So I prefer flat twisting or braiding to decrease shrinkage.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: My problem area is my crown. It is so dense there! I have to have major patience while detangling and I use a wide toothed shower comb.
What are 2 doโs for your texture?
S: 2 Doโs: Use coconut oil and give my hair a rest by doing sew-in weaves.
What are 2 donโts for your texture?
S: 2 Donโts: Too much manipulation (I shed) and skipping trims.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: I have no blog, but my Instagram is Tae_Michelle_. Thanks dolls!
My word! She is gorgeous with great hair
My very first case of hair envy!!! This is the closest thing to perfect Iโve ever seen. And trust me, everyone ever featured on this site has gorgeous hair and I love them all but yours somehow just resonates with me! Love the colour too. Real inspiration!
Your and your hair are beautifulโฆ
Your hair looks so shiny and moisturized! Do you mix the coconut oil and castor oil together to seal or do you use them separately? Thanks
I can see why she loves her buns! Yes to trims though. I had got into the mindset that trimming was a defeat because I have fine hair that struggles with retention so every time I have to trim, I go from hair to my chin back up to my top lip. I decided that I should dust and trim when necessary rather than hold on to ragged ends for the sake of keeping my admittedly first small bun. It is frustrating to look at BGLH and see all these women with these easy, lovely buns the size of small… Read more »
Very beautiful hair, straight or curly
Wow! Girl, you and your hair are amazing!
She is adorable!!!
Lovely!
Iโm shocked there are only 9 commentsยป>
Maybe itโs b/c sheโs a looser texture. Anyway, I think youโre ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Regardless of your hair not looking anything like mine.
LOVING THE HEADWRAP!
It went up on a weekend. Other people with this texture have been featured and received plenty of comments. If anything, tighter textures I.e 4b/c are less featured here and receive a lot of comments when they are. The majority of the hair icons seem to be 4a, 3c or 4a/3c.
Ahhh, makes sense, youโre probably right about the less traffic on weekends.
Beautiful hair!! Love the various styles that she rocks!!
Yes this did go up on the weekend which often does mean less traffic but I do think that if a person has looser curls then they do get less comments, I have mentioned this to a friend before. I guess I understand whyโฆdonโt like it but i get it
Beautiful hair and style.
I have always loved your hair Tae!!! I will definitely be doing your regimen next!!! All the pictures they chose are haute!! I will definitely retweet congrats this is a huge honor to be featured!!!
Whatever you are doing keep it up. Such amazing progress from your early UOFI days.โฆ
I love your various hairstyle. Black women have so many options when it comes to our hair:)
Pretty!!!
Ah-Mayyy-ZING! Will definitely be trying those twisted bun styles, soon! xx
I LOVE the the top photo. I wonder what she uses to make the flexirods come out so great! I definitely need that this weekend.
Ummmmm.โฆabsolutely DIVINE hair and great interview! I loved the french roll/chignon and the flat twist into a bun and the Brigitte Bardot messy chignon โ I loved them all! Going from curly to straight just works on her and I *wish* I could do those streaks without damage. Sheโs just beautiful, should consider modelling if she doesnโt already.โฆ
Also, 2nd Ciaโs comment.
I love the high bun styles! It looks so classic and effortless at the same time.
Keep safe during the Frankenstormโฆmy prayers are with all of you on the east coast
Definitely a style icon. Your hair is beautiful ๐
Gorgeous hair! About how much of each of the products do you use for deep conditioning?
Omg! Peaches! U of I alum! So good to see you on here! Your hair was gorgeous then and now!!!!!
Beautiful hair, but I think youโre more toward the 3b/3c range, from the pics given. Love the shine and how healthy it looks!
OK! You have the freaking best hair ever! I need more pics of styles, so if you donโt mind.โฆ GET A BLOG/VLOG! Youโre cool!
[โฆ] Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / [โฆ]