Elle // Multi-Texture Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
E: Hello natural hair beauties! My name is Danielle (known to the blogger world as Elle) and I’m from Philly!

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
E: I was inspired to go natural by a close friend of mine. She has a similar hair type as mine and was talking about how she ditched the “creamy crack” and was able to achieve straight hair without the use of a perm. I thought to myself: “yeah right”. But I became more and more intrigued until one day I asked her to put my last and final perm in my hair and I haven’t turned back since then.

Technically I have been natural for seven years. Since I was heat training my hair for most of those years, I did not start to consider myself as a “natural” hair girl until about two or three years ago.

How would you describe your texture?
E: I am not one for hair typing, but IF I had to describe my texture I would say it ranges from 3b to 4a. I have looser hair strands on the top of my head and my hair is a bit more tightly coiled in the back of my head. My hair does its own “thang”. I have learned to love my hair and find out what products help me achieve the styles I want.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
E: My styling regimen over the course of the month has been primarily wash n’ gos. I feel like I have reached a milestone in my natural hair life because I have ALWAYS wanted to wear wash n’ gos. Thanks to the YouTube Natural Hair Goddesses I have finally found a wash n’ go regimen that works for me! I use a variation of the Curly Girl method. My products that I use for my wash n’ gos are Tresemme Naturals, my Shea Butter concoction, and Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel. This helps me to achieve wash n’ gos that last for at least four days.

What does wash day look like for you?
E: I co-wash my hair twice a week. When co-washing my hair I use Suave Coconut Conditioner or really any cheap conditioner that I can get my hands on. Once a week I deep condition my hair. Currently I am using Joico K‑Pak and following up with my new LOVE: Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner. I really love the way the Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner makes my hair feel.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
E: My go-to hairstyle is a high or low bun. When I do a high bun I do it with dry hair. I lightly dampen my hair with a spray bottle and gather it up to the top of my head. I usually do the roll and pin method for my high buns. For my low buns I co-wash my hair and slick it into a ponytail. I then make it into a bun using an additional elastic band to secure it.

How do you combat shrinkage?
E: Shrinkage is my worst enemy because of the various hair textures on my head. I learned that my Eco Styler Gel actually helps me to combat shrinkage. Sometimes if I have more time I use duck bill clips to elongate my hair in my shrinkage areas.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
E: My problem area is the back of my head (near the nape of my neck.) For some reason I experience a lot of tangling in that area. I make sure that I keep that area of my head moisturized and I’m very careful in detangling that area. It’s funny because the top of my hair grows with no problem.)

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
E: My two do’s are: Moisturize and Seal. I would more than likely have a rat’s nest on top of my head if I didn’t do this at least twice a week.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
E: My two don’ts for my texture are straightening excessively and too much manipulation. I experienced this when I ditched the perms. I used to flat iron my hair at least twice a week and I dealt with tons of breakage. Never abusing heat like that ever again!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
E: Check out my natural hair blog: http://www.ellegantelle.com. Thanks so much to BGLH for this wonderful opportunity!