*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: Hello! I’m Allie (“known” on YouTube as AllieNicole and Instagram as @allisahnnn) from Oakland, California. I’ve been in DC for the last eight years so I claim the “urea” too 🙂
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I have been natural for 12 years! My big chop was in 8th grade after a terrible sequence of relaxer-breakage-jherri curl. Yes, I had a jherri curl (or Wave Nouveau as it was called) in 1999. I don’t know if I ever forgave my Mom for letting me do that LOL. I was featured on BGLH awhile back and went into detail about my other questionable hair styling techniques. I would say that I never really “went natural” – I just made questionable hair styling decisions for a few years and went back to the hair my mom braided for most of my childhood. I grew into myself and rekindled a love affair with my hair!
How would you describe your texture?
A: Even after 12 years of being natural, I am not sure if I know the answer to this question! My hair has a loose “S” curl pattern in the front (somewhere between 3c/4a), tighter ringlets in the back, and 4a/4b less defined “S’ curls in the crown area. My hair is extremely dense and most of the strands are thick. I’ve colored it a few times and it took about 2.5 years to grow the colored sections out (to my current BSL length).
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I clarify once a month, put my hair in twists for a week, rock a twistout for a week, and co-wash if needed after two weeks. I like to curl or bantu knot my twists to add a little variety and I have started experimenting with updos as well! I am a semi-reformed product junkie – my current staples include Aubrey Organics GPB, Shea Moisture Purification Mask, Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisturizing Conditioner, Oyin Handmade Frank Juice Leave-in, and Mahogany Queen’s Mango Shea Butter. Shea Radiance and Jane Carter products are starting to grow on me as well!
What does wash day look like for you?
A: Clarifying Day:
(1) Massage scalp with 50:50 Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar/Water mix
(2) Apply Shea Moisture Purification Mask through four sections to remove product buildup. Rinse.
(3) Apply Aubrey GPB Conditioner/Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner. Rinse.
(4)Squeeze dry with t‑shirt.
(5)Apply Oyin Frank Juice and styling product (Mango Butter, Curl Cream, etc.) before twisting.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
A: I like to create a side part and pin down a large twist or braid in the front of my hair for a quick dramatic hair centerpiece.
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: I don’t – I learn to work with it! Twist outs and braid outs are great ways to elongate and “soft set” curls.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: When I get overly stressed out, my right temple starts to thin (left always stays strong – don’t know why lol). When I notice it I remind myself to calm down and focus on what’s really important to eliminate the unnecessary stress. Once I maintain that balance (and tend to the area with a little TLC) it generally grows back within a few months. Tis life!
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Use Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner as often as the wallet will allow! Gently finger detangle with coconut oil before co-washing!
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Don’t spend 12 hours youtubing hairstyles – try some! You will have epic wins and fails 🙂 Don’t go longer than 12 weeks without MINOR trims since separating twists can be rough on the ends
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: Sure! I am pretty active on Instagram (@allisahnnn) and I am filming new videos for release on my YouTube channel (youtube.com/allienicole). Stay tuned!
Thanks so much for the love BGLH!
I have an opportunity to be featured in Natural Woman Magazine’s inaugural issue if I win the “Natural You” Model Search — but I need as many votes as possible!
If you have a moment, please cast a vote for me here:
http://naturalwomanmag.strutta.com/entry/1197924?=t3lrfw
Love&Nappiness 😀
Social Media
IG: @allisahnnn
Twitter: @allisahnnn
your hair is so pretty.
Thank you Kisha 🙂
Whoa.
And I mean that as a compliment.
I understand your position with hair typing, I used to try to type mine but I just say it’s type 4 and be done with it…let someone else figure out the letters.
I agree! Density and porosity are more important classifications I think. But I leave those decisions up to the natural professionals.
Absolutely stunning woman and equally stunning hair.
Beautiful hair! I am a long time subby! Hair so thick and looks so soft.
You have beautiful hair 😀
Hehe glad I was not the only one who was rocking a geri curl 20 years after it was in fashion 0_o
Beautiful hair with a lovely texture
I could describe my hair the same! I also have thick strands mixed in with some random fine ones. Great hair from one former Bay Area now DMV person to another!
OMG, and I mean it. Your hair is insane, and I’m really taken aback right now. Just plain gorgeous.
Great hair! I think we have similar textures and I was wondering how you did the style with the front braided and the back down? It looks like maybe a braid out, but I also see your curl pattern I think…Anyway it’s really cute and I would like to try it, so please let me know! And again great hair! ^_^
Hi BarBQ — actually the back is my natural texture, I just sectioned the front half of my hair off to practice my cornrowing skills :). There are 4 big cornrows in the front. Thanks for your comment!
wow! that’s nice!
God really didn’t make a mistake with our hair,its gorgeous. It brings out our beautiful even more. Thank God I’m black!!!
Meant to say it brings out our *beauty* even more hahaha
What a gorgeous lady! Congratulations 🙂
I think we’re hair twins as they say. Can’t make until i reach your length. Beautiful hair!
Gorgeous hair and face
Just followed Allie a couple of weeks ago on IG! Her hair is GORG!!! Just amazing!!
Shelli
I loveeeeeeee your hair. You should check out my youtube its naturallyslim23 thanks boo
I love her hair. That first pic with the glasses she looks like a model! Beautiful! Loved the tips about clarifying too.
Thank you Mika! 🙂
My hair is also natural about 2–2.5 inches short i think i look best in a somewhat short style i’m 60yrs not looking like it though so ive been trying to style with twists i see a lot of girls with the style i like but just can’t seem to figure it out i want a style that i can go atleast two wks without it looking horrible any suggestions please help me my hair isn’t curly but coarse but not a matted coarse anyone can email me and i will be writing hair products ive seen on this page… Read more »
STUNNING!
This is amazing hair! Awesome tips! Thank you!
Absoutley Beautiful!!!!!
Wow she is so pretty and her hair is gorg!
Love photo 445. Wonder what she did on that one?
Hey, Allie. I’m from the DMV area as well (a lot of ppl may not get the “urea” reference, haha; FYI all, it’s like ‘err-ea’… regional accent;). I love your hair and you are too cute!
I used to LOVE this girls blog and fotki. Beautiful hair.
[…] 9. Allie in DC […]
I loooove her hair! How did I miss her this year??
Tocuwdohn! That’s a really cool way of putting it!