*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: My name is April Hobbs, and I am originally from Augusta, Georgia.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: At the age of 16 in 2005, I decided to get a perm (Mizani). I wanted a perm because I thought my hair could get straighter, thus making it longer. I also believed that it would reduce the amount of time needed to wash and style my hair (not really). AND I wanted to be able to go swimming without my hair frizzing up. At the time, I had highlights in my hair, so my hair did not do well with the perm. It dried my hair out and broke my ends off. I was very disappointed. I gave my hair some time to get used to the perm (approximately 1 year), but it never did. My hair lost its volume and length. So by January 2007 I began growing my perm out! I did not do the “big-chop” because I just wasn’t used to short hair. So, I just let my hair grow and let the permed ends break off on their own. I didn’t even trim my ends during my transition! I would just press my roots and flat iron the rest of my hair. I have been fully natural now for about 2 years. I will never go back to chemicals again…there is so much more I can do with my natural hair.
How would you describe your texture?
A: My hair is very very THICK!!! My hair is dense, and each individual strand is thick. I’m not sure of my actual hair type, but when it is wet with no products, my hair has a very loose wave to it.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: Since May 2012, I have been on a no-heat challenge. My hair stayed in two strand twists throughout the summer. In the fall, I began doing twist-outs on my hair. I don’t wear my twist-outs for more than a week before I put my hair up in a bun, until my next wash day. When styling my hair, I use Cantu Shea Butter, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and WATER! That’s it! I stick with what I know. I also oil my scalp with a mix of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil, Wonder 8 Oil, and Coconut Oil.
What does wash day look like for you?
A: I wash my hair every two weeks. However, if I can hold out for four weeks, I do!
I begin by separating my hair into about 8 sections. I then shampoo each section individually. The shampoos I use are Mane n’ Tail Shampoo, Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo, and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo. All of these shampoos contain sulfates. My hair and scalp need sulfate based shampoos in order to become clean. I do feel as if it strips the hair a little, but this is why I follow up my shampoos with a deep conditioning, which I will explain later.
After shampooing a section, I then apply a generous amount of a cheapie conditioner to my hair. The one I use is called, Lekair Cholesterol Plus Strengthening and Conditioning Cream. I then fully detangle this section under running water. Once it has been detangled, I apply Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner to this section, then I twist this section up and pin it out of the way. I do this to every section until all of my hair is washed, detangled, and has been coated with my deep conditioner. I usually deep condition overnight (especially when I plan on blow drying and/or flat ironing my hair). I place a plastic bag over my head and then place my bonnet on top and go to sleep! The next day, I thoroughly rinse the deep conditioner out of each section. I also quickly run the comb through each section to catch any missed tangles/knots. After this, I style it as I please!
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
A: My favorite go to hairstyle is a bun! I use an old stocking leg to put my hair in a ponytail. I then wrap my hair around it to make the perfect bun using large bobby pins. I apply Eco Styler Gel (Olive Oil) to my edges to complete the style.
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: I don’t! I love shrinkage! It gives me versatility. When I do my twist-outs, they end up stretching themselves out over the course of a few days. This results from me twisting my hair up in large twists before I go to bed, in effort to preserve the style.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: Single strand knots. I have a HUGE problem with them. Sometimes I will spend over 30 minutes searching and cutting out single strand knots in my hair. I have been trying to combat this by washing my hair in sections and keeping my hands out of my hair!
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Moisture, and minimum heat!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: I have a page on www.hairlista.com. You can find me under “April Hobbs”.
Beautiful head of hair!
I love the royal blue blazer too 🙂
Thank you!!
Beautiful girl with luscious hair! Ur pics made me want to scream, made my fingers hurt and my mouth drool hahaha.
hahaha thank youuu!!
Wow, just wow!
Gorgeous hair and those pics with the twists are so pretty.
THANKS!
Gorgeous head of hair!
Thank You!
DO YOU HAVE ANY HEAT DAMAGE FROM USING IT BEFORE?
I have not experienced any heat damage from pressing my hair. Thanks for viewing!!
Sooo thick
Thank you!!
You look like Oprah in the picture with the red jacket and sunglasses!
haha I get that alllll the time!!
wow! i think i have what is called a hair envy right now this is too beautiful!
Thanks!! 🙂
I agree with D.P., you look just like Oprah Winfrey in the picture with the red jacket and sunglasses!
Your hair is so thick that’s great!
Thanks!
I thought I was the only one that still used the Lekair Conditioner. As much as I had the gelatinous feel of that orange cream, my hair seems to love it. Love your style.
I love this stuff. Its def. a staple. Great for detangling.
I mean its.…its just so beautiful!!!!
Thank you!!
WOW!!!!! Her hair is insane! The lushness. The volume. Just… *sigh*
Sidenote: She reminds me of a (very) young Millie Jackson, especially in the feature photo.
I havent heard that one before! haha Thanks for the comment!
I am in awe of your hair, it’s beautiful!
Thank you!!
Truly, truly lush, healthy hair! I looked and instantly smiled. It rocks, girl!
Aww thanks so much!!
“So, I just let my hair grow and let the permed ends break off on their own. I didn’t even trim my ends during my transition!”
Thats me!! Im 16 months post and I refuse to cut my relaxed hair, I have trimmed but no mini or big chop for me!
great! just listen to your hair!
Does anyone know what exactly WOnder 8 oil is?
Its a product I purchase from my local beauty supply store. Its just a mix of different oils. Similar to Africa’s Best Herbal Oil.
AM I the only one who thinks she kinda looks liek Gabby DOuglas?
I’m starting to believe everyone featured on this website is gorgeous lol. and I wanted to know if you often use heat in your regimen because your hair looks less curly and more “tamed” if that makes any sense. Anyway your hair is lovely as are you (:
I know what you mean. Im not sure if heat has anything to do with it, my hair has been this texture since I can remember. But I have used heat on and off, forever, as well. It probably has allowed my hair to be more manageable, while allowing my hair to retain most of its natural curls!
Thanks!
You got some hair there girl! Lol. It’s very thick and luscious. I’m in loooove !
WOW. Simply beautiful. I really like the texture and thickness of your hair.
thank you!!!
Good Lawd, hair porn!! Thanks for sharing=)
Thanks you!!
thank you!!!
Her hair is awesome. Point. Blank. Period
Thanks so much!
YOUR HAIR IS SO THICK AND LUSCIOUS,GORGEOUS!
Just gorgeous! I have another haircrush?????:)
Don’t know where the ? came from, ugh!! sorry 🙁
Beautiful hair and such a cute girl 🙂
OMG I loveeeeee your hair. A beautiful full head of hair.
Thank you for sharing! I’m going through the process of growing out my permed hair now and it’s nice to read about someone who hasn’t chosen the big chop like me!
You are a lovely young lady with lovely hair. You look like you are a lot of fun. Thanks for the information!!
Hairgasm! Hair crush lol…
Did you do the big chop?
I love your hair!!!!!
Your hair so sooo thick! I love it.
Love, love, love her buns!! So cute!
wow, you and your hair is beautiful. I love lush thick hair!
Did you flexirod to get the curly set? or Curlformer?
OMG!! This is exactly what I want my hair to look like. This is very motivating. Thanks for sharing your pics and your story. Have you always had long hair?
Some girls have all the luck! If I did your regimen in my hair my hair would fall out! You are doing an awesome job! Pretty on the inside and out!!!
Wow! I think it was destiny for me to read this article. My hair texture is almost exactly like yours and I live in Augusta, Ga, right now. I’m sixteen right now and you’ve definitely inspired me to keep going natural.
Can you say hair envy?! Drooooooling!
Beautiful hair!! What is the rate of growth every month for your hair? I hate to admit it but, no matter how good the products are for my hair the rate of growth is so painfully slooooooow!!! Also, do you ever have to style for protective purposes i.e. during Winter if its ever cold where you live? My hair is coarse as it can be but was at a great length about 4 years ago,I went for a straightening process for the another time about 2–3 months ago and since then together with the winter weather my hair has broken… Read more »
Nice hair too bad about the face ugly!
Jealous much
LOL!!!!!!
Lucky for her she has a gorgeous face, fabulous style, and beautiful hair. And all you have is an ugly personality. Just know that as you go to bed at night and you have to be fake for people to actually like you. Because obviously if you think like that you’d HAVE to keep it that to yourself around most people and strangers, for you to be accepted AND respected by variety of people in this world. You are quite pathetic indeed.
Smdh @ your pathetic troll ass. You probably thought you were doing something typing that little ignorant ass comment. All that hate will get NO WHERE in life! Go tap dance traffic you moron.
Oh WOOOWWWW :O…You’ve got dream hair HUNTY! WURK IT!! LOL I wish my hair could be that thick :/
I need help with my natural hair, i just don’t know how to style it. I’ve been natural since i was born. it’s tempting to perm it but i just love my hair not to perm it.
And i feel like my hair never grow.
not my hair type but pretty hair
[…] Style Icon April […]
[…] Style Icon April […]
Beautiful hair girllll
haircrush I love her hair .
[…] 4. April in Georgia […]
wow, beautiful hair! the picture of her in a red blazer looks fab! she looks like a celeb
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