Karina // 3C/4A Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
K: Karina Lichelle, I’m from N.Y.C.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
K: I went natural because of a really bad relaxer. Yeah, I think I was in denial for awhile, until I realized that I could literally see right through my hair. It was amazing how thin it actually was! It was bad. I’ve always had thick hair and I felt “Your Hair Is Your Crown”, and it should always look great and reflect you. But after that last relaxer, it was shedding and breaking everywhere, I knew I had to do something, I just didn’t know what, just yet. I’ve been natural now since May 30th 2010, which is about 2 and a half years! I really can’t believe it’s going to be 3 years. It went by so fast!

How would you describe your texture?
K: My texture is a mixture of 3c in the front and back and 4a in the middle and on the sides. It’s very fine, but dense at the same time. My hair bounces everywhere when gel or a defining hair product is applied to it. It’s almost like my hair runs away from it lol! I laugh at how it does its own thing sometimes. But all in all I love my natural hair.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
K: I love to try new styles, so I’m always looking for inspiration in different Eras, whether it be the 50’s, 80’s or more of a modern hairstyle. I’m a photographer as well as an artist, so I see life as my paintbrush, creating and imagining new things as the day comes! I love the versatility that natural hair provides, so I create styles that range from an “80’s afro”, to a “50’s pinup”. To create these styles I most often use the As I Am DoubleButter Cream as well as Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter. I love using these products because they are very thick and moisturizing, which I love for this season. It really keeps my hair soft until my wash day! Good Stuff!

What does wash day look like for you?
K: I use Raw African Black Soap (In bulk from a wholesaler) as well as Shea Moisture Shampoos. To condition I use Giovanni (almost always) as well as a Trader Joe’s/WholeFoods Brand.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
K: My all time fave go to hair style is a curly updo, as well as a curly fro. It works best for me whenever a twistout/braidout is at least 4 to 5 days old. I love big hair, so I don’t mind 🙂

How do you combat shrinkage?
K: I braid my hair in small sections. I don’t add too much product if I want to achieve big hair, or If I don’t want my hair to curl up too much. I also comb my hair until it’s almost dry, and use the banding method.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
K: My ends. The ends of my hair tend to get extra dry, so I have to add a little more product in the night so that it will remain as soft as the rest of my hair throughout the week.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
K: Twist outs and Braid outs

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
K: Low Buns, and Wash and Go’s

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: Yes! And Thank You so much for interviewing me! 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/BaronessCountess
https://www.facebook.com/BaronessCountess
Instagram @BaronessCountess