Kyla // Multi-Texture Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
K: My name is Kyla. I’m from Houston, Texas but college has brought me to Atlanta, Georgia.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
K: The short answer is I thought natural hair was beautiful, but unattainable and I was curious. I had gotten my first relaxer before I could even spell the word. I was only two years old. I wanted to know what my natural hair was, how it looked, how it felt, I was missing a part of me that I desperately wanted to meet. I thought about “going natural” forever it seemed. Fortunately while I thought about it, my hair was growing. Before I knew it I was “transitioning” without noticing. I wanted to be comfortable with my length so I grew my relaxer out until my unprocessed hair was the same length as my hair was with a relaxer. I figured this way I wouldn’t miss the length. I was amazed that it took less than a year to get there. I wish I could say it took “1 year, 3 months, 5 days, and 8 hours”, I wanted to be one of those girls. However when I transitioned I found it easier to sort of forget about my hair. In 2011, either before or after my birthday in September I cut the limp, lifeless relaxed hair that hung from my emerging kinks. Effectively, I’ve been natural for 1 Year and 5 months.

How would you describe your texture?
K: My hair is extremely dense, which is a blessing or a curse depending on what day of the week you ask me. My hair texture varies which worried me at first, but I’ve learned to embrace it. Most of it is 4b, 4c near my temples. I have a section of looser 3c curls in the crown and something that seems indescribable in the front bang area.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
K: Unless I have the urge to do something spectacular to my hair or have a super stressful month, my styling regimen is pretty consistent these days. I start with a wet set (twist out, flat twist out or twist & curl), then when that gets old and tangled I detangle and do a dry/damp set on my stretched hair. Eventually my hair ends up in a bun until wash day. I am a complete product junkie so I usually twist with whatever styling product I’m obsessed with at the moment. I’m a fan of thick, moisturizing crèmes. I seal my ends with castor oil.

What does wash day look like for you?
K: I deep condition before I wash with either Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol or Elasta QP DPR-11. Whichever I’m using I’ll mix in honey, extra virgin olive oil, and castor oil. I section my hair, spray with water, coat with conditioner, detangle and twist in medium sections. If I’m not deep conditioning I pre-poo and detangle with VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream Conditioner and twist. With my hair still in twists I rinse and wash with Elasta QP Crème Conditioning Shampoo; applying the product to my scalp only and allowing the shampoo to rinse down the length of my hair. I condition with Aussie Moist, rinse and wrap my wet twist in an old t‑shirt or my Turbie Twist (when I can find it) and style.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
K: My favorite go to styles are a high bun and a sleek low pony/puff.

How do you combat shrinkage?
K: I combat shrinkage with twists and banding.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
K: My crown and my ends. While my hair is thick, my strands are finer and looser in the crown. I also experience breakage there that I am slowly but surly nursing back to health. I also have serious fairy knots all over that I have just decided come with the territory.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
K: Moisturizing and sealing regularly is a must. Even if it’s just a spritz of water and oil. Whether creamy, light, homemade or store bought leave-ins are mandatory. I have the type of hair that can look and feel dry even after moisturizing, so it’s imperative that I trust that my hair is moisturized even if it doesn’t feel supple. Ultimately, I can’t do naked hair.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
K: Shingling or raking product through my hair. Honey, I cannot wash and go NO where. Tried it and she (my hair) wasn’t having it. It’s a recipe for itchy, knotted, never drying hair, however if I manage to master it I’ll let y’all know.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: Not yet, but it’s coming soon. ‘Til then follow me on Instagram @lov3Ky. I’d love to see you!