*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!
I see you my spelman sister!Love it!
Heeeey Spelman sisters! Love ya’ll.
Love it
yay for Spelman <3
She said i cant wash n go nowhere. Amen sister!
I heard that Ladyray, her hair is just like mine, I can’t wash and go either, I always envy others that can, but I definitely can’t. I really enjoyed this article because her hair texture sounds just like mine, mostly 4b, 4c, with maybe a little 3c in a few places, and my crown and ends are always the weak spots and tend to stay dry alot too. Really encouraging to see someone with my hair type that has such great hair.
lol yep can’t do it.
I transition for length also and it took 18 months for my natural hair to meet my relaxed,which was 3/1/13…the best hair decision I ever made!
Absolutely beautiful!!
love the first bun…how did you do it?
She’s adorable!!!!
It’s great to see one of my Spelman Sisters up here. I always thought her hair was beautiful when I saw her on campus.
Hi Spelman sister! Your hair is gorgeous!
Yes!! I am excited! Finally, someone with the same exact texture as myself 🙂
I love the styles that you use on your hair and the advice was on point.
My God I cringed at the thought of those chemicals going into a 2 yr old baby’s head 🙁 Gorgeous hair tho. And that bun!!
Wow! I think I’ve finally met my hair twin. Mine’s isn’t as long yet (1.3 yrs. natural with a 2 mo transition period), but everything else is the same. I’m still trying to find a regime that works for me, so I’m going to have try out this one. Thanks for sharing!
Your hair is beautiful 🙂
Loving her hair, reminds me of mine, but hers is longer. I look forward to trying some of her styles.
She has my name! No wonder she’s so beautiful lol!
When you said college brings me to Atlanta I was like “DEFINITELY my Spelman sister!” This post is an inspiration – I’m transitioning and your hair is so gorgeous, it makes me want to persist towards my goal! I also love the creativity of your styles. Our hair is so versatile.
What a gorgeous girl, and her hair looks like mine! I have to say it…HAIR TWIN! ;0)
You are very lovely, love your style. The hair is beautiful.
Oh yay! Happy to see this up. Thanks BGLH!
Thank you ladies for all the positive comments, ya’ll are too sweet. Shout out to my 20 textures on one head girls.
I enjoyed this interview , beautiful hair n a simple routine that works.
I agreed n smiled at the following statements:
“something that seems indescribable in the front bang area.”
“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.”
My word, you are just too beautiful, and so is your hair. Love those twist-outs!
Golly, your hair is just plain gorgeous, and all it’s styles to boot! Love, love, love it!
Very pretty hair!
wow love her hair!
Hair is so pretty.. my hairspiration!! love the high buns too
OMG YOUR HAIR IS SO GORGEY WHAT EVEN
Hi my name is Latrice. I would love to be a part of BGLH. Please let me know how I can.
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Thank you so much for this! I adore your hair and your hair-care tips are awesome! I’ve just made the decision to be natural, and have been for several months, so I’m greatful for any info on up-keep. Thanks again & God Bless! 🙂
OMG!!!!!!!! we have the same hair texture i love it and how beautiful it presents to be theres something about being natural and proud i have been natural since 2010 (winging it) and im not tryna go back to straight hair i really have no desire to keep it up at such a young age
She is so pretty and I am LOVING her accessories 🙂
Gorgeous hair and a beautiful smile!
Hey, I know her from class; Spelman ’15. And her hair is even prettier in person.
[…] Style Icon Kyla […]
Hey cousin!!!