Tabitha // 3B/C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Tabitha Lyn Grimaldo and I’m from Dallas, Texas.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I have been natural pretty much all my life with an exception of a couple years in high school when I tried out a relaxer. My main thing was to stop flat ironing my hair. I grew out my relaxer, but was still flat ironing my hair. My hair was healthy but it wasn’t me, my natural hair is a part of who I am. It represents me.

How would you describe your texture?
T: 3b and 3c — My hair is sort of a fine texture, but I have like maybe five or six strands growing out one hair follicle so I have a lot of hair. My strands in the front are bit looser in curl pattern.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I try to wash my hair every other day, if not everyday. I deep condition every two or three days. Currently I am using Herbal Essences Shine Collection Brilliance Shampoo and Conditioner and Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner. When I get out of the shower I don’t use any product. I use an old cotton baby blanket to wrap my hair up with and I either let it air dry or I use the blow dryer on cool air, and I blow dry upside down. I use the T3 Featherweight dryer without a diffuser. I’ve tried all sorts of methods. I’ve tried trying to get three day, four day, five day hair, but my hair will not cooperate if I go more than a couple days without drenching it in water. I’ve tried so many products — leave ins, gels, shampoos, conditioners and deep treatments. My hair doesn’t care for protein, or oils or butters. It only likes water.

What does wash day look like for you?
T: Wash day is pretty simple, although I have to give myself like a hour and fifteen minutes to do my routine. I just get in the shower, rinse my hair and separate it into two sections, maybe four depending on how tangled it is. I shampoo using Herbal Essences Shine Collection Brilliance Shampoo and I rinse then put in the conditioner. I work on one section at a time. I prefer to finger detangle, but sometimes I use my Tangle Teezer. Once I am finished with a section I clip it up. When I get all the sections detangled I rinse with cool water. Then I wrap my hair in a cotton cloth. I like Herbal Essences products, Biolage, Aussie and Pantene. But just recently I started using shampoo and conditioner again. I tried the water only routine for three months. No shampoo, no conditioner, just water and I quite liked it. I’m thinking about going back to that routine.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: When I don’t have a lot of time I just put it up in a bun, or I take a small section in the front, pin it back with a bobby pin and fluff my hair out a bit.

How do you combat shrinkage?
T: I have a lot of shrinkage and for the days when I want my hair to show some of its length I just use the blow dryer on warm and stretch the roots. But for the most part I don’t try to fight the shrinkage. I just let my hair do what it wants.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: My problem areas would be my ends. They get dry and tangled if I get lazy and don’t wash and condition my hair frequently. I just have to make sure I don’t go too many days without washing.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: Two do’s for my hair texture are do wash and condition often, and do finger detangle.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: Two don’ts for my hair texture are don’t use a lot of styling products. It will weigh the hair down, and don’t use too many products with protein. It will make the hair hard and unmanageable.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: You can find me at www.youtube.com/user/TheRubytulipn and afrotabi.tumblr.com.