Introduce yourself!
C: Hey everyone! My name is Corrie Gallien. I am an attorney/single mother to an amazing girl. I am from Opelousas, Louisiana. Shout out to you if you know where that is!!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: I will say that I used to love my relaxed hair. It was healthy, long and full. The major drawback was that I could not manage it on my own. I had to do weekly visits to the salon, which was breaking my pocketbook. My daughter Melani was the number one reason why I decided to return to my natural hair. She was struggling to accept her curly hair and I was finding it difficult to encourage her to love her own hair when everyone around her, including me had straight hair. One day I had an epiphany: what better way to show her how to love her hair than to fall in love with my own. She thought I was crazy when I chopped off all of my hair, but now she loves my hair and most importantly, she loves her own hair. Now that I have returned to being natural, I love the fact that I donโt have to put damaging chemicals in my hair to achieve hair that I love way more than I ever loved my relaxed hair. My hair is versatile and beautiful; I wish I had never relaxed it. But lesson learned; I will never return to relaxed hair. It has been almost three years since my last relaxer, and I did the big chop in October of 2010.
How would you describe your texture?
C: I still havenโt really categorized it, but others have done it for me. Some have said itโs 3c, others have said itโs 4a. I say itโs thick, healthy, and curly.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: My styling regimen varies. I do not use heat in my hair (Confession: I did use heat one time since the big chop for a partial blowout, but thatโs not the norm). I usually style with the leave-in conditioners I mentioned below, or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I use aloe vera gel or flaxseed gel to slick down my hair. I think proper moisture is the key to any great style. Dry dull hair will always ruin a style, even a pretty one. I always style on detangled hair and usually style when my hair is damp.
My go-to styles are twists of different sizes. I love twists because they are so versatile. I can do mini-twists, which I do from time to time when I want to give my hair a break from styling for a few weeks. It takes longer to put them in, but lasts much longer than big twists so itโs worth the extra work. I do medium sized twists when I want to wear my twists down, but donโt have the time to do mini-twists. And I do larger twists when I want to pin my twists up (also very quick and creates very elegant styles). I havenโt mastered the art of flat twists on my own hair, but one day I will conquer that style because I love how it looks on others! I do braidouts when I want to stretch my hair. I donโt wear braids as a style unless they are microbraids using only my own hair. I havenโt tried braids using extensions, but I am open to the idea of doing them one day. I usually avoid extensions because I hate to keep a style in my hair more than three weeks, so for me itโs usually not worth the time and cost it takes to put them in. I like bantu knot outs, but twists are usually easier for me to do on my own hair so I rarely do them.
What does wash day look like for you?
C: I try to keep my wash day as simple as possible. I co-wash every other wash.
I deep condition once a month and henna occasionally. So those wash days are extra special and time consuming. Hereโs a look at my usual wash day. I usually shampoo or co-wash, then detangle while the conditioner is still in my hair. I use only non-sulfate shampoos and conditioners. I have been using the Organix line lately because I found a few bottles on sale. I use a padded brush to detangle. Then I wash out the conditioner and blot dry with a tโshirt (I donโt dry with towels because they can snag your hair and cause frizz). I then apply my leave-in conditioner, which most days is Karenโs Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner or Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream. I detangle some more if needed, then seal my hair with olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or a mixture of them. I then style my hair as desired.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you donโt have a lot of time to style.
C: I love pinning my hair up in various updos because itโs quick and effortless and because I like to have my hair out of my face and off of my neck when I am at work. I also love wearing turbans and headwraps from Lโamour Naturelle (lamournaturelle.com). These give my hair a much needed break while spicing up my wardrobe, so itโs a win-win for me ๐
How do you combat shrinkage?
C: Twists and braids are both my way of combating shrinkage. These also help minimize the tangles in my hair. I donโt mind shrinkage. It adds to my hairโs versatility.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: Single strand knots are the major problem I come across. I finger detangle to remove the knots and minimize breakage.
What are 2 doโs for your texture?
C: Do keep your hair properly moisturized and do keep the rest of your body healthy. Being natural should go beyond just your hair. I use natural soaps, skin products, etc. I try to make it a lifestyle. Eating clean and green is the best way to promote healthy hair.
What are 2 donโts for your texture?
C: Donโt always compare your hair to others. Learn and love your hair. Itโs unique and wonderfully made just for you. Donโt overcomplicate your hair regimen. Less is best! Find out what works and stick with it.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: I used to have a blog and am thinking about starting one up again in the near future. If you want to connect with me now, you can find me on Facebook (Corrie Gallien), Instagram @beautyofdacross and on Twitter @beautyofdacross.
Your hair is breathtaking! So thick and healthy lookingโฆ I love the with your daughter as well!
Soooo beautiful, lOve her hairโฆ
First to comment! Whoop whoop!
Stunning girl, adorable daughter
#repping natural hair
I have to ditto what Marie said!!!! ๐ Beautiful!!
She has beautiful hair, and I absolutely loved the pic with her and her daughter! I also loved that she decided to be an example to her daughter and chose to wear her hair naturally. Go mom!
Absolutely, love her hair and her daughter is simply gorg!!!
You and your daughter are one beautiful pair! And i agree, less is best!
Gorgeous picture with you and your daughter!! Your hair is lovely as well! Beautiful, healthy and thick!
Wow, girl! Love the pics, love the hair, and love your attitude! Great job for having the courage to recognize and change for yourself and others.
vertmoot.blogspot.com
Gorgeous hair!!! ๐
Shout out to Opelousas! My family comes outta OP. Iโm from DeQuincy, Louisiana near Lake Charles.
You and your daughter need to be in an ad, in a billboard somewhere, somehow! You are both so beautiful!
Opelousas ! My mom was born there. You have gorgeous hair.
I love the pic with your daughter,Iโm gonna teach my girls to love their natural hair through my example. I agree with not over complicating a regime,Iโve seen a lot of progress when I stopped wanting to try everything others recommend. Lovely lady with gorgeous hair ๐
Lovely!
OT: you know this site has style icons, hair icons, how about career inspirations featuring naturals in inspiring/interesting careers. I just got the idea from noticing that Corrie was an attorney and whenever hair icons mention their jobs I always find it interesting and want to know more. It may also help women who think certain careers are off limits while wearing certain natural looks. Just a thoughtโฆ
Thanks a lot for your post. From I have changed my thinkingโฆI am started loving my hairs also you have amazing hairs and love the way you manage them.
AHHHH!!!! my mom is from Opelousas and I used to spend my summers there!!
I know Opelousas! Iโm from Lake Charles, but my home is Detroit. Your and your daughterโs hair is beautiful and bless you for setting the example to love your hair the way it is. I too always had healthy, beautiful, long, thick relaxed hair. My last perm was July 2009 and Iโve been cutting it out ever since and totally natural now BUT I continue to go to my stylist for a wash, blow dry and style because I spend so much time on my daughterโs natural hair and learning the natural hair journey for her, so no time for… Read more »
Love Love Love your hair!!!
What a beautiful gift to give to yourself and your daughter!!! Youโre both very lovely.
Your hair is AWESOME!!!! How short did you cut your hair when you big chopped? Do you have a picture journal from short to long?
Yes check out the video I made over a year ago. My hairs longer now but youโll see the before and after. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=plcp&v=cXbj-aqszwc
Feel free to follow me @beautyofdacross on instagram to keep up with my natural hair journey!
Gorgeous
Thanks for the encouragement & compliments everyone!! My daughter & I so appreciate it!!!
The mommy and daughter pic is too cute! Gorgeous lady, beautiful hair.
Soooo much.โฆ HAIR!
lOVE IT!
Absolutely beautiful hair. God bless
Such a beauty! Love the mom and mini pic!
I love the pic of you and your daughter, so pretty. Iโve heard of a few mothers transitioning to natural because of their daughters. Itโs a beautiful message to the little ones.
Iโm from Baton Rouge, LA; Opelousas, LA is between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Beautiful hair!!
Awesome thing youโve done for yourself and your daughter! Beautiful hair ๐
So proud of my sister for being featured. ๐
Thank you for sharing. Your information was very helpful. Btw pics are beautiful too! You are right about finding the right styles and products that works bc what works for one may not for the other. Peace and blessings!
Beautiful pics but especially the mum-daughterโฆ sheโs like a lil โmini meโ (mini you that is). Love it.
Keep up the good work BGLH! We look forward to your articles and posts and we realize its a lot of work! God Bless!