Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Tori. I am originally from Jamaica, currently living in Dallas, TX.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: When I began my hair journey in 2010, I was experiencing severe shedding and breakage. After being relaxed for almost 12 years, my goal was to restore the health of my relaxed hair. I watched several YouTube videos then decided to try ‘stretching’ by waiting longer than eight weeks in between relaxers. However, during my last relaxer stretch, I began falling in love with my natural texture. I remembered how thick and healthy my hair was as a child and wanted to see if it would be the same if I returned to my natural texture. I was just tired of relaxers and felt like I needed a change. Around that time I was also diagnosed with Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune disorder that causes spontaneous balding/bald spots), which sealed the deal for me to stop relaxing and just go natural! I have been 100% natural since January 2012 after transitioning for a year and a half.
How would you describe your texture?
T: My hair is coarse and dense. According to the hair typing system, my texture would probably be considered 4b/4c. I have looser coils in the front and back, and tight coils in the top/middle sections.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I usually do braidouts that I wear for 3 or 4 days, then I wear a puff for the rest of the week until my next wash day, then repeat. I moisturize and braid my hair with Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Raw Hemp Seed Butter. On warmer days, or to give my hair a break, I do protective styles such as braids or twists (with my own hair or with synthetic braiding hair).
What does wash day look like for you?
T: I wash and deep condition my hair weekly, usually on a Sunday. Beginning with dry, dirty hair, I lightly spray my hair with water and deep condition under a dryer with Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle, coconut oil/sweet almond oil, as well as castor oil (applied to my roots). I shampoo my hair with Tresemme Naturals Shampoo diluted with water, then follow up with a light condition with Tresemme Naturals Conditioner. I apply my leave-in (Kinky Curly Knot Today) and styling products to style usually a braidout. Throughout the week I moisturize my hair as needed. I also do other deep treatments as needed, such as a protein treatment with yogurt, eggs, honey, and sweet almond oil. Since the weather is getting more hot and humid, I co-wash midweek (if needed) using Tresemme Naturals Conditioner.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: Puffs (low or high) are my go-to style.
How do you combat shrinkage?
T: I primarily do braidouts. Individual braids/plaits minimize shrinkage, give me more length, and make styling a bit easier.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: The middle or crown of my hair is the most coarse and tightly coiled section. It breaks easily and requires the most attention, moisture, and delicate handling. My ends also require lots of attention. They tend to get really dry and knot around themselves. I moisturize my ends more than other sections.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: Deep conditioning and regularly moisturizing are important. My hair gets really dry and without moisture styling would be impossible. Protein treatments are also important. As with any other texture, a good balance between protein and moisture have helped to keep my hair strong and healthy.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: Wash-n-Gos are a recipe for disaster! I jumped on the bandwagon and quickly realized it was not for me. Also, super small mini twists are cute but they take forever to install and take down, plus detangling after they are taken down gives me a headache.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: I can be found on Instagram: @Bonafidestyle
I don’t always post videos regularly, but I can also be found on YouTube: www.youtube.com/sexytoria (yea, I hate my YouTube name, but I’ve had my account since sophomore year in college and don’t feel like changing it at this point lol).
LOVELY hair!
So much hair! Nice and thick.
Love your hair
Your hair is amazingggggg
She is so pretty and her hair is AMAZING.
Your hair is gorgeous!!
Beautiful hair… love the simplicity of your regimen.
I am in love with this chick and her hair! Good lawd lol
You are gorgeous!! I love your puff in pic two
Some people “envy looser curl pattern” or different hair texture etc… Frankly the only thing I am “envious” is thick natural hair, it’s too gorgeous and so versatile. the girl featured above has my dream hair luscious AND big.
I agree, I think looser curl patterns are just not as exotic,or maybe exotic is not the right word? Anyway I admire thicker puffier big hair! It’s glamorous. 🙂
i don’t think that’s what the comment meant, there’s no correlation with have loose strands and thickness (amount of hair per square inch). i’m like that as well, people envy texture…i just envy density.…i’d like to do mini twists with my own hair and not have a massive amount of scalp showing…or fitting one twist where others can fit 5.
It’s not that serious
I agree. I love her hair because its just like mine, only longer. When I saw it my heart skipped a beat. I can see my hair like this when its longer. I have thick hair thats about 4b/c looser in the back. Small spirals throughout. When I do twist outs it looks like this. I am simple with it also. Right now Im doing a protective style challenge. Semi-mini twists in for almost 2 weeks, twist out for a few days then wash, deep condition and back in the twists for the summer.
Girl, your hair is IT! Love the health and thickness and length and shine!
vertmoot.blogspot.com
WhAt did you do for your alocepia?
I was treated by my dermatologist. However, I did also put castor oil on the problem areas.
Nice feature.…gorgeous and fab hair! It goes to show hair can thrive with a simple regime.Loving the fashion especially the leapard print top and jacket. 😀
GORGEOUS hair!! And I love the simplicity — that’s my kind of regimen. I think your hair is my favorite that I have seen on this site!
That’s some thick, healthy enviable hair!
Absolutely beautiful hair!
Holy crap you have the BEST twist out/braid out I have seen on this blog yet. So thick and lush!
Your hair is gorgeous!! It grew so fast since Jan. 2012!! Love it!
I’ve never commented on this site before, but I had to for this icon. I love her hair!! It’s so gorgeous and so thick!! I’m crushing hard on her hair lol
I love you hair, its so thick . I have thin hair i wish it was that thick.
Your description of your hair sounds very similar to my own. I just chopped my relaxed ends off tonight after an almost 22 month transition. I hope my hair ends up as sexy and fabulous as yours. By the way, your complexion is beautiful and so are you.
Thank you!! Transitioning for 22 months is a big deal!!! Congrats to you on the chop!! 🙂
i just want to know how you manage to stretch your hair like that mine shrinks like crazy even in twists or braids (i don’t use heat). like the others said fabulous hair!
Girl, your hair is ABSOLUTELY gor-geous!!!!
Wow both she and her hair are beautiful!
Gorgeous!!!
New hair crush! I think I’m in love!
She is absolutely stunning and her hair is gorg!
OMG — Beautiful hair!
why can’t my hair look like this? lol.
I have a poem I wrote just for you, like to hear it? Here it go:
*ahem*
Daaaaaayyyyyyyuuuummmmmm! That hair is FIYAH!
Thank you. (My poem doesn’t rhyme.) 🙂
LOL!!! I love it!!! Thanks girl!! 🙂
My hair twin! I’m going purchase every single product in this article. Love it!
Now this is a gorgeous heard of hair!!! Amazing twist outs, buns, ponytails, bows…etc!!! Loving it! Go on with your beautiful head!
Yes! Love
Your hair is very beautiful
I was absolutely taken aback by your beautiful pictures!!! I love your hair! It looks amazing! 🙂
Beautiful hair!!!!!!!!!
she has the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen!
She looks like my hair twin! AND she’s beautiful!
Hair Crush.
I wish i had hair like yours i hate mine its so slow to grow
im sixteen now and completely natural but i live in Colorado which has very dry climate so my hair is always dry.I always mess with my hair because i cant leave it alone for five minutes.What other hair styles do you do for protection and what moisturizer do you use to keep your hair really moist during summer
Hi hon! If your hair gets really dry, try cowashing or using a different moisturizer that is more moisturizing for your hair. I use the same moisturizer year round (from the Shea Moisture line), so find one that works for you and just stick with it. Maybe you could also try diluting your shampoo so your hair does not get stripped of all the natural oils. During the warmers months, I do twists or braids to keep my hair somewhat protected from the hot weather. Hair health, strength, and growth takes times. Just remember that everyone’s hair grows at different… Read more »
My remarks when i saw your hair Tori, OMG!!!!! I just love it. love love love ! The density is unreal
A local hair idol with my hair type! WOOHOO! I’d be inspired to grow it back out if I wasn’t broke beyond bruk. Beautiful hair, Tori!
Beauty has a name… Good Lawd!!!
your hair is simply wonderful. work it girl!
You and your hair are GORGEOUS! I love your haircut. Did you get it cut in that shape or did it just grow out like that?
Beautiful, exuberant hair!! And what do you do to get such gorgeous, glowing skin?
You and your hair are gorgeous!!! Hair crush for sure 🙂
nice hair styles.
Your hair is type 4A not type B or C. Trust me as someone who has all 4c hair. Your hair is lovely, but please label it accordingly.
How can you tell, Tina? It looks like her natural texture has been manipulated in most of the pics and I don’t think I saw any of hers straight out of the shower, no products… Which makes sense since she doesn’t wash n go. They all seem to be blown out or twisted out. I’m really not trying to be snarky, I’m really curious as to how you can tell because my hair “type” confuses me to the point where I say eff it! I can’t even be bothered with it any more lol
here we go, I was wondering when the negative comment that it is not 4BC hair was going to start…she and her hair is GORG! yay for 4C
I am tired of people using/ quoting this Man made hair typing system like it’s the bible or something she has beautiful hair no need to type it.
Hair typing is so subjective. I think it’s more important if your hair is healthy and strong, rather than trying to fit into a predefined category.
GREAT! 😀 im always really happy whenever hair like mine is featured since it doesnt happen very often. the curlformer results are amazing!
WOW!! Just WOW! You have absolutely gorgeous hair, and I love your texture. You hair looks so healthy and lush–*I’m so inspired.* ;0) You are really pretty too!
ooo la la! lovin the soft,healthy looking hair. i now have a hair idol
I have seen ALOT of type 4 naturals
ALOT!
but urs is the 1st that has made it go
wow i wonder what my natural hair looks like
very pretty girl who def knows how to work it!
Gorgeous!!
Love her hair, looks so healthy also! 🙂
Gorgeous darling. Gorgeous! You cannot tell me that dark skin and thick hair is not beautiful 🙂
Team Jamaica! yay!
only say awesome.great .
Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments!! *hugs* 🙂
Ridiculously BEAUTIFUL!!!
I’m just in love with your hair and face LOL
LMAO at all the pics in the car tho!!!! LOVING IT!
Just a suggestion maybe bglh can start having more of these beautiful heads of hair start sharing their porousity,since its more helpful than the “type”:)
I love the picture were her hair is blown out with the reddish brown color. So pretty.
You and your hair are beautiful Tori!
Your haiar is absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
i really love ur hair; i will really love to noo more about ur hair en can u pls send me ur product . wat do u nomaly use to wash ur hair en also olie enwhich cream do u use . i will like to hier from u thxx
You have beautiful hair. I like how big your puffs are 🙂
Love, love, love her hair!
WOW! How did you combat your Alopecia. your hair is beautifuly BTW!
Outrageously beautiful!
Beautiful hands, fingers and nails too.
Hey everyone,pls I need help! I have had my hair in kinky twists for a week now and I’ve been caught in the rain twice,which made my hair really itchy,isn’t water meant to be moisturising?and can I moisturise my hair while its in twists?
Rain is not just water, also has a lot of pollution from the air. Plus moisturizinh your hair (in general) with strictly water is not enough as it will quickly evaporate. You need to seal with oils or grease
I LUV UR HAIR SOOO MUCH! I ‘especially luv the hairstyle in the shape of a bow. soo cool! when my hair grows longer, im gonna definitely do that style
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
Feel free to visit my web page … seo link building — http://www.kp.ru/daily/25969 -
Beautiful!! Hey BGLH, when you do interviews, you ask for detailed information on the wash routine. Can you also ask about information on night routine? It would be so nice to know how people protect their styles for several days while maintaining gorgeous hair like Tori! Thanks, I love the site 🙂
I also want to know about the alopecia. My sister has it and suffers immensely with bald patches around her head. How did you treat yours?
Gorgeous
Usually I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice article.
Wow your hair is absolutely amazing and I definitely want to follow you!
love her hair my hair is basically like that at least i know someone who can inspire me with my texture hair .
That first pic of her in that polka-dot top, is simply EVERYTHING!
Gorgeous 🙂
My mouth has been open for the past several minutes…Your hair is just absolutely fantastic! I am speechless!!1
[…] Style Icon Tori […]
You and your hair are so pretty!
So JELLY!! Beautiful just beautiful!
WOW You’re like, My hair twin!!! and You’re probably my favorite style icon so far!!! I love all of your styles and when my hair gets a little bit longer I will definitely be trying that braidout in the third picture. That looks amazing!!!!
I seriously love your site.. Pleasant coorls & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my very own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Thank you!
I love your hairstyles!!!
Do you have any tutorials on how to do some of the hairstyles?
Thanks
Okay so I’m dying to know how you straightened your hair without it reconstructing. Is it because you aren’t using that much heat?
Hi..my name is brandy I have a 5 year old daughter..her hair is a 4c..and it want grow..I’m sad..bc I dnt know what to do with her natural hair..yes shes black fully..I want her to love her blackness…she makes me sad..always want to have long hair And I’m no hair person..so could u plead help…I got her split send cut this Friday for the first time.august 24 I think…and ive been trying to find her hair product so far only she butter…need help…
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BTW what is wrong with wearing short hair?? Short hair is cute. Long hair doesn’t always look good on EVERYONE.Teach her to love herself as is. She is gorgeous as is. I have the opposite problem. A daughter with a ton of hair. She HATES her hair literally. She hates her hair so much because it’s super thick and hard to manage. She would love your daughter’s hair. Teach her to love her books and be intelligent. What matters is what she puts in her head not ON her head.Looks are not that important and having long hair doesn’t equate… Read more »
Thankz Hunn…you spoke so wisely to me…yes..your right 200%.…
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Wow. We have the same texture. For some reason I thought that my hair could never grow. But after seeing your photos I think I could try to make it grow. Do you have any photos of when your hair was short. I just have to see the before and the now to really believe that my hair has potential.
Sometimes I see people with much kinkier hair than I have, and their hair is much longer! lol Yes she should show before and after pics. However, she may have always had longer hair. My twins daughters have long hair and always have. They never had to go on a natural hair journey because their dad is part white. So their hair grew naturally. My daughters are dark skin like this young lady, so a lot of people assume she is wearing a weave. I am very light skin but my daughters hair grow much longer than mine does and… Read more »
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/PicsArt_1381892350369‑1.jpg[/img]
Ladies I had to share, This is my Holy Grail!!! I freakin love these Products!! They are for thirsty, sponge and greedy hair.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/PicsArt_1381948422784.jpg[/img]
Kinky straight knots products. http://www.kinkystraightknots.com
MY HAIR TWIN!!!! I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!! YOU JUST MADE ME FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT GROWING MY HAIR. I CAN’T WAIT TILL MY HAIR GETS AS LONG AS YOURS!!!! ^.^
Gorgeous!!!
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[…] 1. Tori from Jamaica […]
[…] 1. Tori from Jamaica […]
You go girl!!!
Such beautiful hair. So inspirational as well. Whenever I feel like giving up with my hair journey I come to this site and see beautiful style icons with beautiful hair and I say “yeah I can do this”.
hey, i’m also j’can and you know, i’ve been wondering since forever what my hair type was, so i can properly take care of my hair..i just happened to see your pic on another article and thought “waaiit a minute, my hair looks the same texture as hers!” yay hair!
I just started transitioning from relaxed to natural hair and this was super helpful!
[…] Tori // 4B/C Natural Hair Style Icon […]