Introduce yourself!
T: Hey there, my name is Tell and I am from the mitten aka Michigan!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I decided to go natural for my daughter actually! My husband is Caucasian so she’s a little bit of both worlds and I didn’t want her growing up thinking that she had to chemically alter her hair or wear extensions all the time because her hair didn’t look a certain way. I want her to know that her mother is a beautiful African American woman who embraces every part of that.
I started this journey January of this year on a cold winter night at about 11 pm. I got an idea to chop off all of my hair and start my YouTube channel back up so I could video blog the process. If you’re a part of the YouTube world then you are familiar with Big Chop videos… basically you just watch a woman cut off all of her relaxed ends lol. Once you see a few of those you’re pretty pumped to do your own, or at least I was. Haven’t looked back since :)!
How would you describe your texture?
T: I would definitely describe my hair as mostly 4C. It is very coarse and very thick! I’m so excited to see my hair get fuller and longer. I can’t even imagine what I’m going to look like!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: Honestly, I am very into low manipulation. I film for my YouTube channel a few times a week so at night I twist my hair up to stretch it a bit. Twisting at night also helps my dry hair to retain moisture better. My products are pretty natural… coconut oil, olive oil and I throw in some Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk. I am still very new to the natural world so I am searching for my perfect regimen.
What does wash day look like for you?
T: Wash day is very experimental for me lol, but lately I have been using Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Restorative Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner for dry, damaged hair. After washing I apply the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask to deep condition. I also throw in some olive oil to baby my hair. Then I rinse, which is sometimes the next day… Yes I will be the wife that walks around all day with a plastic bag wrapped around her head because I refuse to buy shower caps lol.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: Lately I have been feeling a side part, so I’ll part and place a couple of bobby pins where my hair is separated to keep my scalp visible.
How do you combat shrinkage?
T: A lot of people complain about shrinkage, but it really doesn’t bother me. Naturally, that’s how my hair is most comfortable, so unless I am going to take the time to twist it out, no fighting here!
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: I would probably consider my edges to be a problem area, but I hate to say problem, more like consequence. But I am seeing growth without taking any extra steps.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: 2 do’s for my texture are to love it fervently and to feed it as much as possible with natural products.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: 2 don’ts for my texture are to NEVER stress myself out about defining curls that do NOT exist! And to never wear a protective style because I am uncomfortable with the way I look with my natural texture.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: You can find me on YouTube! I do videos about everything Beauty… From makeup to embracing your Natural! Come say hi! http://www.youtube.com/user/TellmeBeauty?feature=watch
Aww, she is so cute
thnku so much!!
Lovely feature…your make up is so nice.Do you do make up tutorials? If not could you please do one as your makeup is flawless. 🙂
yess i do makeup tutorials on my youtube channel ! youtube.com/tellmebeauty! come say hi 🙂
Loved this interview, very down to earth and easy to relate to. I especially liked her response to the “2 don’ts” question.
That was my favorite part too, Cherise! What a beautiful woman!
thnku!!!
aw thnku so much!!
Love your hair. I big chopped about the same time you did. Will follow you on youtube. I thought I was the only one who walks around the house with a plastic cap on allday lol.
haha! thnku so much! ok ill c u there 🙂
she is really cute and the short hair suits her perfectly.
thnku so much!
Love her hair and I love her videos even more. I wish I would have embraced my twa for the 3 months it lasted, rather than striving for length. Love her texture
aww thnku for being so nice and checking out my channel!
Gorge! Love her choice of words.
thnku so much!!
Cute! I found myself looking more at her makeup than hair. I’d love a blush tutorial from her on how to pick and apply the right shade! I always stick with bronzer ’cause I haven’t mastered blush.
haha ! i heart makeup so much im sure i could help you out on my channel 🙂 im always taking request. thnku for being so nice
you are absolutely stunning and I love that you are going on a natural hair journey to educate and empower your daughter. Your hair is beautiful and I’m sure it will be big in no time at all. I love your point about never wearing a protective style because you’re ashamed of your natural texture. It’s a constant battle for me not to hide my hair and I am still working on it!!! I will definitely check your YT channel.
aww thnku so much!!! your comment on my video brought me here, i didnt know they ft me lol! thnku so much hope you enjoy my channel :)!
You have flawless skin! I went natural way before I had my daughter but like you my husband is Caucasian. Since I had my daughter I no longer think about relaxers. I want her to know it’s ok to love your natural hair and yourself the way you are. I want to be her role model.
It’s hard to send that message to your kids when doing the opposite.
that is such a true statement!! and thnku for being so sweet!
One of my favourite interviews. You can ‘Tell’ (Sorry, I just had too;) she practices meekness and humility. I especially too love her response to the “2 don’ts” and “combating shrinkage” question, which by the way needs to be phrased, there is not attacking us or, therfore there’s nothing to combat. This is not Mortal Kombat, there’s nothing “testing our might”, it’s simply innocent hair. Chill BGLH. Chill.
Great interview Tell!
Your daughter will be proud , and I’m sure your husband already is =)
God Bless You ^_^
wow thnku so much!! hugggss*
She is beautiful and I will be sure to check out her youtube channel!!
yAAYY! thnku so much!
Beautiful! You’re inner happiness is shingling through! 🙂
Oops “your” lol.
what a compliment! jesus is my greatest and most valuable feature. thnkuu
You have a gorgeous face! and the short hair look really suits you <3
whatshetaughther.blogspot.com
thnku so much :)!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Love the diff styles she is doing on her TWA and the makeup? Werk hunty!
ayyye !! thnku so much hugs*
adorable!
thnkuu!!
very pretty
:)! thnku so much!
She is so cute, I love her attitude! Her “don’ts” are fantastic, I need to keep them in mind myself.
:)!!! thnku so much
Very beautiful and I love your smile! Take this all in one at a time. It’s a lot of info. Glad to hear you are paving the way for your little lady. God bless!
thnku so much!!!
Like her parting advice for 4Cs on curl defining. She looks so young and cute as a button.
lol thnkuu so much :)!!
You are totally adorable– you look like a little doll. 🙂 Your hair looks great–keep up the good work sis! Blessings!
will do !! thnku so much :)!
She is too cute! My husband was just laughing at me last night because I use plastic bags and WILL NOT buy shower caps LOL… reduce, reuse, recycle.
haha i refuse!! if im going to spend a dollar its probably going to be on a lipstick lol, thnkuu
I apologise!I wanted to give you a thumbs up and accidentally gave you a thumbs down.
What a beauty! Makes me want to chop my hair.
dooooo it doooo it loL! thnku so much
Shout out to her eyebrows! So thick and beautiful.
lol thnku so much!!!
Sorry…they look horrible!!
Miss Lady is working the TWA with fierceness!!! Such a beautiful lady and the make-up is on point too:)
hey thnku so much !! hugs*
Beautiful lady and beautiful hair! Love her different wraps and headbands!
aw thnkuu! 🙂
So encouraging. I have a Caucasian boyfriend and I just big chopped 11 weeks ago and he loved my hair! Although he loves it short now, I’m enjoying my process and love seeing my little coils! I love your confidence and thanks for sharing your journey.
lol my hubby was like why wouldn’t you want to wear ur natural hair.? he loves how exotic it is and how easy it is on his pockets lol
You look absolutely beautiful with short hair. I am not sure I could rock the same style. I envy you!
Your name is too cute I love it
thnkuu!! :)!
What a cutie. But I don’t think she is a 4C. More 4b/a.
how so?
She doesn’t look like a 4a/b to me. Don’t confuse a soft texture with curl pattern. You’ll notice that she has no curls in her hair in any picture. While she could have some 4a, 4b and 4c in her head, she’s not 4a/b and is definitely predominantly a 4C.
i agree!! i style my hair and deep condition a lot so that may deceive some lol but with no product and shrinkage no doubt a 4c girl lol
SHE IS NOT 4C SHE IS BETWEEN 4B AND 4A.. I NOTICE THE PEOPLE WHO REPLY ARE 4Cs, dont be a hater and looking company for your 4c hair.
Seriously.… Company for your hair.…. Your hair gets lonely? ‑_-
OMG what a cutie <3
aww thnkuu! 🙂
Your skin is flawless.
hey thnkuu!! i baby it but makeup does wonders! lol
Love her ‘low manipulation’ style! Sometimes I feel crazy embracing my own messy unfinished look, but she’s working it.
werk it werk it!! lol thnkuu!
This girl is super cute!!! I love her radiant smile and beautiful skin and hair!
thnkuu!! 🙂
Your hair looks really cute, Tell. I think it’s awesome you big chopped so your little girl will grow up embracing her own hair.
aww thnku so much!!
i like ur name! wonder what ur mom and dad were thinking when they had u??? too cute. ur hair is pretty, but imho since u have pretty skin u do not need the makeup. u r naturally very soft young and innocent looking very feminine. u dont need much enhancement.
thnku well my full name is Chantelle but everyone calls me tell and i thnku for your compliment. i LOVE makeup, it gives me a reason to paint and be artistic everyday. one of my greatest hobbies. natural is beautiful but makeup is glam 🙂 stay sweet
Very nice!
thnku so much!!
I was so happy to see someone starting the journey with a twa that’s 4c that I could follow. your hair looks a little like mind and your routine is simple.Thanks Tell
aw yay!!!! hair twins* lol
love love love your hair and your style…you kinda remind me of one of my favs on youtube ” backsyncfan”..Im def bout to go sub to your channel.
Gorgeous woman and hair 🙂
whoaa! you are so cute! and your eyebrows are to die for! your hair really accentuates your face shape. love the look!
Omg I love her 2 don’t(s)
It is so refreshing to see a naturalista that isn’t pressed about protective styling and excentuating their curls. I am the same way. I don’t fight my hair and try to be as low maintenance as possible- it’s just a little water a little oil, and GO.
Your hair is gorgeous and you are so pretty. I do not have the face for short hair but love the short look.
thank you, your hair its beautiful
???? my inspiration to big chop, couldnt think that short hair would look this beautiful!
I use many of the same products on my natural hair and I agree embracing the different textures of my hair is key to enjoying and loving my hair