Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Melissa. I am 23, Haitian American, and have been living in the small city of Coral Springs, Florida for 15 years now.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I have been natural since September of 2009. I was somewhat of a kitchen beautician and did hair that was both natural and relaxed, but always had issues with my own hair. Though it was long and thick, in the right lighting and close inspection it became apparent that I had weathered ends and mid-shaft splits. I trimmed and even got a bob haircut, but they would still be there when I looked closely. I was already into stretching my relaxers out up to 3 months at times, and one day I discovered my curl pattern(s). I was fascinated by it and couldnโt believe that it was MINE. From the s curls to the tightest coils, I was in love! I began to explore YouTube and blogs to learn more. I even managed to pull off decent looking wash and goโs with my relaxed ends. One day I got home from a stressful day at work and took out one of my kinky twists. I wet my hair and cut off the relaxed ends to see my curls in all their glory. Eventually both my emotions and curiosity got the best of me. SNIP, SNIP! Three hours and a nearly clogged sink later the deed was done!
How would you describe your texture?
M: I have 3c curls on the flat portion of my head, 4a on the sides and back, and 4b in my crown area. My strands are thick and medium density. I treat my hair as if it is on the high end of the porosity spectrum due to the fact that even though my drying time is rather long, I still have mid-shaft splits. I keep those in check with the search and destroy method along with an overall trim once I detect any feathering or โsee throughโ ends. So far I have been able to maintain relatively blunt ends with this tactic. My hair is also very prone to matting at the roots and SSKs.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: I do twist outs for the most part. My curls are most manageable in its stretched state and allow for more styling options. Not too long ago I revisited wash and goโs, but after 3 or 4 rounds my lust for defined curls was sated. My curls were popping, but so were my ends! The SSKs found during detangling were enough to bring me to my senses. Maybe next summerโฆ
What does wash day look like for you?
M: I begin by pre-pooing on stretched hair. After much reading and experimenting Iโve learned that detangling on damp hair works best for me. I apply virgin coconut oil (my favorite to use) and anything from a mist of plain water to a dab of low end conditioner to add a source of moisture. The order of application matters because my wet hair means immediate shrinkage, increased potential for SSKs and not to mention worsening/tightening of preexisting tangles. I value lubrication over moisture during this time to allow the strands to slide over one another in order to decrease breakage and cumulative damage from weekly sessions. I eventually break down the section and go from using fingers, to a large toothed, seamless, shower comb, and end with my Tangle Teezer.
I twist each section and proceed to wash with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo or Head and Shoulders depending on the state of my scalp. I use a bottle with a nozzle to focus on my scalp, massage and rinse. I then do (what I consider) a light protein treatment with Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor, and follow up with a deep conditioner if necessary. My hair is still either in twists or sections with a light finger detangling between products. After rinsing, I blot with a tโshirt/towel, add my doctored up Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner (using the Kimmaytube recipe), and dry using the tension method on a low or cool setting. The last step is to avoid styling on wet hair and cut drying time. I also skip the leave in and air dry to cut time on occasion. Either way, I use a rich styler like my shea butter mix or the Eden Bodyworks Curl Defining Creme, and set my twists. I do this 1x per week and it takes about 2โ3 hours, with detangling taking the most time.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you donโt have a lot of time to style.
M: My go to style is a free flowing twist out with a part. On the occasion that I donโt re-twist, I pineapple. For me, this means more frizzies in exchange for some stretch. This gives me that big hair look, which I just adore. Twisting just a few sections in the front or where the hair will be parted helps it look more polished and defined.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: I combat shrinkage by setting my styles on dry hair. This gives me an extra few days before too much shrinkage naturally creeps in from re-twisting, the Florida humidity, or other sources of moisture. When I donโt use the dryer, things like holding off on using product in conjunction with a good towel blotting help speed up the air drying process. If forced to work on damp hair, I use my usual leave in and styler, but on the first few nights re-twist in larger sections, and avoid use of water-based products unless my hair feels parched. Pineappling with a scarf /hair tie and banding (usually reserved for wash and goโs) are my other options.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: My current problem area is my kitchen or nape area. It grows just fine, but feels extremely dry and rough to the touch as of late. Iโve been trimming little by little and moisturizing more often. I believe that itโs due to the hair rubbing on my clothes. Iโve also begun lightly oiling my ends before leaving the house when my hair is down. On the bright side, now I have a faux Deva cut hairstyle that I actually love!
What are 2 doโs for your texture?
M: I would say acceptance first. As a natural, my hair may look similar to some, but it is not identical to anyone elseโs. From its likes and dislikes, to my mix of textures, and even the results after using the same technique as a fellow natural; it is unique in every way. That is why I must take the time to learn these things and pay attention when it is clearly sending me an S.O.S! These are the things that have helped my hair thrive, not the products or tools. Another do for me is I have to accept that my hair can be a pain at times and that it is does not have a uniform pattern all over. I accept that it is big and some people find it obnoxious; even family members. I especially had to accept that my hair and mid-shaft splits just go hand in hand! I donโt suffer from excessive breakage, and I still retain length. I used to cut inches thinking that it would end the struggle against them. I just ended up cutting a lot of healthy hair that was caught in the crossfire and stayed at the same length for almost a year. I also accept that there are certain things that my hair can and cannot do! I cherish the versatility that it does have over the reality that I canโt rock a wash and go as often as others.
What are 2 donโts for your texture?
M: Two donโts for my texture(s) are wet styling and over manipulation. Though I havenโt pin pointed the exact cause of my mid-shaft splits, I feel that avoiding these things help keep them to a minimum. When I use heat, itโs just enough to get my hair about 80% dry. As I mentioned earlier, decreasing the number of twists by increasing their size or even pineappling my hair at night help me avoid over manipulation.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: I can be found on Instagram, where I post pictures and give real life tips @Melibunnn. I can also be emailed at: mlamisere58@gmail.com.
Very pretty girl and hair. Kinda jealous.
Beautiful hair and face, Sis!
You juuuust might be my new hair crush lol. Gorgeous!
Exact hair type and situation (my hair LOATHES wet styling, handling, anything) Beautiful hair DEFINATELY following on IG! ^_^
Both you and your hair are beautiful.
That definition thoโฆloving it.
Fab hair and gorgeous lady.โฆ.I even found a new style to try out
Cuuute !!
Too fly! Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous hair!
Nice hair!!!!!
I love your hair.โฆ
You kinda favor Michelle Obama. I like your hairโs definition and how you take time and patience to manage it. Good work.
Gorg!! Definitely my hair crush, I hope my hair looks as voluptuous as hers when I get a couple more inches. I learned my hair needs to be mostly dry too, but then sprayed later with water/aloe vera juice to be styled at its best.
So beautiful! I got at least 3 new hairstyle ideas from you. Thanks for sharing.
Girl, you and your hair are GORGEOUS! #WERK Love it.
Love it!!!
Your hair is beautiful! I too am Haitian-American and our textures are so similar :).
love ur hair!! omg! what do you use on your edges?
Lush, lush, lushโฆthats all am seeing with that hair. Good Lord its beautiful.
Iโm in love with her hair
Love you hair, girl!!! Gorgeous!
[โฆ] Style Icon Melissa [โฆ]
[โฆ] Style Icon Melissa [โฆ]
[โฆ] More of Melissaโs natural hair pics here [โฆ]
Hey, this may be a year too late but the info may help someone else. Iโm not sure if you found the reason for your mid-shaft splits but it could be the Tangle Teezer. NaturalMe4C did a YouTube discussing how she thinks the Tangle Teezer or whatever variation she used was causing โincomplete splitsโ. Absolutely beautiful hair!