Julie // 4B/C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
J: Hi! My name is Julie Thomas aka Juboolee and I’m from Philadelphia, PA. Philly stand up!

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
J: I’ve been natural since about 2007, however I’ve recently embarked on a new natural hair journey. I big chopped on February 23, 2013. So it’s been about a year and some change with my healthier natural hair. I first went natural in college. I just stopped relaxing my hair. I had no intention of rocking natural styles at the time. I was still straightening my hair pretty frequently, and didn’t have any knowledge that I was ruining my natural curl pattern. Heat damage is why I decided to start all over again. Once I started wearing my hair in its natural state, I would get frustrated with the poor texture at the top of my head from heat damage. So I made the rash decision to chop it all off. I did it, and it was the best decision ever!

How would you describe your texture?
J: I’m not too into the hair typing thing, however I would describe my hair texture as 4b/4c. My hair is very coarse, yet soft; and I have very tight curls. My curls in the front are slightly looser. Most days my hair behaves, so I have no complaints!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: Now that my hair is short my styling regimen is quite simple. I pretty much stay consistent with wash and go’s when I’m not experimenting with protective styles. After my wash day routine I do a slight variation of the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method. I apply my cream before the oil. I use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream then I follow with a little of the Doesn’t Get Much BUTTER Than This hair dressing by The Mane Choice. I lock it all in with my handy dandy coconut oil. Then the fun part! I basically take small sections of hair and finger coil with either Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I immediately separate the coil for my desired curl. Eco Styler Gel gives me a firmer hold, and I can squeeze a few extra days out of the style. I do this about every week. When I’m too lazy to do my wash and go, I just fluff out the current W&G and rock my fro.

What does wash day look like for you?
J: Wash days begin with pre-pooing with coconut oil. I looooove coconut oil! I’ll go through and detangle my hair with the coconut oil and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes before I cleanse. I then shampoo my hair with Clear Ultra Shea Butter Shampoo. I want to soon switch to a sulfate-free cleanser, however the Clear shampoo gets my scalp clean without the stripped feeling. After that I follow up with Oyin Handmade’s Honey Hemp Conditioner and comb that through for about 5 minutes and rinse. Then I deep condition with The Mane Choice’s Green Tea & Carrot Deep Conditioning Mask. I let that sit for 30–45 minutes, rinse, and voila! Freshly washed and conditioned hair!

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
J: If I don’t have much time to do my wash and go process I’ll either wear a fluffed out afro or I’ll pull out my girl Drew! Drew is my go-to curly synthetic wig lol. She got me through the awkward phase of the TWA stage and always comes through in a clutch! Lol

How do you combat shrinkage?
J: I don’t fight with shrinkage. I actually embrace it. I love my hair in its shorter state. I’m tip-toeing out of that awkward stage so I don’t mind my shrunken fro right now.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
J: My problem area is my dry scalp. I have to make sure I keep it moisturized. Every other night I’ll massage coconut oil into my scalp with my fingertips.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
J: Detangle and Moisturize. It’s very important to thoroughly detangle your hair and take your time while doing so. I rarely get any knots, but I am a stickler when it comes to detangling.

My hair as well as my scalp can get really dry if I don’t keep up with moisturizing regularly. I make sure I massage oil into my scalp often and seal a moisturizer or cream into my hair when styling. I also spritz my hair with water every morning to refreshen the style for the day.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
J: Two dont’s are sleeping without a satin bonnet and leaving a protective style in for too long. I try to limit them to 4 weeks max.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Absolutely! You can check out my blog, Journey with Juboolee at www.juboolee.com and keep up with me via Instagram and Twitter @juboolee.