Introduce yourself!
K: Hi Curlies, my name is Kara and I am from London!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
K: I have been natural since birth, but after endless run-ins with bad hairdressers and incompetent advice, I turned to the gurus of natural hair on YouTube in 2009. When my hair was straight, it measured at ear length! There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you desire, but I was trying to grow my hair. I didn’t want 3 inches cut off each time I visited the hairdresser!
How would you describe your texture?
K: I would describe my texture as being predominantly 4a. I know that there are constant disputes over hair typing, but I think it is an effective way of describing a texture. It is useful in finding other naturals with the same hair type through using a common known language. When I am searching for anything to do with my texture of hair, I type 4a, as I want to know what the best products are. That, and advice from other 4a naturals. I believe my strands are fine and medium in density. I would say my hair isn’t thick, but it is plentiful – if that makes sense?
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
K: My styling regimen is super duper easy and twists are my go to hairstyle. Small twists, medium twists, fat twists I love them all! If my hair isn’t in twists, it is usually in a protective style. Both styling options have contributed to my length retention so that is why I do them. Also, I have two kids, a full time job and a hubby, so you know…I ain’t got time for dat! When styling my hair I have to make it quick and easy, but presentable.
Products I use to style my hair, but not all at once are: Darcy’s Botanicals Shea Butter Curl Moisturizing Cream, Aloe Vera Gel, and Komaza Care Califia Styling Pudding.
What does wash day look like for you?
K: As my hair has grown a lot, I have had to modify my wash day regimen, so there has been quite a bit of trial and error recently, but I think I may have finally cracked it. At the moment I am dry deep conditioning with Bee Mine Avocado Cream Balanced Conditioner, and I add my own oil mixture to this. After this has been on my hair for about an hour, I’ll jump in the shower and rinse my hair, then cleanse. To cleanse I use Burt’s Bees More Moisture Shampoo with Baobab. After rinsing the shampoo, I finger detangle my hair in sections using Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner. I am switching between that and Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner.
Once all of my hair has been thoroughly detangled and is all twisted up in sections, I rinse all of the conditioner out with the twists in. I wrap my hair in a t-shirt and leave that on for about 20 minutes, so my hair is damp when I go to moisturise after washing. I then add my leave in, Kinky Curly Knot Today, and apply Darcy’s Botanicals Shea Butter Curl Moisturizing Cream together with my own oil mixture on top of that. I lastly style into twists. This routine can last up to 3 hours.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
K: When I do not have a lot of time on my hands and my hair is loose (not in twists) I often go for a protective, elegant, low bun look. It is so easy to do I even surprise myself.
How do you combat shrinkage?
K: I combat shrinkage by keeping my hair stretched when I am washing my hair, i.e. having my hair in twists or plaits whilst washing, and after detangling re-twisting or plaiting. Personally I like shrinkage, and it works really well with most styling options.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
K: At the moment my problem area is my temples due to postnatal shedding. That hair is shorter than the rest and it sticks out, so that can be really annoying.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
K: Moisturise regularly and Detangle with care.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
K: Personally I don’t leave my hair in loose styles often because I cannot deal with the aftermath. I also don’t use heat often, but that is just my personal preference.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: Most definitely – You can find me at www.naturalcurlies.com, YouTube: Naturalcurliestv, Facebook: Natural Curlies, and on Twitter and Instagram @NaturalCurlies, so yes I’m very social!
43 Responses
Yay! Thank you very much.
Love her hair!!! I’m also 4A, being in the military I’m kinda limited to what hair styles I can wear before it’s considered “trendy”, I need to figure something out before I cut my hair and rock a twa with some
ecostlyer gel lol 🙂
Hey luv, don’t panic there is lots of inspiration out there. YouTube was my avenue of inspiration and still is. Try being creative with a low bun (chiffon bun) , recently that has worked for me as I have to look professional in my role. Keep going and don’t give up.
My hair twin, I need her length – currently working on that! Black girls can grow long healthy hair and I LOVE IT!
Your hair looks great! I think natural hair is beautiful when you learn how to properly care for it. I am hoping to let mine be and let it grow long and healthy. Keeping it simple works for me too. I am going to try dry conditioning this weekend, which sounds much better than getting in the shower, wetting my hair, then sitting around for an hour.
Love your hair! Nice interview.
We are hair twins!
You’re very beautiful!!!! I absolute love your hair!!! Thanks for sharing. I like a more simple approach to natural hair care.
Gorgeous hair!
Great hair and face!
When she pretty much said she was grown with TWO kids and a HUSBAND my mouth darn near hit the floor, she could be 16! She looks fabulous, with a fab head of hair!
Pretty hair. My new hair crush. Running off to find her YouTube channel!!!
This is my hair twin and I am most definitely copying those side twist styles. I also keep it simple (this works for me because I spend less time in my hair, and I get less frustrated, which leads to me chopping it off, and I was notorious for doing that).
Gorgeous girl and hair! I agree with your point on hair typing…it’s good to know mostly for what products are best. Anything beyond that is irrelevant, I think…
She sooooo pretty!!! Gorgeous healthy looking hair as well! I love that she keeps her regimen simple–I’m all for that.
Gorgeous! I love her hair and just look at that pretty face!
Yay a fellow Londoner! Your hair is gorgeous!
Beautiful woman and a head of lovely hair to match . Much love 😉
Is it wrong that I am drooling over Kara’s hair? So beautiful! Thank you so much BGLH for sharing her.
You are absolutely gorgeous hun!! Thoroughly enjoyed your interview, your personality really came through. Stay blessed and beautiful naturalista.
-A fellow Londoner, Sheila x
6 and 13 are cute hairdo’s. I’m speechless.
That’s my hair type! That’s my hair type RIGHT THERE. 😀
That aside, beautiful hair and amazing styles! I want to try all those buns and updos. Really inspiring.
beautiful hair and woman!! I LOVE your updos cant wait to have that length to do them!
Your hair is wonderful, really!
That was exactly the motivation that I needed (since I try to grow out my also 4a hair). Thanx a lot!
Greetings from Germany to the UK 🙂
btw: I never would have guessed you had 2 kids- you look like a teenager..;)
Good luck with your journey I am happy that I could be your motivator. I will keep you guessing on my age…haha 😉
Thanx 🙂
haha 😀
All the best to you too! 🙂
Great length, great hair 🙂
You are absoluteley gorgeous.
I love the hairstyles and the lenght…!…makes me want to take care of my hair even more.
Thank you! Keep going with your hair journey. If you need any tips send me a message on fb Natural Curlies! All the best
Thank you everybody for the lovely comments I am so grateful xxx
Hi, I am also from London. Nice to see a London natural! Your hair is lovely!
Gosh you’re absolutely beautiful, and so is your hair! The yellow and orange blouse is simply amazing…..
Both you and your hair are absolutely stunning. You hair is incredibly thick! Beautiful photos!
Love her hair, especially the 3rd pic. I’m 4a as well, wasn’t sure before, but now I am after seeing her hair. Beautiful lady as well.
*an inspiration
you are gorgeous to the max! i mean it… 🙂 what a inspiration
Thank you! I really appreciate your comment.
Postnatal shedding? As in shedding after you have a baby? Is that normal? I’m due to deliver next month. Should I be doing something to prevent that?
Yes, it’s normal. Not everyone will experience it, but it does happen to many new mothers. Your hair will shed a bit more than normal for the first few months after birth. You won’t go bald, don’t worry. It simply happens due to the drastic change in hormone levels. It should return to normal by your child’s first birthday.
It happened with my first child. But not with my second.
Yes you will shed big time bc during most of pregnancy you shed less hair hence why it appears to be thicker, fuller, grow longer. It’s bc your hair stays in the growing phase throughout pregnancy I guess it’s the estrogen or the HGH. Your hair may even behave differently post pregnancy as well as the rest of your body. But your body should find it’s rhythm within the first year.
beautiful hair and styles!
hair just inspired me to completely big chop sooner. out texture is Identical. BEAUTIFUL PICTURES !
Thank you! Post a pic on Natural Curlies fb page when you do. I would love to see it.
Love her hair! Almost wants to make me take down my locs, but I know that I don’t have the patience or time to care for my loose natural hair…oh well, I guess I will admire from afar!