Aprecia from Columbus // 4A Natural Hair Style Icon

What is your Name / Where are you from?
A: My name is Aprecia, and I’m from Columbus, Ohio.

Did you transition or big chop? Share your natural hair journey with us!
A: I’ve always been natural so I neither transitioned or big chopped, but I didn’t start taking my natural hair journey seriously until I was 18. ( I’m currently 19)

How would you describe your texture (is it predominantly 3a, 3b or 3c / 4a, 4b, or 4c, and how does it behave, are your strands fine or coarse, is your hair thin or dense, etc.)?
A: My hair is predominantly 4a and is very dense, while its wet its easy to manage but once it dries it expands and becomes coarse and harder to manage. So I usually wet my hair before trying to style it.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month, and the rationale behind your various styling decisions.
A: I’m currently on a heat free kick. so far its been a 1 year +. So I’m very big on protective styles and wash and go’s. Because I’m growing my nape cut out Its hard for me to wear my hair alot because of the  slight struggle growing process I’m going through right now. So I wear a lot of wigs with my hair braided up underneath. Wigs are my go to protective styles. A few very natural looking wigs that are inexpensive include, Freetress Creta Girl and Beshe Lady Lace 31 both are amazing and under 40 dollars.  My staple products include: As I Am Coconut Cowash, Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, coconut oil, WATER, black castor oil, aloe vera juice ( I fill my water bottle with 3/4 water 1/4 aloe vera juice), EcoStyler Gel, and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture and Shine Shampoo.

What does wash day look like for you?
A: I cowash every week, and I shampoo every month or every 2 months with Creme of Nature Moisture Shampoo. I deep condition every 2 weeks with Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner, and I also oil rinse with virgin coconut oil to minimize fairy knots and moisturize my hair.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
A: My favorite go to hairstyle is the wash and go mohawk. After I wash my hair in the shower, I apply the Cantu Leave-In, grab my olive oil EcoStyler Gel and put a tiny bit on the sides of my hair. Then I  brush my hair up and put bobby pins of the sides to give it a more dimension.

How do you combat shrinkage?
A: Most of the time I don’t combat it at all, I just let it be. My hair is very tightly coiled so I try not to disturb its natural pattern. But for the the times I do want to get a bit more length, I finger coil my hair. Its a very long process but the results are amazing.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
A: The hair in the middle of my head is much shorter than the rest of my hair, so I make it a habit to massage the middle of my scalp and my edges with Jamaican black castor oil almost every night.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Constant moisture (water) and coconut oil.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Combing or brushing while dry, constant manipulation.

Is there a blog/webpage or social media account where we can find you?
A: I’m on Instagram @eccentricnubian