LaQuisha from North Carolina // Type 4 Natural Hair

Introduce yourself.
L: I am LaQuisha Hall, a.k.a. “Corner Curl Girl” from New Bern, North Carolina (currently residing in Maryland). I have a long list of job titles, some of them including educator, fashion blogger, inspirational speaker, mentor, pageant queen, doctoral candidate, abuse survivor and advocate and more. My life is just as coarse as my hair, lol.

Did you transition or big chop? Share your natural hair journey with us!
L: I attended a women’s workshop in June 2011 where countless African American women were wearing their natural tresses. I was convinced by close friends to take the plunge and cut my own hair. I went natural 2 days before my wedding anniversary in 2011. On August 3rd, I cut off all of my hair after transitioning for months. I spent most of 2011 wearing weaves and wigs because I was frustrated with my permed hair. That summer I went to Switzerland, a place where I definitely could not get a touch up! When I returned to the United States, I noticed I had a lot of new growth underneath my artificial hair and I wanted to cut it down to the natural hair. Unfortunately, the hair was so matted from a lack of proper maintenance that I ended up doing a big chop anyways.

How would you describe your texture?
L: My natural hair is dense and very coarse, more coily than curly. It rises instead of hangs which causes some awesome afro action! I have labeled my own hair 4z (lol) because of its coarseness.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month, and the rationale behind your various styling decisions.
L: As much as I would love to share that I mix my own products, wash and style my own hair and more, I can’t. I did when it was shorter, however, as my hair became longer and I became busier, I began entrusting my hair to stylists that I trusted. I have two amazing stylists, Zarah Charm and Ericka Cherrie, both in Baltimore, who now maintain this bush. I will style my own hair after my stylists style it! I frequently wear twists (havana, updos, etc.), crochet braids and other creative expressions from my stylists. I don’t tell them what to do either; I just sit in the chair! This is how much I trust them. Zarah Charm uses her own product on my hair, “Charisma”, which is a blend of natural ingredients that smells amazing and can be used on the entire body. Ericka also uses professional products on my hair that work very well. When I am on my own to do minimal styling, I use Charisma, “Leave Me In” Conditioner by Zuresh and Taliah Waajid products for detangling.

What does wash day look like for you?
L: Wash day looks is at the hair salon. Because of the super busy life that I lead, I do not often have time to line my staple products up around the shower and spend hours detangling, lol. My stylists do a great job and in half the time it takes me. However, if I have to wash my own hair, I wash with Trader Joes Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and detangle with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and then detangle small sections at a time using Taliah Waajid’s Kinky, Wavy, Natural Easy Herbal Comb Out (for kids). I seal it all with Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
L: I just love wearing my afro! It is easy to do and it can range in size due to the massive shrinking I experience, however, it is definitely my go-to hairstyle. As a matter of fact, if I am found with an afro, it is usually because I could not get to one of my stylists!

How do you combat shrinkage?
L: Honestly, I don’t. I will go through the process of blowing my hair out every now and again, but as the hair shrinks, I allow it. I pluck it, pick it and twist it, but I don’t force it to be elongated to its full length. I know what is on my head and don’t need to measure it or prove it to anyone else.

Tell us about your hair color!
L: I currently have a patch of blonde color in the front of my hair. The color was done by one of my 2 stylists, Ericka Cherrie. She is truly a pro!! The color did not change the texture of my hair and I have had to give it a lot of extra conditioning and love. So far, after having this patch for almost a year, I have had no problems.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
L: I won’t say that I have a problem area, but I do pay close attention to my ends. They are the oldest part of my 3-year old hair and often the most dry. I use moisturizer on my ends daily (Leave Me In by Zuresh) unless I have a protective style. I also use my Luxe Therapy Scalp Soother regularly to massage my scalp.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
L: I do protect my hair nightly with a Satin bonnet from Diva Bonnets Boutique (this is the only bonnet that I can adjust to this afro of mine!). I do wear protective styles often.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
L: I don’t quickly or roughly comb my hair nor do I detangle my hair while it is dry. I don’t straighten my hair often (maybe once or twice a year for a good trim).

Is there a blog/webpage or social media account where we can find you?
L: Main Website: LaQuishaHall.com
Blog: CornerCurlGirl.com
Facebook: Corner Curl Girl
Instagram: @CornerCurlGirl
Twitter: @CCurlGirl