*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Araly. I live in Medellin, Colombia. I am currently a student of visual arts, focusing on the world of photography and audiovisual production.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I decided to go natural because I was tired of my hair suffering from mistreatment and it was time to try something more involved with my personality.
When and how did you transition into natural hair?
A: I started my transition in June of 2011. I think it was one of the best decisions I could make. 🙂
In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
A: Going natural has affected me in such a positive way. It made me realize how much I was hiding behind my hair. For years I though I couldn’t go natural because I would look like a boy, or my hair wouldn’t look right because it is too thick and coarse. It is totally the opposite. I tried it and love it!
If anything going natural has built my confidence higher than anything. Also, it has given me so much patience. Before this, I did not want to spend a whole day on hair and most definitely didn’t want to spend half a day in a salon chair. I love doing my hair and don’t mind playing in it all day.
How would you describe your hair?
A: My hair is very thick and frizzy in some areas. It is super soft in texture and in some areas it’s thick as wool, but I love it all the same. My hair is very manageable, but too rebellious x)
What is your regimen?
A: I wash my hair every 8 days using shampoo and conditioner for horse hair, and honey soap. Before I wash I apply a treatment of avocado and aloe vera.
How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
A: I comb constantly with a round head round brush and braid it every night. I am constantly applying coconut oil for moisture.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
A: Too much heat from the flat iron and discolorations from trying to achieve a color.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
A: The most effective thing I do is try to keep my hair hydrated, and always doing my nightly routine.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: https://www.facebook.com/CreamStrnad and http://creamgore.tumblr.com/
Anything else you want to add?
A: I just want to say that I LOVE to wear my hair the way I was born. I feel more secure and confident now. I want to tell people who want to wear their hair naturally to do so because they will love it too.
14 Responses
lovely hair,beautiful girl
She’s so pretty, lovely styles!
What a pretty girl! Love her pics!
I was thinking Esparanza too. Lovely
She’s adorable and looks a bit like Esperanza Spalding!
I am in love with her face and braces! Her hair is awesome, too! I love seeing newbie naturals with shorter hair! They totally inspire me to just be patient and work with what I have right now.
I am in love with her face and braces! Her hair is awesome, too! I love seeing newbie naturals with shorter hair! They totally inspire me to just be patient ABC and work with what I have right now.
Would have liked to have read about the reaction of her family/friends to her decision to go natural.
Beautiful girl.
She and her name are beautiful!
Yes…it is awesome to see this…having natural hair in the U.S is not always easy, but in Latin America it is a lot harder…(when I mean hard, I mean regarding receiving negative comments)….I have traveled throughout Latin America and racism is a challenge—-mostly due to the idea of mestizaje that has been perpetuated throughout the 20th century…so I love to see women from Latin America posting about going natural…love it..
I’m starting to get the feeling that naturals could rule the world….
Gorgeous head of hair and lovely photos! I would love to know more about shifting attitudes towards natural hair in Latin America.
she’s adorable.
I was thinking the same thing!
She’s got great hair too.
Yep! love the photos