Erecia // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
E: My name is Erecia. I live in NYC, but I’m reppin South America, Guyana. I do Website and Graphic Design.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
E: One day I permed and dyed my hair, THE SAME DAY and my hair started breaking off almost immediately. I said you know what, this is it. I can’t do this anymore. I went ahead and cut my hair completely off. No transitioning. It was scary at first because I didn’t know what my real hair was like and didn’t know what I would do with it.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
E: It definitely opened my eyes to the extremities we go through to change the very physical thing that differentiates us from other races.

How would you describe your hair?
E: My hair is extremely thick with very tight curls at times. It doesn’t behave badly, pins are my best friends. 🙂

What is your regimen?
E: I don’t have much of a regimen. I usually wash my hair every two weeks. I soak my hair in Olive or Coconut oil for about an hour then wash with Dr. Bronners Peppermint Soap or Black Soap. Then I deep condition with Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner.

Tell us about your hair color?
E: I had it done professionally a year ago at an Aveda salon in Brooklyn, NY. The color was mixed to my liking so I am unsure of the exact color. I haven’t changed my moisture routine due to my color. It’s pretty much the same. The color didn’t change my texture at all. The front of my hair has a significantly looser texture than the rest of my head and it has always been that way since I did the BC. What I do notice however, is that as my hair grows my texture is more manageable and softer, but that could well be to the fact that I am learning how to take care of my hair. 🙂

How do you retain length and moisture in your hair, especially now that you have color?
E: I condition my hair twice a week. Once with Coconut, Olive oil or Rosemary oil depending on what’s available. And once with a cream conditioner. I usually keep my hair in pin up styles.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
E: Aside from putting in creamy crack, I’ve learned that I HAVE to moisturize my hair during the week. It’s my least favorite thing to do, especially with a hectic schedule. My hair soaks up everything quickly so moisturizing is inevitable.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
E: I think the most effective thing would be the conditioner I use. My hair absorbs conditioner better than oils.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
E: Yes. I run a free website tutorial site: http://www.beginnerwebsitetutorial, On Youtube http://www.youtube.com/ereciaswebdesign and also a Website Design company http://www.odessapub.com. Twitter: @ereciaw

Anything else you want to add?
E: Embrace the hair God gave you. He didn’t make a mistake. Let’s teach our kids we are beautiful by example.