*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
E: My name is Erica and I’m from Maryland, but I’m quickly becoming a New Yorker after living here for 9 years.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
E: Well, I was never the perm your hair every 6 weeks type, so once my new growth came in inch-by-inch, I fell in love with the texture of my hair. I big chopped the week of my senior prom. I. WAS. BRAVE. I’ve been natural for 11 years.
How would you describe your texture?
E: I’m not quite sure what my hair type is, but I will say that my hair is pretty thick, but soft to the touch.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
E: I like to use minimal amounts of product in my hair, unless I’m going for a lot of curl definition. When my hair is in a fro, I like to use jojoba or coconut oil, and I keep it in a chunky braid-out at night.
When it’s super defined, I LOVE using the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner. The price point is perfect, and the fact that I can use it in my hair night after night without build up is perfect for me.
What does wash day look like for you?
E: I love Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo. It’s so moisturizing and simple in terms of the ingredients. I have yet to find my go-to conditioner, but I have tried many and one of my favs is Aphogee’s Balancing Conditioner.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
E: I love a big, chunky twist-out. 7-8 twists and no fuss.
How do you combat shrinkage?
E: I like to braid my hair in medium sections after air drying and I leave them in overnight for better results. I tried banding…but my husband was not feeling the ‘Coolio’ look. Maybe because he caught me singing Gangta’s Paradise in the mirror?? lol
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
E: I have a lot of damage from years of not knowing how to take care of my hair. Thankfully, the past few years have been so helpful for me now that there are more ingredient conscious products for natural hair. Better than pro-styl gel right?!
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
E: A lot of moisture and maintaining my curl pattern.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
E: Heat and more heat. : )
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
E: Yes, I just started a YouTube channel at youtube.com/eturner820. You can also find me on Instagram @naturale.
38 Responses
hair twin!
Nice and thick. Looks very healthy.
Thank you! Thick yes, but healthy…not so much : ( But i’m working on it, that’s for sure!
I just wanted to echo a few things that have already been said. 1. You are gorgeous. 2. Your hair is too. 3. It really is great to see a 4c being featured. More, please.
thanks for the love!!
Erica you are BEAUTIFUL, this is want I WANT to see…4C hair, long and beautiful. Great piece
wow! thanks for your kind words!
I like your hair! And you have a pretty face. lol at the singing in the mirror.
lol! thanks!!
Hi Erica. Nice hair, I don’t see a lot of 4C style icon stories, so I really enjoyed yours! Keep doing ya thing!
Thanks for the encouragement Jordan! Glad I know my hair type now lol!
pretty hair, pretty girl.
This is the real deal. I LOVE IT! I am especially loving the ‘fro pic
new youtube subbie!
Thanks Meosha for featuring me!!! Special thanks to everyone for your sweet comments.
Beautiful hair and face. Love the bigass fro 🙂
Love your interview and pics. Your hair is fabulous!!!
Your hair is gorgeous and so beautiful!!! 🙂
Gorgeous tresses…so thick and lush!
Simply BEAUTIFUL!
The treatment of our hair definitely evolves. You indicate incurring damage to your hair, while natural. Can you expound on that? Thanks!
Hi Kelly, Overtime, I damaged my hair from the overuse of heat and not properly moisturizing my hair on a regular basis. Let’s just say that I was in the dark when it came to my hair. I did whatever it took to make it look good in terms of a style, not to make it look good for health. But now that there’s a multitude of resources and products, I’m able to do the right things for my hair. I’ve contemplated doing another big chop…but I just can’t! lol
I’ve also been natural since 2000. And now there are tons of products on the market, which have me newly inspired. I’ve definitely tried to step-up my moisturizing game, as I used to take my “strong” hair for granted. Your hair looks good, keep it up Sis
Gorgeous!
such a beautie!
Love her hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at all that THICK, BEAUTIFUL HAIR! I love it!
thank you nina : ) and thanks for checking out my interview
Beautiful pics and great skin.
Thank you : ) you guys are awesome
Lovely article and beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Kimberly, and thanks for taking the time to check me out : )
YES! now thats a real afro :]
Thanks!!!!
Wow! You are so beautiful! Your hair and your smile are both gorgeous! And the personality that shines through in your pictures makes you seem like a really fun person! Great ‘fro too!
awww thank you!!! I like to have fun…I’m a goofball for sure ; ) @jesusinthecity.
4C!!!! HOW CUUUUUUTTTTTEEEEEEEEE…Really natural hair is beautiful.
WOW!!! Thanks!! you guys are so nice : ) I love that we can all empower and support each other.