Flutronix // Natural Hair Style Icons

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
Nathalie Joachim (left) and Allison Loggins-Hull (right). We’re from Brooklyn, NY and together are Flutronix, an electro-acoustic flute duo. We are a critically acclaimed pair of fresh and eclectic flutists who are paving the way from our classical roots to the future of music.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
Nathalie: One day it was really hot and I impulsively cut off my hair. Haven’t looked back! I’ve been natural since 2002.
Allison: I got really tired of touch-ups and find natural hair to be more liberating and fun. Also, natural hair looks great. I’ve done it a few times, but this most recent chop was done in the summer of 2011.

How would you describe your texture?
Nathalie: Somewhere in the 4s. My hair is dense and fine at the same time.
Allison: I think I’m a 3c. My hair is very fine and corkscrew shaped.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
Nathalie: I have a short haircut, so my styling routine is not that demanding. I wash my hair once a week and pick it out in the mornings. I use Carol’s Daughter shampoos, conditioners and styling products including the moisturizing hair oil and leave-in conditioner.
Allison: I wash my hair once a week, but condition it a few times. I need to “restart” my natural curls by re-wetting my hair and that’s when I condition it. If I’m not wearing it out, I pin it up or pull it into some type of ponytail. I use a blow dryer to stretch the curl from time to time, for days when I want more length. I use Mixed Chicks shampoos and conditioners and Miss Jessie’s styling products (Baby Buttercreme, Curly Meringue and Pillow Soft Curls).

What does wash day look like for you?
Nathalie: Also simple, I shampoo, rinse, condition while I wash and rinse. I towel dry my hair, spray the moisturizing leave-in conditioner on, comb through and go.
Allison: Wash day for me is pretty simple. I generally shampoo twice, condition, comb through and rinse. I work a styling product through, blow dry (usually with a diffuser), finger and go.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
Nathalie: My haircut is my go-to hairstyle!
Allison: Definitely a ponytail!

How do you combat shrinkage?
Nathalie: I go with the shrinkage.
Allison: When I want to stretch the curl, I generally use a blow dryer and Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls. I’ll use a pick and dry the hair in sections. I use the pick to stretch the curl out while I’m drying it.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
Nathalie: Because it’s short with a stylish cut, I’ve eliminated a lot of problems that I might otherwise have.
Allison: My hair has different textures and this can be a bit problematic when it comes to styling. The back curls are tighter while the front are looser. My hair is very fine, so it’s always a challenge to get it to look fuller.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
Nathalie: Do keep it moisturized and do try to comb it out.
Allison: Do condition often and detangle regularly.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
Nathalie: Don’t comb it dry and don’t leave home without a hat (j/k).
Allison: Don’t brush and don’t overheat.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
www.flutronix.com