Gabrielle // Natural Hair Style Icon

Where do you live?
G: I live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (yes its a real city lol), I’m originally from Stone Mountain, GA and I’m defintely a true “Georgia peach” at heart. I’m a stay at home mom of 3 baby boys, Ameer 4 1/2, Isaiah 3, and Elijah 20 mths. To say my my hands are full would be an understatement.

Why did you go natural?
G: I was one of those people who had no idea of the concept of “being natural” I always thought that relaxing was something every black girl did until my younger sister Chloe said she was transitioning and suggested I do the same, and so I did. I also was having issues with shedding and thinning of my hair when I was relaxed.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
G: I started transitioning on June 25 2008 and I transitioned for a whole year, during this process I learned how to care for my hair and become my own stylist. I used protective heatless styles like braidouts, twistouts, rollersets, spiral sets, twist’n’curls and buns. A lot of my styles were gathered from all types of social forums like youtube, K.I.S.S., etc.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
G: Since becoming natural I’ve actually begun to live a more holistic lifestyle. I’m cautious of what I put on my hair and skin, and careful of what I ingest into my body. It’s given me more self confidence and I now love me in my natural state.

How would you describe your hair?
G: My hair is afro textured, coily, curly, and I have fine strands. Some may say 4a/4b but it really doesn’t matter to me mainly because everyone has multiple textures and you just have to work with what you got.

What is a brief description of your regimen?
G: My regimen is extremely basic and super simple:

• Co-washing: Suave naturals, Yes to Cucumbers (any of them) conditioners
• Shampoo: Shea moisture Moisture rention shampoo
• Deep Treatment: Pantene Pro-V relaxed and natural moisturizing conditioner
• Heavy moisutrizer: Kera Care butter cream
• Oils: grapeseed, castor, evoo oils
• Apple cider vinegar: balances the ph in my hair after a shampoo (conditions)
• Leave-in: Kinky Curly Knot today, Karen’s body beautiful sweet ambrosia leave in conditioner
• Styling aides: Organic root stimulator smoothing pudding, Oyin handmade burnt sugar pomade, KeraCare twist and define cream

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
G: I’ve learned to stay away from heat “Heat is the DEVIL!!!” I’ve suffered from heat damage and I also don’t use a lot of product on my hair. I like my twists and spiral sets to be light and airy never weighed down or greasy.

Whats the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
G: The best thing I do for my hair is that I listen to it; when it’s dry I co-wash, when it’s feeling stripped I moisturize. I also use protective styling to grow my hair and to maintain my length, most importantly I’ve learned how to properly care for my natural hair.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
G: Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/chocolatetresses
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1053161805
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Chocolatetresss
My Blog: http://chocolatetresses.blogspot.com/

Anything else you want to add?
G: I’d like to encourage anyone who’s thinking about going natural or in the transition stage to give it a try. I don’t think any harm will come from being the natural you.