by
Meosha
Introduce yourself!
J: My name is J.C.! (Jacqueline Chinonso) I am from Brooklyn, NY.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
J: Every time someone asks me how long I have been natural I always tell them ‘it is kind of complicated’. That being said I have been natural for 12 years. Long story as short as I can make it, my mom permed my hair when I was 7 thinking it would make managing my (and my elder sister’s) hair much easier. When she realized that it didn’t, and that the salon and those Just For Me boxes were too costly for our family of 7 she just stopped. No big chop or anything. The only thing I can really recall is that my hair started gradually becoming an afro as opposed to the slight waves (think Michael Jackson’s hair in Black or White) I got after a wash on permed hair. Any-who from then on my mom corn-braided my hair in any cool style that I thought of and I LOVED it.
From third grade to freshman year of high school I had the coolest braid hairstyles and everyone would ask how my mom did it and if they could feel it; I should add here that I attended a majority Caucasian Junior High and High School. During that time I was natural (though no one really called it that back then), but my hair was not the healthiest due to manhandling my dry hair during styling and never having heard of conditioner. It was in sophomore year of high school that I discover RusticBeauty on YouTube and decided to try to grow my hair longer and thicker by doing my hair on my own, allowing styling to be more gentle. Two strand twists became, and still are my protective style of choice about 5 years later. So I have been natural for 12 years, but have been a ‘conscious natural’, as I like to put it, for 5.
How would you describe your texture?
J: I describe my hair texture as 4b and 4c with thick hair strands. With conditioner some curls are defined, but once my hair is dry it has no curls at all and resembles a big blow out.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: I like two strand twists as I mentioned above, so I keep my twists in for 2-3 weeks depending on schoolwork and exam schedules. I spritz my hair with water and rub in some leave in conditioner and oils when I feel that my hair is dry. I do twist outs for the 4 days before wash day, which is always on a weekend. All in all I keep it simple.
What does wash day look like for you?
J: Wash day means that I separate my hair into 6 sections and finger detangle each with either Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle or a homemade banana baby food deep conditioner (My favorite). Since I finger detangle this takes a while, but I highly prefer not using a comb. After all sections are done I wait 10-30 minutes and rinse my hair using conditioner to wash my scalp (no shampoo unless I really feel like I need to with Dr. Bronner’s). Then I style my wet hair in twists with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat as a leave in and an oil: EVOO, coconut oil, or argan oil.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
J: I am very active and enjoy sweating so wearing twists in high buns and ponytails are my go to, plus buns and ponytails often go better with my mainly androgynous dress style.
How do you combat shrinkage?
J: I do not experience much shrinkage since I have in twists all the time, which stretch the hair. Doing my twists on wet hair makes them shrink, but I do not mind that at all and by the 2nd week the twists are stretched due to wearing high buns.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
J: A problem area is the hair by my temples. I have always had shorter hairs at my temple area and have tried castor oil, but that does not really help. It may be genetics as my mom and sisters also have shorter hair there so I don’t really pay any mind to that.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
J: 2 do’s for my hair are to style when wet. I really like working with wet hair as it is easier to detangle. Another do would be to moisturize and seal my twists when I feel that my twists are dry.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
J: 2 don’ts for my hair are 1. Using a comb and 2. Doing wash and gos. I have never tried a wash and go, but I know that it would not last 2-3 weeks, which for me makes it a huge don’t. As for the comb, I have noticed that I loose less hair when using my fingers because using my fingers allow me feel each individual tangle and focus on detangling it patiently.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: You can follow me on Tumblr: JustLostJC and YouTube: JustLostJC (I have a video on my banana baby food conditioner check it out!)
78 Responses
It’s so refreshing to see a 4b/c girl with long hair. I’m medium length and most of the youtubers I watch are too. Seeing your long and healthy hair gave me hope.
My hair inspiration! Your hair looks just like mine, only longer. I’ve been completely natural for 16 months now and I’ve just come to terms with the fact that my hair needs to be twisted most of the time in order to avoid single strand knots. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful photos. Your hair is glorious and you seem to know exactly what to do for it.
Brooklyn, NY…natural for 14 years, with 11 of those years consisting of manhandled/body-slammed hair….4b/c texture…edges immune to castor oil…. .Igbo….yep. Hair twin.
LOL yep!! you got it! yay for hair twin
What a beautiful young lady!
Thank You!
A lot of girls have hair textures similar to Jacqueline, so we can relate thanks!
yay! i am glad people can relate! and share similar experiences
Perfect hair, beautiful skin… What is your skincare routine?
Sara from Switzerland
Ohh Switzerland! and thank you. I use ambi facial cleanser witch hazel toner (every other day) and ambi moisturizer with spf then an oil (i really like argon but i use olive oil sometimes too) and i dont use foundations or things like that..perhaps i will later in life
Your hair is beautiful and thick, Jacqueline.
Thank you Shell!
Thank you so much for that eye opening inspiration (conscious natural). I have started over again and it was a real treat to get an image of what my hair may look like in the near future.
No problem and good luck
yay for finger detangling! that’s all i do. it’s amazing for the hair. speaking of which, yours is absolutely gorgeous!
Yes, finger detangling is amazeballs the first time was the hardest b/c i kept eyeballing the comb when i ran into tangles lol. Thank you!
Shes the most beautiful girl!
beautiful hair and style
thanks a lot!
All the photos are great (truly) but I would have loved to have seen a shot of her hair in twists.
Yes i should have but next time…perhaps
i teared up watching your pictures (happy tears). my story i so similar to yours.i live ONLY in twists.just this summer i took my 4b/c hair into my own hands although my mum combed it however i wanted too. ive been natural forever but this summer im now “consciously natural” :). my temples are a prob too. you are my new role model and inpiration, i mean that.i doubted my ability to care for my hair type but i truly thank you for inpiring my to carry one
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG00889-20120212-1544.jpg[/img]
i love the photo!! and yes doing your hair on your own seems like a lot of work but once you have a routine you dont even notice! Thank you and GOOD LUCK!
SUPER BEAUTIFUL girl, hair, and style! Keep it up, lady, you are ROCKIN.
I will try to keep it up! Thank You!
She is naturally beautiful
I used to be called Jackie in HS (but its JC now ha) Thanks Jacky!
You’re welcome,thanks for replying,from one naija girl to another.
Yay, a hair twin and a fellow Naija chick! I’m guessing Igbo…am I right? Anyway, your hair is absolutely gorg, chica! I was having one of those “I hate my hair” days but looking at pics of yours reminded me why I love my hair texture so much. Big, fluffy, kinky and full of awesome! Also, your bone structure is straight up amazing…and you and your siblings have some fabulous genes. Too much beauty for one family! 🙂
Aye Igbo Kwenu!! And yes bad hair days are the worst but if all else fails..high buns are super chic IMO!. and aww thanks I will surly tell my siblings you said that. Thanks N9ja girl!
I loved this feature. You’re hair just about resembles mine : ]) Like you, I’ve been natural for a while (6yrs) but only “conscious natural” (I love that term also, so fitting ^_^) for 3 years. My hair’s about shoulder length now. You’re a total hair inspiration!
Yeah, I could not think of any way to describe the point when I was made aware that to some being natural was a conscious hair health decision. Stoked I can be a inspiration to a fellow ‘conscious natural’ !!!
Simply adore it!!!
Thanks!
Had to take the time to comment. Loved this profile, the hair looks exactly mine, I’m about 15 inches all around. I know who I’ll be voting for at the end of the year for the Natural Hair Style Icon of the year… : ) : )
GeeWhiz I did not even know about that contest! Thanks for the vote and the comment Hair twin!
It is so beautiful. I am natural since 8 years just because I get a chemical burn on my scalp and since then my scalp is sensitive. But I am new to the natural world, November. And since then, they grow a little , but breakage take them all. I bought so many product to make my DIY , I mean tons, Shea butter, mango, soybean, and I have all kind of oil and nothing works, and amla, shikakai, etc. I just bought the luv naturals products and plan to do two twist strands. I am discourage and need help. I find it hard to learn what your hair like
Wow that sounds like a lot that you have been through. But I a sure that with a protective style like twists or any other you choose and patience that your hair will thrive. Try not to get discouraged by comparing your starting point to someone’s finish. Good Luck!
Just do a little at a time, it takes a while to work out what your hair likes and dislikes.
So seperate it out, shampoo and conditioner
Wash aftercare
and finally everyday.
Since we can’t see you, what hair type would you say you are?
Are you healthy? On any kind of medication
Whats your diet like?
Hair family History
You have to be honest when considering the above questions, that will help you find the best care and routine for your hair.
Nobody can do this for you, but I hope Ive help you started.
Good luck!
I love her hair.
I like yours too! some times i wish i had started off with shorter hair (BC’ed) so I could do a lot of the styles my friends are able to do now ugh
she is gorgeous. I love her hair
thank you
Gaaahh i love your hair :O
Gaahh Thank You !! hehe
Finally kinky hair yes
First off, YAY for mentioning RusticBeauty! She was an inspiration to me as well back in the day…
Secondly, your hair is gorgeous! I would have liked to have seen some pictures of your twists since I feel myself heading in that direction (keeping my hair in twists most of the year). I’ll make sure to check out your YT channel. Thanks!
RusticBeauty is who made me know that my current (then) hair length/health was not per-determined and that with proper hair care black (and other) hair could could reach some crazy goals!!
Yeah I should have added some twist photos!! and Thanks!
I’m really going to start wearing twist in my hair more often and using organic hair product because my hair grows when i wear twist.
Yes twist are fairly easy to do once you get the hang of it and they are a get up and go style!
Hmm, Maybe I am a 4b! Your hair does the same thing mine does! No curls, except with conditioner. In any case, your hair is gorgeous and very similar to mine. Styling my hair wet has also saved it! I brush it one time a week and use a comb to part only! Good tips! I will treat it in a similar manner!
The hair typing thing was so complicated to me b/c ppl that claim the same hair type have hair that looks totally different so hey you could be 4b!! Yeah I use a rat tail to part too. Thank you
Finally, someone with hair like me!!!
AYE!
Welp! I think I have a hair crush! ;0) Gorgeous girl with healthy looking, thick hair. Love it!
Someone’s hair crush!!?? Why I never!! speaking of haircrush (YT) her channel is awesome! And Thank you
Saw her on tumblr a few times, she is super pretty and so is her hair.
AAHHH love Tumblr- it seems pointless but I can waste a lot of time on it. Thank you!
My niece is only 5 and she hates her naps. Her mom uses the just for me relaxer. Its refreshing to know that you loved your hair at such a young age:)
awww well she is young she still has time. People learn to love different things about themselves at different times.
Wow, such amazing bone structure and phenomenal hair!!
oooh name twin! and thank you
Gorgeous lady with gorgeous hair
Thank you!
Your hair is gorgeous! So very beautiful! I hope mine will look like yours one day.
From your name I can tell we have a similar background 🙂
Like you I’ve been natural almost all my life, had a relaxer once when I was a little girl. My mom wasn’t pleased with it, so grew it out. She braided my hair every Sunday before church. My mom tried, God bless her heart! I always looked cute. But in hindsight the dry combing and tight braiding wasn’t good for length retention. I’ve been a ‘conscious’ natural for 7 years now 😀
wow similar stories! and yes it will just focus on the health and don’t think about it every day. Honestly I have not done a length check (or straightened my hair)in 2 years and i don’t plan on it
I love her style…beautiful hair and skin, she’s the total package!
Thank you! and I am getting my summer glow on ha
This woman has gorgeous healthy hair!!!!
Thank You!
wow, it’s so thick, how do you manage? My hair is not as thick and it frustrates me
since it is twists all the time I dont really notice the thickness lol
Gosh, your hair is bangin’! Love that your mom realized the expense of relaxers isn’t worth it. Beautiful, girl- the cut is great too!
vertmoot.blogspot.com
Thank you. And yes they are expensive so she doesn’t perm her hair anymore either
Yeaaaa another 4B-4C natural is featured!!!
@etrenise25 YES!!! that’s what I’m talking about…ok ummm I’m not a lesbian but you have sexy full lips, the HAIR is absolutely beautiful…
Hey 4b-4c Turn Up! And thank you for the lips and hair comment!
Nice one J.C… Its so sweet/cool to see people so proud of themselves and their hair irrespective of its texture and their Origin! All hairs are beautiful because they are gifts from God!!! And as always, “we are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God!!!
Thanks. I mean i have always been taught to be proud of who i am