Nakfa // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
N: I’m Nakfa reppin DC! Currently I’m a student. Visual artist at heart.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
N: I have always been a natural gal, but I didn’t always appreciate natural hair.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
N: When I was younger I so badly wanted straight hair and even wanted a relaxer. I figured, why straighten it occasionally when it could be straight all the time? I mean who wants curly hair right?…Anyone? Lol right. The naïve girl in me was only thinking about the “benefits” and all the glory that would come from a relaxer. No more detangling struggles, everyday would be a good hair day! “NO!!” Which is exactly what my mom yelled at me as she explained that a relaxer was the most permanent step that I could comprehend. Anyways after years of awkward curls and unimpressive ringlets, my hair naturally began to blossom into a prominent bush of awesome curliness. I think it started when I cut my hair a bit shorter…my hair gained volume.

How would you describe your hair?
N: My hair strands are quite fine, but I have a lot of it so overall my hair is thick. The texture and behavior truly depends on how I decide to dry it. If it’s a wash-and-go my hair tends to dry big and curly. If I braid it at night, my hair is tame and wavy…but it always shrinks up to be quite short.

What is your regimen?
N: Generally I shampoo my hair once a week using the relaxed and natural Pantene shampoo, and condition my hair a few times a week also using “relaxed and natural” Pantene conditioner. I like to go on a day-to-day basis so there is no set amount of times I wash and condition.

How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
N: Trimming my hair every few months to get rid of dead ends helps retain my length. For moisture, I like to braid my hair some nights and put any type of oil onto my hair. I generally like Olive Oil products for things like this.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
N: Not moisturizing my hair and letting it stay dry for a while because I just didn’t feel like doing anything to it. Lol oops. Moisture for curly hair is obviously important.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
N: I love putting oil on my hair and scalp. It gets my hair moisturized and scalp feeling good.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
N: You can find me at vistalagangsta.tumblr.com and my personal posts at nakfa.tumblr.com.

Anything else you want to add?
N: Yes! First off, a very special thanks to Meosha and the contributors of BGLH for featuring me! Also to all of my natural hair sisters, remember your curls are special and beautiful : D. When times and ends get rough, get a trim and hydrate! Treating your hair like royalty will pay off. To those considering going natural…believe me when I say stepping into the shower and just washing your hair when ever the hell you want is perhaps the greatest feeling ever. Lol…Best of luck to you all!