by
Meosha
*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
E: My name is Kartis Lewis. I was born, raised and currently reside in New Orleans.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
E: I have always admired the beauty, strength and versatility of natural hair. I loved my relaxed hair, but I knew it could be healthier, thicker and I wanted the option to wear it curly. In an effort to “try out” going natural, I held off on my next scheduled relaxer and wore braidouts to get a sense of the possible journey ahead. A month in, I made the decision to not go back to the creamy crack and my official journey began.
I am ridiculously excited because my two year anniversary is March 24. I can’t believe the time has flown by so quickly. Within the two years, I transitioned for twenty months, and big chopped in November 2012. I have been completely natural for four months now.
How would you describe your texture?
E: If I had to guess, I would say my hair is predominantly 4b and possibly 4a around the perimeter where the coils are looser. My hair is pretty coarse. If I properly deep condition, moisturize and protect it, my hair is pretty well-behaved without breakage, tangling and dryness.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
E: Currently, I don’t have a definite styling regimen as I am a natural newbie. I am really enjoying trying different styles for variety, and to establish my go-to hairstyles. If I am not trying out a new style, I typically wear a braidout. It’s easy, quick and fail-proof!
What does wash day look like for you?
E: My wash day starts off with a dry deep condition using Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing (GPB) Conditioner, or a pre-poo using a heated mixture of olive oil and honey on damp hair. Secondly, I cleanse with As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner. After the cleanse, I follow with Shea Moisture Purification Masque. On wash day, I usually style my hair in two-strand twists or braids. If I am going with braids, I do not use any detangling products or tools, as a finger detangle is sufficient. However if I am going with twists, I bring out the Denman brush and my detangling mixture (1/3 Tresemme Naturals Conditioner (aloe vera and avocado) and 2/3 water in a spray bottle). Following, I style with coconut oil, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and a little Shea Moisture Curling Soufflé on the ends to hold my coils.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
E: If it’s the night before, I would go with a braidout. On an old hairstyle, I would spray with a mixture of water and coconut oil, add Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and follow with Paul Mitchell Leave-In Conditioner Crème for added definition; which may be harder to achieve with dirty hair. However, my emergency hairstyle is the power puff. I style it with a mixture of water and coconut oil, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and EcoStyler Gel. Following the puff, I almost always have to shampoo to get the gel residue out of my hair. So, I try not to wear this style too often.
How do you combat shrinkage?
E: Usually I wear braidouts, which drastically reduce shrinkage. Pineappling at night is an added bonus as it stretches my hair even more.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
E: The hair at the crown of my head tends to retain the least amount of moisture. I apply oil to my hair daily, while applying extra to my crown area. On wash day, I apply extra deep conditioner to this area and it seems to help.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
E: Moisturizing: deep conditioning and applying oil throughout the week. Protecting: I try to pineapple every night and sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
E: Brushing/combing my hair while dry is a huge no-no. Also, going too long without deep conditioning leaves my hair feeling brittle, and more prone to tangles and breakage.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
E: Instagram.com/justkartis
48 Responses
she is a 4b, you can definetly see her raw hair type (on pic 3, with a denim jacket). I am a 4b and my hair definetly looks like hers, styled or not styled …
her hair doesn’t really look like a 4b, more like a 3c/4a maybe?
Gorgeous!!!
I <3 this hair, but are you sure you're a 4b? I'm a mix of 4a/4b and I've never achieved curls like that.
Gorgeous hair!
Your hair is GORGEOUS but it definitely looks like more 3c’ish or a mixture of 3c/4a.
Good for you! You mastered the curl typing system!
Lovely hair!
Why are you so dope? Gorgeous!!!
Love your hair and style.
Beautiful lady and gorgeous hair. We ARE beautiful folks. Seeing features like this always makes me wonder why we even resorted to relaxers in the first place 🙂
+100
Kartis, you’re gorgeous!!
Hey baaaaaby! I see you w/your pretty hair & putting us on the map!
I think I’ve found my hair twin! lol finally! Beautiful!
So thrilled to see a NOLA home girl representing! Beautiful!
Superb!!!
We use all the same products that’s funny, your hair is awesome!!! Great hair icon
You favor Jill Marie Jones a little bit with the red lipstick. I love the style in that pic especially!
Thank you! Lol, I have heard that before
Wow amazing hair! I transitioned for 20months n big chopped in Nov 2011…and your texture favors mine! Could I have found my hair twin? Lol…
Thank you! Wow, you’re exactly a year ahead of me!
absolutely gorgeous! ::adds to haircrushes::
Thank you so much for all of your kind words!! I truly appreciate it 🙂
Her hair is gorg!
i was actually considering just going back to relaxer. but looking at her hair gives me a glimmer of hope that one day my hair will actually be this pretty and i never big chopped. long transtion and been like this close to two years yet my hair still looks horrid. -__- *sighs* guess this isnt for me.
It can be for you! Just hang on in there. It’s such a big reward once you actually cross over to natural.
Moisture is the key!!!
You know what I had the same thoughts a few months back, when I hit my one year nappivesary and almost succumbed. But I’m glad I made it over the hump, it will become a breeze and you will find what works. Don’t worry
Thank you! Please hang in there. The beginning stages of my transition were a little tough. It took some time (and more product purchases than I’d like to admit) to find a style & regimen that promoted my natural hair growth and blended my two textures. Initially, I started off wearing twist outs, but eventually my thick new growth left my relaxed ends looking thin. So, this style no longer worked. After some trial & error, I found that twists n’ curls worked best for me. I would flat twist my hair, then place the twists on rollers. I’m wearing this style in the picture with the blue dress (it was taken at 14 months). I narrowed my products down to four: Tresemme Natural conditioner for co-wash; GPB for dry deep-condition; again, Tresemme mixed with water for leave-in/detangler; coconut oil and argan oil to moisturize and seal. This style/regimen enhanced my natural hair growth, blended my two textures very well, left my hair feeling soft and moisturized, and was simple enough for me to be very consistent!
Sorry for the long reply! I just really wanted to offer my words of encouragement, while also letting you know that sometimes this journey takes more time & patience than we anticipated. And that’s ok, because all of the struggles are worth it in the end. I hope this helped a little. Good luck Mercedes!
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I really appreciate this. Your hair is gorgeous
Whoah, she is seriously gorgeous! And at first I misread her name and thought it was Katniss…lol Beautiful name (Kartis) and beautiful hair!
Thank you!! Lol at Katniss!
I meant “lovely”….lol!!
Love the versatility and all of her different styles!! Loveyly!!
Yess!! You’re very pretty and I love your hair soo thick and lush. Great variety if styles as well.
Natural Beauty!
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She is absolutely gorgeous!! I am so confused about hair types. My hair is a 4B (I think) but it looks absolutely nothing like hers LOL!!
The hair typing thing isn’t an exact science. I often feel like no two heads look alike.
Thank you! Lol, I’m so not certain about my hair type. Prior to this, I had never categorized my hair. It was truly just a guess!
I really wish we can retire “creamy crack”.
First, I love your name. So unique. Second, Girl, you’re hair is FAB! You’re very creative! I’ll hit two years being natural in June (time flies!). Love your style!
Thank you! Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!!
Wow ur hair looks beautiful m truly inspired
beautiful woman and hair!
I love the variety of styles. Fabulous!!!!
It must be awesome having thick hair (sigh)…your hair is lovely!
On top of having a FLY head of hair, she’s gorgeous. Get it girl!!
This is the thickness I’m hoping to have when my hair grows out.
So much versatility! You inspire me, girl! Go on with your bad self! Hey!
WOW! This is certainly a serious head of fiercely gorgeous hair! Team Natural strikes again!!!