"I just started my natural hair journey before I did the 'big chop'. I deep conditioned my hair using Pantene sheer volume shampoo & conditioner. I wore my hair in twist outs or Bantu knot outs. Now that I've cut my hair, I've started to add Mane 'n Tail deep moisturizer, Africa's Best Herbal Oil & Olive Oil; and Mango Butter Curl Defining Pudding to my hair styling routine. When I style my fro using bantu knots or in defined curls, I use  using Moroccan Argan Oil Eco Styler Gel or African Essence Styling Gel.

The hardships I was experiencing before I did the big chop was trying to get my damaged hair to match my roots and for it to all be one texture. Initially when I would take my twist out and start to pick through my hair, I wasn't happy with the results, So I finally decided to start over by cutting the damaged hair off and  starting the process from there. So far I'm pleased with how it looks.

I really love my hair because for me its away to express yourself.  I don't believe that I could wear one
hairstyle everyday. I love to be different and I change my hair with every outfit, even with me having short hair I've found a lot of ways to style it. The first time I cut my hair off from a bad bleach and perm (Which I shouldn't have done), I just let my hair grow long enough to where I could get braids and from there I was back to perms. I want to get my hair back long & healthy, having healthy hair and seeing the change in my hair is making me want to continue the process. Any advice I could give on how to keep your hair healthy - even if your not going through the natural journey, is to keep it moisturized, and in between styles, let your hair breathe." - Kaneetra

Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I initially began my hair journey wanting to learn more about growing long and healthy relaxed hair after my relaxed hair started breaking. While I was looking up how to take care of my hair, I learned more about natural hair and the great experiences others had with their natural hair. I saw the range of hairstyles that I could do with natural hair and its versatility, as well as how healthy and thick natural hair was. After reading lots of information on youtube, forums and blogs about natural hair, I was convinced that that was what I wanted to do.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I decided to be long term transition-er after seeing how other ladies on youtube and forums were able to successfully transition and have a considerable amount of hair on their heads. My last relaxer was January 11, 2010 and I ended up transitioning for 18 months and. The last couple of months of my transition I was actually studying abroad in Spain, so that was definitely a challenging experience trying to manage the two textures abroad. About three months after I returned to America I cut the remainder of my relaxed ends off on July 24, 2011.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes, I was traveling into unknown territory and something completely different than what I was used to. As a slow transition-er, I slowly became use to my texture, but I wasn't completely sure how it would look after I cut all of my relaxed ends off. I had some issues styling my hair at first but I eventually learned that braid outs worked more for my hair than twist outs. 

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: I always use shea butter to seal in the moisture. I like the thick consistency of it and it’s ability to hold stretched styles like a braidout. I also like Darcy Botanicals Curl Smoothing Cream and Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Cream as moisturizers. I like the smell of both of them and I like their consistency and thickness.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: What really helped with my natural hair journey was focusing on what my hair and what I liked rather than what others were saying or doing. I read a lot about natural hair on blogs, forums and youtube and saw how great natural hair could be. I didn't see that many other natural women around me when I initially became natural, so I found positive inspiration on the internet.

To see more about Tia, go to her youtube page tiajonay.

"Before going natural I used to get a lot of perms and dyes to my hair. I got a perm every 4 weeks and my ends trimmed. That was back in highschool. Once I graduated I started to try weaves, sew-ins and wigs. My motto was "Big Girl, Big Hair". Couldn't tell me I wasn't Chaka Khan.
 
I decided to go natural in 2010. I was going threw a awkward phase in life. I felt a change coming and I knew my hair had to go first. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was still living at home with my parents and I felt like I wanted a new beginning. I wanted my independence back. I felt like the wigs became priority over my life. Like, I cant walk out the door with out a wig on because I wasn't happy with my self or my hair. So, I sat in front of my vanity and cut off all my hair. I didn't cry or nothing. I went to the barber and let him line me up and that was it.
 
I had no fear on my natural hair texture because I come from a family where we have long thick hair. Even when I was permed my hair was long. It was just chemically treated, I feel like if I had listened to my mom and not gotten a perm I would of had extremely long hair. I remember begging for a perm and she didn't want to do it. However, she was tired of my tears and she permed my hair.
 
Three products I cant live without is my oils. I mix Olive oil, Grapeseed oil, and Jojoba Oil in a bottle and I moisturize my hair with that. I can't live without a good scarf/hair tye because my locs are heavy and in the summer I just need them off my neck. My loc stylist also uses her own products on my hair that she has formulated called "Buttery Sensations" which she uses on my scalp that causes no flakes or build up. She can be reached @Butterysensations on Instagram
 
When talking to someone who wants to embrace there natural hair. I would ask them "Are you mentally ready?" Especially when you come from a phase where all you have to do is go to the Beauty Supply Store for hair. Natural hair is not a overnight thing. There is no instant gratification. I know that when my hair got to certain length I started my loc extensions. Once my hair reached a certain length with the extensions I cut them off. Then I still was not satisfied so I went back 2 more times for different sets. Now, I'm happy where my hair is being as though loc extensions are not cheap I will not be doing anymore cutting. Also, I would tell the person to be prepared for the words you might receive as well. Especially when people always seen you in weaves or wigs. Some want to know why you did it and what made you do it? I answered that question the whole 2010-2011. This was the best decision I ever made and I refuse to look back. Natural hair is versatile and its a free thing. Its, spiritual, loving and emotional. Once I let go, I really did let GOD." - TIanna
 
You can keep up with me on Youtube - Tiannalife;  Instagram - @Tiannalife;  Twitter - @Tiannalife; Facebook Page: Tianna Life  Blogger: tiannalife.blogspot.com



I found this great photo on Pinterest.  

Great photo of Latrenia Bryant, who is a Nurse, Photographer, Stylist and natural hair advocate.

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