" Natural hair cares is not like that of Relaxed or even weaved hair care. You have to start learning from scratch."
I've been following Shelly's blog for a little while. I like frequenting her spot because she has a very open, refreshing and honest approach in sharing her natural hair journey. She also has some really thorough product reviews and cool giveaways! So of course, I had to invite her over to share her story and .
Thank you Shelly for sharing your story. Would you mind introducing yourself?
Hey loves! My name is Shelly. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Jamaica. I am a true naturalista - lover of all things natural and lover of life. I have been natural for 2 years now and I love it. Going natural inspired me to create my blog www.glamnaturallife.com. It has been a great ride and I am still holding on with excitement.
Let's talk about how and why you decided to transition to natural hair.
I have always been perming and weaving for most of my life. My first perm was at age 8 then the weaves became a part of me as I became an adult. In July of 2011, I damaged the leave-out section of my weave by flat ironing daily while on vacation in London. It was humid every day so my hair would poof up in no time and refused to blend in with the weave.
After I took the weave out, I decided to big chop. My best friend has natural hair so she helped with my transition. However working with 2 textures was difficult so I chopped it off a month later. Been rocking my natural tresses ever since. Best decision that I have ever made. I felt so liberated and free. Also, my pocket felt good too. LOL! Weaves don’t come cheap. Lol!Was it difficult learning to maintain your new hair texture at all?
No it wasn’t difficult. It was just new. I was excited and obsessed with playing and learning how to work this new hair on my head. Shoot, it’s been 2 years since I am natural, and I am still excited and obsessed.I think after you big chop you have to throw out all the hair care knowledge you had.
Natural hair cares is not like that of Relaxed or even weaved hair care. You have to start learning from scratch. I grew up knowing that only Grandmas and very religious girls wore their natural hair. Natural Hair to me back then was boring hair. Now I can’t see myself without my fro. I love my hair.
In one word, how would you describe your natural hair journey?
Unpredictable! (I can never quite tell how my hair is going to turn out. It has a mind of its own. LOL! I love it!)
Name 5 hair products that you just can’t live without...
Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk
Shea Moisture Smoothie
Taliah Waajid Curl Cream
Coconut and Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)
Cream of Nature Edge Control gel
What is your favorite natural hair style?
Well, my signature hair style hands down is a braid-out. I normally do about 10 braids on damp or dry hair. It leaves my hair stretched and adds more texture. Absolutely love it! My second favorite is a high puff. It’s just so easy. Lol! A puff always saves the day.
Tell us a little about your natural hair blog. What can readers can expect to find at Glam Natural Life?
GlamNaturalLife.com is where I share my natural hair journey, offer tips on natural hair care, and allow others to share as well through commenting and guest blogging. I am by no means an expert on hair care; however I am an expert on my hair. I know what works for me and advise my readers to experiment and try what I have researched and tried. However, always remember that our tresses are not made equal. I try my best to motivate and inspire women as they continue on their hair journey- whether you are transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair, or you're already natural.
Thank you Shelly for sharing! I wish I was able to do a successful braid-out. You braid-out is very defined and full, something I have to work on perfecting. -k
Show Shelly some love ladies and visit her @ Glam Natural Life. You can also Follow Glam Natural Life on Facebook or Twitter.
