Natural Queen of The Week: Gabrielle

This weeks natural beauty is truly a beauty, meet Gabrielle the unique beauty Gabby has to bring to the natural world is her creativity with styles and just her confident in embracing her gorgeous natural tresses. I love browsing through Gabbys' photos for inspiration and if you are seeking to be inspired you will find it with her.

1. How long have you been natural? How long did you transition?
I have been natural since September 2006.  My last relaxer was in March of 2006 and I transitioned for 6 months.

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?
Pros:
Natural hair is low maintenance
Cheaper than my relaxed hair was
My hair is healthier than my relaxed hair
Having natural hair forced me to not be dependent on a beautician to style my hair for me

Cons:
Okay, thinking of any cons was a little challenging!
If you don't like frizzy hair, then trying to keep your natural hair looking "fresh" is going to drive you nuts!  I personally don't mind frizz
It might take you a while to get a solid routine down
Shrinkage sometimes is annoying when you want to show off your length, it is something you definitely have to learn to love.


3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....
My hair is mainly very coarse.  However, I do have fine and normal hairs as well.  My hair is naturally dry and it is wiry.  On the LOIS hair typing system, my hair strands are mainly "O" and "S".

4.What inspired you to become natural?
I was at school one day back in 2005 and I saw a girl with a gorgeous high puff! I decided I wanted one after I saw hers and after one failed attempt of going natural in late 2005 I finally did it in late 2006.

5. What is your hair goal?
Having healthy hair is a goal of mine.  I try to do everything I can to keep my hair  healthy.  If you have healthy hair first then you can have any other hair goal you set for yourself.  The next goal I would like to reach is waist length.

6. Name 4 hair products you cannot live without?
My favorite moisturizer is Worlds of Curls Curl Activator gel and Worlds of Curls Comb Out Spray.  I like to use Aloe Vera gel for hold.  My favorite conditioner is Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose (good stuff!). 

7. What tips and advise would you share with us?
I have been natural for 4 years and I am still learning about my hair!  Yes, trying to get a routine together is very frustrating but do not give up. Also, work with your hair and not against your hair.  What I mean by this is that you will drive yourself crazy trying to get your hair to do things that it cannot do.  If you don't have any curls naturally but you are constantly trying to find some way to get defined curls then you are going to get very frustrated!  Learn to love your hair and work with what you have naturally, it will make your natural hair journey a lot more pleasant.

8. Where can you be found?
Everywhere! lol
My blog is: http://www.frostoppa.com/
Fotki album: http://www.fotki.com/ms-gg
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FroStoppa
And on Nappturality.com I am Ms-gg :)



9. What advise would you give someone who is considering becoming natural?
I will give you the same advise I gave myself:
Try it out.  Cut off all of your relaxed ends when you have enough hair that you are comfortable with.  If you don't like it, they sell perms Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS, they are everywhere.  If you don't like your natural hair say after a year, then go back to the relaxer.  It is that simple.  How will you know relaxed hair is not for you if you never give it a try? 
That is the advice I have myself four years ago and I have not looked back since!

10. Would you say being natural affect your life? if so in what way?
Yes it has.  It made me realize that I do not need to wear my hair straight and that my natural hair is beautiful and I do not need the approval of anyone to wear my hair natural.