Natural Free & Fierce: Natural Queen of the Week: Michelle

This weeks natural beauty is my fotki sista Michelle. I remember when I first created my fotki page I was seeking inspiration and someone to school me on what to do. Michelle was helpful and sweet, she always answered my annoying questions and havebecome a good friend on mine. She inspired me throughout the entire experience. She brings everything to the natural world. LETS GET INSPIRED!!!

1. How long have you been natural? How long did you transition?

*I've been natural for 2.5 years now. I transitioned for 8.5 months and BC on June 20, 2008.

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?

*For me there are all pros for being natural. I have the versatility to do just about anything to my hair from twists, braids, updos, blowouts, rollersets. I love how fast my hair grows, for instance back in Oct. of last year my hair was cut 3 inches I panicked, my mind reverted back to what if it doesnt grow back. But of course like clockwork almost 6 months later Im almost back to BSL again. When I use to relax it would take me years to grow 3 inches of hair.

3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....

*My hair is kinky for the most part and slight curls in the back. Most of my hair when wet has a wavy appearance but dries with lots of frizz. I have medium to fine strands but my hair is very dense so it gives the appearance of thick hair. It can be very dry if not properly moisturized and can handle heavy creams and butters very well. My hair also need a good protein treatment about every 6 to 8 weeks, it really helps with shedding or breakage.

4.What inspired you to become natural?

*I was really tired of the chemical burns from the relaxers. I developed dermatitis from a bad relaxer mixed with the eczema breakout on my hair. I was tired of my hair breaking excessively in the same areas. Another motivation was that of my sister, she had been natural for 7 years at the time and had waist length hair. She always said just go natural but I was hesitant because our textures are vastly different and it wasnt until I developed a skin condition from a relaxer that I knew I was fed up.

5.What is your hair goal?

*My goal is to get knee length hair.. haha yes its extreme but I just wanna see if I can do it. Once I get there I plan to cut it and keep it at hip length.

6. Name 4 fave hair products?

*Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, VO5 for detangling, and Giovanni Direct Leave in

7. What tips and advise would you share with us?

*I would definitely say protective styling is the most important thing if your trying to see growth, but dont get so caught up on growth that you miss stages of your natural journey.

Also moisturizing is so important, find a moisturizer that works for you, dont be afraid to try the all natural route instead of buying every new product that comes out. I stick with the basics, I mix aloe vera shea butter and castor oil, or aloe and giovanni direct leave in and heavy sealant. Dont pile on product after product, learn what works for your hair and stick with it.

8. Where can you be found?

*I'm all over the web on

Fotki

http://members.fotki.com/soontobenappy/about/

Youtube- I just started will be updating weekly

http://www.youtube.com/user/NowIAmNappy?feature=mhum

9. What advise would you give someone who is considering going natural?

*I say just do it, the benefits will far away in negative opposition you may encounter in the beginning. A lot of times the people who have something negative to say end up becoming natural because of how quickly and how long your hair can grow. Plus do it for you and your health and stay on blogs or fotki or whatever it is to keep you motivated.

10. Would you say being natural affect your life? if so in what way?

*Once I BC I gained so much confidence I never knew I had. It was like a great weight had been lifted off me. I was never one to say that I was conforming to someone's standard of beauty but literally I felt free I felt like me all this time and I couldnt figure out why I was hiding it all these years. I feel like its also affected all my friends around me because just about all my friends became natural after seeing how much my hair grew.