Natural Swag: Narcissus P.
1. When did you go natural and what inspired you?
I toyed with the idea of going natural for a while. I knew it was much more healthy for your hair but wasn’t sure if I wanted to cut off all my hair and start over again. As far as inspirations go, I would say my decision was more motivation than inspiration. My hair was my security blanket and I loved it. I was also known for being a big talker and not much of a “do’er”. I wanted to show myself that if I can stick this out for a year then I’m golden. I can do anything. I got my last relaxer on April the 14th 2011 and I have been natural ever since.
2. What was your biggest challenge in transitioning?
I had many challenges along my transition. My main two were my fuzzy edges and washing my hair. I dreaded washing my hair. At the beginning it was ok, no big deal but as time went on and my hair grew and became more thick the more I wanted to get a relaxer. I will say that through the year transition that I did purchase a total of 3 relaxers BUT I’d realize how far I’ve come and decided that I can’t stop now. That’s what got me through.
3. If any, who is your favorite natural hair icon?
My favorite icons are Tracee Ellis Ross, Esperanza Spalding, Solange Knowles. There are so many actually.
4. What is the most interesting response you have received to your decision to go natural?
My most interesting reaction was from myself actually. Along my process I couldn’t wait to do my big chop. I had so many days planned to BC but just couldn’t bring myself to do it. So I just decided to do it one random Saturday. We were at my place, my mom, sister and I. My sister did it for me and she just stared at me when she was done. I was fine until I went to look in the mirror to see the final results. I started laughing because I had a fro and a good size one too, then the water works started. I can’t believe I cried. I felt like such a punk.
5. What is your standing hair routine?
I’m still very new to my new hair, so I’m figuring out what works and what I don’t like. Before bed, I will braid it so my ends don’t get all knotty then I slip on a satin bonnet and call it a night!!. I wash my hair at least once a week I will then go through and oil my scalp with my oil cocktail of jojoba and coconut oil. I mainly do wash and go’s right now. I’m in love with the ease of that right now and not having to take all day on my hair.
6. Any advice for ladies new to the transition?
Patience is a virtue and it will be worth it in the end…I promise.
7. What is your favorite shampoo/conditioner/styler/moisturizer?
My shampoo right now is Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea butter moisturizing retention shampoo (long name I know lol) and my conditioner is the Shea butter deep conditioning hair masque. I have a friend of mine who mixes her own oils together for her hair so I’m going to start that next to see how that works for my hair.
Narcissus prior to her transition.
