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Fitgi // 3C/4A Natural Hair Style Icon | Black Girl with Long Hair

Posted: 27 May 2014 06:00 AM PDT

Introduce yourself!
F: My Name is Fitgi Saint-Louis and I am from Long Island, New York. I currently live in the city.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
F: While in college I started looking for ways to give my relaxed hair volume. I starting using different products and drying techniques to create waves and curls. I used to relax my hair 2-3 times a year and wanted a new look. Relaxing my hair only to struggle making it curly was counterproductive so I started growing out my hair only trimming the ends when needed. It was a fun process and I had one of my best friends transitioning at the same time, which was helpful. I've had natural hair now for 5 years!

How would you describe your texture?
F: My hair is evenly one texture between 3C and 4A. I have fine strands, however my hair is dense. My wash and go is tight and curly, but as days pass the curls start to fall. One night of twists will completely change my look the following day. Wind and humidity make my hair huge – think Chaka Khan in the 80's huge.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
F: Over the course of a month I first have my hair in twists after a wash, then I let my wavy hair out. Once it loses shape I go to my updos. I used to use a lot of hair ties, which started breaking my hair in the front, so I switched to only bobby pins to create different styles. In the summer, updos keeps my neck free to air and in the winter they work as a hat. I've been challenging myself to create a new updo every day. For dance class for example, I have four twists I put into a bun.

What does wash day look like for you?
F: I detangle my hair with either Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, or organic coconut oil with some water and a wide tooth comb. If it's not too late I then wash my hair right after. I use the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo to wash then twist my hair into 8-16 sections using the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I then let it air dry. Sometimes if my hair is not too tangled I will detangle in the shower. If I have a dance performance or want to change it up I'll blow dry my hair. I just purchased a CHI Hand Shot Ceramic Hair Dryer, which helps me finish in an hour. I really like it, except when the bothersome comb attachment falls off.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don't have a lot of time to style.
F: My favorite easy style is a twisted updo. I pull all my ends above my head then turn the edges and pin to my scalp with 4-6 pins. The same technique can make a different style depending on the way I turn and where I place the ends. I love it!

How do you combat shrinkage?
F: I like to embrace shrinkage. I like the versatility of my hair being able to be above and below shoulder length. It seems like magic to some people and I enjoy their excitement.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
F: My hair can go from soft, shiny and curly to dry and limp quickly. I have to constantly keep it moisturized with my go to products. I also keep my hair in twists at night to help with the dryness.

What are 2 do's for your texture?
F: Keep it moisturized and have fun with the versatility. There are so many possibilities.

What are 2 don'ts for your texture?
F: Try not to use too much heat and don't attempt to comb out curls without some product and water. Save yourself the pain.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
F: Check out my Instagram @GiveThemHair. I also have a Tumblr blog with different updo styles that is currently under construction at GiveThemHair.com.

Meosha

Just another lover of natural hair and expression. - Style Icon Coordinator for BGLH

Tann // 3C/4A Natural Hair Style Icon | Black Girl with Long Hair

Posted: 25 May 2014 06:16 AM PDT

Introduce yourself!
T: Tann Parker, raised in California, residing in Brooklyn.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: The reason I started to wear my hair in its natural texture isn't this moving, inspirational story… my blower dryer broke and I couldn't do my normal hair regimen. I decided to try out wearing my hair natural and have been since May 18, 2012.

How would you describe your texture?
T: My hair is about 3c/4a. It can be a lot to deal with at times. I've always had a lot of hair, so detangling is the longest process. It does make it a lot easier with my hair being finer, or else detangling would be a nightmare. I am prone to shrinkage a lot quicker though, which means I have to always re-stretch before going to bed.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: When I first started out wearing my hair natural I was a lot more experimental with my styling because I needed to find what worked best for me, but now I'm a lot busier with school and work, so I need something fast. Now my styling regimen is braiding my hair before bed and letting it out before I leave the house. This way I don't need to use as many products in my hair, just something to moisturize every other day. Coconut oil is a very good friend of mine!

What does wash day look like for you?
T: I wash my hair every other two weeks with a couple of wash methods. I have my co-wash, where I just wet my hair fully and put in leave-in conditioner after, my full wash day, which is where I will use shampoo, and I am excited to share that I will be testing out an Apple Cider Vinegar wash very soon!

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don't have a lot of time to style.
T: I will always live and breath by the braid out. If I wanna get fancy I will pull out the bantu knots.

How do you combat shrinkage?
T: We are still in a battle and it keeps getting the upper hand on me. But I can restore my length by doing a nice tight braid out at night.

Tell us about your hair color?
T: I do dye my own hair and will continue to do so, but I have switched to a dye that works better with natural hair. I now use the Shea Moisture line of dyes. Previously I was a steady user of SoftSheen-Carson. I went from 'Vivacious Red' to "Red Hot Rhythm'. Using that hair dye I felt a layer of coating on my hair that weighted it down. I could only do it about twice a year.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: I've always had dandruff, so keeping my hair moisturized is key. Also, detangling is always hard work that I must spend a couple of hours doing if I want to get my hair 100% detangled…(and that has only been done once on account of I was getting my hair done in twists).

What are 2 do's for your texture?
T: DO always braid or twist hair every night. DO not overuse hair products.

What are 2 don'ts for your texture?
T: DON'T sleep on hair without anything protecting it. You can wake up from a nap lookin all kinds of crazy with a lopsided fro! DON'T let people touch the fro…there could be loose shed hairs in there and it will be awkward when they end up in the other person's hand…

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: IG: tann_par_
Tumblr: http://only-tann.tumblr.com/

Meosha

Just another lover of natural hair and expression. - Style Icon Coordinator for BGLH

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