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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

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

Posted: 22 May 2014 06:00 AM PDT

Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Mariah Peart and I am from Brunswick, GA.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I returned to natural because at the age of 14 years old I wasn't taking care of my hair very well. One day my mom was styling my hair and she simply told me not to put any more perms in my hair. She knew my hair better than I did! I transitioned for a year and 5 months (Sept. 2006 – Feb. 2008). I've been completely natural for 6 years and 2 months (Post Big Chop).

How would you describe your texture?
M: The texture of my hair is a mixture of 3c and 4a. My hair contains curls, coils, and kinks. It is thick, but it is not coarse.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: As for my styling regimen, I usually style my hair once a week and allow that style to last for the week. I mostly style my hair in twists or twist outs (my favorite). The products I use for styling are Paul Mitchell Original The Conditioner (leave-in conditioner), Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel or the Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel.

What does wash day look like for you?
M: My typical wash day consists of: co-washing with Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner, a light protein treatment (when it is time for one) with Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor and a deep conditioning with Tresemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Conditioner and an oil. Depending on the season, coconut oil (Spring and Summer) or African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil (Fall and Winter).

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don't have a lot of time to style.
M: My favorite go-to hairstyle when I don't have much time to style is a simple, easy bun.

How do you combat shrinkage?
M: I combat shrinkage by styling my hair with oil-based products (such as twisting butters, shea butter, etc.). This allows my hair to elongate rather than shrink.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: The hair on my temples tends to be my problem area because it is the most sensitive and driest of all other parts of my hair. So, I have to apply more product (conditioners, oils, moisturizers, protein treatments) on those areas of my hair for more hydration. I also have to be more gentle when I have to detangle in those areas as well.

What are 2 do's for your texture?
M: Moisture is important, so applying medium consistency products, conditioner and water are great for my texture. Also, detangling once a week is important as well!

What are 2 don'ts for your texture?
M: Applying heavy products are not good, and never allow styles such as wash and go's to go for more than 3 days, or the hair will tend to have unnecessary tangles and knots.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/reggaeinspired and my Blog: http://www.reggaeinspirednaturalhair.blogspot.com/.

Meosha

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

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