Tell us something about yourself?
I was born and raised in the Midwest but currently reside in the DC area. When I’m not working at my job in Non-Profit Management or meeting up with friends, I write about health + natural hair over at my blog, The Lazy Natural.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for almost 5 years now.
So, why did you decide to be natural, and how did you feel doing (the big chop) or (transitioning)?
I really went natural out of circumstance more than my will to do so. I had moved to Austin, TX to do AmeriCorp for a year. There weren’t any black salons to get my hair done at and I was broke anyway so I started to do my hair myself. I had started to transition my diet over to a healthier one and decided to do the same with my hair.
How did your family and friends react?
My Journey!
Ha! I’m not really sure, I think they are just used to the curls now. I’ve gone through so many phases with my looks that nothing really phases or surprises them. My family is pretty accepting of anything I do, but they will slide in some side comments here and there, lol. My friends love it. They don’t really remember what I looked like before the curls.
What mistakes have you made and learnt since becoming natural?
There have been SO many mistakes. I think my biggest mistake was thinking I needed a whole bunch of products in order to tame my tresses and keep them healthy. But I found out the hard way that sometimes less is more. If you don’t have to spend a whole bunch of money on hair products — don’t!
What is your hair regimen and what are the staple hair products you can’t go without?
I am a wash and go girl through and through. I don’t believe in spending a huge amount of time on hair. I like quick routines and low manipulation. I usually shampoo my hair 1-2 times a month with Organix Coconut Water shampoo. I deep condition once a week with Shea Moisture’s Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil and co-wash every 2-3 days with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner or Aussie’s 3 Minute Deep Condition. Afterwards, I use Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In conditioner, Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait and Kinky Curly gel for definition. I usually let my hair air dry.
Every curl is unique to me — like a finger print almost.
What do you love the most about your hair?
I love my hair because it’s a 50% mix of my mom’s hair type and 50% of my dad’s. Every curl is unique to me — like a finger print almost.
What tips would you like to share with anyone thinking about going natural?
Do it when YOU areready. Don’t let anyone talk you into it or out of it. It’s a journey, so you’re going to learn alot about yourself and your hair. Don’t give up!
Where else can we find you?
You can find me on IG: MarennaNicole and at my blog, The Lazy Natural
If you would like to Be a Part of the Series send an email to info@msmuneri.com!
