Monthly Feature: Tamia S.

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This months feature is no stranger of the fashion chic, but she also embraces and rocks her natural hair! Meet Ms. Tamia S, of The Style Sample.

1. Name (popular name i.e.): Tamia

2. How long have you been natural?: I’ve been fully natural since July 2005, but I started transitioning my mind a few months prior to that.

3. How did your natural journey begin? (Pick what applies from the

selection): I big chopped

4. Depending on your choice above, how was the experience from then to your journey now?:

I decided to “go natural” after experimenting with other chemical treatments to make my hair curly. Honestly, I was a little afraid of having nappy hair at first because we’ve been groomed to see it as unkempt and unattractive, but I was also curious to see what my “real hair” looked like.

I did a lot of research online–reading others’ stories, looking at photos of their journeys, and trying to educate myself about the different products available. I transitioned and wore cornrows for a few months before getting impatient and chopping it myself with some scissors I bought at a hair store.

Since then, it’s been a lot of experimentation with different products and styles, and learning what my hair likes (and what I like about it!) through trial and error.

5. What tips do you have for newly naturals?

I’d say make sure your mind is ready before you go fully natural. If you think natural hair is unattractive, you probably won’t be natural for long. However, if you understand that the hair that grows out of your head (whatever the texture) is beautiful because you’re beautiful, it’s much easier to enjoy the process.

6. What is your routine? Briefly describe and highlight any main points/practices you use to keep your hair fabulous:

I’ve become kind of lazy, but I try to wash my hair once a week or so and deep condition with a heated cap once a month. If it feels dry or I want to quickly change my style, I’ll detangle with conditioner in the shower between washes. I always separate my hair into sections before washing or conditioning–trying to do it all at once is asking for trouble!

7. What products do you use, or what would you recommend?(list shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and stylers please): I’m not too picky about shampoos though I do look for products without sulfates. I like to try new conditioners, but I always seem to come back to Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner to make my coils pop and Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner to detangle. I try to moisturize nightly with Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercream or Rene Furterer Karite Nutritive Concentrate, and I like Qhemet Biologics Karkady Tea Replenishing Mist for sheen. When I wear my hair out, I finger-comb Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding through and mist with good ‘ol Sta Sof Fro for softness. When I wear it up, I smooth it into place with Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Gel with Sparkle-lites, which costs like, $2.99 for a tub that lasts for a year.

8. What advice do you have for someone who asks “what should I do if I want my hair to grow long?” I wish I knew! I think the most important thing is to be gentle with your hair and protect your ends. Make sure you moisturize your ends regularly, wear protective styles every now and then, and sleep on a satin pillowcase.

9. Name the main things that have kept you through your natural journey and have kept your hair growing strong and long. Well I always appreciate compliments–that definitely helps! But I think the main thing that keeps me going is how much I’ve grown to love and appreciate my hair. I still have bad hair days every now and then, but there’s so much I can do with my hair and it’s so fun to touch and play with and try new styles. It just feels like me.

More of Tamia:

Be sure to check out her fashion centered blog and get your daily dose of fabulous fashion chic.

Stay Blessed and Afroniquely You.