Introduce yourself!
C: Hello-hello 🙂 My name’s Chalise and I’m from New Jersey, born and raised.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: I’ve been natural since late 2003. I was always interested in other people’s natural hair but it wasn’t until my first year in college that I became enthralled by the concept of letting my hair grow out and making the switch. Students were rocking their curls in different styles or wore kinky curly extensions and it made me wonder about my own curl pattern. I decided to skip appointments for touch-ups (it was becoming too expensive to maintain) and put my hair in protective styles like braids and buns. Ever since then I’ve been enjoying the freedom and versatility of being natural.
How would you describe your texture?
C: I’m 4c baby! My strands are very coarse and dense.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: When it comes to hairstyles, I try not to touch my hair as much as possible. The key to retaining length is protective styling by hiding my ends in buns/ponytails or putting my hair in several twists and using extensions/wigs. Castor oil, shea butter and water are my main go-to products for moisture and styling. I use a shea butter mixture the first day of styling my hair and won’t have to reuse it until the fourth or fifth day. In between that time, I use a water concoction to freshen up my thirsty strands. As a styling aid, I use Gummy Hair Gel or Eco Styler Gel to lay my hair down, or to control my edges.
What does wash day look like for you?
C: Regular wash day includes putting my hair in 4 big twists and co-washing with products like VO5 Moisture Milks Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner in Strawberries and Cream, or the VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Clarifying Conditioner. Then I follow up with another conditioner like Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner and let it sit for 10 minutes while I detangle before rinsing it out. Once a month I pre-poo with an olive oil treatment or amla oil, then I shampoo with Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo and deep condition with either a mayo and olive oil treatment, Organic Root Stimulator Conditioner or Queen Helene’s Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream while sitting under the Huetiful Hair Steamer; followed by Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner. Then I finish with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
C: Buns and head wraps are my favorite go to quick styles. I can do either one in less than 3 minutes and be out the door.
How do you combat shrinkage?
C: Stretching my hair by placing it in medium sized twists helps me avoid a shrunken head of hair.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: The back of my hair causes the most concern and requires extra care. It’s the thickest part of my entire head and dries faster than any other area. I resolve this issue by taking my time to detangle and ensuring it’s properly moisturized.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
C: Moisturize my hair every 2-3 days and include scalp massages.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
C: Avoid using a lot of fortifying protein treatments and be patient when detangling.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: Yes, I have a YouTube channel for DIYs and natural hairstyle tutorials: www.youtube.com/Beesohoney and Instagram: BeesOHoney.
