Introduce yourself!
I: My name is Imani Cruz. I was born in Manhattan, NY and I am of mixed descent. My mother is African American and my Father is Dominican and Cuban.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
I: I have been natural all of my life! My hair has never been permed, straightened, had weave in it, or been relaxed! My mother was very adamant that I have my hair in its natural state. I was around 6 or 7 when I decided that I wanted my hair in locs. My mother had locs, and I loved how she looked in them so I decided that I wanted to look just like “My Mommy”!
What method was used to start your locs?
I: When I was around 5 or 6 my Mom took me to a natural hair salon and my locs were started there. I was so young at the time I don’t exactly remember the name. I do however suggest getting your locs started at Locs & Chops in Midtown, NY! You won’t be disappointed. I also don’t remember the exact method that was used, but I know I went straight into it! I didn’t start with twists or anything like that…I went straight into my locs. As far as how many locs I have…I have never attempted to count. I’ve never been THAT bored haha 🙂 But I probably have like…100! I don’t know!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
I: I prefer simplicity in terms of my hair. I don’t go for the crazy styles unless there is a special occasion. I love my hair and I love to just wear my hair down most of the time, or I might style it into a high updo bun. Maintaining my hair is a little tedious only because I have to retwist my hair A LOT! I usually retwist it during my free time using IC Fantasia Styling Gel and Jamaican Mango & Lime Moisturizing Creme. That stuff leaves my hair looking so shiny and feeling healthy! No exaggeration! I also use Tea Tree Oil on my scalp and roots. For special events I like to have my hair styled at Locs & Chops. For a beautiful and long lasting style I recommend getting your locs styled there by renowned stylist Thando Kafele. He is one of the more famous locticians, and you will leave him satisfied with your hair in a unique style :).
What does wash day look like for you?
I: To wash my hair I can pretty much use anything. I use mostly two products, TIGI Catwalk and Tresemme Shampoo and Conditioner. I massage my scalp with the shampoo then the conditioner to ensure my hair is soft! After I wash and condition my hair I usually dry it, then oil my hair from the roots to the ends. Then I begin the retwisting process, which is best done right after a wash because your hair is easier to work with while wet.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
I: My favorite go to hairstyle is definitely my updo bun. It frames my face perfectly and keeps my hair out of my face! The only problem is that my hair gets heavy after a while and I have to end up taking it all down! I also like to just have my hair down as simple as it sounds. Or maybe it’s just laziness!
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
I: Problem areas for me often occur around my roots. I get build up sometimes if I use certain products to retwist my roots. I never get build up using IC Fantasia Styling Gel though.
What are 2 do’s for your locs/texture?
I: 2 Do’s for my texture: Oiling my roots everyday, especially after shampooing and conditioning or color dying. Second, for my texture I suggest washing with shampoos that are geared towards natural hair. Cheap shampoos will not keep your hair healthy at all.
What are 2 don’ts for your locs/texture?
I: 2 Dont’s: Waiting too long to wash! If I wait, my hair will get brittle. Second, do not go to sleep without wrapping your hair. You will wake up with frizzy hair and you’ll have to do a quick retwist before you start your day which is annoying!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
I: I just created a new website, so it’s brand new: ReflectionsofNoemi.blogspot.com.
My Tumblr: Notasimplepleasure.tumblr.com
Instagram: ImaniNoemi
