Introduce yourself!
J: My name is Jasmine Collier and I am from San Diego, CA but currently live in Orange County.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
J: I have been natural for 2 years and 3 months! I went natural because I had relaxers since I was 6 years old. I was really insecure about my hair because it was thin and breaking, and never retaining any length. I watched “Good Hair”, Chris Rock’s documentary style movie and felt somewhat inspired. I dabbled into the online natural hair community and decided to do the big chop!
How would you describe your texture?
J: I would say my texture is 3C/4A. It isn’t completely loose and springy, but it has a VARIETY of textures. Towards the front it is more defined and loose and the back is a lot more coarse and tightly curled. My hair is extremely thick and hard to wet, but when moisturized properly it behaves wonderfully!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: I honestly do not use more than 4 products and I always style my hair the same way. If it is extremely hot I may do a puff, but my hair isn’t the length I want it to be for that style. For now once a week I double strand twist my hair with Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner after I’ve washed it with Everyday Coconut Shampoo.
What does wash day look like for you?
J: After I have washed my hair I separate it into 4 sections and do rows of twists in each section. This is also the detangling process for my hair, and I use a Denman brush. Throughout the week I do NOT retwist my hair. I love the volume and fluffiness I get from wearing it out. People tell me this is bad for my hair and that it creates single strand knots and what have you, but it’s just my preference. When I sleep I also do not wrap my hair (I know another shocker). I like how it looks in the morning when it gets the chance to breathe and toss and turn with me. I moisturize my hair everyday with Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. When I first take out the twists the next day my hair is very bouncy and it hangs in my face, so I tend to use a variety of headbands to give it the pushed back look.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
J: When I wear my twist out, that’s my style for the week. Ever since I went natural I’ve flat ironed my hair only twice. I mostly use headbands as an accessory, but other than that I like my hair out and BIG!
How do you combat shrinkage?
J: When I do my twist outs I try to do them tight so the hair is almost being squeezed to its length. After I twist I tie my hair up, which pulls all the twists from the scalp and it dries that way. So when I take them out they are elongated. Other than that I don’t mess with it because throughout the week my hair expands!
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
J: Single strand knots and just tangling in general, but that’s because of how I wear my hair and how I want it to look. I also hate the drying process of the twists, but I’ve learned to conquer that 🙂
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
J: Serums and more Serum!
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
J: Gels and Wash n go’s!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Jasmineaya.com
