Introduce yourself!
K: My name is Kelsey Caudle and I’m from Atlanta by way of New York City.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
K: I have been natural for 3.5 years, since February 2010. I decided to go natural because I was inspired by two gorgeous natural ladies, Bre Scullark from ANTM and actress/singer Teyana Taylor. I wanted to have huge hair just like them because I thought it was just so gorgeous!
How would you describe your texture?
K: I normally do not use the hair typing system because I have so many different textures, but the majority of my hair is between 3b and 3c with a bit of 4a. My hair is just between coarse and fine and it is pretty dense.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
K: My hair regimen is pretty simple. Once or twice a week (depending on the state of my hair) I detangle my hair use Herbal Essences Body Envy Conditioner in the shower. I never try to detangle outside of the shower. After that I part my hair into four sections and apply my deep conditioner, which is either Rapunzel Protein Deep Conditioner or The Mane Choice Deep Conditioner. I put my hair in two clips on both sides of my head then for about 15-20 I sit under my Huetiful Hair Steamer. After that I rinse out my deep conditioner and use a flour sack towel to squeeze out the excess water. I then part my hair how I’m going to style it and in four sections I apply my styler, which is either Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner or Curls Unleashed Curl Defining Creme. I then let my hair air dry until it is about 90% dry and diffuse the rest of it dry for extra volume.
What does wash day look like for you?
K: My wash day is pretty simple. Although I only use shampoo about every two weeks. I start by detangling my hair in the shower using Herbal Essences Body Envy Conditioner. Then I use a sulfate free shampoo. Right now I’m using Kinky Curly Come Clean. I focus on shampooing the roots and never the ends of my hair. I then follow the remainder of my routine above.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
K: My favorite go-to hairstyle is my wash n go. That is how I wear my hair 90% of the time.
How do you combat shrinkage?
K: Shrinkage! Don’t we all love it?! lol The main way I stretch out my curls is by sleeping with them in a pineapple. That pretty much stretches out my hair as much as I want it to.
Tell us about your hair color?
K: I got my hair “colored” (really bleached) earlier this year. I had never done anything major to my hair besides my big chop, so I went to my friend who went to Aveda at the time and pretty much told her to have fun. She lifted my natural hair color, which was a very dark brown, about 5 levels. I rocked that look for most of the year, but I recently started missing my dark hair so I dyed my hair jet black about a week ago. As of now I don’t miss my color at all. It was fun while it lasted!
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
K: As far as problem areas…I honestly don’t have any. I’ve learned to embrace all of my hair and never look at any of it as a problem.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
K: Some do’s for my texture of hair would be to always keep it moisturized and deep condition at least once a week. Those two things are vital for healthy hair and for length retention.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
K: Two don’ts for my texture would be to never ever try to detangle on dry hair. I tried it once and it was horrible. Another would be to stay away from shampooing too often. I’ve found that for my hair, if I keep shampooing to a minimum my hair feels and looks so much healthier and not too dry.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: If you ever have any questions you can find me on Instagram and YouTube both under the name: lifewithcoco2.
