Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Mariah Peart and I am from Brunswick, GA.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I returned to natural because at the age of 14 years old I wasn’t taking care of my hair very well. One day my mom was styling my hair and she simply told me not to put any more perms in my hair. She knew my hair better than I did! I transitioned for a year and 5 months (Sept. 2006 – Feb. 2008). I’ve been completely natural for 6 years and 2 months (Post Big Chop).
How would you describe your texture?
M: The texture of my hair is a mixture of 3c and 4a. My hair contains curls, coils, and kinks. It is thick, but it is not coarse.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: As for my styling regimen, I usually style my hair once a week and allow that style to last for the week. I mostly style my hair in twists or twist outs (my favorite). The products I use for styling are Paul Mitchell Original The Conditioner (leave-in conditioner), Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel or the Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel.
What does wash day look like for you?
M: My typical wash day consists of: co-washing with Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner, a light protein treatment (when it is time for one) with Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor and a deep conditioning with Tresemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Conditioner and an oil. Depending on the season, coconut oil (Spring and Summer) or African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil (Fall and Winter).
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
M: My favorite go-to hairstyle when I don’t have much time to style is a simple, easy bun.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: I combat shrinkage by styling my hair with oil-based products (such as twisting butters, shea butter, etc.). This allows my hair to elongate rather than shrink.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: The hair on my temples tends to be my problem area because it is the most sensitive and driest of all other parts of my hair. So, I have to apply more product (conditioners, oils, moisturizers, protein treatments) on those areas of my hair for more hydration. I also have to be more gentle when I have to detangle in those areas as well.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: Moisture is important, so applying medium consistency products, conditioner and water are great for my texture. Also, detangling once a week is important as well!
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: Applying heavy products are not good, and never allow styles such as wash and go’s to go for more than 3 days, or the hair will tend to have unnecessary tangles and knots.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/reggaeinspired and my Blog: http://www.reggaeinspirednaturalhair.blogspot.com/.