Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Marian Pearson. I’m from Panama (Central America).
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I have been natural all my life, however I wore my hair straightened for about 9 years and I didn’t really know what my hair texture was like. I decided to wear my hair in its natural state because I realized my hair was thinning out from the excessive heat and it didn’t look healthy to me. I wanted to get back to loving me completely and my texture for what it was, so I decided to cut my damaged ends and wear my hair natural.
How would you describe your texture?
M: I don’t normally hair type, but I would be a 4a. I have tight coils that are S shaped, thick strands, and my hair retains moisture. My hair pretty much does what it wants.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: I love Wash and GO’s! I normally have a regular wash day once a week and I always do a protein treatment which is homemade (plain Greek yogurt, oil of choice, and depending on quantity 2-3 tbsp of honey, or 1 banana, 1 egg, milk and 2 tbsp of olive oil applied to freshly shampooed hair). I love these treatments because they promote fuller and healthier hair and they help keep my hair moisturized. I co-wash 3 times a week with Tresemme Naturals. I love using Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner. It’s great for my hair and helps with the detangling process. My favorite oils to seal my ends and moisturize my scalp and hair are avocado, sweet almond, Jamaican black castor oil, jojoba and coconut oil. Every 3 days I massage my scalp with Jamaican black castor oil. It works wonders.
What does wash day look like for you?
M: Wash day consists of a coconut oil pre-poo. I then wash my hair with Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Thickening Shampoo, or I may use Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap. After shampooing, I proceed to do either a homemade protein treatment or I use Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque or Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner. And just recently I started to use The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Conditioning Mask. (I leave all treatments on for 2-3 hours w/ a shower cap). After my treatment I use Giovanni Direct Leave-In, detangle, and twist my hair using Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter (leaves the hair so soft and lush and looking oh so healthy).
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
M: I love a curly, defined fro…When I don’t have time, and all else fails, I go to my go-to style “the bun”. I usually do a middle part and slick my hair back into a low bun. You can never go wrong with a bun.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: I actually love it, although sometimes it’s hard to track the growth process when you have shrinkage. But I love it. It’s part of the journey. If ever I want to stretch my hair I wrap my twists at night, pin them, and tie my head up with a satin scarf. In the morning it’ll be nice and stretched. I’ve tried the banding method, but I’m not really a huge fan of it. I prefer the shrinkage.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: The middle section of my hair would be my “problem section”. It requires a little extra TLC and more moisture. I’m usually very careful with this area. The middle of my head is quite sensitive and has tighter coils. It’s very easy to get single strand knots, which is why I co wash as often as I do to maintain my hair in a good state.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: For my texture I have to co wash 3 times a week because I get single strand knots. Sealing my ends is a must, and massaging oils into my scalp every three days promotes growth and adds moisture.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: Combing dry hair is definitely a DON’T. I get single strand knots, so combing my hair dry would be a big No-No! Also, using light moisturizers (they don’t do enough of a job). My hair texture requires more of a cream based moisturizer.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me on Instagram: Mari_pana04.
