Introduce yourself!
M: I go by Marie and I’m from Virginia Beach, VA.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I’ve been natural all of my life, never had any relaxers or dyes. My mother pretty much set the standard for me. Funny thing is a time when I was in high school I bugged her to perm my hair. She never gave in!
How would you describe your texture?
M: My hair is 3A and let’s just say climate can either run or ruin my strands. I have a head full of hair that is very dense, so when frizz happens it happens.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: When it comes to styling I like to keep it basic. My typical go to style is a 4 plait braid out, which I braid every night before bed. To be worry free, I love to get cornrows. And I will leave them in until I’m ready to take them out for the best hair EVER!! If I decide to I’ll do twists or bantu knots, and after my curls are flat I wear a top bun. I always add product that keeps my hair from drying like Pink Lotion, oils, and leave in conditioners, and if I feel I already have enough product from a previous application, I only add water to wake up the old.
What does wash day look like for you?
M: My wash days are basic – it just takes hours. I wash, condition and do a simple hot oil treatment. Before I wash I make sure I’m tangle free. I then separate my hair in 4 sections into 4 braids. I wash each section one by one, re-braid, and then condition each section and rinse. My current wash day products are Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration, Tresemme Naturals, Pantene Relaxed & Natural and/or Suave Professionals Moroccan Argan Oil.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
M: The same remains if you’d asked me this years ago – a high bun, only then it was referred to as a “bun” or “ball”. I probably wore my hair in a bun years straight lol.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: Nope no shrinkage problems.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: Dry scalp!! I went “old school” for treatment and it works. My mom scratches my scalp inch by inch to lift all the stubborn flakes, then heavily butters my scalp with kitchen butter. The butter sits on the scalp and sets in allowing the patches to turn soft. Then give it a good wash. The texture of the butter is solid enough to pack on, yet light enough to easily wash away.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: Wash in sections, and as long as my hair is moisturized, styling is easy with a spritz of water.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: Overload on product. It ruins my hair’s natural moisture and oil process. Skipping washes for too long is bad because it makes my hair color look dull from product and dirt, plus my scalp will go bananas.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: Yes I have a YouTube channel www.youtube/soface2face. I’m also on Instagram daily @xolovemariexo. Check it out!
