Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Masani Negloria. I currently live in Austin, Texas but am originally from a small south Texas town called Beeville.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I have been natural my entire life and believe me it used to not be as fun. As a kid and growing up my hair was always a mess! I am Black, Mexican, and Native American. I didn’t grow up around the Black side of my family so no one ever knew how to properly take care of (or even comb) my hair, therefore it was always tangled or off in weird chunks that weren’t quite dreadlocks, but more just a shock of fuzz. I finally took initiative in my teen years and started experimenting with twists and twist outs and started rockin’ the fro 8 years ago. It still wasn’t as widely accepted back then so I’d always get dirty looks, laughs, and the ever so popular: “Why are you wearing your hair like that?”.
How would you describe your texture?
M: My hair type is 4b/c. I have mostly coarse, dense hair, but have a slightly different texture towards the nape of my neck where it’s a little finer.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: I spritz everyday with a water/vegetable glycerin mixture to help re-awaken my hair and to soften it before picking it out in the morning. My oil of choice is grapeseed for right now, but I tend to change those up with the seasons. During the summer I use coconut oil more. In the spring and fall I bring out the jojoba, and winter has been grapeseed or peppermint.
What does wash day look like for you?
M: I shampoo once a week and it’s about a 30 minute process. I used to just co-wash or do apple cider vinegar rinses, but recently I somehow decided to pick up a bottle of shampoo. Right now I’m using Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Ultra Shea Cleanse & Nourish Shampoo and Suave Professionals Rosemary & Mint Conditioner. I shampoo my scalp, rinse, apply tons of conditioner, finger detangle, comb (sometimes), air dry a little, then oil, pick out, and shape as it dries.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
M: When I don’t feel like dealing with my hair due to a bad hair day or just because I don’t have the time, I like to do scarf wraps with parts of my hair peeking out.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: Moisturize! And do what you feel your hair wants or needs you to do.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: My ends definitely require more attention. Because I wear an Afro my ends are always exposed, which means they can get really dry.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: Love it and learn to care for it.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: Heat usually makes things worse for me and do NOT leave without moisturizing!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: http://masaninegloria.wordpress.com/
http://masaninegloria.tumblr.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Afrostax
I’m also searchable on Twitter and Instagram as Masani Negloria 🙂
