Introduce yourself!
G: I go by the name OhGinelle. I was born in New York, raised in south Florida, all by way of a beautiful little island called St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
G: I started transitioning in late 2009 and then chopped in January 2011. I was starting to get bored with my look as an artist. I felt like I looked like every other brown girl out there. I just wanted to be different. Not to mention I had starting working out and all the sweat had my hair breaking like nobody’s business. I threw in some curly weave and never went back to the salon. Going natural was the best decision I have ever made!
How would you describe your texture?
G: I never really went with the categories, but I would say that I am predominantly 3c with touches of 4a in the nape of my neck. My hair has a mind of its own, and she chooses to be absolutely FIERCE when I have nowhere to go! I have a ton of thick hair! My strands are not fine or coarse, but right in the middle.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
G: My hair regimen is constantly changing depending on the weather and how many times a week I work out. But one thing that is constant is deep conditioning! I deep condition religiously every week. I am a wash and go, bun type of chick. I also try to keep my ends maintained by dusting them every six to eight weeks. I feel like trimming my hair keeps it in tip top shape. I achieve my wash and go’s with an eco/custard mixture using the pink Eco Styler Gel, coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. You can check out my Eco Styler recipe at www.youtube.com/ohginelle.
What does wash day look like for you?
G: I co wash my hair two to three times a week depending on my gym schedule. I’m not big on shampoo, but when the buildup gets to be too much (about once a month) I use J.R. Liggetts Bar Shampoo in Virgin Coconut & Argan Oil. This is one of the few shampoos that does not leave my hair feeling extremely dry. About every two weeks I do an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to clarify my hair. For co washes and detangling, I use Aussie Moist Conditioner which I absolutely LOVE. I have tried so many conditioners and I find this one to be the best. I am currently on a search for the perfect deep conditioner, but right now I’m using Aussie Moist Deeeeep Conditioner. I separate my hair into four sections and I gently detangle my hair with my Ouidad Double Detangle Comb. I know I should figure detangle, but there is not enough conditioner in the world for me to finger detangle all this hair!
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
G: My favorite go to hairstyle is a top bun! I do them so often that I’ve mastered achieving a perfect bun in 30 seconds using one bobbi pin! I also did a video of that on my YouTube channel.
How do you combat shrinkage?
G: Shrinkage is every natural curly girls biggest enemy! I usually stretch my hair by moist bunning. I spray with water and seal with oil daily. I use just enough water to re-moisturize. This redefines the hair that was smooshed flat and stretches out the center so my hair looks long and stretched.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
G: The hair at my nape is 4a. It is very coarse, dry, tightly coiled, and prone to breakage. I have to make sure that the back is well moisturized every day!
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
G: Deep conditioning and sealing! I find these things to be instrumental in achieving long, healthy hair.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
G: Limit heat and absolutely no small tooth combs. I’ve had heat damage and I know there is no fixing it! I only straighten my hair twice a year to do a length check and I do roller sets.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
G: Yes! You can check out my website www.OhGinelle.com and check out my music and hair videos on www.youtube.com/OhGinelle.
