Introduce yourself!
M: My name is Sophia, and I live in Miami Florida. I was raised here and in the Dominican Republic.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I’ve been natural since December 2010. That will make me 2 years and 8 months natural. I decided to go natural because I was tired of getting burned from the lye in relaxers. I did not know it, but I was allergic to lye. I would have severe scabbing for about two weeks after I permed my hair. After trying every kind of perm, even boxed perms, I saw that they continued to burn my scalp and leave scabs on my head. I then made the choice to go natural and embrace my natural hair. Before I big chopped I came across these fabulous ladies on YouTube and learned so much from them that I decided to grab my video camera one day and start recording my progress. In my first video I uploaded I had permed hair and was about 2-3 months into my transitioning period. I transitioned for six months and decided to cut off all of my permed hair in June of 2011.
How would you describe your texture?
M: My texture is within the 3c, 4a hair typing system, which I don’t usually follow. It might be necessary for some because of the kind of products that might work well for them, but I try to stay away from that. I would answer questions when many of my followers and subscribers would ask, but it’s not something that I emphasize on my channel. I believe everyone’s hair is unique and what might work for some, might not work for others. I would characterize my hair as medium density. My hair covers my scalp very well, is not as fragile as fine hair, and I can manipulate it into different styles quite easily. I consider it to also be within the normal porosity of hair range. My hair gets moisturized very well, and I can hold in moisture for about 3 days without needing to remoisturize.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
M: I have been in a wash and go challenge since June 14th of 2013, so since that time, this is the only style I have being doing. I believe that I have mastered somewhat my wash and go technique, and have found excellent products to compliment my wash and go’s. I am also able to rock a wash and go for more than 5 days.
These are some of the stylers I used for the weeks of the challenge: Eco Styler Gel, Curl Creating Mousse by Samy Fat Curls, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, African Pride Leave-In Conditioner, as well as others. One important thing that I have definitely learned for my wash and go is that whatever products I use for that week, I will not use any other product to re-moisturize. I try to stick to those same products that I used on day one. I believe that by bringing in other products it can create build up, flakiness, and/or dandruff. However when I am not rocking a wash and go I will wear twist outs, puffs, and so many other styles that are created very randomly at times LOL!!!
What does wash day look like for you?
M: My typical wash day will consist of co-washing, deep conditioning, and using the LOC method, which I would use my leave in of choice, oil and a cream of choice. Then I would go ahead and apply my styler. If I am doing a wash and go for that week and my styler will be a gel, I will skip the cream in my LOC method. If I am applying a cream as my styler for a wash and go, I will apply the full LOC method. I also will pre-poo on the days I shampoo. I only shampoo my hair every other week, or once a month. I will give my hair a protein treatment once a month as well, when it feels like if it needs one.
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 would have to be a puff when I don’t have a lot of time to style. I can rock a puff when I’m wearing a wash and go, or twist out.
How do you combat shrinkage?
M: Shrinkage unfortunately is inevitable for those of us with naturally curly hair, but there are ways to help elongate your hair. My favorite is doing a pineapple at night. I will get a scrunchie and pick up my hair as high as it will go, tie it around once or twice, wrap my scarf around, or a bandana, and call it a night.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
M: My problem area would definitely have to be my crown area. It is coarser than the other areas of my hair and dryer. I pay closer attention to that area of my hair by moisturizing it with just a little more product when I am moisturizing my hair.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
M: My 2 to do’s would have to be 1- condition, condition, condition and 2- Seal in the moisture.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
M: My 2 don’ts would have to be never try to detangle hair when you are in a hurry, and never detangle without applying some form of conditioner or moisturizer on your hair.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me as fabulousbeautyqueen on:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/fabulousbeautyqueen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabulous-Beauty-Queen/137950626308912?ref=hl
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fabulousbeautyqueen
