Tae’Lor // 4A Natural Hair Style Icon

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Introduce yourself!
T:
Hey! My name is Tae’Lor Roots and I am originally from Washington, D.C. however, I now reside in NYC where I am a Fashion Merchandising student at LIM College.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T:
I actually only had a perm for about 3-4 years. I decided to stop processing my hair in the summer of 2011. It was a random decision that I did not think I would really go through with. I just did not like the way the relaxer burned my scalp every time I got one.

How would you describe your texture?
T:
My hair texture is predominantly 4A. My curls are an ‘S’ shape and my hair is very thick and coarse.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T:
I get asked a lot about my hair regimen, and honestly it is nothing special. I try to shampoo and deep condition at least once a month with olive oil cholesterol and hot oil. Typically, I’ll just co-wash my hair whenever I feel it is necessary (when it feels dry or tangled). After the wash, I put about 10 twists in my hair using leave in conditioner or hair mayonnaise to keep it moist and I try to take them out before they fully dry so my hair shrinks just a little. Adding natural oils (virgin olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil) helps keep the shine and moisture throughout the day.

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What does wash day look like for you?
T:
A wash day is a day that I plan to stay in. I have been trying different sulfate free shampoos to see which one works well with my hair color and maintains moisture. Currently I am using Crème of Nature’s Sulfate-Free Argan Oil Moisture and Shine Shampoo and it is working fairly well. My favorite so far has been Wen; it is an all in one cleansing conditioner that not only cleans my hair thoroughly, but also detangles and softens it. When using regular shampoo, I condition with Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner and let it sit for about 15 minutes under a cap before rinsing it out.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T:
I would love to try new hairstyles, but I rarely have time between school and work. If my hair isn’t in a big red fro, it’s usually in a big red puff ball.

How do you combat shrinkage?
T:
I like my shrinkage. My hair is too long to wear as a high afro, so I let my hair out when it is wet to allow it to shrink and stand tall.

Tell us about your hair color?
T:
My hair color is Ruby Rage by Clairol. My mom went to cosmetology school and has been the only person that has touched my hair (other than when I get braid extensions). She did my color for me after many months of begging. It has changed the texture of my hair. It is not as soft as it once was and it gets tangled more often. I appreciate the attention I get from it, but I definitely would never do it again.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T:
My only problem area is the tangling. Sometimes the curls get tangled together which causes me to grab my shears and start cutting.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T:
Always condition and keep oiling.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T:
Don’t sleep on your hair without a bonnet or silk pillowcase (it will dry your hair out). Don’t use products with sulfates or alcohol.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T:
Instagram: @Queen_Taelor
Tumblr: RootsAndStems.Tumblr.com
Twitter: @Queen_Taelor

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Photo on 12-30-12 at 2.17 PM #3
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Photo on 1-19-13 at 4.15 PM
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