Introduce yourself!
C: Hey there, my name is Christ-marthe. I currently live in New York City, but I was born and raised in Haiti until the age of 10. I’ve been living in New York City for 15 years.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: I first decided to go back to natural hair because I liked my new growth and I decided to grow it out. I didn’t think much of it. I just know that I was bored with my straight hair. I would manipulate my hair to make it look curly by wearing rods or braid outs anyway, so I decided it was time to stop relaxing my hair. Along the way It became a journey to self discovery, and self acceptance. So I decided to educate myself about my hair texture and how to take care of it. I’m almost 4 years natural now and I absolutely love my hair! It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I have no regrets at all!!! I actually wish I made this decision earlier. I choose to wear my hair in its natural state, not because I think it’s cool or it’s a trend. When I wear my hair natural the only statement that I’m trying to make is self acceptance. I accept every kink, twist, bend and curls in my hair. I love the versatility.
How would you describe your texture?
C: I believe my hair texture is 4A, but there’s a little part in the middle of my hair that doesn’t curl at all. It looks mostly wavy and it’s the driest part of my hair. So I’m thinking that part is 4B. My hair is really dense and I would say I have a mixture of fine and coarse strands. But mostly on the coarse side.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: My current regimen is simple. I only cowash. I don’t use shampoo. I cowash with Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle, or As I Am Coconut CoWash. I try to clarify with apple cider vinegar, peppermint and sage essential oils with every wash. The sage oil helps to clarify my hair, while the peppermint stimulates blood flow and helps with growth. For deep conditioning I absolutely love coconut milk in my hair by itself or I will mix it with avocado and honey, or mayo with avocado and eggs. If I don’t use those recipes, I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner. I follow the LOC method after my wash. I just recently started doing it. I also recently started using Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-in Conditioner and I must say I’m in loveeee. It’s pricey to me, but it’s worth it. It really moisturizes and penetrates my strands, so it’s a must have in my regimen. If I don’t have have that I’ll use As I Am Leave-in Conditioner and I follow that with one of my two favorite oils, jojoba or grape seed oil. For a butter I’m currently using Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream, or I’ll use the Thank God I’m Natural Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer. As for styling I use Goddess Curls by Curls. I use it for twists, flat twists and to do braid outs. Let me just say, I am a product junky and I only use silicone free products, paraben free, no sulfates!!! I don’t use anything with harsh chemicals that can damage my hair. That’s just my choice. If I could make my own products I would!
What does wash day look like for you?
C: I wash my hair every week, unless I’m wearing a protective style such as box braids or twists. I start with a deep conditioner, then clarify my hair with apple cider vinegar, followed by the LOC method.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
C: One of my favorite go to styles is two flat twists. I can wear that all week or I’ll redo it when it gets frizzy. If It’s not flat twists, I’ll rock a puff. The puff is my best pal, it’s the simplest hair style for a natural.
How do you combat shrinkage?
C: Shrinkage is the devil, lol. I’m still learning how to embrace it. I wear my hair stretched out all the time. I barely wear it in a wash N go style.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: One of my biggest obstacles is growing my hair to a certain length!!! Recently I realized that I was not retaining length!!! My hair was either at bra strap length or a little above because I was experiencing breakage. On top of that I was trimming it too often. The reason I was experiencing breakage is because I would wear my hair out a lot and not protecting the ends of my hair by using a moisturizer to seal. My hair type is 4A and it needs some type of moisturizer. A carrier oil like olive oil, castor oil or coconut oil. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. They need special attention and care, and honestly I was neglecting them. Currently I moisturize my hair every night before I go to sleep. I massage my scalp with a grape seed/peppermint oil mixture and I wear my hair in protective styles during the week. On the weekends I wear it out.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
C: I realize that my hair needs some type of leave in in order to retain moisture! Also I need to practice more protective styles. My hair doesn’t like too much manipulation or it will break.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
C: The wash N go is not my friend, but I still try it here and there. I don’t know why I do. It’s a big No for me. It’s a one day hair style, and the next day my hair is a mess and all tangles. Also, heavy creams weigh down my hair. So I have to be cautious when I use them.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: You can find me on Instagram @destine2bnatural.
