Introduce yourself!
C: My name is Courtney, and I was born and raised in Georgia. I currently live just outside Atlanta with my husband and our two sons.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: I started transitioning in October 2008 and did the big shop in June 2009, so I’ve been completely natural for almost five years. I decided to let my hair return to its natural state for several reasons. From what I remember, I thought I’d have a head full of perfect, easy-to-manage little curls that wouldn’t require much upkeep. Secondly, I had always admired naturally textured hair, and I wanted to embrace my natural beauty rather than hiding behind long, relaxed, straight hair.
How would you describe your texture?
C: Like most naturals, I have several curl patterns and textures throughout my head, with predominantly 3b/3c curls. There’s almost a line of demarcation in my head (lol). The left side is looser with wider waves and curls, and the right side is curled tighter, about 3c or 4a in some places. Overall, my strands are fine and get weighed down easily by heavy moisturizers like pure shea and cocoa butters.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: I’ve never really had a styling regimen. I sort of just go with the flow of however I’m feeling, or whatever big events I have planned for the week/month. As of late however, I’m trying to stick to a routine of washing once a week, setting my hair in two strand twists (sometimes flat twists, sometimes twists and curls), wearing a twist out for two or three days, then bunning until wash day.
What does wash day look like for you?
C: Wash day normally starts with a pre-poo or deep conditioning treatment. I like to mix olive oil and coconut oil with either Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol Conditioner, or make a deep conditioner with a mixture of oils, eggs and apple cider vinegar. Next I follow with a low or sulfate-free shampoo like Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, or the As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner. If my hair is dry after shampooing, I’ll use a rinse out conditioner with good slip to further detangle and moisturize my hair. My favorite is Aussie Moist Conditioner. Then I seal in moisture with an apple cider vinegar rinse, using 1 part ACV and 2 parts room temperature distilled water. Afterwards I’ll apply a leave in, usually Sally’s Generic Value Product Conditioner and styling product, something by Cantu, Shea Moisture, or Nothing But Curl, then set my hair in twists.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
C: My go-to styles are wash-and-go’s and lows buns. Both are low maintenance and neither put a lot of wear and tear on the hair.
How do you combat shrinkage?
C: With my looser curl pattern, combating shrinkage isn’t a big issue. However, since I have different curl patterns throughout, I usually turn to twist-and-curls on damp hair to combat shrinkage and achieve a neater, more even look.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: Because my hair is fine, I have to pay close attention to my ends and how I detangle my hair to prevent splits or tangles.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
C: Using the LOC method for sealing in moisture and hot oil treatments are definitely two do’s for my hair.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
C: While I love the color and strengthening properties, henna use slightly elongated my curls. I’ve also experienced some midshaft splits that I presume are from straightening (ceramic pressing or “silk outs”).
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: Yep! I have a personal blog, NatrulyCourtney.com, as well as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, all @NatrulyCourtney. I’m also a part of the Return of the Curls Blogger’s Reel. The new ROTC blog site is launching soon.
