Introduce yourself!
P: My name is Pearl Fils-Aime. I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida and I am a first generation Haitian-American. I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
P: I have been natural for a total of four years. Based on a recommendation from my hair stylist, I began a transition back to natural in 2007. I stopped relaxing my hair, yet continued wearing weaves. After a year, my hair was totally natural. Yet no one ever saw it, because I continued wearing 14-inch weaves. In 2008, I moved to a remote area in Arkansas, and it became a challenge to find a stylist that would work with my natural hair, so I relaxed it again. In 2010, I moved back to Atlanta. My hair was in terrible condition. My strands were weak and I was wearing weaves and wigs to hide the damage. After a while I decided that it was time to do the big chop. I wanted to see the real me, without any chemicals, or weaves/wigs.
How would you describe your texture?
P: My hair texture is predominantly 4b. My hair strands are fine.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
P: I have been consistently wearing a very short cut for the past three years. After washing/conditioning my hair, I use Taliah Waajid’s Curly Curl Cream. I love how it defines my waves, and eliminates frizz.
What does wash day look like for you?
P: I wash my hair three times a week. Because I have a very short cut, washing time is a breeze. I wash with Taliah Waajid Clean & Natural Herbal Hair Wash. It’s a sulfate-free formula that provides a gentle, yet effective, conditioning wash.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
P: I am a very busy woman. I am a hip-hop artist, university professor, and model, so I am always on the go. My favorite go-to style is my main style, the short cut. This style does not take up much of my time because it is low maintenance. It affords me a lot of time, to run and go. In my purse I always carry a brush, and my Curly Curl Cream, and I am good to go!
How do you combat shrinkage?
P: I don’t really have any problems with shrinkage.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
P: I just have to make sure I maintain a nice clean cut. I visit my barber every two weeks.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
P: Website: http://www.aladynamedpearl.com/
The song “Natural” is written and performed by me. It’s a song that tells my story of going back to natural, and it is also a homage to all natural women around the world. Please watch the video by clicking on this link: http://youtu.be/HJh80nOpFVU.