Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Tynisha Smith-Hatcher. I’m from Denver, CO currently residing in Atlanta, GA.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I have been natural since 2007, but I have only embraced my “own” hair for 2 years. My decision to go natural was mainly for my daughter. I can’t tell her to love herself and how God created her if I’m hiding who I am with “long-term” weaves. When I speak of long term, I mean I used to believe that I could not go out in public wearing my natural hair. As if my hair was a bad thing, when it’s NOT!!! I also didn’t think that it was professional. I was WRONG!!! Also, the financial burden I put my family through wearing weaves back to back was very costly. We’re saving $1280.00 a year now!!!!
How would you describe your texture?
T: My hair texture is 3c/4a. My strands are coarse and my hair is thick.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I almost always wear protective styles…no braids or weaves but short-term protective styles. I like a lot of flirty and jazzy updos, buns and twists. I like to have fun with my hair. Long-term protective styles are boring to me and I have not used heat in a year.
What does wash day look like for you?
T: I co-wash my hair every Sunday using Tresemmé Naturals. I have totally eliminated shampoo from my routine. If my hair has product build-up, I mix 1/3 of a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar into a quart of water after I co-wash. After I wash, I LOC (liquid, oil, cream) in moisture with Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Oil, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Creme of Nature Argan Oil 7-N-1 Leave-In Treatment, and 100% raw Shea Butter.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: When I don’t have a lot of time to style my hair, you can never go wrong with a puff or a bun. Those are my go to styles.
How do you combat shrinkage?
T: I like my hair nice and stretched for my protective styles. After I wash my hair I will twist or plait it in 4 sections and let it air dry. Once my hair is dry I apply coconut or olive oil and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream, and pull all of my hair back into one ponytail overnight. In the morning, my hair is nice and stretched. I also use Curl Formers if I want my hair stretched without having to wait for my hair to air dry.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: Since I used to wear weaves back to back, my edges became very thin. I pay more attention to my edges and use Jamaican Black Castor Oil every night. It has really helped my edges.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: Keeping my hair moisturized and my ends tucked, while having fun with my hair at the same time.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: Don’t lose patience and don’t compare your hair to everyone you have a hair crush on. Enjoy your hair, love it, and watch it flourish.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: You can find me on YouTube at tymesheher
Instagram: @ ty_me_she_her
Facebook: facebook/TyniNaturalHair
