1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Jordan and I am from Houston, Texas, currently living in Austin, Texas.

2. What is your hair type?

​I have type 4a/4b hair and a lot of coily, fine strands. 4a in the nape area and 4b in the crown.

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I like to call myself an accidental natural because I didn't intend on wearing my hair naturally after I stopped getting relaxers at the end of 2012. My relaxed hair was extremely thin, weak, and flat, not to mention completely unhealthy. I was getting full sew ins (no leave out) and between each installation I saw how fast my hair was growing. The two textures were not easy to manage, so after accidentally transitioning for 13 months I big chopped December 2013 and I’ve been loving it ever since. 

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

The most challenging thing about going natural was maintaining a decent style with the length I started with. I was excited about my hair but I couldn’t do much with it but a twist out. So I transitioned for about 6 more months after my big chop.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I wash my hair about every 2-3 weeks, depending on how hectic the week is. I wash and condition with Tresemme Naturals shampoo and conditioner, then deep condition for about 20 to 30 minutes. I live by the LOC method (leave in, oil, cream) with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In, grapeseed oil, and Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream. I usually stretch my hair with two braids before styling, and my go to style is a braid and twist (braid out at the roots, twist out halfway down).

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

My daily morning regimen usually consists of oiling my fingers and unraveling my twists/braids.  Sometimes I will pick/fluff my roots at home, but with Texas weather I usually let the elements have their way with my hair and I put the finishing touches when I get to work.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I usually maintain my styles by retwisting my hair at night, always chunkier and looser than the day before because definition is really a priority, I like volume. Aside’s from that I protect my hair with a huge satin cap that doesn't squish my hair or leave lines on my forehead.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

I’ve only gotten my hair straightened once since I’ve been natural. Probably wont get it bone straight ever again, but I do stretch my hair with the tension method every few months. ​

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

Tina Kelley from Houston, Texas

2. What is your hair type?

​My hair type is Curly with a side of Kink.

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

This is my second time natural. I did my second big chop in September 2013.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

The most challenging thing about going natural for me was understanding that most of my friends and family would not accept it. They just didn't understand why I wouldn't perm my hair. When my hair was permed it was so pretty to them, but in its natural state they didn't like it at first.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

Every week I cowash, and deep condition my hair. I only shampoo it once a month or when I have product buildup.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

Every morning regardless of the style I spritz my hair with a water and mixed chicks leave in conditioner mix.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I pineapple my hair if it is a wash n go, perm rod set, or any roller set. However, for twist outs or braid outs I usually just wear a bonnet.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

​I used heat for the first time since my big chop last week. I got a silk press to monitor my hair growth, and because I needed a haircut.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Jessica Harmon and I am and always will be from sunny Miami, Fl, yet I currently reside in Houston, TX

2. What is your hair type?

4C dry hair

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I simply always wanted long healthy hair and with a perm I never achieved that. So at the beginning of 2012 I decided to begin transitioning.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

Transitioning and taking care of the two hair types. After about 6 months of transitioning I big chopped and never regretted it. I rocked my twa?

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

Well I wash every other week. I use 3 products: Shea Butter and coconut oil blend to, Cantu Coconut curling cream, and Eco styler gel to do my twist-outs or my braid-outs for the week. 

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

If I have twist or braids I spritz my hair with water, put a dab of my Shea-Coconut oil mix in my palms and gently rub into the ends of my hair. Then I untwist, finger fluff and go.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I put a dab of my Shea-Coconut oil mix in my palms and gently rub into the ends of my hair. Put my hair into a pineapple puff and tie a silk scarf around my head. I keep it simple

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

​No, I did once last year and my hair shed horribly so since then I haven't. 

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Trophie Douglas and I am from Houston, Texas. 

2. What is your hair type?

​I am a strong 4c lol! I have really thick kinky hair. ​

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I began my transition in November 2011 and I big chopped May 5, 2012. I went natural because I was tired of my hair not growing. It was at a stand still and it was very thin and brittle. I started watching youtube videos and saw all these natural women with beautiful healthy hair. It just made more sense and I'm so happy that I made that decision. 

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

The awkward twa stage. I'm used to having long hair and I just didn't feel comfortable after my bc.  Ofcourse I got used to it but in the beginning I was in a state of shock.  Also dealing with shrinkage. When I went natural I knew nothing about shrinkage so I was totally taken by surprise. Ive learned to embrace my shrinkage and use different methods to stretch my hair.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I wash, condition, and deep condition my hair once a week. Usually I do a twist out style and wear it loose for about two days. I re twist and wear it loose a couple more days and just wear a puff for the rest of the week.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

I usually take my hair out of the pineapple and fluff. 

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I pineapple my hair at night. I just push all of my hair to the top of my head and wrap a scarf around it. Also I sleep of a satin pillow case just incase my scarf comes off. I'm a wild sleeper! 

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

​Yes, but in moderation. I get my hair professionally straightened about 3 times a year. Every now and then I will stretch my hair with a blow dryer on medium heat. Ive had heat damage before so i'm very cautious about using heat on my hair. 

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Mimi Irvin “aka” Corporate Chic. I am a wife, mother of two handsome boys, daughter, friend, and have been told a fashionista.  My day job consists of a career as a Project Engineer working in Corporate America with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I was born in Yokosuka Japan, from a military background and traveled every three years of my life. So for me home is where I make it and currently that is in Houston Texas. 

2. What is your hair type?

I believe I am in between a 3B and 3C

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I contemplated the idea of going natural in early 2011 and although I loved the relaxed looked and didn’t suffer from breakage, but I wanted something different. I was set forth to go on assignment in the Netherlands with my company in January 2012, so I decided December 2011 would be my last relaxer. I wouldn’t have to worry about the Texas humidity and I felt the transition would be easier to deal with in cooler temperatures. As I tried many styles as I could during my transition, 8 months would be the end of that road. I decided to do my BC August 2012. As I sat in the mirror cutting each section it was very hard to get through. I had about 3 inches of new growth but after completing that hard effort, I looked in the mirror and said yes this is ME and I will ROCK it.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

The challenging part about going natural is that its trial and era with hair products. With relaxed hair, you have setting lotion, oil sheen and your wrap cap for the most part. With Natural hair and depending on your curl pattern, not every product will work for you. So it takes patience and interacting with other naturals to help find your staple.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

If my hair is not twisted, I typically I will pin it up at night and sleep in satin bonnet. In the mornings I will spritz with water, add Coconut oil or shea butter and style in an up-do or wear loose.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

In the mornings I will spritz with water, add Coconut oil or shea butter and style in an up-do or wear loose.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

If my hair is not twisted, I typically I will pin it up at night and sleep in satin bonnet. 

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

I use minimal heat on my hair. I have only had my hair flat ironed twice since I’ve been natural. From time to time I will do a roller set and sit under the dryer. Other than that I use heatless styles such as twists, bantu knots, twist outs and wash and go’s.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

Alexandria, I'm currently residing in Houston, TX

2. What is your hair type?

3C/4A

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I went natural in the Summer of 2010. A classmate of mine inspired me to transition and then big chop!

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

Learning my hair and finding products! You will go through a lot of trial and error with natural hair products. It's kind of like a natural hair initiation. Every natural has to go through it! 

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

My weekly regimen consists of deep conditioning, shampooing, co-washing, and moisturizing every night.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

My morning regimen consists of me taking my twists or style from the previous night down. I don't really do much in the morning. I keep my hair regimen very simple. 

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I set my hair GENTLY every night. I like to maintain my style for longer than a day. So, I spray a leave in, seal with an oil or shea butter and then style for the next day.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

I rarely use heat. I recently straightened my hair fro a friends wedding and suffered a small bit of heat damage so It definitely will be a while before I straighten again.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

Hi!! My name is Mary Taylor aka “MsNaturallymary” on most of my social media (: I am a North Carolina Native who has recently made Houston, Texas my home.

2. What is your hair type?

I believe I am a 4b.

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it? 

I actually transitioned for about 6 months and big chopped in the bathroom of my sister’s home after going to dinner with her and her husband. It was on April 14, 2012.  I recall having a conversation over dinner with the two of them about going natural and deciding that night that I would do it. Her husband embraced the idea of my sister going natural. He shared with the both of us that we are both beautiful, and that whoever I am meant to be with, he will also embrace my hair in whatever state it is in.

I was super nervous about the whole idea of cutting off all my hair! Prior to this event, I said I would never ever big chop. I felt that women who big chopped were super brave and that I just didn't have the courage to do it. I, also could not envision myself with such short hair. I felt that others would look at me funny or that it would reduce my chances of being able to find love. However, that evening, I don't know what came over me.. I somehow just picked up the scissors and went to work. And Believe it or not, I thought that my texture would be amazing! Remarkable even.. Especially after following several youtube vlogger’s journey who had also big chopped… Seeing how curly and voluminous their hair was.. I thought mine would look the same…. Well, mine was the exact opposite. lol After, I cut my hair I could not figure out how to get it curly.. My hair was also very dry. It felt like a Brillo soap pad. lol I had no idea what to do with it…It  was too short to do a twist out or anything because I only had about an inch of hair.. I remember panicking…

Having to go to work the next morning was the scariest thing ever! The thought of having to  stand in front of my students or even pass my colleagues in the hall made me very nervous. I thought, what have I done?? And the next day… Boy, did I get looks. I remember one of my students saying “ Ms. Taylor, Why did you cut your hair?? You look like a boy!” So, of course, my already bruised self esteem at the time, was even more blemished. That same day I called a friend to beg her to install braids in my hair! I got those installed, wore them for about a month and continued to wear protective styles such as weave.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural? 

The unknown… Not know how I’d like it, what my texture would be, and how others would respond to this new look. 

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I currently wash every one to two weeks. I always deep condition when I wash my hair. Wash day at a glance consists of washing my hair with apple cider vinegar, co-washing with Herbal essence hello hydration and deep conditioning with a mixture of hello hydration, an egg, olive oil, and honey. My hair loves it! I actually have not been wearing my hair out that much lately. I’ve been on a protective style challenge for the last 5 months. I just recently began to wear my hair out again for the holidays and sometimes on the weekends. But, I will continue
protective style with wigs. My go to style as of late has been a twist and curl when my hair is out.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

Because I am in protective style mode, it is very basic.. I take down the two flat twists I did in the front the night before, give my wig a good shake and proceed to blend lol Protective styling has made my life pretty easy and my units have become my best friends (:

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

At night, I simply remove my unit, spray a mix of water and aloe vera juice on my hair that will be under the wig cap on a daily basis, and apply coconut oil. I try to really focus on my ends during this process. As far as my leave out goes, I spray the mix of water and aloe vera juice on my hair, apply coconut curling cream, along with olive oil eco styler gel, do a flat twist on each side, wrap my hair with a satin scarf and I’m ready for bed.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all? 

Using heat on my hair is very rare. I got my first professional flat iron last year on my birthday, which was in july and I have not used heat since then; until maybe december when I did a blow out.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

Hey there, I’m Andrea and I’m from Houston, Texas, USA.

2. What is your hair type?

I’m actually not to sure exactly but probably in the 4a area. I have a few different patterns like most naturals so I can’t just pick one.

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it?

I went natural a little over three years ago. I was tired of getting relaxers and constantly damaging and putting harmful chemicals in my hair.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Probably trying to style both my new growth and relaxed ends. I got frustrated from time to time when styles didn’t come out the way I wanted to. Also, finding the right products to use after my big chop was a lot of trial and error. It got easier once I found a regimen and good products.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I actually have a video up on my YouTube channel with all the steps and products! But I’ll wash (shampoo + condition), deep condition, apply a leave-in then comb out my hair. I’ll apply whatever butter and gel I’m using at the time and then braid my hair for a braid out.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

I’ll apply a dab of oil through out my hair and shake it out and then pick at the roots for volume.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I’ll either use the Pineapple method or just put my hair in two loose ponytails. I sleep on a satin pillowcase so I won’t put on a satin cap, but I do wear it when I’m not sleeping on a satin case.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all?

I try not to, I’ve gone a little over three years without straightening it. I do blow it out every couple of months but on low heat.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Georgette Whaley. Some people call me "Soul Sister." I was born & raised in Houston,Texas.

2. What is your hair type?

As odd as it may sound I've never classified my hair with the hair type system. I just call it natural. :-) 
[For the purposes of having you come up in a category I've ticked 4A/B/C, Heather xx]

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it?

I went natural in 1994. I did what is now referred to as "The Big Chop." I went to a barber and got my relaxed hair all cut off. I had about a millimeter of hair! I decided to stop relaxing my hair & return to my natural texture because my hair started falling out from being over processed. I was also curious about what my own hair texture was because my hair was relaxed when I was about 5 years old.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I faced the biggest challenges in the very beginning of my journey. Things like lack of knowledge on how to care for my hair and finding the right products (or combination of products) were my biggest obstacles.

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I try to manipulate my hair as little as possible. So I don't have a weekly regimen.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

Remove my satin cap and fluff my hair or moisturize it if I feel it needs it. I'll add a headband and/or flower depending on the overall look I want for that day.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

I always sleep with my satin cap (or scarf) on and a satin pillowcase. Even when I travel and have to stay in a hotel I bring my satin pillowcase with me.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all?

The only heat I use is under a hooded dryer to dry my hair, if I don't let it air dry, or when I'm doing a deep conditioning treatment. I've only had my hair thermally straightened with a flat iron once. It caused so much damage that I vowed to never straighten it again.

1. What's your name and where are you from? 

My name is Nanalli, but I go by J'ai (pronounced Zhae'), which is a part of my middle name. I am a native of Houston, Texas, but I was raised in Louisiana

2. What is your hair type?

My hair type is a combination of 4b and 4c.

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it?

I went natural in June of 2011. One of my bff's, my cousin and I decided to do it together. We made a party of it. It was our "big chop" party. It was great to have their moral support.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural was wearing my hair in the TWA style. I was never the type to cut my hair in a short style, especially TWA short. It was difficult looking at myself in the mirror, but eventually I became comfortable with it. The many compliments I received was an added bonus :)

5. What is your weekly regimen? 

I usually twist my hair using either Miss Jessie products or Shea Moisture. I may twist it up once or twice a week and style it in different ways.

6. What is your daily morning regimen? 

I add oil to my hair before untwisting and styling.

7. What is your daily night time regimen? 

If I am not twisting it, I use think scrunchies to keep the twist definition for the next day. I part my hair down the middle and create 2 side puffs.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all?

I seldom use heat on my hair. When I decide to blowout my hair, I use heat.