Queen Courtney ~ Queen Of Kinks, Curls & Coils® (Neno Natural)

24/6/2014

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

Hi! I’m Courtney and I currently live just outside Atlanta, GA.

2. What is your hair type?

My hair type is actually mixed ranging from loose waves in some parts to tightly curled in others. It is predominantly 3b/3c when defined.

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

I transitioned to natural hair for about eight months before having the big chop done in June 2009. I returned natural for several reasons, with the most pressing being my curiosity about my natural texture. Though I achieved long, relaxed hair with little maintenance or effort, I suffered from recurring dandruff and split ends more than I liked. I didn’t understand how to care for my hair, and this became increasingly clear when I went to college. I wanted to understand my hair and how to take care of it without the nuisance of having to relax, blow dry and straighten every month.

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

The most challenging part of going natural was not having a strong support system. I had encouragement from friends, but not much from family, and no stylist.

5. What is your weekly regimen?

My weekly routine begins with a sulfate-free wash followed by a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment, then an apple cider vinegar rinse. I allow my hair to air dry in four twists after it’s been saturated with a leave-in conditioner. Once it’s 80-100% dry, I will unravel the twists, apply a cream or heavy moisturizer and style. If I’m lazy or planning for a busy week, I’ll set my hair in “many” twists (not too tiny or too big), and wear it that way for the week. My go-to style is a chunky twist out.

6. What is your daily morning regimen?

Each morning I lightly mist my hair with water or aloe vera juice, fluff and pin whatever pieces can’t be easily tamed.

7. What is your daily night time regimen?

At night I simply cover my hair with a satin bonnet. I will retwist or reset my hair about once a week.

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

Yes, I use heat sparingly. Occasionally I will tension blow dry my hair for a bigger, fluffier twist out. I’m currently on a flat ironing “strike” as part of a healthy hair challenge, so I’m abstaining from having my hair ceramic pressed for six months. I usually have my hair pressed by a licensed stylist twice a year.

9. Do you braid your hair? If so, how often do you do so in a year?

No, I don’t braid my hair myself, but I try to have it braided by a professional (an experienced braider) at least once a year. Box braids, individual braids and Senegalese twists are my favorite styles.

10 Wide-tooth comb or Denman brush?

Wide-tooth comb, please.

11. Is your hair normally loose or in a protective-do?

It’s normally loose. In the past, I tried to alternate between loose and protective styles. I’m thinking of using that 50/50 philosophy again.

12. Have you ever had a hair tragedy? What was it? How did you recover from it?

I’ve had two tragedies, one while relaxed and the other about a year ago. I experienced what I believe are midshaft splits from improper use of the Tangle Teezer. As a result, I’ve incorporated the occasional protein treatment or ayurvedic practice (amla mask/rinse) as well as weekly deep conditioning to strengthen and repair my hair rather than cutting it.

13. What's your biggest tip for maintaining healthy or long hair?

Be patient. Care for and style your hair with patience. How you treat your hair is just as important as what you use on it. If you love it, it will grow and be healthy.

14. Where can we find you online? (blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc).