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

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

My name is Crystal aka Kriss.  I’m from the Philadelphia PA area originally but I’m currently in Delaware.

2. What is your hair type?

I consider my hair type as 4C.  My hair is very tightly coiled and has a ton of shrinkage.

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

I decided to begin transitioning to natural in February 2012 and big chopped in August 2012. Prior to that, I had been trying to maintain texlaxed hair and ended up having a huge set back from over processing… my hair thinned out so badly!  From that point, I realized that no matter how hard I tried to make relaxers work for me, it just wasn’t the right decision for me.

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

I think the most challenging thing was the uncertainty prior to big chopping.  I had no real positive memories of my natural hair as a child for motivation so it was going to be very new to me.  I wasn’t sure if I or my family would like and accept it but I was determined anyway.  When I decided to big chop, I made sure that I was comfortable with my decision…I even told myself that I was gonna rock whatever texture I was blessed with to the fullest.  :)

5. What is your weekly regimen?

I like to keep my regimen pretty simple. I like to detangle mostly with my fingers and detangle with a comb only when needed. I tend to cowash my hair at least twice a week. On my wash days, I moisturize my hair with versions of the LOC, LOCO, or LCO (new to me).

After that, I apply my styler (if I’m using one) and set my hair in whatever style I’m going for. Last, I air dry or sit under the dryer (cool/warm setting.)

6. What is your daily morning regimen?

Nine times out of ten, I wake up to VERY smushed hair lol!  I’ve learned that when that happens, shower steam is my best friend.  I hop in the shower and let the steam get to my hair. Depending on the style, I may let a few drops of H20 hit it. Then I’m able to manipulate it into the style I decide to rock for the day. If I need extra moisture I add just a little product. :)

7. What is your daily night time regimen?

At night, my routine varies depending on what state my hair is in (wash & go, twistout, braidout, updo, etc.)  I moisturize if needed, and prep my hair for the style I'm choosing to wear.  I also sleep on a satin pillowcase, and wear a satin bonnet or satin-like skirt slip. Don’t laugh! :D

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

I currently only use my hooded dryer as a source of indirect heat. I use the cool setting which is not “cool” air at all lol.  It’s warm air. :)

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

I have never been one to wear lots of braided styles/protective styles.  I rock my hair out 99.99% of the time.

10. Wide-tooth comb or Denman brush?

I prefer finger detangling my hair as much as possible, however sometimes I need a little help so I would go with the wide tooth comb.

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

I tend to rock my fro loose.  I honestly feel like it’s a better fit for me. :)  I also have a sensitive scalp and cowash frequently, so I like to be able to tend to my hair as needed.

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

I have had SEVERAL setbacks over the years. Where do I begin lol?  I would say the most common setback/tragedy for me in the past was thinning hair, broken edges, and even a huge gaping hole in the back of my hair, from over processing.  I didn’t do anything major to fix the problem…I just let nature take its course while trying to camouflage the damage.  I ultimately decided to go natural.  Thank The Lord my hair grew back! :)

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

One of my biggest tips for maintaining healthy hair is to keep it as moisturized as possible.  For me personally, without moisture my hair will not act right at all.  It would definitely start to rebel, not coil, tangle, break etc.  I also think it’s important to embrace what your hair naturally does and try to work with it. Length will come… just keep moving forward. :)  

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

You can find me in all these places:

• youtube.com/NaturalMe4C
  
• facebook.com/pages/Naturalme4c/432946690159862
  
• naturalme4c.com
  
• plus.google.com/106559587480296764299

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