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

1/3/2015

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

My name is Samantha Gomez and I reside in Toronto, Canada

2. What is your hair type?

My hair type is a little bit of 3C at the back but mainly 4A and 4B. Though my fro can look very full, I have very fine strands.

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

I went natural 5 years ago. The reason I decided to cut off all my permed ends is because I was tired of conforming to social norms. I really wanted to experience my hair in it's natural state, the way God made me.

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

When I initially BC'd, there were not many naturals here in Canada. So I was viewed as different. I had people constantly asking me why I cut off my hair. I felt like an outcast at times. I also found a few challenges taking care of my hair. I wasn't too sure about how to effectively moisturize it, how often to wash etc. I did however find many answers to my questions by watching other naturals on youtube.

5. What is your weekly regimen?

I cowash at least once a week and deep condition as well. I also moisturize my hair each night before putting on a satin bonnet. This leaves my hair moisturized for the following day.

6. What is your daily morning regimen?

I spritz my hair with water each morning to revive it from my night's sleep. If my hair feels dry in the morning, I would use the LOC method to moisturize it. I usually just use water, coconut or olive oil and a shea moisture product.

7. What is your daily night time regimen?

I always moisturize my hair in the night. I find that when I wake up, it is usually very soft when I follow this regime. I'm a big fan of raw shea butter so I generally just spritz my hair with water, coconut or olive oil and some shea butter. I always sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillow to help retain the moisturize and avoid breakage.

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

The only time heat is applied to my hair is when I go to the hairdresser for a cut. I don't ever straighten it myself. If I'm doing a blow out, I always use the cold setting on my blow dryer. I prefer my big fro to straight hair anyways lol

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

I use protective styles like braids and/or twists about 3 times a year. Usually on my annual vacation (so I don't have to worry about styling while I'm having fun lol), for about a month in the summer time and a month during the winter.

10. Wide-tooth comb or Denman brush?

I own both but usually gravitate towards my wide-tooth comb for detangling.

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

Loose. I love my hair out!

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

No hair tragedy. I really make a solid effort to take care of my hair, ensure it's moisturized at all times and don't use heat unless required (only at the hair salon).

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

Moisturize, Moisturize and Moisturize some more. Our hair is naturally dry by nature and dry hair is prone to breakage. I also recommend getting your hair trimmed to ensure healthy growth.

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