Thanks Rayona for doing an interview for the YNW readers!
YNW: How long have you been natural?
I got my first relaxer when I was 12, and stayed relaxed until I was 22...then I shaved my BSL hair off one day on a whim. I let it grown back, and relaxed it again at 26...but had to cut it off immediately. The relaxer burned a patch of my hair out at the crown, and I had about an inch left there...in the middle of shoulder length tresses. After that cut, I began to loc my hair, but was diagnosed with cervical cancer 2 years later. In treating the cancer, I lost my locs, which brings me to my current natural state. Its now been 3 years (almost exactly) and my hair is just past my shoulders (shrunken), or BSL (stretched).
YNW: How was your transition process?
I didn't really have a chance to transition the first two times I did it. Like I said, the first BC was something I did on a whim. The second was out of necessity, and this last time, for medical reasons out of my control. Luckily though, I was very accepting of the transitions from straight to natural. My biggest issues were all of the dollars I felt I had wasted on relaxers and flat irons in the past. With the last 'transition', it was a bit rough. I was in love with my locs, and to not have a say in getting rid of them really hurt my heart. I didn't want to accept the fact that I had locs one day, and the next, they are coming out in my hands. I wore lots of wraps and scarves for the first few weeks, not because I was nearly bald, but because I was so ashamed of having all of this hair one day, and none the next. (I had been doing a pretty good job of hiding my illness from most of the world, and without my hair, I had nothing to hide behind anymore). After a couple of months though, it began to grow back more evenly, and I got comfortable enough to show myself.
YNW: How would you describe your texture?
Now, I have 3c THICK and curly hair. Before the cancer loss, I had more of a 3b wave, but now, it is definitely a dense, S-shaped curl.
YNW: How did you family and friends react while you were transitioning?
Well, my mother is Caucasian with a good amount of thick hair herself, and she has always loved my hair. There have been a few times when I'd wear the fro out, and she'd give me a mean cocked eyebrow, but that's about it. She had a hard time really accepting the locs, so maybe to her this is the lesser of the evils. I think she's in love with my big hair now, because I have it (when once, I didn't). My kids have never had a problem with it, and alot of the friends I hang around are natural too,so its no biggie.
YNW: So what's your hair journey been like?
My hair journey has been interesting. I am so overprotective of my hair these days, because I am grateful just to have some, you know? At first, when it was growing back, I was afraid to comb it, for fear of it just coming off in my hands again. Then, I began grooming it, but wouldn't use any chemicals. I wouldn't put anything in my hair that I wouldn't put in my mouth...so that was funny. I'd go into the grocery store, and find anything I could that would do me some good...almond oil, coconut oil and milk, ginger paste, eggs and yogurt...whatever. Now, I am a little more lenient...but it can still get interesting.
YNW: What's your hair regimen?
These days, I have begun to get lazy. I have 3 kids at home, as well as my own students that I teach...plus a plethora of other activities, such as singing, acting and church activities, so my hair has been on the simple track.
I wet my hair in some way everyday, since its wayyy too thick to ever comb dry. I may wet it down in the shower, or with a spray bottle, but somehow, it happens. I don't shampoo everyday, but when I do cleanse, I use an Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo bar that I found on http://www.etsy.com/ from NJoiCreationS. Gives me the lather I want, with all of the effects of ACV, with a smell that disappears with the rinse. Then I condition with Oyin's Honey Hemp Conditioner (which I also use as a leave in, DC, rinse out, added to daily spray bottle, etc). Depending on my mood or my plans, I will add styling products. I am a HUGE fan of Oyin products, but also use WonderCurl, Shea Moisture, as well as my old food standbys. I recently went to a product swap, where I picked up Kinky Curly's Knot Today and Curling Custard, so I will be trying those out soon. Right now, my hair is in 2strand twists, because it allows for quick styling and versatility. I really only wear my hair 'out' for special occasions. I sleep on a silk pillowcase, since scarves won't stay on my head.I would definitely recommend Oyin's products. They are quite cost effective, and smell heavenly! I love the fact that they are made locally (right here in BMore!), and in small batches. Also, any type of protective style that fits your lifestyle is best, in my opinion. Braids or twists offer a bunch of options when it comes to styling, and can be professional or playful.
YNW: What is the one thing you have learned from enduring the journey?
Some people say "it's just hair", and before losing my hair, I believed them. But now I see that its more than that. There is a reason why we put so much time and effort into making sure our hair looks good. For me, my hair offers a sense of security. When I am well, inside and out, my hair looks good. When I'm not, it's not. My hair gives me something to do, something to talk about,something to be proud and protective of. I certainly appreciate my hair.
YNW: Anything else you want to tell the YNW readers?
Find online forums (such as this one!) and dive in. Read and research everything you could possibly want to know. I have gotten so much good information from other women through forums...things that 'the experts' have no clue about. Of course, you need to pick and choose what information would be best for you and your hair, but its more than worth it to read everything...you never know when you'll run across a situation that needs that expertise!
YNW: How can we keep up with your Hair Story? (blog, flickr, facebook, youtube, etc)
I currently blog about my life, my kiddios, my students and a bunch of other randomness at http://www.mommayonna.blogspot.com/ .
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR HAIR STORY WITH THE YNW READERS? EMAIL TANIA@YOURNATURALWONDER.COM
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