Natural Spotlight: Tamara (RunTammiRun)

11:53:00 PM Monique 5 Comments A⁺ a^-

Meet Tamara, a natural hair runner who went from locs to loose natural hair. Here's her story...

Her locs one month before cutting them.

1. Introduce yourself to us (are you: loc'ed, newly natural, natural-n-pressed, etc). Tell us how your hair journey started.

Tammi here! I had locs for 6 1/2 years until January 2011. I cut and combed them out, now I have my "loose" natural hair. Before that, I wore a perm for 8 years. I decided to start locs because my hair had SO much damage. It was horribly thin and breaking from years of chemicals and not really knowing how to care for it. Going natural really made me research what my hair needs.

2. When we change something outwardly about ourselves, something internal shifts too. What changes have you noticed about yourself since going natural?
I am definitely more comfortable in my skin after going natural. I know that in my natural state, I'm at my best. Nothing wrong with braids, weaves and extensions, but it shouldn't be a lifestyle. People should know what your hair looks like!!

Her wedding day (3.5 years into her locs)

3. What's your hair regimen?
I deep condition once a week with Giovanni Deep Moisture or Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose and olive oil, jojoba oil, Brahmi powder, castor oil, and aloe vera juice. I put on a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for an hour then twist. For a leave in, I use Fekkai Au Naturel leave-in or Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie mixed with jojoba oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera juice. I cowash with Mane 'N Tail and I use aloe vera gel for hold. I henna every four weeks. I love Henna and what it has done to my hair. My hair changed after I began using it. It was stronger and shinier and held moisture better. Indian Ayurvedic treatments are my fab hair secret. I also rinse with cold water and apple cider vinegar after I condition. Frizzies are nowhere to be found after that.

Two months after cutting her locs out

4. Summer is winding down and Fall will be here before we know it. How will your regimen change when the weather changes?
I live in South Florida so we don't have seasons! Its always humid and I fight it by making sure my hair is always super mositurized. Dry hair is not cute. Deep conditioning with heat opens your hairs' cuticles and locks moisture in.

5. Working out so important not just for your body but your overall well-being. How do you care for your natural hair after a particularly sweaty workout?
I run so getting super sweaty is something I know about. Co-washing and sealing my hair with shea butter seems to do the trick. Getting my hair wet isn't the end of the world like it used to be when I was permed. Just rinse and re-do!

6. I recently read an article that implies that going natural is more of a trend than a lifestyle style. What are your thoughts on this?
If it's a trend, its one I love. The word trend implies that wearing your hair in its natural state is something that is fleeting. Doesn't that statement just sound dumb? I think a shift in the way we think is something we all need.

Her most recent style: the dry braidout

7. Do you feel many women choose not to go natural for fear of not being accepted by others?
No. Its easier having straight, relaxed hair or wearing a wig/weave. Easier to manage and easier to style. But what's easy isn't always the best way to go. And I think alot of women believe their hair in its natural state just isn't cute.

8. What advice could you give to someone who is considering going natural or newly natural?
Try to get samples of things before you try them, water is your hairs' friend, seal your hair everytime you twist and try to use natural products. It's cheaper and your hair will retain length and moisture alot better.

9. Is there a blog or website we can follow you at?
My tumblr is: curlstotheworld.tumblr.com and my twitter is: twitter.com/runtammirun