Natural Spotlight: Ricquel

2:00:00 AM Monique 4 Comments A⁺ a^-

1. Introduce yourself to us (are you: loc'ed, newly natural, natural-n-pressed, etc.)

Hi! I am newly natural. I did the big chop in February 2012.

2. Tell us your hair story.

I've had so many issues with my hair. It is thin (which I can not stand) and on top of that its 'nappy'. Nappy isn't bad, but thin and nappy? What the heck? I have always had issues with my hair growing up. I have never been able to do my hair; but being natural doesn't mean I have to be a slave to the comb which worked out fine for me.

'dos of the past

3. How did people react to the changes you made to your hair? Were they supportive or against it?

Most people were supportive and liked it. I also think because I am around a lot of women who have also gone natural it made the decision easier for me with them as my cheerleaders. The people who were more in shock, probably were because they were so used to seeing me with weave and not my own hair.

4. What's your current hair regimen?

I thought you'd never ask. This really kind Natural Sista named Monique hooked me up because I was struggling! She put together this regimen for me. So far, so good!

Every two-three days

Wet hair with water
Apply ample amount of conditioner
Deep condition for 20 minutes
Rinse (lightly)
Mist hair with Juices n’ Berries
Apply ample of Whipped Pudding (two finger tips); rake through hair
Apply ample amount of Shine and Define (two finger tips); rake through hair

Daily

Mix half Shea Moisture conditioner, half water, and a couple of drops of oil (olive oil) into a water bottle
Shake well and spray hair to dampen
Apply ample amount of Shine and Define; rake fingers through hair

5. What's your favorite natural hairstyle to rock?

Well, so far I have only had two: my TWA (teeny weeny afro - new vocab I learned) and recently, some little curls/coils in my head. I like the coils but I feel like it puts more emphasis on this forehead of mine so I guess I prefer the afro even though the curls them self are pretty. I didn't think my hair was long enough for the style but who knew?

6. What's your favorite hair accessory?

I don't have any yet, I will let you know when the time comes.

7. What are some the challenges you've faced so far with your natural hair?

In the beginning I didn't know I was supposed to rinse my hair on the regular. With straight hair you avoid water at all times so I was not rinsing out all of the product and my hair was looking a hot mess. Now that I've got it together, everything is ok. Here's another excerpt about me taking care of my hair http://flyjackiesjournal.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/natural-woman/

8. With the internet and YouTube full of natural hair resources, where do you obtain tips and tricks about how to manage natural hair?

I usually talk to my stylist Dominic. He has been there from perms to weaves to now natural. I am actually impressed that he can manage all types of hair. He was the first person to yell at me about not rinsing my hair. He said he was really concerned after that. And also Monique, since we work together and I love her hair so much, I trust what she says. (Funny that I am talking about you in the third person? LOL) Additionally when someone who is natural notices that I am now natural, they usually strike up a conversation with me about hair products and I pick up tidbits that way as well.