Meet Gail** Natural of the Week

Meet Gail

Natural of the Week

Elder, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend, and a Mentor to Young People.

Hair:

1.How long have you been natural? This Friday it will be 1 month. 6-25-10. Yayyy Me!!!

2.Did you transition? If so how long and why? I transitioned from a relaxer for two months. I always wore my hair short with the spiky look, so in the midst of the transitioning period, I just wore it like that, straight on the top and natural looking in the back. Due to the fact my hair was tapered real low in the back all the time, it gave me the opportunity to wear it kinky/wavy.

3.Did you have any support going natural? My husband was and still is my biggest fan. I have one person, Lori Bolden, who I have been following her natural journey for quite some time now and she has been my inspiration as well as a big support person.

Negative experiences when going natural? No

4.What is your regimen?  Since I am fairly new to being natural, I am trying to find what works for me, right now I use a hydrated shampoo and use Tresemme conditioner for co-washes. Deep condition every other week and To moisturize the hair, I use Loboshea, which is an all natural product made from various oils, I also use crème of nature leave in conditioner and eco styling gel for defined curls.

5.What is your nightly routine?  I have a satin pillow case when I don’t want to wear anything on my head. I also use a satin cap.

6.What is your go to style? My style is wash and go since I am sporting a TWA.

7. What is the best thing about being natural? The best thing about being natural is: It is inexpensive. (Real talk). And the other best thing about being natural is: It helps me to embrace the fact that I have beautiful hair no matter what texture it is.

Life

How did your coworkers respond to your Big Chop? Everyone liked it. So they say!!! LOL. But it didn’t matter to me, because I was fine with it and it made me happy, so anything else wasn’t a concern of mine. 

Recently, I came into contact with a straightened natural who told me that she wears her hair straight because natural hair is not professional. What is your opinion of that statement? I feel if a person who wears their hair natural, should be able to be versatile in the work place. For instance, in the workplace, one may wear a flower to enhance an outfit or to make that look professional. I also feel whether a person wears their hair straightened or natural, you are who you are. You are not who you are because of what texture of hair you have, but because you are who you are because God has made you fearfully and wonderfully!!!

As your hair grows, Do you think there will be styles that are not appropriate for work? Yes, I will take into consideration of wearing my hair to compliment the environment of the work place. I work for The Workforce Commission and we always have visitors coming into the office from the higher level, such as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, so therefore, I will always compliment the work environment.  

What was your co-workers' reaction to your various styles? They always say, oh I like the flower to compliment that new look.  LOL!!!! If I do not wear a flower, some would pull me on the side and say, I really love how you decided to wear your hair and embrace being natural, free and confident.

What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? I would advise a natural/transitioner to view others’ journey as being a natural by looking at Youtube. Read a lot, ask questions if you are not sure about something and take one day at a time. Learn your hair, because it will teach you a lot. Actually, sometimes my hair speaks to me and it tells me “I don’t like that”!!! LOL

Listen, Rome was not built in a day and your hair has stages it will go through, but just be patient with it and at the end of the day you can say, I have made it through another day of being a natural beauty.  ; )

 Gail before going Natural