Me & My Hair ! Throughout the Years

2002 – The Genesis

I have been natural for good since 2004.  I initially made the decision to be relaxer free in 2002.  However, 8 months into my journey, I punked out.  Perhaps it is not that deep, but it is how I felt.  I just wasn’t ready to make the lifestyle change.  And make no mistake, it is a lifestyle change.  My stylist, who introduced me to the idea of letting my relaxer grow out in the first place, had done her best to convince me to stay in the fight.  However, after listening to my complaining and witnessing my struggle, she finally gave in and I was once again trapped into the life a relaxed girl.  Why was that life so important to me?  Why was I so unwilling to let it go?  I often make relationship analogies when it comes to my hair because it seems that most people can relate.  You know that relationship that you’ve been in for so long that you can’t see your life outside of it, even though you know you should probably move on?  You’ve been together so long that you have become complacent and comfortable.  Yes it comes with some strife but not so much that you can’t deal with it.  You rationalize it by saying “all long term relationships have challenges, this is normal”.  That is kind of how things were between my relaxed hair and I.  We had been lifelong partners (since I was in elementary school) and even though I knew my hair would be much better off without the relaxer, I just kept doing what I knew best. 

2003 Maid Of Honor in my best friend's wedding



2003 - flat ironed

NaturalViews with Angie

Meet Angie

When did your natural journey begin?
7 years ago.  My hair was never long so it did not take a lot of cutting and waiting when my process began

What/Who inspired you to go the natural route?
Who: No one person in particular inspired me to go natural but Karen Gary, a hair stylist in Columbus, Ohio encouraged me to loc my hair.
What: I realized that I spent too much time in the hair dresser to not have healthy hair

How do you rock your natural?  (curly, straight, locked )
I rock the locs!

What is your current routine?
I have them washed and retouched once a month.  I use Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Milk to keep it moist and I was recently introduced to Shea Butter.

What is the one thing you love about your hair?
The progress!  My hair is longer and more healthy than it is ever been and I believe that I owe it to the loc process.

Curly Chic

Official Black History

June 23, 2010


When I was younger, my mom would press my hair with a hot comb on the stove! My hair was long and beautiful but thin. At some point my mother grew tired of pressing my hair every other day, so she decided to put a Kitty Kit Relaxer, which was supposed to be a “gentle” relaxer for kids, in my hair. I was so excited because there was a cute little chocolate girl on the box and her hair was beautiful! I never thought I was beautiful so here was my chance to transform! BIG MISTAKE, but at this time (I’m a 70s baby), that’s what you did to manage a little girl’s hair!


My “naturalhood” journey began in 2002. When I say natural, I am referring to a relaxer free head of hair, not necessarily free of all chemicals. My stylist of over 20 years, Karen Gary, owner of Synergi Salon here in Columbus, Ohio encouraged me to leave the relaxers alone.  (Please visit her site at synergisalon.com)
Initially I thought it was absurd!  After a mere 8 months, I gave up! At the time, I didn’t view it as a lifestyle change, I was simply doing it so that my hair would grow. I was simply not ready.

In 2004, after more encouragement from Karen, I decided to give up the relaxer again! This time, I stuck with it. I started to embrace the look of the natural and only straighten it on special occasions. For whatever reason, I still didn’t think I could look “dressed up” unless my hair was straight! I would tell my friends “I’m going to a wedding so I want to look nice”. As if I couldn’t look nice with my hair in its natural curly state!
Within the last 2 1/2 years I have started to understand that my hair is beautiful either way!  I have thrown away the Motions products and adopted a completely new hair care regimen for myself and my two children (daughter – age 16, son – age 17 months)! I realize that had I been more educated about natural hair, my hair would be all the way down to my butt by now! I am loving my hair and it is loving me back!

I am going to be donating a kidney to my father next week and will be on restrictions for 4-6 weeks and I am looking for a hairstyle that will last at least 3 weeks! Suggestions anyone? Wish me luck!

My current regimen:

Shampoo – Trader Joe’s shampoo/Giovanni Moisture Shampoo

Conditioner - Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner/Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner

Styling - Kinky Curly Knot Today & Custard with Shea Butter on the ends - Wash & Go /Twist Outs

Styling Refreshers - Eco Styler/Aloe Vera Gel

Spritzer – Mix of Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, conditioner & H20

I am still learning and I have only been using these products for a month now but I am becoming a PJ. I am getting to know my hair all over again. I am confident that I will start to see some significant growth!

My latest purchases: Coconut Oil, Aubrey’s Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner

My next purchases: Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade (it is sold out) and the Ouidad Double Detangler.

Curly Chic