Part 1 of BelleMuse’s feature
BGLH: where are you from? what’s the weather like there?
BELLEMUSE: Michigan – The weather changes quickly and without notice but, I wouldn’t change it for the world because I luv to see the seasons change. It’s refreshing.
BGLH: why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?
BELLEMUSE: Wanted to see what my hair would be like. January 2007 I started transitioning. January 2008 I cut off all heat/chemically damaged hair.
BGLH: what products/ingredients do you use? why?
BELLEMUSE: Castor oil, glycerin, extra virgin olive oil & coconut oil because they keep my hair moisturized and soft.
BGLH: what mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you’ve learned from?
BELLEMUSE: Combing my hair while dry & sleeping without a silk scarf. Trying to watch my hair to see if it was growing, was like trying to watch grass grow. Simply a bad idea for me.
BGLH: could you describe your regimen?
BELLEMUSE: No shampoo ever. I use apple cider vinegar & baking soda to cleanse. I deep condition weekly with suave & cholesterol conditioners.
BGLH: how does your hair work for your life?
BELLEMUSE: Because I’m a student I mostly wear ponytails but, on the weekend my hair reflects my mood. (fro, twist, frohawk etc)
BGLH: where do you get style inspiration from?
BELLEMUSE: Tracee E. Ross, Erykah Badu & fashion magazines. I can adapt most styles to work with my hair.
BGLH: did it take long for your hair to grow out?
BELLEMUSE: No, because I wore mostly protective styles & I kept my hair in a baggy mostly.
BGLH: what’s the best thing about being natural?
BELLEMUSE: No longer avoiding working out or swimming. My hair actually luvs water!!
BGLH: anything else you want to add?
BELLEMUSE: “Remove the kinks from your brain, not from your hair.” — Marcus Garvey
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Thanks BelleMuse!! To clarify, that first picture is NOT a wig. It’s BelleMuse’s natural hair. Also, that last picture is two strand twists, not locks. You can find her fotki page here.
And I’m glad you guys got something out of the things Naomi had to say. I will post the rest of her interview (with more pictures) on Wednesday.
