BGLH: Where are you from and what do you do?
K: I’m from Chicago. I’m a self-employed graphics consultant. I do everything from web design, book illustrations, real-time mindmapping, and conceptual design work like developing board games as learning tools for my corporate clients.
BGLH: When did you go natural? Why?
K: I first went natural 12 years ago. There are too many reasons to list! But mainly, I had some very bad experiences with relaxers, like excessive breakage, horrible chemical burns, scars and scabs, you name it! Back then, there weren’t any hair forums so I’m one of those brave pioneers who transitioned back when there was no language, “best practices” or processes for it. Because of books, hair forums and Youtube, I’ve learned so much in the past 6 months alone. My hair is in the best shape and the longest it has ever been.
BGLH: What is the key to a good regimen?
K: I believe the key to a good regimen is patience, education, consistency and documentation.
Patience is important, because you will make mistakes along the way. You must have patience with your hair when washing and styling to prevent damage.
You should read as much as you can and learn how human hair really works. Like the vast majority of the population, I am a visual learner. I love books with illustrations and microscopic photos that teach me the fundamentals about hair. I strive to better understand not only the outer composition of hair, but also the chemical inner workings as well. I know that what makes my hair “feel” good may not always be what’s best for it! Learning about ingredients and basic chemistry will help to make anyone a master of their own hair over time.
I say consistency because you should stick with what truly works. Not the latest fads. Of course, you should always keep an open mind and continuously learn about hair care.
Documentation is important because you’ll never know what you’re doing wrong/right unless you can remember what you’ve done!
BGLH: Why did you start a YouTube channel?
K: I started it because I felt I had something unique to contribute. Although I credit hair forums and Youtube as sources of great information, they are kind of all over the place with very little structure. Newbies get lost. Hair veterans get lost. There are so many opinions out there and since much of it is not based on science, people are often “bullied” into doing things that might not be good for their hair.
Like I mentioned above, I read about hair on a regular basis. I look for consistency and contradictions. I study illustrations and magnified hair strands. I’ve recently made it a goal to self-publish my own book about hair. I’m a graphic artist and I want to use my professional skills and talents to give back to the natural hair community.
One of Kim’s signature looks is a style inspired by UK singer Corinne Bailey Rae.
Here’s the tutorial.
Check out Kim’s full YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube
