Ebony // Natural Hair Style Icon

Where are you from?
E: Originally I’m from Los Angeles, but I reside in Georgia. I’m a realtor and a jewelry designer.

When did you go natural?
E: The first time I went natural was in 2001 (couldn’t stand the in between phase so I relaxed again). The next and final time was 2005. There were a couple reasons—I LOVED the freedom women seemed to have, I wanted to know what it was like, and I felt it was a form of worship to God. I wanted to let him know that I love the way He made me.

Was it difficult at all?
E: The first time (2001) wasn’t difficult at first because I cut it very short–almost no transitioning time. It was low maintenance. The next time was little more difficult because I transitioned for a year and once I did the big chop, I was SO lost and so hurt at the same time. I had to make myself learn how to do my hair in it’s natural state.

Some of my family and friends were shocked—couldn’t believe I cut it, and some were like, “YEAH! do your thing.” LOL. Best of all, I inspired a few others to make that change. I love that God took the time to create each coil and I want to show appreciation and I love the versatility, the way it feels to be FREE from bondage…meaning I was once a slave to the relaxer.

Have you had any difficulties wearing your hair natural at work?
E: Not at ALL… I work in a predominantly Caucasian environment and my co-workers actually love my “squiggly” hair and don’t understand why “WE” ever put chemicals in our hair.

What are you passionate about, aside from natural hair?
E: I’m passionate about art, inspiring people, and helping to bring out the best in everyone. I wish black women would all come to know total freedom and that they’d recognize the beauty in the way God designed them. Some will say, “My hair’s too nappy for that.” My solution to that: LOC it up! LOL… But be YOU!

What style do you like to rock?
E: My favorite style, hands downs—-two strand twists (since my hair is so long now I rarely take the time to do them)

1. Shampoo roots only with a low/no sulfates shampoo (my favorite is Smooth as Silk Deep Moisturizing shampoo by Giovanni)
2. Deep Condition hair, starting about 1/2 inch away from you scalp, with your favorite moisturizing conditioner (mine is Nexxus Humectress). Let it sit for about 30-45 minutes. 3. Part hair in as many sections as needed (I usually do about 8 because of the length). 4. Detangle with a Denman brush. I like it better than a wide toothed comb, as it detangles more strands at time than the comb. I don’t rinse the conditioner out because the amount that would’ve been rinsed out comes out in my brush.
5. Loosely twist each section once detangled.
6. Once it’s dried a little, Un-do the section you’d like to start with. Take 1/2 to 3/4 inch sections, divide it in half and start twisting from the root to the end. Repeat until it’s finished! (If I want a neat look, I part it with a comb, but usually I part with my fingers.) Always keep a spray bottle with water close by and in case your hair starts to get too dry, mist it a little.
*Hint* If I’m on the right side of my head, I twist to the left, and if I’m on the left side, I twist to the right.

What do you use in your hair?
E: Style products are kept to a minimum. I sometimes leave a little conditioner in my hair before styling. Other times I use raw shea butter or virgin coconut oil.

If your hair had a nickname, what would it be?
E: CHAMELEON, because it changes all the time

*Since doing this interview Ebony has updated her regimen. Click for her updated routine.*