We’ve had a lot of discussions about how natural hair is received in the DR. A DR natural is finally here to break it down for us.
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Where do you live?
L: I was born and raised in a tiny little island in the middle of the Caribbean called Dominican Republic. I’m a publicist, a coolhunter and a fashion stylist.
I’m 150% Dominican haha. My mom is Dominican and also my dad, and I have been living here for my whole life.
What is interesting about your country?
L: I have to say the people, yes we are unique! And of course, the beaches, the weather…
A lot of women on BGLH have spoken about how natural hair (particularly kinky hair) is strongly looked down upon in the Dominican Republican, is it true? What has your experience been?
L: Well.. as you might know this is a 3rd world country and we are not as “open minded” as some other people of other countries are, so, yes, it’s kinda hard because naturals dont have so much support from the society. In fact this country is more African than any other culture but the Spanish culture was the “good one” and Africans are bad. Everybody wants to be white and forget about the reality, that we are more African than other countries.
What is your hair story?
L: I’m 22 now, and I’ve been natural for 1 and a half years. But this is the third time that I’ve tried because of what I just said — the society doesn’t accept it.
Where do you buy your hair products?
L: I use homemade products: mayonnaise, tomatoes and a regular shampoo for curly hair that I buy in the supermarket
What would you like to see in your country in terms of natural haircare?
L: We don’t really have products for natural hair here, most the products are for relaxed and straightened hair.
Why do you like being natural?
L: I love it, it’s the most amazing thing I’ve done for myself. I feel happy, with joy and I definitely feel complete. I dont feel like a slave of my hair.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: Of course, www.lefashionjunkie.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lefashionjunkie
Anything else you want to add?
L: Always be yourself and do what you wanna be, there’s no other way to be happy.
