Where are you from?
T: I am from Fayetteville, NC but currently residing in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina born and bred. Other than hair I am passionate about my faith in God and almost anything health related – I have a degree in Community Health Education.
Tell us your hair story.
T: My story is different from the majority but there are a few of us out there — I never had a relaxer. My mom would press my hair with a hot comb after every wash and with a lot of grease. A lot of my friends did not know that I was relaxer free and I didn’t tell them. Fast forward to 2004, I met the man that is now my husband. He saw my hair in its curly state and suggested that I wear it like that.
I wore my hair in its curly state for the first time New Years 2005, I have not turned back since. I love my big poofy hair!
Have you had any difficulties wearing your hair natural at work?
T: Honestly, the ONLY negative comments I received about my hair was from my family. It hurt… especially since we all have the same thick stuff and my mom still doesn’t have a relaxer to this day. I receive tons of compliments from my friends, strangers, and people at my church. Those compliments helped me realize that it is okay to love myself the way God made me-He doesn’t make mistakes. I have never had any problems with my hair in the workplace or on interviews. It has actually been a conversation starter many times.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learnt from?
T: Don’t follow fads/trends!! When I first started on my healthy hair care journey I would try everything on every blog and forum that I read. My hair suffered because of it. Dryness, breakage, and bad ends. Now I know how to read ingredient listings to determine if a product or regimen is right for me.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
T: Deep conditioning weekly. I used to do it once a month but I saw no results from that. Since I have started doing it weekly I have maintained growth and have hair that is more moisturized.
What do you use in your hair?
T: My staples are Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and now Castor Oil. I like to mix them all together. I still love my Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner but I have not found my “wow” shampoo product. I have noticed that the more natural a product the better my hair responds.
If your hair had a nickname, what would it be? Why?
T: Chameleon. My in-laws tease me about how my hair is different every time they see me and they can’t even tell anyone what I look like because they never know how I am going to show up. Plus I am able to get my hair to copy a few different textures.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: http://tiashauntee.blogspot.com/
http://members.fotki.com/RBGchick/about/
Anything else you want to add?
T: Your hair is like you-unique. Don’t get discouraged because you tried what someone did and it didn’t work for you. Use that as an opportunity to create something specifically for your hair.
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Tia has done a lovely bun tutorial for BGLH. Check it out HERE.
