Where do you live?
I: I’m reppin’ the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) although I’m currently in London, Ontario for school. I’m getting a master’s degree in journalism. And I’m in my final semester!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
I: A. I love big hair and B. I got tired of the same old routine i.e. braid – relax – braid – relax.
When and how did you transition into natural hair?
I: I cut off all my permed hair mid-summer of ‘07. I’d relaxed and dyed my hair at the beginning of the summer and a couple of months in, I decided to switch it up.
Isabella a few months after the big chop
I’ve saved a whole lot of money: no more paying anyone else to do my hair. And I seem to draw a lot more attention, especially when the fro’s unleashed.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learnt from?
I: I’d have to say washing my hair loose = a big no-no. It just ends up a tangled mess. So I try to wash it only if it’s in twists or braids.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
I: I keep it in protective styles when braving the Canadian winters, I stay on that moisturizing/conditioning thing, and for the most part, I leave it alone.
What do you use in your hair?
I: Right now, my hair’s in twists so I spritz it every other day with a mixture of water, peppermint oil and glycerin. On the days that I wash it (usually once a week), I apply Qhemet Biologic’s Amla & olive heavy cream and some castor oil on the ends. Ooo and I co-wash with Suave coconut conditioner.
How does your hair express who you are?
I: It does its own thing. Period. Quite simply, it’s me.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
I: A blog’s in the works, but for now, I’m on twitter: http://twitter.com/IsieBella
Anything else you want to add?
I: “Beauty must be defined as what we are, or else the concept itself is our enemy”. I read that on a poster last year and it just stuck.
