Where do you live?
Z: I am from Southern California. I was a contestant in the first Miss Nappturality competition. I am a student, a full-time daughter and a big sister. I am going to start graduate school in the Fall and I like making things. I dabble in sewing and art/crafts.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
Z: I have always been natural. My whole life people have been telling me whatever you do DON’T GET A PERM !!! My mother started giving me control over my hair at the age of 10, since then I have learned a lot, and I actually do her hair now. Knowing how to do my own hair is really important to me.
I have always had a lot of hair, and when my mom started giving me more control over it I was slightly
overwhelmed and guilty of neglecting it. In the beginning I almost always wore my hair in a bun, cornrows or a ponytail. Eventually I started trying out new hairstyles and I taught myself how to twist.
What’s your regimen?
Z: I try not to become dependent on any one product or brand, I keep it simple. I feel like stands of every hair type are growing on my scalp and my hair is always changing, so I just try to go with the flow. I gave up looking for a magic hair elixir a long time ago. The only thing that I use regularly is coconut oil and shea butter. What I put in my body is more important then what I put on my hair.
I usually wear my hair in an afro, twists/twist out, or an up-do. When I have the time I like to try new styles. I have been teaching myself how to french braid.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
Z: I used to think my hair was invincible. One Halloween I dressed up as Storm from the X-Men and colored my hair with white hair spray. I thought I was too good for a white wig: BAD IDEA. I was in the shower all night long, my hair was so hard and sticky I had to use dish washing liquid to get it out. The next day I went to work with gray gooey hair. I wanted to cry. I learned that my hair is sensitive and needs plenty of TLC.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
Z: My hair is like a garden, it grows because I give it the nutrients it needs from the inside and outside, and I leave it alone. I eat right and I stay away from products with harmful chemicals. I also understand my hair’s limitations, I don’t force it to be what it’s not, and I am happy with the hair I have.
Can you do a tutorial for the lovely updo that you entered in the Vintage Natural competition?
This was my first and probably my last hair tutorial video, it was much harder to make then I thought it would be. I have a lot of respect for those who post hair tutorials and advice on a regular basis.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
Z: You can find me at http://afrodandy.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.562citylife.com/profile/Zavijava
