Laila // Natural Hair Style Icon

We want to start featuring women who are in the process of transitioning. Email blackgirllonghair@gmail.com if you’re a transitioner who wants to be featured.

Where do you live?
L: I currently live in the United Kingdom, London to be exact but I plan on moving to the States one day.

Why did you go natural?
L: I’m currently transitioning to natural and it’s been approximately 17 months since my last shot of creamy crack. My decision to return back to my natural hair came after months of going on a downhill spiral with creamy crack. At the time I was at university, still am, and partying all the time, before I knew it, I went from my maximum twice a year touch up to a self relaxing creamy crack junkie! Luckily for me my hair was still holding on for dear life and the only problem I had was that my hair had become bone straight which wasn’t the look I was accustomed to.

I came across a hair network called K.I.S.S , KEEP IT SIMPLE SISTA, and that was when I made a conscious decision to embark on a healthy hair journey. Shortly after that I decided to kick creamy to the curb.

How would you describe your hair?
L: It’s very thick with a combination of coily, curly and wavy strands. It’s really soft and absorbs everything!  However, it seems to be changing as time goes on so it might be different once I big chop.

What is a brief description of your regimen?
L: I deep condition, shampoo and detangle my hair once a week in that order. I keep my hair in protective styles all the time, and I moisturize daily.

The products I’m currently using are:
VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Clarifying Conditioner ( Staple… i love this )
Aussie 3min Miracle Reconstructor DC ( Staple… i love this )
Aussie Miracle hair insurance leave-in ( Staple… i love this )
HE Hello Hydration Shampoo
Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol ((DC, mixed with oils and herbs))( Staple… i love this )
Shea Butter Mix ( Staple… i love this )
IC Fantasia Gel ( mixed with moisturiser and oil) for braids and twist ( Staple… i love this )
Eco styler Krytal clear gel ( for bunning and edges ) ( Staple… i love this )
Neutrogena Clean Replenishing Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair ( Staple… i love this )

Oils & Herbs ( Used on occasion)
#Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil
#Extra Virgin Coconut, Olive & Avocado oil & Jamaican Castor oil
#Indian Ayurvedic Herbal Powders : Amla, Brahmi, Methi, Hibiscus & Fenugreek & Henna

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
L: For me, it has to be deep conditioning my transitioning hair after shampooing! I’m not sure if it has to do with my length but detangling after this is like a torture session for my hair and scalp. Strangely enough I tried this a few times to see if I could make it work.

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Albert Einstein

I eventually found that deep conditioning my hair before shampooing is best for me because I’m able to remove most of my shed hair while applying the conditioner and also when I shampoo afterwards my hair doesn’t feel stripped.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
L: As a transitioner, deep conditioning is to my hair what spinach is to Popeye…!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: I’m sadly a social networking junkie
You can tweet me @ www.twitter.com/NeffyFroFro
Have a rumble in the jungle of my mind @ www.neffyfrofro.tumblr.com
Follow my hair journey @ http://www.youtube.com/user/FusionofCultures & http://members.fotki.com/Laila-Jean/about/

Anything parting words?
L: It’s never just hair! But your crown & glory….. When it comes to natural hair you’re only limited by your imagination. Peace & Love