*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
M: Everyone calls me MelavonD. Legally my name is just Mela. Haha. I currently live in Walnut Creek, California. I was born, raised and 100% from Stockton, CA. Only an hour away from each other, but two different worlds. I’m a full-time nanny. I’ve been taking care of 4 kids in total for over two years. I’m definitely ready to move on.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I would call it more of a live and learn process rather than a decision. It took me a couple years of dyeing it over and over and relaxing it over and over again.
When and how did you transition into natural hair?
M: In high school I had enough of combing out my hair all the time. So I braided my hair and left it alone. It didn’t take long, but I had dreads. I loved my dreads, but I received a lot of negative remarks. So I combed them out. After a few years of doing everything I could to damage my hair I cut it all off in December of 2008, the day before my 19th birthday. What a shock for everyone! And myself! At the time I didn’t know there was any type of community dedicated to natural hair.
In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
M: I have by far gotten more confidence in my hair and myself in general. I decided to comb my dreads out because of a few negative comments people made. I can’t even fathom what I was thinking at the time! I will never let someone ever make me feel that way for having MY hair.
How would you describe your hair?
M: My hair feels like butter, it’s thick as thieves and very stubborn!
What is your regimen?
M: I wash my hair every 3-4 days. I wash with L’Oreal Kids Detangling Shampoo, which I swear by. It definitely contributes to the definition of my curls and why they feel soft and look shiny! I drench my hair in leave in conditioner (Also L’Oreal kids) every other day if not every day. I comb it out and towel dry. Depending on the hairstyle I’m going for, I will either pull it back for the night or just let it go wild and free.
How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
M: I definitely resort to wearing wigs to protect my hair growth and length. I’m able to wrap my hair up and let it relax with no stress while I still have a fun playful hairstyle. It also helps hold moisture in throughout the day as well.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
M: Dying my hair…I’ve dyed my hair every color you can possibly think of. Platinum blonde SEEMED like a good idea, till my hair was completely damaged. As for mistakes with my hair these days I would say pulling my hair back too tightly. I haven’t seen any damage yet and I’m not going to wait to see any!
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
M: I think the best thing I do for my hair is using leave in conditioner.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: http://melavond.blogspot.com
Anything else you want to add?
M: Don’t let your hair dictate how you feel about yourself. If your hair is having a bad day it doesn’t mean you need to have a bad day.
