Naima // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
N: Hey hey!!! My name is Naima, I’m from the GO’ better known as the Chi (Chicago, IL) South Side ALL day ;-) lol. I’m a full time lover of Jesus / full time graduate student in a Master of Social Work program. I graduate May 2012 (Yippers!!!!!). I’m also a school social work(er) intern at a middle school / natural hair model.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
N: I made the decision to go natural for a few reasons. My hair was damaged. I always wanted to go natural and was tired of punking out. I wanted to show God that I was thankful for what He’d given me. It was my way of telling God that I accept everything that He has given me because it is perfect, and I won’t try to change what He has already perfected. I wanted to finally become the person that I was created to be.

When and how did you transition into natural hair?
N: I got my hair colored July 2008, got it relaxed August 2008; it fell out. I spent 3 months nursing my fragile hair. In that time I was researching natural hair on YouTube. I got REALLY inspired and decided October 11, 2008 that I would cut my hair for the New Year, January 2009. I woke up the next day, called a friend over and we cut my hair off on October 12, 2008! When it’s time, you know! As of 10/12/08 4:32 P.M. I’ve been natural.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
N: Going natural has given me the opportunity to see myself as I was intended to be. I was going through a huge transition, growing spiritually, undergoing a fitness journey, and from that time I’ve lost 60 lbs. and become vegetarian. It’s given me a chance to know and love myself more. It’s been a makeover inside and out.

How would you describe your hair?
N: Baaaaby my hair is THICK! It’s thick, soft, coily, kinky, cottony, and curly; it just depends on which section of my head you’re in. It’s always been thick though, even in my relaxed days. I’ve never had a day when I didn’t love it, honestly.

What is your regimen?
N: I like to keep it simple. Usually I’ll wash my hair on an as needed basis. I usually don’t use shampoo, but just clarify with baking soda and do an apple cider vinegar rinse. I detangle with V05 Moisture Milks Conditioner; it’s my staple product as well as castor oil for my scalp (from the laxative section of the store). I use olive oil, Lustra Silk Curl Max Activator Moisturizer and Long Aid Activator as I moisturize my hair. I use a leave in conditioner (Giovanni / Miss Jessie’s Baby Butter Cream) and plait my hair to stretch it as it air dries. I’m digging Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding for wash & go’s.

How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
N: I clip my ends about every 3 months and moisturize with castor oil, olive oil, and activator, coconut oil (in summer), and vegetable glycerin.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
N: I have learned that it’s not okay for me to wear wigs, specifically lace fronts as a “protective style”; it snatches my hair out. Sulfates ruin my scalp too =/.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
N: Give it love and attention. I’m not rough with it; I take my time with it.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
N: Yes, my YouTube name is Naimae. I have the best subscribers! Here is my link: http://www.youtube.com/user/naimae?feature=mhee. I WILL be making more videos. I’ve been having technical difficulties, but I will be uploading in the future.

My Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/naimae7 and Twitter: ChoclatCherokee.

Anything else you want to add?
N: Just thanks for checking me out. I’m honored to be featured =). Feel free to contact me…Let me know if BGLH sent you. Be blessed all *muah*