Ty // Natural Hair Style Icon

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Ty Alexander and depending on what day it is I live somewhere in between Baltimore and Harlem. I am a freelance writer.

How long have you been natural?
T: It will be a year this August.

How and why did you transition into natural hair?
T: I never really permed my hair often and my stylist had been telling me for years that I didn’t need them. So one day she just chopped it off.

What are your must-have products for shampooing, conditioning and styling your hair?
T: I use Clairol’s Shimmering Lights Shampoo and Conditioner for my grey hair at least once a month. But since I went natural and I don’t use heat as often, I haven’t had much discoloration. I swear by Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue for styling my frohawk, but other than that I can use any shampoo and conditioner.

Tell us about your hair color?
T: My greys are wiry, but I have had grey since I was a teen so it’s never really bothered me. I just let the grey do whatever. There’s no taming this monster.

Did going natural affect your style choices at all?
T: When I first cut my hair off I was trying to do the ‘wet and go’ look. Which gave off a very afrocentric-soul-glo feel. Something I am not. I actually hated my hair. So it was suggested that I get a funky cut. Insert my frohawk. Now I wash my hair maybe every 2 weeks and I rod or twist my hair to manufacture my own curls and let it air dry.

How would you describe your personal style?
T: It varies. I love a good bright color jean, boyfriend blazer and a tank. Or if I’m out partying I love sequins. It screams “I’ve arrived”. But I am not a girly girl. SO there’s not a lot of pale pinks in my closet.

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
T: Bright blue skinny jeans from Forever 21, my neon pink Steve Madden clutch, and my nude booties from Nine West. (oh umm, do my nail polishes count too?)

Your pieces give you a lot of versatility and allow you to showcase many different looks. Any tips on how to select pieces you can dress up or down and overall give your wardrobe more range?
T: If I see something I like, I buy it. Especially if it’s on sale. I don’t worry about if I have something to go with it or not. I buy a lot of accessories, which can change the whole look of a little black dress. I usually carry a big bag so that I can add a small clutch or big statement necklace for the evening. But honestly I found my true style when I stopped caring about what others thought and focused on how clothes made me feel.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Of course — GorgeousInGrey.com