Teesha // 4C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
T: Hello my name is Teesha aka Tee!  I currently live in Atlanta but am from Southern California:)  I’ve been natural for 8 years and have been fortunate to display the beauty of natural hair as a natural hair model, including for Jamaican Mango & Lime.

I have transitioned in my journey to living a healthy lifestyle…After realizing that there is certainly more to life than hair, my overall well being has become my focus.  With The Most High at the top of that list of course.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I was graduating college at the time and since I was going through such a major change in life, it felt right to change my hair to reflect that transition.  Previous to doing a mini chop, I wore my hair in braids for low maintenance during midterms.  After 3 months of wearing the braids I decided to cut the braids and leave the new growth…took me completely by surprise, but it felt right!

How would you describe your texture?
T: Overall I have thick, afro textured hair…The very back of my hair has random silkier ringlets, while the rest is drier and has less definition.  I LOVE it because it has proven to be extremely diverse:)  I think many woman are still learning to embrace afro textured hair, but the fact that I can make my hair stand straight up is so dope to me lol  Sure I can straighten it and have long hair.  I can even rock a little bit of curls with a wash and go.  But hair like mine can maintain twist and braids like nobody’s business!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I keep it simple… 1. My hair is kept in loose chunky twist most of the time.  2. I finger detangle with oil during the week & just before co washing 3.  I co wash & deep condition my hair as needed.  4. When I decide to style my hair I take out the chunky twist & style.  5. I put them back in chunky twist at the end of the night for manageability’s sake 6. I typically moisturize with water and a mixture of oils. 7. Every now and then I’ll do a wash and go for fun!

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: I don’t style often, so I get creative with beanie caps and scarves that can be stylish and serve as a head covering.  When I do style my hair for an event I let my hair be as free as can be!  Big hair is my fav:)

How do you combat shrinkage?
T: Wearing my hair in chunky twist really helps with stretching my hair.  I don’t mind the look of shrinkage because I’m not concerned with showing my length, but because my hair gets really tangled at the roots it’s easier for me to maintain my hair when in loose chunky twist.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: I can’t speak for everyone with a similar texture to mine, but what works best for me is the mixture of water & oil for moisture as well as minimal manipulation.  I’m not one to have a different style every day or every week for that matter.  The health of my hair is most important so I’ve noticed that the more I keep my hands out of it, the more it GROWS.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: Although my hair is thick, it’s still fragile.  So, rough combing is not good.  I’ve also found that detangling in the shower while my hair is wet is a BIG no no for me…I lose too much hair and I loose patience AND get cold because the warm water runs out lol.  Finger detangling with Coconut or olive oil works best for me.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Absolutely!  I make natural body products such as bar soaps, body butter, & lip balms to name a few.  You can visit my website at http://reciprocitee.com (Pronounced Reciprocity).  You can also check out my youtube channel at http://youtube.com/NappturaliTee where I focus not only on natural hair, but being healthy overall!  I’m also on Instagram now!! Hehe You can find me under the name @nappturalitee.