Crystal // 3C/4A Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
C: Hi everyone! My name is Crystal, I’m 21, from California and I’m a senior in college.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: The initial reason was because I wanted to grow out my own long hair and have that flat ironed curled look.  I learned from a hair book that going natural would be a great way to get started.  After looking up tons of natural hair pictures on the internet and watching Youtube videos, my perception of beauty started changing.  I realized that there wasn’t just one look (Kim Kardashian look) that meant that you were extremely stunning. Natural hair began to look appealing to me and I wanted to see what I looked like with my natural texture.   As I was doing research about natural hair I started paying more attention to the content of what the women were talking about and not just their hair.  I realized that hair health was something of great importance for growing out long natural hair. I was in my second year of college when I decided to do the BC and I was ready to come into my own look.

How would you describe your texture?
C: I would describe my texture as being closer to the 3c mark, tightly curly, some coils, gets very straight when pulled into a pony tail when wet, thick yet medium density, and dark brown. My hair has the capability of mimicking other textures very well; especially 4a, b, and c. A lot of people really don’t know or understand what my texture is until I actually show them.  It’s very curly and varies from “s” shapes to coils.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: I like to begin with two strand twists in my hair for about a week (if I can last that long). I have the biggest problem with not being able to keep my hair in a protective style because I love having my hair out.  I take the twists down and wear it out for about 3 days to a week. I then put my hair in my favorite pineapple up-do and style it in random ways for a few days to a week.  I take the up-do down and put in braids for a braid out.  At the end of the month if I’m in a rush I usually do a quick wash and go and get creative wearing my hair in whatever style I can make up from scratch by using bobby pins.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
C: My favorite go to hair style would have to be the classic pineapple up-do that sits promptly at the top of my head, either in a puff or curly looking fro.

How do you combat shrinkage?
C: I combat shrinkage by using a technique I like to call a stretched twist out.  I learned this technique from Naptural85 on her Youtube channel.  After washing my hair I put in medium sized two strand twists.  I use my mixture of Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner, oils, and aloe vera gel for a moisturizer then leave the twits in overnight; sleeping on a satin pillow case but not wrapping my hair.  In the morning I unravel the twists and fluff it out for a fantastic stretched twist out.  I have the length and volume that I adore every time!  I also use the braid out technique.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
C: My 2 do’s for my texture hair is co-washing as frequently as possible.  Preferably co-washing every week or every two weeks, this keeps my hair looking and smelling fresh.  Realistically, I wash my hair every three weeks to a month. I’ve also noticed an increase in hair growth when I wash more frequently.  The second is my moisturizing mix that I put together for my hair, which is nothing more than Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner, my favorite hair oils, and aloe vera gel.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
C: The 2 don’t for my hair texture- 1. Not keeping my hair moisturized in the front, crown/middle, and ends of my hair. 2- Not doing too many wash and go’s.  My hair can become very tangled, matted, and ratty looking if I do two wash and go’s in a row.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: Yes, I have a Tumblr account called MyMangoLove. Come follow!
http://mymangolove.tumblr.com