Michelle is very down to earth with a beautiful smile. This natural beauty is a newcomer to the scene but is no novice when it comes to style! Michelle’s confidence and style have been recently showcased at Hair’s A Cure fundraiser as a natural hair model!
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Michelle: I’m a newbie to the natural community. I am about five months into my natural journey. I didn’t want to do a big chop, so I transitioned for a year. In April 2012, I wore my natural hair out for the first time.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Michelle: I had achieved some personal goals in my life at the time of my transition; I completed my master’s degree and started a new job. So, I just decided I wanted to try something new. It was like a rebirth for me. Also, a few of my friends had gone natural and it never crossed my mind to ever part with the “creamy crack”, but I’m so glad I did!
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Michelle: I absolutely love CharyJay! She had such a tough time starting out natural and now she has long, healthy hair. I also referred to CurlyNikki’s website as my natural hair bible while transitioning. I really appreciate Mae from Natural Chica and Rochelle from Black Onyx World on YouTube. I’m inspired by all of these ladies because they are educated, Black, and empowered working women. I can identify with their strong work ethics.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Michelle: Honestly, I kept my hair in Senegalese twist and wigs the entire time I transitioned. I did suffer from dry scalp, split ends, and some breakage around my edges. I really had to do some research to remedy these issues. Also, I wished my hair grew faster! It scared me to have short hair, so I just clipped off the relaxed ends gradually in between hair styles until I felt comfortable with the length.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Michelle: I did my natural hair reveal for my coworkers and they were really supportive. They were used to seeing me in weaves during my transition period so it was the first time they saw my natural hair. My family thought I should put a hot comb to my kinky coils, especially my grandmother! She actually said my boyfriend would not like me with nappy hair. That did hurt my feelings; it’s ironic because she has been natural for years with very fine hair. My boyfriend really loved my kinky hair and said it made me look more confident and beautiful.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Michelle: My staple products are Bare Minerals foundation, an array of Mac eye shadow and blush, liquid eye liner, lots of makeup brushes, and several tubes of lip gloss.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Michelle: I have very sensitive skin, so I usually use Mary Kay TimeWise® products. I also use Oil of Olay sensitive skin foam wash and all day face cream with SPF 15. A must have is Vaseline Coco Butter lotion!
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Michelle: I believe that this natural journey has made me a stronger person. It has allowed me to not put so much emphasis on things we can’t control. I could not control how fast my hair would grow or how it would look once at the end of my transition. This journey also motivated me to start a weight loss regimen and I’ve lost 27 pounds since January 2012 and kept it off!
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Michelle: My main styles have been twist-outs, braid-outs, afro puffs, and mini twists. I watch a lot of YouTube videos for suggestions; I’ve found some styles that work for me. I really enjoy accessorizing now with clips, scarves, headband, and funky earrings too.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Michelle: I would say do as much research as you can, so you can be prepared for what to expect. Talk to others who are natural for encouragement. Don’t be quick to buy transition kits! It’s a trial and error process, so don’t be afraid to mix and match products to see what works for you. Read labels. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! It can be expensive buying products, so consult family and friends to do product swaps. Don’t get discouraged about hair length. Exude inner and outer confidence!
Thanks Michelle! Rachel O. Beauty appreciates your contribution. Congratulations on your weight loss, keep up the good work!
