Natural Beauty of the Week

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“I was born and raised in Michigan, the youngest of three daughters. I am a Senior Consultant in Mergers and Acquisitions for a major health care system. I like long distance running, taking fitness classes and inspiring women to get healthy and fit, check out my YouTube channel. “Begin with the end in mind.” by Stephen R. Covey, is one of my favorite adages.”

Marita A: How long have you been natural?

Denise: I began transitioning in May 2012; I cut off my remaining relaxed ends in May of this year. Thus, I’ve been natural for 6 months.

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

Denise: I try to live a very healthy lifestyle. I knew that being exposed to chemicals every six weeks was only hurting me and not helping me. Also, since I was approaching 30 and thinking about starting a family, it seemed to be the right time in my life to begin my transition.

Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?

Denise: CharyJay and BlakizBeautiful.

Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?

Densie: As a professional, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to wear hairstyles that were appropriate for the office. However, throughout my journey, I found that there were a variety of hairstyles that I could wear including flat twist outs, bantu knot outs and even updo hairstyles.

Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?

Denise: I am blessed to have very supportive family and friends! They enjoyed my new hairstyles. I even encouraged my mom to transition to natural hair!

Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?

Denise: Rimmell 9-IN-1 BB Cream Beauty Balm, Mineral Fusion Luster Bronzer Duo, NYX Orange Cream Blush, L’OREAL Paris Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner, Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Chapstick, Covergirl Wetslicks Shimmershell (#350) lip gloss, and Wet N Wild Just Peachy (903C) lipstick.

Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?

Denise: First, I apply Original Moxie Emollience pre-treatment on my hair for 30-45 minutes. Afterwards, I pour an Apple Cider Vinegar mix over my hair and scalp to get rid of any build up. If I am shampooing my hair, I use Original Moxie Get Clean Shampoo or the Shea Moisture Restorative Shampoo. If I co-wash my hair, I use the EDEN Body Works Coconut Shea Co-Wash, which is a new favorite of mine. I like to follow-up with a conditioner such as the Original Moxie Intense Quench or the CURLS Coconut Sublime. Twice a month I deep condition my hair for 45 minutes to 1 hour with products from either Karen’s Body Beautiful or Shea Moisture. After I rinse the conditioner out and while my hair is still wet, I spray cold Aloe Vera juice all over my hair and scalp for incredible shine. Again, while my hair is still wet I apply a quarter size amount of a mixture of six different pure oils on my hair to seal in the moisture. After letting my hair air dry, I style it. Seems like a long process, but my hair loves my routine!

Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?

Denise: I wash my face and neck both in the morning and at night using the Michael Todd True Organics Skin care line. I also exfoliate twice a week and use a facial mask on a weekly basis. I like to protect my skin from sun damage, when I’m outside I use sunscreen with SPF 55 or higher. I also exfoliate my skin and use bath products from Shea Moisture, Oil of Olay and Lush.

Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?

Denise: As I began to transition to natural hair, I began to set other goals for myself such as advancing my career, running a marathon and spending more time helping women get healthy and fit. All of my goals were met and I really feel fearless!

Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?

Denise: My favorite hairstyles are flat twist outs, bantu knot outs and two strand twists in a protective up do style.

Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?

Denise: Think of this process as a journey of discovery. Try a variety of products and styles and see which work best for you. Love and embrace your hair, don’t let society trick you into thinking that you have to conform to the world’s standards. Just be you, since there’s only one of you!