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| Before with Perm |
I decided to go natural in September of 2009
What inspired you to go natural?
At the time of my decision, I was modeling in Atlanta and wearing a short Halle Berry-type hairstyle. It was very cute but was damaged due to excessive handling and over processing. I wanted healthy hair and I wanted to have long hair, which I never had. At my longest length my hair only grew to my chin. I was surrounded by many beautiful influences in the Atlanta area that gave me the courage and confidence to go on my natural hair journey.
How did you transistion?
I was absolutely terrified of doing the big chop! I was going for the gusto already deciding to go natural, so a big chop was a little too far! I began doing full sew-ins every six weeks to grow out my hair. In July of 2010, I finally wore my hair out in its full natural state.
In March of 2011, I finally did a big chop. Not because I needed to but because of the weather change. I moved back to Chicago from Atlanta and my hair became very dry and brittle. I didn’t know how to manage the change and didn’t really have time to learn so I just cut it all off! Best thing I ever did. I should’ve done that in the first place!
What is your profession?
www.CharriseRenee.com is a Strategic Social Media Marketing and Brand Development with a focus on helping individuals in the service and creative industries. I also assist with business management and consulting. At the time of going natural, I worked at a private investment firm as a Junior Project Analyst.
Did you receive any negative comments from family or friends for getting rid of the perm?
My friends were very supportive of my natural journey. My family… well, not so much lol. To this day, I still get slack about my decision to wear my hair in its natural state without perming it or straightening it. My grandparents have made some very harsh comments about my “Not being able to find a decent man because of my hair” and that it’s “Not becoming of my face”.
What’s your natural hair care routine? products, co-wash etc?
Since I have a TWA, my routine is pretty basic. I wash 1-2 time per week as well as deep condition each time. After that, I moisturize with a leave-in (Darcy’s Botanicals) and seal with a humectant (Oyin handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade/Komaza Care Moku Hair Butter). From time to time I’ll use a curl butter or some kind of light creme gel (Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme Gel/Kera Care Defining Custard) to define my peasy curls.
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| Big Chop! |
1. Less is always more! I get the MOST compliments when I hardly do anything or ever put forth the effort to be cute. So I keep a “Glam on the Go” bag, consisting of a mascara, pop of color liner and a nude lip color with a gloss to go over.
2. You have to take care of the foundation before you can build the house! I can’t stress enough how important SKIN CARE is to your daily make-up routine. I exfoliate, cleanse, protect and moisturize. That way, I’m not piling on loads of make-up to hide skin blemishes and such.
3. Don’t be afraid of color. I’m a make-up addict so I’m in Ulta and Sephora 2-3 times a week asking plenty questions about the best colors to wear for the season for my skin tone and how to highlight vs. conceal with color. Make-up is fun and comes right off with a great remover so “Don’t be scurred”!
What advice do you have for those considering going natural?
Just do it! I had always thought about going natural for the longest but was scared of dealing with my natural texture. I was always told that I needed a perm because my hair was so thick (my hair’s thickness is probably its best asset, aside from being natural!). If you sit around waiting for the right time, you’ll never do it. It’s a journey that you’ll glad embrace because it allows the opportunity to love yourself that much more as you truly are! ;-D
What do you like most about being natural what do you like least?
I like the journey the most. Since going natural, at the risk of sounding cliche, I’ve learned so much about myself and how I deal with certain things. When I went natural, it was at a time in my life where I felt I had no control over anything else. My hair and what I did to it, though, was something I could definitely control. Once I got on that bull of a ride, I learned who Charrise really was. (Insert violins here lol). I also like the versatility of natural hair that can’t be achieved with a relaxer.
What I like least is my dang on shrinkage! My goal is big, huge, Bibi McGill-type hair and shrinkage just won’t let me be great! 🙁 I know I have a long way to go but I’m learning patience as we speak. Keep me and my quest for patience in your prayers lol
