Guest Post by: Marita A.

Eva is an astonishing natural who is a member of the Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup and Creator and Executive Editor of” In Her Glam”, an online fashion magazine. If you are looking for super chic fashion tips, be sure to stop on by and show Eva some love http://www.inherglam.com  Despite only being natural for a short while, Eva has learned a lot about natural hair during her journey; by sharing her story she hopes to inspire other naturals to continue on their journey and to be patient during their transition

Marita A: How long have you been natural?

Eva: I have been natural for 3 years.

Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?

Eva: I wanted to go natural because I experienced a lot of breakage, especially during college when I experimented with a DIY relaxer. I had to cut my hair very short at a young age and it just seemed like my hair wouldn’t grow past a certain length. I was even more inspired to go natural after my first failed four month transition in which I immediately felt regret. So I got online, did some research and had a more successful transition the second time around.

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

Eva: The most difficult part was dealing with two textures. I wanted to transition for a year, but toward the ninth month I felt the need to cut. I was determined to stick it out for the one year goal I set so I pushed through and cut right at midnight on the one year mark. I only wore my hair in twist-outs the entire transition time, I co-washed about twice a week and made sure I kept my hair moisturized.

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

Eva: My family was not feeling it at all. I think once they realized I was serious they began to open up to the idea of me with kinky hair. Now everyone loves it, even my grandmother (sometimes) who was the hardest person to win over.

Marita A: Have you tried to convert any of your friends or family members into naturalistas?

Eva: Actually my sister is now 100% natural! She had excuse after excuse of why she wouldn’t go natural, and then excuse after excuse of why she wouldn’t cut her relaxed ends off during her transition; but I think my experience and journey helped her to completely take the plunge. My brother has also grown out his hair and has locs, so we’re like a natural trio.

Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?

Eva: In my makeup bag I have Maybelline Great Lash mascara (my favorite!), Lustre Brew Mac lipstick, Totally Toffee Maybelline lipstick and good old chapstick. I try to keep it simple since I carry small bags/clutches.

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

Eva: I keep my skin naturally beautiful by washing twice a day with black soap.

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

Not really, I’ve been a vegetarian now for almost 15 years, so I’ve eaten pretty well. I do feel like I went through an ‘everything has to be natural’ phase from constantly being on natural hair sites and boards and I am more cautious with what I put in my hair more, as well as on my body. But even with that, it’s all about what works for you and what you’re comfortable with.

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

Eva: My go to hairstyles are braid-outs and puffs! I also love to do twisted updos when my hair is in two strand twists.

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

Eva: Going natural should be your decision. Go into it with an open mind, because the curls/kinks on someone else’s head may not be the curls/kinks that grow out of your head. If you decide to transition be patient with your hair, dealing with two textures can get frustrating. In the end it’s your hair. Don’t let negative comments or feedback deter you because it’s all a learning process, a journey. There are a lot of online resources available so take advantage, but remember it’s all about what works for you!

Eva, we appreciate the time you took to participate in this interview. I absolutely love the “3 Layered look for Petite Girls” on your September 12, 2012 post! Keep up the fabulous work!