“My name is Bethuna; I’m an occupational therapist in Chicago. For with fun I like to read, knit, paint my nails, volunteer, and listen to inspirational messages from the Bible”.
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Bethuna: 15 years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Bethuna: In high school I didn’t know how to take care of my relaxed hair, so it was very damaged. I decided to chop it off because I hated looking at my damaged hair.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Bethuna: The direction I have received from YouTube has been priceless! It has helped me style my natural hair with less hassle. My faves are Naptural85, MahogonyCurls, and Quest for the Perfect Curl.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Bethuna: From what I remember, it was figuring out what styles/products worked best. I transitioned way before natural hair was popular. There weren’t a lot of products or direction in how to take care of natural hair. A lot of it was trial and error. At times I looked crazy in the process. Braids helped me grow out my hair during that time.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to your hair’s new kinky texture?
Bethuna: I don’t think my family had much of an opinion. Again, it was sooooo long ago, I barely can remember!
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Bethuna: Nars tinted moisturizer or foundation, MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked (a must since I wear glasses), Nars and Tarte Blush (I have a ton and love them ALL), Mascara, and Lip balm/pencil.
Marita A: What is your wash day routine like?
Bethuna: I wash 2x a week. Once during the week, I will wash my hair in sections with a cleansing conditioner, oil rinse, detangle with my fingers and a ton of conditioner, apply my leave in, then step out the shower and apply my gel. I then air dry or sit under a hooded dryer. Over the weekend, I will initially deep condition, shampoo, oil rinse, detangle with conditioner, apply leave in, then step out the shower and apply gel. For me this routine is pretty simple and it works with my schedule/lifestyle.
Marita A: How did you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Bethuna: Pulease! Right now I am getting my diet in order. However, in the past when I have cut out the sugar and consistently eaten veggies, salmon, avocado and drank plenty of lemon water, my skin has done well. I need to get back on track! Right now makeup is my friend 🙂
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Bethuna: Not really. My personal and spiritual transformations have happened through what I consider more significant life changes for me. Hair is just fun to me. No real significant stronghold over my identity. I have had a TON of styles since going natural in high school.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
Bethuna: I used to LOVE a braid out. I would redo it every night because my hair would be too soft to hold the style. For the past year, I have consistently done wash-n-go’s and I love them. For me, they are the easiest to do and I get consistent results.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who maybe considering going natural?
Bethuna: Don’t be afraid to try it out. It is just hair. I think it’s nice to at least once see what your natural texture is like. It’s amazing how many styles you can create. Also, like I said its just hair. If you don’t like it, change it back but don’t be afraid to do something different. There are too many options out there!
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