”Brittany is the middle child of four siblings; who all enjoy the nurturing love from their parents. She currently resides in Portland, OR, where she works as a Financial Analyst for Intel Corporation. To stay fit, she works out at least four times a week; debunking the myth that African American women don’t workout! In addition to working out Brittany, is an avid reader. Her favorite book is, “And Then There Where None”. This movie and music loving natural, lives by, “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Marita A: How long have you been natural?
Brittany: I have been natural for three years, soon to be four years.
Marita A: What inspired you to go natural?
Brittany: Honestly, I went natural because I was tired of not being able to scratch my scalp before I went to the shop, I couldn’t take the burning anymore. My beautician would leave the perm in until it burned so she “knew my hair was straight.” One day I was like nope not again and haven’t looked back since.
Marita A: Who are your YouTube or Facebook “hairspirations”?
Brittany: Ms. Vaughn is a beast! She is the natural hair and make-up go to girl! Love Island Beauty is always posting cute ways to rock a natural hair updo; she is a beast when it comes to make up.
Marita A: What was the most difficult part of transitioning to natural?
Brittany: The most difficult part was not doing the big chop and having two different textures. At one point, I asked my beautician to cut off all the permed hair, but she wouldn’t; I’m glad she didn’t. Natural hair and transitioning take a lot of patience, and it is a process.
Marita A: How did your family, friends, spouse or significant other react to
your hair’s new kinky texture?
Brittany: My family loves my hair… When it is straight! My parents honestly don’t like the “curly/kinky” look. My boyfriend actually told me he liked the curly look, and I was quite shocked. Society makes one think your hair is only “pretty” when it is long and flowing. Sometimes when I wear my hair in its curly state I do feel a little less secure than I do when it is straight, but it’s all a learning process.
Marita A: What’s in your makeup bag?
Brittany: MAC… I am a MAC girl! However, I only wear the basics: foundation, lipstick, blush, and eye liner. I still have no clue how to put on eye shadow; I may own 2 eye shadows?
Marita A: How do you keep your skin naturally beautiful?
Brittany: I use an apricot scrub maybe twice a week. Other than that I never sleep with make up on, and wash and moisturize my face every morning and evening.
Marita A: Did you go through any kind of personal/spiritual transformation while going through the process of going natural?
Brittany: Not really. I actually went natural because I didn’t like getting perms: they stink, hurt, and added extra time at the shop. Plus, I thought my curls were pretty. It does make me happy to see my little sister and cousin accepting their natural hair now and transitioning to natural; once again breaking that stereo type.
Marita A: What are some of your favorite hair styles?
Brittany: I am very simple. A cute updo or a bun with a made up face and the right earrings is perfect. I am also a big supporter of sew-ins. Sew-ins help to protect my hair from harsh weather (I live in Portland, so it is always raining) and other harmful things to your hair, i.e. your clothes. They also allow you try new and different things to your hair like coloring and cutting without damaging your natural hair. Flexi Rods and twist outs with Miss Jessie’s products are always great ways to give your curls an extra pop.
Marita A: What encouragement can you give to someone who may be considering going natural?
Brittany: Do it! Don’t look back. Embrace it and enjoy the ride.
