Featured Curlista: Shana from New Jersey Shares Her Natural Hair Story

Please tell us a little bit about you.

I am mother, a traveler, and naturalista.

Tell us about your journey so far, your challenges, your successes, etc.

For many years, my mother has told me to stop perming my hair because it is gorgeous. Unfortunately, I was addicted to the creamy crack. One day my sister decided to do the big chop and within 8 months, her hair flourished into this beautiful texture and it was so healthy. So on October 18, 2014, I decided to proceed with my big chop!

Ahhh! I was so self-conscious the first month or two that I wore a lot of wigs. I had low self-esteem because I didn’t think I was pretty. Out of nowhere, I woke up one day and looked in the mirror and saw how beautiful I really was. What a breath of fresh air! I decided to ditch the wigs and the rest is history. I have now been natural for a year and four months. My biggest advice to anyone who is scared of doing the big chop and would rather transition, YOU CAN DO IT! Love yourself to the point where any way you rock your hair…you know you are the ish! I mean it’s just hair right? 🙂 


What is your regular regimen like?:

I shampoo and deep condition once a week and co-wash once a week. My usual hairstyles are twist outs and braid outs.

What are your favourite natural oils & how do you use them?

My favorite oil is coconut oil. I use it as an oil rinse when I co wash my hair. I co-wash, rinse, apply coconut oil, rinse, then use a leave-in conditioner. 


What are your other favouite hair care products?

This is a hard one. Right now, Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme, SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and Curl & Style Milk, SheaMoisture’s JBCO Leave-In, CURLS Creme Brule, and I can’t forget my Eco-Styler Gel (argan oil or olive oil). 


Where can we find you online?

You can connect with me on YouTube @naturallyshe, Instagram @iamnaturallyshe, Twitter @iamnaturallyshe, Periscope @NaturallyShe, Tumblr & Facebook.