Name: Nicole
Tell us about yourself: I am the founder of www.naturalnicole.com. I created Natural Nicole to inspire, uplift and encourage people who are on their natural hair journey. I enjoy spending time with my husband and family. I love to read, write, dance, and cook. I’m an avid fan of Author Reshonda Tate Billingsley and my favorite fish is Salmon which is also good for growing healthy hair! I’m trained in ballet and I’ve danced most of my life. I was a dancer for Mind, Body and Soul Christian Dance School and my church’s Dance Ministry for several years. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica twice to teach the children dance during vacation bible school. Overall, I just love encouraging others!
How long have you been natural? Why did you go natural? I’ve been natural for almost three years. I did the Big Chop in July of 2011. I went natural out of curiosity and I also was tired of having to deal with a burning, itchy scalp when it was time for me to get a relaxer. I wanted to know what my natural texture was like especially after having a relaxer for 23 years. I prepared myself by reading up on natural hair and watching YouTube video’s. I did this for a year before deciding that natural hair was for me. After my big chop I was initially in shock but that feeling wore off after I played in my hair and liked the little curls that I saw. One thing I have to say is cutting all your hair off and having only 2 inches of hair will bring out the confidence in you if you didn’t have it before.
What is your hair type and texture? I’m really not into hair typing but if I have to pick I would say that I’m a 4a/4b. My hair is tightly coiled with small curls.
What products and techniques work best for your hair type/texture? I’m not a strict natural meaning the products I use on my hair are not all natural. I always use sulfate free shampoo and I’ve never co-washed my hair. The products I use are Crème of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo, Crème of Nature Pro Moisture Extreme Chamomile and Comfrey Conditioner, Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk and I use her Almond Jai Twisting Butter and my oil of choice is Jojoba Oil. I shampoo my hair while in large twists because of how thick my hair is. I apply the shampoo to my scalp using an applicator bottle. I find using an applicator bottle really ensures that the shampoo is getting on my hair and scalp. I also seal in all of the moisture using the LCO method instead of the LOC method. Applying the liquid or moisturizer first then the cream/butter and last the oil. This way seals in the moisture better to me.
What is your hair regimen and how does it fit into your busy schedule? I wash condition and style my hair every 7 to 14 days and I touch my hair up by re-twisting every other night. I also sleep in a satin scarf or bonnet every night. I wear my hair in twists or a twist out style 80% of the time. These styles fit right in with my daily life because they last at least a week.
Any additional advice? I would say don’t become obsessed with growing long hair. Your hair will grow as long as you take the necessary steps to make sure that your hair is healthy and the first step to having healthy hair is by going natural! You can get more valuable information by visiting my website www.naturalnicole.com. I also just wrote my first eBook, “The Natural Hair Guide, The Beginning of Your Journey Starts Now!” My eBook is available for purchase and download via my site! This book is for people who are thinking of going natural, transitioning to natural hair, newly natural or been natural for awhile.
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