By If you have been following Sostylash.com from the beginning you know that I officially made the decision to transition from weaves to my natural hair in October 2017. Fast forward to a year later and I am celebrating one of the best decisions I have ever made and that was to become a Naturalista. I never thought I would ever call myself a Naturalista, let alone take such an interest in caring for my natural hair. Although I am still learning all of the tricks and trades to this lifestyle, I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
In honor of my first Natural Hairversary, I decided to do a special photo shoot with my best friend and photographer, @lifeasro_ to capture the growth and progress that my hair has made throughout the year.
The photo below was taken in July 2018 at #Curlfest in Brooklyn, New York.
The photo below was taken in October 2018, during my natural hair shoot with @lifeasro_.
In both of the photos above I did the twist-out method.
I can definitely say that my hair has so much more volume now and my curl pattern has more definition. Aside from using different products, I have also tried different techniques and switched up my diet. At the end of the summer, I began following an Instagram page, @dr.burly, where the curator suggested that all Naturalista’s and Curlista’s try deep conditioning their hair once a week especially since we would be transitioning into a new season. I believe that incorporating this technique has helped to enhance my curl pattern, make my hair feel softer and keep it frizz-free. While I do think deep conditioning has contributed to the growth and volume that I have noticed, I also think my commitment to Claudia G. Barnett’s, Ph.D., #10DayJuiceChallenge has also done wonders for my hair. Consuming nothing but fruit and vegetable juices for ten days definitely had a positive effect on my hair.
Aside from trying new techniques and changing my diet, I have to also give credit to the new products that I have been using. When other Naturalista’s stated that you won’t stick to the same products throughout your natural hair journey, they certainly weren’t lying.
The products above have certainly become my best friends. I definitely cannot live without them right now. All of these products can be purchased at your local beauty supply store, but I have also provided a link to where they can be purchased. From left to right, I am absolutely obsessed with Palmer’s Coconut Body Oil. This product can be used on your hair and your body. I typically use this product when I am taking out my twist-out and fluffing out my curls. The Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer is one of the only products that I have continued to use. I began using the Curl Definer this past summer. It works so well with my hair texture. I purchased Shea Moisture’s Curl Stretch Pudding at Curlfest 2018 and I instantly fell in love with it. It does exactly what the product claims to do and that is stretch out the curls and give you more length. I have honestly always been a fan of Cantu’s Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream. In the past, This was my go-to leave-in conditioner, but I definitely rely on it more now that my hair is natural.
One of the reasons why my Natural Hairversary is so important to me is because I have realized that I am now a part of an amazing movement that encourages all women to embrace who they really are and appreciate their natural hair texture. I hope I am able to inspire other girls and women to start their journey and for those that already have to continue with the process. This transition is truly beautiful and I am so proud of my progress and consistency. I can’t wait to look back at this post a year from now and the years to come to see how much my hair changed.
If you have tried any of the products that I have posted above, please let me know! And if you decide to embark on your own natural hair journey I would love to hear about it.
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