This Sunday's Sunday Sophisticant is....Quetta Gaitor

INTRODUCTION:

My name is Quetta, mother of 1 little human, Mason George. I work in the hospitality industry as a Guest Services Manager. My hobbies are traveling, cooking, and I have recently started to plant my own herb garden (I hope it turns out great).

How long have you been NATURAL?

I've been natural for 9 yrs. I guess I'm what you would consider me an "accidental" natural. I didn't go natural after a dramatic event in my life or try to get noticed. I had cut my hair, and I saw that I liked the way my hair curled after I washed it. I liked my curl pattern! Needless to say, I just stopped getting relaxers.

What is your hair REGIMEN & STAPLE products?

My hair is tightly-coiled S-pattern. My hair regimen includes shea butter, coconut oil and essentials oils. I just KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie). A healthy diet is key to healthy hair. Lots of vegetables, fruit and water. I normally take Biotin 5000mcg once a day. 

DO’S & DON’TS of the NATURAL journey:

Do Cleanse, Moisturize and Protect your hair.

Don't give up on being natural.

Don't coat your hair with too many products.

Don't be negative about your hair. 

TIPS:

The best tip I can give you is that no one can tell you the best product to use on your hair or how much. You've been living with your hair for how long?  It's a process that you and your hair have to do. Don't give up because you don't have the big fro, but you have the best two strand twist ever seen! Stay encouraged with your hair journey. I know I have in these 9 years, and I’m looking forward to the next 9 years.

Meet Sunday Sophisticant....Melisande Pittman

INTRODUCTION:

I am a mother of two wonderful (a handful) toddlers, Evan, 3 years old and soon to be 4 years old, and Jordyn, 2 years old. I am a former middle school English teacher, and am a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve with currently 12 years of service. Currently, I work as an Unit Administrator for a Reserve/Active Duty unit. With my two busy cubs, I no longer have any real hobbies but used to love to write short stories. I love traveling as much as possible.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?

I have been natural THIS TIME for 4 years. I alternated between natural and relaxed hair throughout college.

WHAT IS YOUR HAIR REGIMEN & MUST HAVE PRODUCTS?

Currently, I have my hair cut in a tapered style, which is the first time that I have cut it since my big chop in October 2011. Because I’m a lazy natural, I don’t have a real hair regimen, but I’m usually a wash and go person.

I’m not a product junkie, so my products have been the same pretty much since 2011. I use As I Am Leave-in Conditioner or Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner, almond or coconut oil (whichever is on sale), and sometimes As I Am Curling Jelly or Eco-Styler Curl and Wave Gel, and finished with OGX Defrizz Kukui Oil. I also use OGX Kukui shampoo and conditioner.

TIPS!!!!!

Again, because I’m lazy and not very consistent, I don’t have any “always” or “nevers” when it comes to my hair.

My two tips for others would be: 1. Don’t be afraid to cut your hair and start over. It’s hair…it’ll grow back. 2. Find what works for you. Your journey is just that…YOURS!

Meet Sunday Sophisticant....Kashia Dowden

Introduction:
I am a high school counselor. I have four children. I enjoy the simplistic things in life.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural off and on for 15 years; however, this time around I have gone three years without a relaxer. I love being natural because of the ease,  the convenience, and the fact that I have really learned how to embrace my curly hair.

What is your hair regimen & must have products?
My hair is natural curly, so it doesn't take much for me to do my hair, but my hair was always dry. I have used so many hair products, however I have fallen in love with Organically Yours hair products. I use the Satin Cleanse, Cashmere, Giovanni Direct Leave-in, and a little Velvet cream for shine. The combination of these products makes my hair softer than it has ever been since I have been natural. My three daughters have all decided to be natural and each of them have different hair textures which is a task to find what really works for them. My oldest uses a lot of protective styles as she transitions. My 15 year old and 9 year old have been natural 2 years, and we are still trying to get in a routine. They have braids at the moment, but when we take them down we are going to start Organically Yours and Giovanni Leave-in on their hair. 

Tips to help others on this journey:

I have recently learned that deep conditioning is essential, and we are going to try Eden's Jojoba conditioner.  It is important to learn to embrace your texture and find what works for you because what works for someone else doesn't necessarily mean it will do your hair the same way. Being natural takes time and patience, and now there are so many resources available, so if this is the journey you desire, research your hair texture and find what products and styles work for you.

How can the readers reach you?
You can find me on Facebook @ Kashia’s Korner for your Paparazzi Accessory needs.

Meet Sunday Sophisticant....Tasha Key

Introduction:

My name is Tasha Key.  I am a school counselor and Independent Consultant for Paparazzi $5 Accessories. Some of my hobbies include reading, shopping, & vacationing.

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for almost 5 years!  I became natural because it works best for my lifestyle and is easier for me to maintain. 

What is your hair regimen & must have products?

My hair regimen consists of co-washes (occasional shampoos), conditioning, moisturizing/ natural oils, and wet and go’s!

My favorite hair care products are water, Eco-Styler argan oil & olive oil gels.

 

Tips to help others on this journey:

Embrace the beauty of your natural God-given hair texture! Be patient during the transitioning process, and do not get discouraged.  Try to avoid becoming a “product junkie” (natural hair products are not “one size fits all”). Enjoy the journey and have fun! 

How can the readers reach you?

                 You can find me on Facebook @ Paparazzi by Tasha