1.Tell us about yourself:
Hi there. I am Nakikke Wallace Johnson originally from Baldwyn, MS
yet residing in Columbus, MS. I am married to a loving husband with two
step-daughters who also have natural hair. I have two furry babies, a
Schnauzer/ Yorkie mix named
Hogan and a Chihuahua named Rocky. I am the Assistant Director of
Housing and Residence Life at Mississippi University for Women (The W). I
am also a stylist for Stella and Dot as well as a QC Make Up Academy
student. I love all things fashion, hair, and jewelry.
2. How long have you been natural? And why did you become natural?
LOL … well … it depends … I go by my first big chop date, March 17,
2010. I have not been natural completely throughout my hair journey. I
relaxed when I decided to grow my hair out for my wedding back in 2012
and I relaxed in August 0f
2014 just because I wanted a change. I am very spontaneous when it
comes to my hair. When I decided to return back to my natural hair, I
didn’t do any research beforehand. I literally saw a girl in an Essence
Magazine and I was like … “I wonder what my hair
would look like that?” SO I went home after work, went to the bathroom
and cut my hair into the cut I saw in the magazine … and then went out
for St. Patty’s Day drinks with friends. Brave? Maybe … Smart? Not
really. I did no research and I used whatever products
I had on hand so after failing at it for about two weeks, I called my
sorority sister who was already natural and she told me to go You Tube
and the blogs. Having always been a student at heart, I immediately dove
into all things natural hair. I still continue
to refresh myself by keeping up with the latest information.
Nevertheless, I say I have been natural since 2010.
3. Describe your hair and/or health (if it aids in hair care) regimen.
I surprisingly have always had a healthy head of hair and scalp. I
was taught at an early age how to take good care of my relaxed hair.
Now that I am more “seasoned,” I am paying more attention to the health
of my scalp and my natural
texture. I have developed several food allergies as an adult and I am
also allergic to sulfur. These days I rock a shaved head (buzz
cut/fade) and I love it. It makes no sense to have long hair down your
back but your scalp is a mess. I make spur of the moment
decisions when it comes to my hair … I let it be a freeing experience
anytime I’m starting to feel pressure to be put in a box or categorized.
That is why I love big chopping because it is such a freeing
experience. I accept me for me and I love me for me
… anytime when I start to question that love for myself … I go back to
free myself all over again. I keep products and a routine simple with
the LOC method (Liquid application – water; Oil – whatever I feel at the
moment; C- cream/leave-in conditioner to lock
in the moisture.)
4. What are your favorite hair care/ health care products?
I have always loved Shea Moisture products. I use their
conditioners, soaps, and hair oil. I love Eden Body Works Peppermint
line and their deep conditioners. Right now I am using the shampoo and I
love to feel the clean tingle on my scalp.
I also love a good Shea Butter Mix (such as the one from Organically
Yours or One Love Naturals - find her on ETSY.com) When I am “woofing,” I
use Sporting Waves Gel Pomade. When you are rocking a tight fade or a
buzz cut, you need a good brush and a doo rag
(for wave training). In the winter and spring months, I take a hair,
skin, and nail vitamin and I don’t skip out on my scalp massages.
5. What are your hair care and/ health care always and nevers?
(1)Always use water/drink water. We need water on the inside and
out … a lot of it so drink up. (2) Always be confident – Never let
people put you in a category like “only natural”. I am so much more as a
person than my hair. (3) Always
have fun – Never let natural hair nazis tell you what you can and can’t
do. Never let ignorance dictate how you look and feel.
6. Two tips to help others on this journey.
(1) When you are reading blogs, pinning on Pinterest, or watching
YouTube videos; please don’t look at a person’s long flowing locks and
picture your hair the same. Our hair coils and kinks are all very
different. Go check out the beginning
of their journey. It’s ok to have a hair crush but don’t obsess about
getting your hair to look or grow like hers. It’s ok to have a hair twin
but make sure that her hair texture is as close to your texture as
possible.
(2) Accept yourself and your hair for what it is and see it’s
potential. Don’t wait for others’ approval concerning your journey. Most
people won’t get it, will discourage you, and will talk about you. It’s
your journey and everyone won’t
be along for the ride.
7. Contact information …
You can see my crazy journey on Instagram -
https://instagram.com/nakikke/
I’m on Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/
Tumblr – https://www.tumblr.com/blog/
Thank you for the opportunity to share a piece of me with you all.
Be blessed,
