Meet Sunday Sophisticant ....Mrs. Shea Hereford

Introduction:

I am a 35 year old wife and mother. I've been married to my college sweetheart, Ashley Hereford, for almost 10 years and am the mother of 2 beautiful children Kailee(11) and Zane(6). I'm a stay at home mom that occasionally does taxes on the side. I'm very active in my children's school life as well as extra-curricular activities. I enjoy reading and spending as much time as possible with my family. 

How long have I been natural?

I started my natural journey 3 years ago. I didn't do a big chop. I just woke up one day and realized it had been 6 months since I had a relaxer. So I just stuck with it. I guess I didn't choose the natural journey, it chose me.

What is your hair care regimen and must have products?

I don't really have a regimen. I just do what works for the style I am trying to achieve that day. I fluctuate between a few products. I don't do or use the things most naturals do. I go with what works best for me. I don't wash my hair often, but when I do I use good old fashioned Cream of Nature detangling shampoo (it worked when I was a little girl, it works now). I top that off with their lemongrass and Rosemary leave in conditioner.  I use all Amla legend products, La Bella or Tresemme defining curl gel and Organically Yours Velvet. Velvet is GREAT for Bantu knots and locking in moisture.  I mainly spray my hair with a water and coconut/vitamin E oil mixture and go.

What are your hair care Always and Nevers? 

 

I don't really have any always or nevers. I'm just too lazy to have either. I do have color treated hair, so deep conditioning is a must. 

Tips:

My tip for other naturals would have to be do you. Try different things and figure out what works for your hair. What works best for others may not be what's best for you. Get a go to style and LOVE the hair you got!

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!