I wanted to do an interview of Shay because her style is so FRESH! Her hair always looks lovely no matter what hairstyle she is rocking. Shay is a working woman who carries her natural hair in its naturalness to work. Thank you for doing this interview Shay. Enjoy the interview!
Name : Shay ( Sharon) Brown
Where are you from: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
What do you do? I work at R.I.M Research In Motion as a New Product Operator
At One Time did you have relaxed hair? And why did you decide to go Natural?
When I was about 8, I begged my Mom to straighten my hair. I used to cry every time my Mom came near my hair with a comb! Many women around me (including my Mom) had "relaxed hair". I thought it was a right of passage - that it was just what every black woman did, either that or a Jerry Curl! I rarely saw black women "keeping it natural."
It wasn't until I was 22, that I really started to get sick and tired of the relaxed hair routine. The BURN was killing my scalp! I had to relax my hair every 4-6 weeks because the middle of my hair would get so tough. I had a short cut so I had to style it ( with a curling iron), almost every day.I tried to go natural twice, before finally succeeding. I just didn't know what I was doing the first time. I made the mistake of treating my natural hair like it was relaxed. Thank God for my natural hair Mentor, who helped me a lot on my journey.
It wasn't until I was 22, that I really started to get sick and tired of the relaxed hair routine. The BURN was killing my scalp! I had to relax my hair every 4-6 weeks because the middle of my hair would get so tough. I had a short cut so I had to style it ( with a curling iron), almost every day.I tried to go natural twice, before finally succeeding. I just didn't know what I was doing the first time. I made the mistake of treating my natural hair like it was relaxed. Thank God for my natural hair Mentor, who helped me a lot on my journey.
How did you go natural?
When my relaxed hair started to break badly ( in the middle especially), I started to get weaves. I wanted to keep some length so I transitioned for about 3 months. After taking out a weave one time, I just decided to do the Big Chop! I thought I could sport the TWA. Then when I saw it, I got so nervous and insecure, so I called up my hairdresser for an emergency weave the next day! *LOL*
Did you have anyone help or encourage you?
A family friend, Cecile, really helped me along the way. She had been natural for about 5 years and I was so jealous of her curls and amazing hair styles. I never thought that my natural hair could look like hers. She gave me a lot of tips and products. She also encouraged me to go online, and do my own research, and figure out what works for me.
A family friend, Cecile, really helped me along the way. She had been natural for about 5 years and I was so jealous of her curls and amazing hair styles. I never thought that my natural hair could look like hers. She gave me a lot of tips and products. She also encouraged me to go online, and do my own research, and figure out what works for me.
What is your daily hair regimen?
I do a conditioner wash about once a week. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture, with natural products and oils. I have problems with breakage and dryness. I like to wear my hair in protective styles like extentions or twists, and a ponytail. I do like to sport my Full Fro every once in a while though!
Negative comments?
My mom doesn't like my "Nappy Hair". Although she agrees that relaxed hair is not healthy for me, she just prefers that I wear my hair in extentions and weaves all the time. I just respond by saying, "I like and I feel very comfortable with my natural hair, and I am sorry that you don't!"
My mom doesn't like my "Nappy Hair". Although she agrees that relaxed hair is not healthy for me, she just prefers that I wear my hair in extentions and weaves all the time. I just respond by saying, "I like and I feel very comfortable with my natural hair, and I am sorry that you don't!"
No one else has said anything negative to me ( I hope they aren't thinking it)!
Do you feel awkward about wearing your natural hair to work?
Not at all! I work in a relaxed environment. I don't work with the public, or in a corporate field... if I did, I would probably feel different about wearing my hair in a fro.
Not at all! I work in a relaxed environment. I don't work with the public, or in a corporate field... if I did, I would probably feel different about wearing my hair in a fro.
What do you like best about your natural hair?
NO MORE BURN! And I don't have to rely on hairdressers as much. I am able to do a lot of styles on my own. I am also not afraid of the rain :) *LOL!*
NO MORE BURN! And I don't have to rely on hairdressers as much. I am able to do a lot of styles on my own. I am also not afraid of the rain :) *LOL!*
What is your funkiest hair style?
Oh my full Fro or my FroHawk! Please see pics :)
Oh my full Fro or my FroHawk! Please see pics :)
What do you say to people who want to go natural?
JUST DO IT! Find a natural support group and go online to do some research. Find some natural hair pictures that inspire you!
There you have it friends.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
Shay, your natural look rocks! I especially love, love, love the fro hawk! Thanks for your interview comments; it reminded me why I went natural. It's been a bit more than 4 years since I went natural and there are times when I get tempted to relax my hair but now I remember how the relaxer used to burn my scalp and how my hair always broke very quickly afterwards. I am encouraged to try and hold on to my "kinky-curly naturals."
ReplyDeletekeep it natural . looks good!
ReplyDelete