Feature of the Day: The Real Rox

Name/username:
The Real Rox

Where are you from?
Harlem, NYC

How long have you been natural?
Last relaxer in August 2004, BC in January 2005 so a little over 4 yrs

Tell us your story. Why did you decide to go natural?
I had locs for about three years as a preteen but I wasn’t mentally ready to really be natural. I had locs because my mom wanted me to have locs (she’s been natural all her life) and it wasn’t my complete decision. I didn’t know how to take care of my hair and couldn’t embrace my locs because I still felt like having long, straight, flowing hair was in. So I went back to relaxing my hair from age 13 to 19. My hair was either blown out straight or slicked back into a ponytail or bun. When I got to college, one of my friends went natural and seeing how many styles she could do with her hair and how strong and healthy her hair kicked off my interest in natural hair. At the time my hair was straight, long and flowing but damaged due to excess heat and dry, split ends all over. I decided to go natural to embrace my culture and to embrace what God has given me (a head full of thick, tightly curled/coiled hair). I also chose to go natural to experience versatility and to be free from my dependence on salons and relaxers.

What do you like most about being natural?
I love that my hair is healthy. I love its versatility (braids one day, twist out the next and an afro puff after that). Our hair can stretch out into loose curls, coil back tightly into an Afro or straighten. Now I don’t have to worry about my scalp burning or scabs my relaxer left on my head. I’m saving money because I no longer rely on hair salons (I style my hair myself 99% of the time).

What technique has helped you the most?
No heat, only detangling wet hair and sealing (sealing water base moisturizer with oil).

Tell us about your website.
Getting into S.H.A.P.E. is something I started in December to kick off the New Year in a positive way. It focuses on my goals of putting more effort into taking better care of myself physically through eating healthier, exercising more often, learning about what works/doesn’t work for my hair and skin, and staying organized.

Your advice to the readers:
Love the skin (and hair) you’re in. Embrace your uniqueness: what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa, what looks good on you may not look good on me. Also remember that no one person’s hair is the same. Be patient with your hair and work with (not against) your hair. Stay positive and be free to be you no matter what.