Feature of the Day: Ms. Blackman

Your name/username
Ms. Blackman

Where are you from?
Brooklyn, NY

How long were you Natural before?
I've been natural on and off for 12 years. I decided to stay natural for good (lifetime) in 2006 as a promise to myself to live as naturally and healthy as possible. I shaved my shoulder length hair back then and have been growing it out since. I recently did another big chop (shaved my shoulder-length hair again!) because of damage from a harsh permanent dye color job. I am enjoying my short and easy 'do and look forward to the styles I will rock as my hair grows back.

Tell us your hair story. Why did you decide to BC again?
I always loved lighter-colored hair...I just think it looks good on me and so I would dye my hair using Feria products, usually a light blonde color. However when you dye (bleach) your hair a blonde color you must remember to moisturize your hair and condition it even more than you would normally, and with my schedule and commitments I failed to do that so my hair was seriously dry and damaged...so I knew a BC was necessary. In addition I am recent MBA graduate and going to interviews I would straighten my hair at my fave Dominican salon, straightening my hair ever 8-10 weeks caused me to lose my natural curl pattern; so between that and the damage from the hair coloring I decided to start "from scratch" all over again.

What do you like most about being Natural?
I love the versatility of hair styles that are so easy to obtain with natural hair... I can straighten if I want to (though I don't plan to do that more than 4-5 times in a year), I can rock it curly, wavy, knots... and I love the feeling of showing my "true" me

What technique has helped you the most?
Deep conditioning and wearing a plastic cap overnight 2-3 times a week with a leave-in conditioner has helped me tremendously. Also braided-twist out that I moisturize daily is great low-maintenance style that is easy to maintain, condition and style.

Your advice to the readers:
If you decide to color your hair a significant level of shades lighter than your natural color don't do it yourself, seek a professionals advice, help and care, and then speak to them about products that you can use at home to make sure your hair stays in its top condition. And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!