Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I transitioned in 2008. It was a little hard for me. There were not a lot of natural hair resources back in '08, but I transitioned with protective styles like sew-ins and braids. The summer of 2009 I chopped off the rest of my relaxed hair. In the beginning of my journey it was all about getting to know my hair. I had to go through a lot of products to understand what worked best with my hair.
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Had you always embraced your texture?
I did not always embrace my texture. At first I compared my hair to other naturalistas. I think this is something us Naturals need to learn off hand not to do. Once you embrace what you have, you can love what you have and enjoy your journey.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
When my father first saw my afro he said "When are you going to do something with your hair?" I replied, "It’s done? Why can't I wear my hair like this?" That is when I knew I would have to face not only my friends but society that labels having an afro as having a bad hair day. That was about five years ago. Today we can rock an afro more freely and get so much love and attention!
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is thick, very thick and I love it!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
My first attempt at making a hair smoothie treatment with bananas, eggs and avocado was a fail! I did not have a blender at the time so I tried to mash the bananas as best as I could. It was horrible! It took me two days to get all of the bits of the bananas out of my hair! The next time I did the treatment I used baby food bananas. I definitely learned my lesson.
What’s your biggest hair related regret?
I regret not going natural sooner. That is my only regret.
What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
My current winter routine: Shampoo once a month – Condition every other week – Protein treatment and hot oil treatment every other week
My favorite products to use in the winter are : Shea butter and castor oil! They are thick but perfect to seal your ends with in the harsh winter weather.
My favorite conditioner is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Condition. It leaves my hair feeling so silky and soft. I always use this product in the summer for my wash and go.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treatment- a tongue twister! Lol is my all time favorite shampoo
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I love twist outs, BUT I try my best not to do them so often anymore. I do not have a specific hairstyle because my style changes up so often! This year I’ve done faux locs, crochet braids and even hair shadowing! I love the versatility of natural hair.
Who is your curl crush?
Naptural85 I love her Youtube Channel!!
How do you maintain your hair at night?
I sleep with a silk scarf and bonnet. I also have a silk pillowcase that I use if I cant fit my hair into a bonnet.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I get my hair trimmed at a salon every four-five months. If my hair needs extra TLC then I may go earlier. Protein treatments and Hot oil treatments are heaven sent for my hair. I try to do them at least twice a month. I maintain a healthy length by simply loving it.
What's the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is being able to inspire others to embrace their natural hair and share my journey with the natural hair community.
Where can folks find you on the web?
I have a Youtube Channel: Dear Claire and I’m on Instagram : @itsdearclaire