Jenell is Naturally Glam

How long have you been natural?
Jenell has been natural for about two years and 10 months.

What made you decide to go natural (or stay natural if you never relaxed your hair)?
Jenell really wanted long hair since she never had long hair when she was relaxed. Her cousin was going natural and that inspired her to look into possibly going natural.

Big Chop, short term transition or long term transition? Why?
Big Chop! Jenell said, “I’m impulsive – I had to do it right away!” She shared that she had been so unsuccessful with her relaxed journey, but because her hair was so thick, she didn’t want to be deterred by her new growth.

What is your hair care routine/regimen?
“My hair is very high maintenance,” she said. Her goal is to have beautiful and healthy hair so her routine has several steps. She pre-poos before applying her detangling cocktail, which she uses to detangle before cleansing. She shampoos and conditions her hair every 1-2 weeks, but co-washes in between, and she applies her deep conditioner after shampooing. She also does not oil treatments often. For styling, she follows the LOC method, applying a leave-in, then oil, them a moisturizing/styling cream, and then sets her hair in twists or braids. Jenell said she does not use heat except for using a hooded dryer or steamer, and she also does not use protein treatment. She seldom trims her hair and has only been to a salon once since going natural.

What are your top 5 ‘must-have’ hair care products/items? Why?
1. Satin bonnet/scarf. No matter what else she may do to her hair, if she doesn’t protect her hair, breakage will be an issue.
2. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. This product works great for her hair because it maintains moisture, provides great definition if it’s not humid, provides nice shine, it’s healthy, and it’s super affordable.
3. Coconut Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Its natural properties help her hair grow, seals in moisture, add shine, keeps hair soft and nourished, and she likes the coconut smell.
4. Goody Mosaic Style Comb with Long Teeth. This tool detangles her hair quickly, and she can go through larger sections without a lot of shed hair.
5. Elastic band. She uses this to twist and bun her hair at night, which results in more elongation.

What are your favorite styles to wear?
Jenell’s favorites are flat twist outs, twist outs, braid outs, and the roll, tuck & pin.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your hair or about your journey before going natural?
“That is was this beautiful,” said Jenell. She also wishes that she would have a different hair texture than what she idealized, because she spent a lot of time trying for curl definition based on what she pictured in her mind.

What is the most important tip you’ve learned throughout your natural hair journey that you think every natural should know?
“Your curls are not like hers.” Jenell reflected on her cousin who first went natural and how different their hair is. Styling is different, products work different – just embrace that and enjoy your curls.

What are your thoughts on the natural hair community/movement?
“I love the natural hair community! This is one of the first times black women are collectively uniting and encouraging each other to accept themselves naturally.” Jenell shared that even when we have some ‘hair envy’, it’s a positive thing – everyone is so supportive and help each other. She notices how even in her website’s Facebook Fan page, when she posts a question from a reader, so many others respond with suggestions to help the person out. “The natural hair community has also sparked entrepreneurship and businesses are exploring options they never knew existed, as well as actively supporting other businesses within the community,” Jenell said. Now that we as a community have made out voices heard, companies are paying attention and making products for our natural hair. “It’s ignited a sense of respect from men as they see more natural women, so now they want it and admire it the more they are accustomed to it.”

Where can the Naturally Glam Fam find you online? What will they find on your site/blog/vlog?
Become on of Jenell’s Curlfriends! Kinky Curly Coily Me! Talks about healthy natural hair care, as well as beauty, health and fashion.
www.kinkycurlycoilyme.com
www.youtube.com/blakizbeautyful
www.facebook.com/KinkyCurlyCoilyMe
Twitter & Instagram @blakizbeautyful