Samara is Naturally Glam

How long have you been natural?
It’s been about 3 years since I did the Big Chop!

What made you decide to go natural (or stay natural if you never relaxed your hair)?
Initially, I hadn’t planned on going natural. I only wanted to stretch out the time between relaxers. I didn’t like the fact that my hair seemed to be thinning out. One day I stumbled upon someone who was natural but wore blow-outs. This got me thinking about not relaxing my hair at all especially if it could look as if it were. I was under the impression that in order to have a straight healthy look I needed to go through the chemical process. After this I began to research and once I actually saw what natural hair was and how it looked..which was absolutely beautiful, I was sold! I made the choice to never relax again!

Big Chop, shot term transition or long term transition? Why?
At first I transitioned. I never had my hair cut shorted than neck length. I transitioned for about 5 months. After seeing how beautiful natural hair was and hearing other women’s stories I was super excited about seeing how my own hair could look chemical free. I built up the courage to BC. I couldn’t take it any longer with the new growth and relaxed ends. I refused to press my roots and those straight ends had to go…so I said “Why not??” LOL

What is your hair care routine/regimen?
I normally co-wash my hair one to two times a week depending on any build up from style creams or gels. On my wash days I like to Pre-Poo, meaning I will apply a bit of Olive oil to my hair and let it sit for about 30 mins. I find this to be helpful in softening and de-tangling my hair. It makes my wash process a lot easier and cuts a bit of time.
Next I co-wash my hair and then apply a Deep Conditioner. I Deep Condition my hair probably twice a month or more depending on if I think my hair needs special attention.
I almost always apply a Leave-In Conditioner after a wash and moisturizer.
Once this is done I complete small twists all over my hair. Sometimes I will wear my twists for a least a day after a wash just to ensure that my hair is completely dry. Throughout my week I apply water and moisturizers to my hair based on my hair needs and whatever style I am doing.

What are your top 5 ‘must-have’ hair care products/items? Why?
These products can change from time to time! There are so many that I love, but this is what I’m using at the moment:
First, TRESEMME NATURALS MOISTURIZING CONDITIONER! I love this stuff. Since I mostly co-wash using this product I almost always experience great hair. It makes my hair feel and look great and it is a GREAT De-tangler (Sooo important for me!)
Second, Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie!! I’ve used this stuff since I began my natural journey 3 years ago. It is my go-to moisturizer! I experience soft, moisturized hair and I like the fact that the ingredients are mostly natural.
Third is ‘Beautiful Texture’s Curl Control Pudding’ I love the definition it gives my curls and it has a nice smell!
Fourth, would have to be Vatika Oil. When I really need to pamper my hair I’ll pack on some of this stuff. It has so many yummy ingredients that my hair loves like Coconut oil, Neem, Lemon, and Rosemary Oil just to name a few. For me this serves as a Pre-Poo treatment and sometimes I will add it to my Deep Conditioner.
Last, would have to be the Heritage Cleansing Clay. I got this product from the ‘CurlBox Natural’ special edition box. When I want to really clarify my hair this product does the trick for me. It is a clay that has Organic aloe vera juice, organic nettle, and honey. Both my hair and scalp feel clean and refreshed. Something about this product makes my curls extra springy and defined.
What are your favorite styles to wear?
My go-to style is definitely twist and braid outs as a base for the style of curl I like to have. Normally, I wear my hair in high messy buns (for a carefree relaxed look), roll & tuck (for professional settings), and up-dos.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your hair or about your journey before going natural?
I wish I would have known that I didn’t “need” a relaxer. Just to be educated on what the chemical process and what it is actually doing to the hair would have been nice to know! This would have helped with my understanding of why my hair would behave the way it did relaxed.

What is the most important tip you’ve learned throughout your natural hair journey that you think every natural should know?
PATIENCE. You definitely will learn to be patient with your hair. Not just in growth aspects but also in general. The journey has its ups and downs and when you go natural you are always learning what works for YOUR hair. I’ve learned that being natural kind of forces you to examine YOU and work what you have naturally.

What are thoughts on the natural hair community/movement?
I think it is definitely a wonderful thing now that natural hair has become more mainstream. I’m glad that more and more black women are embracing who they are authentically and no longer being so dependent on weaves, relaxers, and beauticians to handle their hair. This movement has created a way for sisters to join together, network, and has also created more dialog amongst us women that probably would not exist it ‘natural hair’ wasn’t trending. Do I think it’s a trend absolutely not. I do however believe that the sort of ‘hype’ around natural hair may die down just a little and it will just become the ‘norm’. Which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Where can the Naturally Glam Fam find you online? What will they find on your site/blog/vlog?
I have a blog that is based around Fashion, Beauty, and Natural hair : StyledChic.net! I am also on Instagram: @Mssam_P and Twitter: @_Mssamara_