¨The best part of Natural hair for me is shrinkage¨ Mane matters with Alicia James

Hello Naturalistas,

Say hello to Alicia one of our blog readers :) 

AN: Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Alicia James, a third year psychology student at the United States International University, Kenya. In my spare time, I'm on YouTube learning something new.

AN: What's your thoughts about natural hair?

Natural hair's amazing. Its beautiful and every African woman should embrace going natural. Its the best thing that happened to we Africans. The best part of it for me is the shrinkage; no one ever knows the real length of your hair.

AN: Why did you decide to go natural?

I used to have beautiful relaxed hair but since I dyed it in 2008 and never took proper care of it, it kept breaking. Relaxers started burning my scalp and basically my hair began to look like a chicken that was rained on. My hair lost its texture and became so unhealthy

AN: Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I have a big head so I was scared of a BC so I decided to transition. I transitioned from May 2013 and cut off the relaxed edges by December 2013 when I had a little fro and I immediately put on temporary dreads for 6months

AN: What was your transitioning experience like? (skip if not applicable) 

My transitioning experience was pretty easy. All I did was keep my hair in braids, weaves or wigs till I cut it in December.

AN: Any fears about the BC?

Yes, I was scared it won't fit me or I may end up looking like a boy

AN: What has your experience been?

My experience has been an opener. My research on natural hair has led me to understand that natural hair isn't difficult to maintain. Initially, I wanted to try on every natural hair product and implement every regimen I came across on natural hair blogs but later I learnt about my hair type and what works for it.

AN: What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I had no fear actually. I was inspired by a friend of mine who was natural and how she rocked being natural with ease. Her hair was full and healthy that was when I decided it was time to go natural and ditch the chemicals

AN: Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?

I'm definitely in it for the long haul. It took me two decades to discover this beautiful secret and I'm not willing to let go. I'm obsessed with my hair and its health.

AN: Do you have any hair regimen you stick to?

Yes. I spritz and moisturize using the L.O.C (Liquid/Leave-in/ Oil/ Cream) method every morning whether its in a protective style or not.
I co-wash or shampoo every Saturday depending on my mood and I also deep condition weekly and protein treat my hair every six weeks.

AN: What's your go-to protective style? 

I love to experiment with different styles.. braids, weaves, wigs, up-dos. These days, I've developed love for wash-n-go's

AN: There are people that definitely have negative comments about you hair, how do you deal with that?

Surprisingly, no one has anything negative to say about my hair. They love my hair for those that comment maybe they keep the negative comments to themselves

AN: What's your must have product and accessory?

My must have product is Shea Butter and must have accessory are my bobby pins

AN: What's your advice to anyone planning to ditch relaxers?

What are you waiting for?, Go ahead. Its scary in the beginning but with time you grow to love your hair and care for it. With discipline and commitment you will learn how to grow, care and love your hair. Aim at keeping your hair healthy not just growing it long.

P.S: If you want to get featured kindly read this post and send an email to manematters@africanaturalistas.com with the the subject as ''Mane Matters" and you will be gotten back to. Thank you!