'I do not foresee any relaxer in my hair in the future' Mane Matters with Tasha

Hi Naturalistas

Meet Tasha

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

My name is Tasha, I am a lawyer professionally, but i am also a makeup artist, entrepreneur, blogger and natural hair enthusiast.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

Natural hair is a part of me. An acceptance of my uniqueness. Growing up in different cultures always had me wanting to be someone else. Being different was a problem for me, i wanted to fit in but never did. Once i started loving myself, I started to embrace everything about me including my hair.

Natural hair is versatile, strong and unique, its liberating to be natural.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I was natural until i turned 18, i relaxed my hair simply because everyone was doing so... A couple of years after, i was expecting a baby and decided i no longer wanted to poison myself and my baby with toxins from relaxers. I stopped relaxing and kept my hair in braids. I had no idea i was transitioning!

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned for about 6months then did the big chop.

What was the experience like?

It was exciting! I didn't even realize i didn't know what to do with my hair but the feeling of water running down my scalp was priceless! Shortly after i went to get a tapered cut and colored my hair.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I honestly had no fears. My only frustration was that i didn't know where to cut and style my hair, i kept trying different hair stylists, barbers, braiders, I had a few hits but a lot more disasters. This was a hit!

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?

I think I've done it all! Being a product junkie, all i did was try all sorts of products in my hair. But over the years i figured some things out so now my regimen consists of pre pooing, washing/cowashing weekly, deep conditioning right after ( a must), and moisturizing then styling (more like playing ) my hair.

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?

I havent had much negative reactions to my own natural hair but sometimes it makes me feel terrible. I went to a salon to have a weave fixed and a client admired my natural hair. The stylist was quick to tell her my hair is good hair and that natural hair is mostly dirty and ugly and she advised the lady not to be 'deceived'.

I have also had ppl tell me that my hair is easy and real African hair was headache, "it wont look like yours". And to me, thats the whole point, it has to look like your own hair, not mine! Besides, they haven't seen my hair when its matted, dry and dirty, everyone has hair struggles!!!

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

I do not foresee any relaxer in my hair in the future. I have no desire to have straight, limp hair. I figure i can have the best of both worlds because my hair can look full, poofy and luxurious as well as straight when i decide to flat iron it or fix a weave.

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

I laugh it off! This is me and this is how my hair grows, i choose to wear it how i want. Besides people will talk no matter what, why not be happy and true to yourself while they're at it?

What's your must have product and accessory?

Difficult question for a hoarder/product junkie but i think the most important product for me is a conditioner i can cowash, detangle with and also leave in! A must have accessory would be a stretched scrunchie which i can use to put my hair in a puff (its a life saver).

What is your go-to style?

A wash and go. We have a love/hate relationship because it never comes out the same way twice but its fast and easiest thing i can do myself.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

Go natural for the right reason. Do it because thats what you really want and not because everyone is natural. Once you do that, caring for your hair will be second nature. Most importantly be in competition with yourself only , make your hair be the best version of itself!