Featured Naturalista: Marianne from MaiCurls
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| Featured Naturalista: Marianne from MaiCurls |
Introduce yourself. Let us know your name, where you from are and anything else about yourself that you would like to share.
My name is Marianne (Mai). I am African/European and I am a little introverted but really love being with family and friends. I love to travel, experience different cultures and eat good food! I am a big DIY freak! I love making my own hair products, jewelry and even things around the house. I love animals (I have a ton of pets!) I am the happiest in warm and sunny climates preferably in countries with beaches!
How long have you been natural?
I stopped using relaxers by Mid – 2009 so I consider my hair as being ‘natural’ since the end of 2010.
Did you Big Chop or did you transition to natural hair and When?
I was not brave enough to do a big chop so I would just trim my relaxed ends as my natural curly hair grew out. By the end of 2010 I had all of my natural curly hair.
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| One of her Favorite Styles: High Bun |
What made you decide to go natural?
I simply got tired of using relaxers so I stopped. I was tired of having hair that was damaged, dry, and brittle and always shoulder length. I was also using hair dyes so it would end up in odd colors at times because I think the dyed hair would react funny to my relaxer. In 2011 I finally stopped using chemical air dyes because I would switch from light and dark hair every time I got bored. This was taking its toll on my hair so I stopped. (I use Henna and Amla for a healthy “color fix”.)
Did you have a support system? Explain the level of support that you had.
My family was very supportive. My mother actually never wanted to relax my hair back in the day (I had begged her as a child and she eventually gave in.) She kept telling me my curls were beautiful as a child so she was happy when I decided to stop. My father never understood why I relaxed my hair in the first place he always wanted to style my hair when it was in an Afro! My sister actually stopped using relaxers before I did so in the family I was supported. My friends supported me and did not make a big deal out of it since they saw I was happy so they were happy for me. You will always come across one or two (ignorant) people who might have something “funny” to say but I say ‘in one ear out the other’.
Do you have hair length goals or is hair health is more important to you? Elaborate if you like.
My first goal is to have healthy hair. This leads to my second goal which is to grow healthy hair! While I do not have a ‘goal length’ I do want to grow my hair. Since going natural my hair has never been longer or healthier! I have a moment when I wash my hair and can feel it half way down my back!
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| Rocking two-strand twists as protective style |
What are your favorite hair products?
I was a product junkie for ages and would buy everything and anything to “try it out” (I consider myself a “recovering product junkie”.) This year I decided that I wanted to integrate more natural products/ingredients into my hair care…this lead to integrating healthy ingredients to my skin care and eating habits. So I basically make about 90% of my own hair care products.
In terms of favorite products:
- Detangling/Co-Wash Conditioner: Corine De Farme – made with Shea Butter and Olive oil (it contains 98% natural origin ingredients and is silicon and paraben free.)
- Deep Conditioner – I mix my own (Moisturizing, Protein and Strengthening)
- Moisturizing – I mix my own (Spray and Creamy Leave-In Conditioners)
- Sealing – I mix my own Sealing Oil
What is your natural hair regimen?
Once a week: Cleanse, Detangle and Deep Condition my hair.
Daily: Moisturize – either with water and my DIY (Creamy) Leave-In Conditioner or my (Spray) Leave-In Conditioner and Seal - with my DIY Mixed Sealing Oil.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering to go natural or a newly natural sista?
Do research, ask questions, get onto forms, and watch YouTube videos etc. just do loads of research! Keep in mind the research is for you to have a general understanding…what you really need to know is YOUR hair. While two people might have curly hair, similar curl patterns, thickness, etc. it does not mean if you use the exact same products you will get the same results. So after you have done your research you need to then find out what works for you. Apart from knowing your hair I think patience is another important point. It will take time till you know what your hair needs, likes and wants but it is not mission impossible just mission patience. I learnt that I needed to be patient, gentle, not to stress and not to give up!!
Where can we find you? (Facebook, Twitter, blog, website, etc.)
Check out Marianne at:
Email: maicurlz@gmail.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Maicurls
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maicurls/
Hi Shelly,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for featuring my story! x