Introducing: Sunshower!!

I stumbled across Sunshower's fotki while on NC.com. I spotted her avatar right away, and just knew I had to see more pictures of that gorgeous head of hair. After strolling through her album, I decided to contact her directly and see if she would be willing to share her amazing hair journey with us. She has graciously agreed! Enjoy!!

1)When did you decide to go natural? If there is a story behind your decision, please share it.

I decided to go natural my freshman year in college. I’ve always had long hair. When I was little, my hair was always braided and down to my tailbone. At age 11, I got my first relaxer. Honestly, I didn’t even know what a relaxer was at the time. My mother said I had to get one because it was time for me to start doing my hair myself. I kept getting them because I didn’t think there was any alternative to having a relaxer. All the other black girls were relaxed, so I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. Gradually, my hair started breaking off, partly because of overprocessing and partly because I had no idea how to take care of it. By the time I graduated from high school 7 years later, my hair had broken off to about APL. When I got to college, I decided I didn’t want to spend any more money on relaxers. I was a broke college student, after all. So I just started growing it out. I actually chickened out at first. Two months after my decision, I got another touch-up, but immediately afterwards I felt horrible for caving in. I decided to try again, and told myself that if I could make it past the four-month mark without another touch-up, I was set. That was 10 years ago and I haven’t looked back since!


2) Talk to us about your hair routine. What products do you like for your hair and which products do you dislike?

Fortunately, I learned very early on that my hair LOVES natural ingredients (oils, butters, herbs, etc.). The first product line I used after I started transitioning was Aubrey Organics. The GPB conditioner is the one product that I have consistently used since my natural journey began. I currently use the Honeysuckle Rose and Swimmers conditioners as well. I also love, love, love Ayurvedic powders. My hair was an absolute dried-out, frizz-ball mess before I discovered Ayurveda. I use the powders in hot oil treatments, for washing my hair, and as a monthly hair mask. Since I started using them, my hair has gotten so much silkier and softer, the curl definition is much better, and it doesn’t get as dry as it used to.

Finding a good moisturizer has always been the most difficult thing for me. I really love KBB Hair Milk. It detangles and moisturizes well without having to use a ton of product. SheaMoisture Leave-in is also a good one, but it doesn’t work well on dry hair. KBB works on wet and dry hair for me.

I won’t use product if it doesn’t contain mostly natural ingredients. They almost always dry my hair out. Sulfate shampoos are a definite no-no. They dry my hair out so badly, no conditioner can counteract the dryness. I’ve also tried the popular cheap conditioners like Suave Tropical Coconut and Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa. I tried them for co-washing, as rinse-outs, and as leave-ins. The result? “Hated it!” ©Men on Film. They made my hair feel dry also, but I can use them as a hair mask mixed with oils, honey, and my Ayurvedic powders. But overall, natural products are the way to go for my hair.


3)How has being natural effected you and your thoughts about your hair?

Being natural has helped me to realize that our natural hair is beautiful, no matter the texture. When I was relaxed, I had that whole good hair/bad hair mindset. It was force-fed to me from a very young age, so I believed it. As I transitioned and saw other naturals emerging around me, I started to appreciate the varying textures of African-American hair. When I did my BC, I was so intrigued when I realized that I had different textures on my own head. Our hair is so beautiful and unique. No two heads of hair are exactly the same.


4) Have you always had support with regards to your hair? (Does your family like it).

My mother wasn’t too thrilled when I cut off my long hair in favor of a short afro. She wanted me to wait until my natural hair was longer before I cut it. I had transitioned for 13 months and that was quite enough. I remember after my BC, one of my aunts coming up to me, running her fingers through my hair and saying, “I don’t like THAT!” Like I had a dead ostrich on top of my head or something. It’s just hair, people. It’ll grow back.

Some people did think it was cute. But some people thought I was crazy, and some people took it upon themselves to remind me that “Black people’s hair doesn’t grow.” I think most people just couldn’t understand why I’d want to cut off all my hair. But those same people who tried to criticize me then are the same ones who love to compliment me now.


5) What would you consider to be your hair type and why?

I believe my hair type is mostly 3c with some 4a on the sides, and possibly 3b or a loose 3c at the nape. It was actually much easier to determine my hair type when it was shorter. As it’s gotten longer, it doesn’t shrink as much and the textures seem to be blending together more, if that makes any sense.


6)What do you think about the hair typing system - do you think it's beneficial to know?

No hair-typing system is going to be 100% accurate for everyone. I remember when the 3c category didn’t even exist. We naturals made it up ourselves. I do think it’s good to have these systems because they’re helpful when trying to find someone with a similar hair type who can offer advice on techniques or product choices.


7)Do ever go to professional stylists, and if so, how do you get them to do what you want without damaging you hair? If not, how do you manage your hair all on your own?

I haven’t been to a professional stylist since I had my last relaxer in 1999. Since then, the only other person who has ever styled my hair is my aunt who helped me twist my hair for a wedding. I really don’t trust anyone else to do my hair. I had too many bad experiences with stylists when I was relaxed. But I am considering having it cut by a stylist for my birthday next year. I’d like to get several inches cut off. If anyone has any recommendations, please share! :)

As far as styling, I usually wear my hair in two-strand twists. They ‘re quick, low-maintenance, and they last a whole week. All I have to do is moisturize them and seal my ends at night, and in the morning my hair is already done and ready to go. Sometimes I do braidouts when I don’t feel like twisting. I rarely wear wash-n-go’s. I straighten once a year, if I feel like it, and only when the weather is cold. I live in Georgia…I refuse to deal with straight hair and this ridiculous humidity. :)


8)What would you say to someone who has a relaxer and is thinking about going natural?

Remind yourself that it won’t necessarily be an easy road. Many of us haven’t seen our natural hair since we were young kids and therefore have no idea what to do with it. There will be a trial-and-error process as you learn what products and ingredients your hair likes. You’ll have to figure out how to style it as it grows longer. You may encounter negative feedback from some people. But if this is something you really want to do, you can get through it and you’ll have a gorgeous head full of curls and kinks to shake in everyone’s face. :) There is a ton of support, advice, and inspiration on the hair forums. We’ve been through it and we’re here to help! And don’t beat yourself up if you decide to go back to the relaxer. Being natural just isn’t for everyone. The most important thing is that you do what makes you feel comfortable and that you keep your hair healthy.


9) Who are some of your hair idols?

I don’t really have any specific hair idols. I do love looking at big, poofy hair. Huge 4a/4b afros, little kids with long, wild hair, etc. Big hair is awesome!! :)


10)Anything else you would like to add that you think would help others in their hair journey?

You ladies who are just starting out on this journey are actually pretty lucky. When I first started out, all of these hair product lines that cater to naturals didn’t exist. We had Carol’s Daughter, and that was about it. There weren’t as many naturals on hair forums either. But we’ve managed to build up a nice little online community full of beautiful women with beautiful hair. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even in real life. I love it when naturals ask me for advice. I know how difficult it can be sometimes, so I love to help whenever I can. Besides, I could talk about my hair all day!

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If you're interested in seeing more of Sunshower's lovely hair pictures, you can visit her fotki at:

http://public.fotki.com/hokukoroku/

Thanks so much, Sunshower, for sharing your story!!

Ciao!!