Journey Feature 04 - Ms. Dani

This week’s feature is a fellow Motown native, who has since transplanted to the ATL, Ms. Danielle Tillman. I’ve known Dani since my beginning Blogging days at Xanga, and was there at Ground Zero when she made her decision to go natural. To have watched her progress from start to present has been one of the biggest inspirations for me to start my own journey, and wanted to share her story with you. So here it is, in her own words.

Idadi: How long have you been natural?

Danielle: It’s been 4 years since my last relaxer and 3 years since I chopped.

Idadi: What prompted your switch?

Danielle: There were a few factors… I had been natural most of my life and I realized that my relaxed hair wasn’t thriving. After doing some research and being persuaded by a friend, I decided to take the plunge.

Idadi: How did you make your transition?

Danielle: I wore braids w/ extensions, kinky twists, braidouts and wash n’ gos. My hair was more texlaxed than relaxed, so it was easier to blend the textures.

Idadi: What styling/care products and regimen did you start out using?

Danielle: Hmm… I used a Pantene’s Hydrating Curls Conditioner for conditioner washes. For styling I used Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade and Sculpting Foam.

Idadi: Are they the same now?

Danielle: No… I realized how drying the Paul Mitchell products were when used everyday. I now use a creamy leave-in conditioner and Fantasia IC gel (clear kind) for styling and hold. Other products I use for maintenance and style are Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner as a leave in along with the Fantasia IC Gel, Organix Coconut Milk- Coconut Serum and Self-Heating Coconut Oil. Wonderful products… pricey but worth it.

Idadi: How do you maintain your hair and facilitate growth now?

Danielle: My hair really responds to less is more. I do cowashes [conditioner washes] several times a week, and depending on how much product I use, I wash w/ shampoo no more than once a week. I prefer once every two weeks. When I use heat I make sure to use a heat protectant and pay attention to my ends.

Idadi: What are the various styles you’ve experimented with, and which would you say is your favourite?

Danielle: I’ve done twists, twistouts, braidouts, wash n’go’s, puffs, ponytails, updos, buns, roller sets, and straightened hair w/ curls. My favorite style is my wash n’ go because it’s low maintenance and if I take my time it looks wonderful.

Idadi: How did you overcome the overwhelming stigmas surrounding “black hair” in order to go natural?

Danielle: To be honest, I didn’t experience a lot of the stigma, because when I went natural several of my peers on campus were going natural as well. The process for me was more internal. I had to learn to love myself and not worry so much about what everyone else thought. I had to accept myself, and once I did that I didn’t really care what others were thinking when they saw me. Plus, my family and most of my friends were supportive once they got over the initial shock of me having short hair.

Idadi: What have you liked most about the process?

Danielle: I love how I can change my hair up on a regular basis by simply adding water.

Idadi: What have you like least?

Danielle: The challenges that come with learning what works for my hair at different stages. The longer it gets, the more frustrating it can be at times.

Idadi: How do you balance classes, work, and hair maintenance?

Danielle: I wear my hair in a wash n’go or a puff 75% of the time, so my hair maintenance doesn’t tend to get in the way of my everyday life.

Idadi: What are the hair products you absolutely can’t live with out and would highly recommend?

Danielle: Fantasia IC gel and a creamy conditioner.

Idadi: How much differently, and in what ways, do you view your hair now, as opposed to when it was relaxed?

Danielle: I view my hair as an extension of my personality. There are many sides to me, and because my hair is natural I can change my style to reflect the different sides of me as well.

Idadi: Ever experienced one of those days where it seemed so much easier to just slap on a relaxer? How did you get past it?

Danielle: Every now and then, when my hair is unbelievably tangled or when the humidity hits my straightened hair, I want to relax it; but I remember the scalp burns and the upkeep and change my mind. Not to mention there are tons of black women who are natural on message boards to talk me out of it.

Idadi: What were your greatest sources of support through the journey?

Danielle: Online messageboards and other friends who were going through the process.

Idadi: I recall you being featured on the Motowngirl.com site some years back. How did that come about?

Danielle: I sent the owner a message about being the feature, because I frequented her site regularly and wanted to help someone just like she had helped me.

Idadi: Are you currently and active member of any other natural hair communities?

Danielle: No… I do frequent message boards but the one that I participate in the most is dedicated to healthy long hair (relaxed or natural).

Idadi: Do you style your hair yourself most often, or leave it in the hands of a professional?

Danielle: Umm… I’m a broke Grad student, so I do it myself most of the time… professionals on special occasions.

Idadi: If you had it all to do over again, what, if anything, would you change about your natural hair journey?

Danielle: I would have experimented with more styles when my hair was shorter. I stuck to puffs and wash n’go’s and I missed out on the styling options for shorter natural hair. I also wouldn’t have worn extensions throughout so much of my transition. Doing so hindered me learning more about natural texture earler.

Idadi: Any advice for others considering going natural?

Danielle: Make your decision for you, not for anyone else or because it’s a trend. Embrace your natural self and don’t let anyone make you feel like something is wrong with you because of your decision. It’s really an internal mental process. I know some people think that you should just chop it and be done with it, but I honestly believe that transitioning is the best decision. It gives you time to truly embrace the change taking place, not just on your head but inside as well. Oh, and don’t be like me and wear extensions throughout most of the transition, because it will be an even bigger shock.

~@~

Dani’s Progress in Pictures

(click each image to enlarge)

Would you like to hear more from Danielle? You can contact via her Website at www.academicbutterfly.blogspot.com or her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/umblessedbeauty_1. You may also view more of Danielle’s progress pictures via her Fotki at www.public.fotki.com/UMBlessedBeauty1, password mahogany.

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Danielle, it has been an honour and a pleasure to feature you and your long, lovely locks. As I said in the intro, your progress has inspired me, and Adah, to remain on the natural path. I’m sure sharing your words here will do the same for others.

Blessed Be…

Idadi