Victoria wasn’t always the natural hair advocate she is today. Before transitioning, natural hair didn’t appeal to her at all. Fast forward three years and she’s now passionate about proudly rocking her chemical-free texture and encouraging others to so do too. Today we discuss what motivated her to give up relaxing, the natural hair scene in Richmond, VA, and what she uses to keep her kinks and curls in top shape.
How long have you been natural?
For three years and five months.
Did you transition? And if so, how?
I transitioned for 11 months. My goal from then going forward was to no longer use a flat iron. I flexi-rodded my hair once a week and later started doing twist-outs with perm rods at the end. It was frustrating because I had to add perm rods to my hair every night to keep a decent curl.
I was completely opposed to having natural hair. It did not appeal to me.
Why did you decide to stop relaxing?
My best friends had been encouraging me to go natural for the longest. I also was motivated to prove my hair could grow past my shoulders as my previous hair stylists stated that hair stops growing at a certain length. Every time I was due for a relaxer all my growth was cut off.
Did you have trouble adjusting to your big chop or was it a welcome change?
I didn’t really know what to do with my hair so I stuck to two-strand twists and flat twists to style my hair. I saw a lot of this in the YouTube videos I watched.
What were your thoughts on natural hair before you became a natural, and have they changed?
I was completely opposed to having natural hair. It did not appeal to me. Since then, and even when I started transitioning, my thoughts have changed so much. Now I strive to educate others on how to love and care for their hair.
Describe your hair.
I have low porosity, high density hair with three different curl patterns throughout.
What’s the natural hair scene like in your city?
I see more and more curly girls in my area. It makes me happy seeing fellow curlfriends. It’s like we have our own sorority.
Do you ever have times when you struggle with your natural hair? How do you deal with those days?
I’ve recently gotten it under control and I know what I like, but when I first started I felt it was difficult making sure I was “presentable.”
Find what works best for your hair and stick with it.
Name one thing you’ve learned about your hair since being natural.
Consistency and water intake are key.
What’s your current hair routine? What products do you use to maintain your crown?
I wash my hair once a week to every two weeks. I shampoo, deep condition, add a leave-in, and style my hair with a cream every wash day.
I rarely use oils in my hair because my hair is moisturized enough and oils make a mess. Miche Beauty, Mielle Organics, As I Am and The Mane Choice have some of my favorite products.
How do you preserve your natural hair overnight?
Satin/silk pillowcases make me hot, so I wear a satin/silk bonnet every night. If I have a twist-out, I band my hair in four sections using satin scrunchies.
You have to wear one style for the rest of your life. Which do you choose and why?
I’d wear my hair in medium-sized three-strand twists because my ends would be protected and the style can still be versatile.
What’s the best part of being natural?
The best part of being natural is knowing I love me in my natural state and being able to connect with others. I really enjoy talking to other naturals about what they do to take care of their hair.
Where can we find you online?
My hair accounts are @hairjourney_vlh on Instagram and TikTok. My personal Instagram is @vlhbabee.
Any advice or words of encouragement for other naturals?
Find what’s best for your hair and stick with it in your routine.
