CURLFRIENDS: Delores!

Hello Everyone...I want you to meet one of my earliest and dearest Facebook friends, Delores!!! This silver fox has a beautiful spirit, and a gorgeous head of hair. She is an inspiration for mature naturalistas, and has helped me envision my hair's future.

Delores' signature style

Why did you decide to go natural?

After 30 years of perming and straightening and many years of coloring my pre-mature grey hair, my super fine 4c coily, dry strands started looking thin and scalpy. More importantly, I developed a skin sensitivity that was made worse by the chemicals and preservatives in hair products. I had no idea what to do with my hair, so I watched many, many YouTube natural hair videos and visited natural hair sites, and then jumped into the natural hair pool with roller sets and braid outs.

What stage of life were you in when you went natural (personally and or professionally) - student, working, in a relationship, parent?

I did not go natural until age 61 and wish I had done it years earlier; but as Maya Angelou said, “when we know better, we do better.”

What's the best compliment you've received on your natural hair?  

My husband’s compliment that he liked my natural hair better than my straight hair was the best compliment; but I also enjoy compliments that I get from various age groups, especially “mature” women who want to stop coloring their grey or go natural and ask about the process.

Do you have a tip for new naturals?

Yes, my advice is to not give up when the going gets tough!! I didn’t like dealing with two textures when I was transitioning, so I had all of the straight ends cut off, and it left my hair various lengths of 2, 3 and 4 inches in different spots all over my head. The white hair around my temple screamed “old lady” to me, but I stuck with it and after my hair grew out, I fell in love with the color pattern of my hair.   I was extremely hair challenged, so if I can do it—anybody can do it!!

Do you feel like you are part of the natural hair community?

Yes I do.  Thank goodness for the young naturals’ videos, blogs, Face book posts, forums, and hair sites and the sharing and support that exists among naturals of all ages. At one time I felt we mature naturals were on the periphery of the community; but articles and forums topics about mature naturals are increasing.  I have found that no matter what the age, hair is different and it’s still a matter of experimentation and trial-and-error to find what will work for one’s hair.

Do you feel like your natural hair has influenced other parts of your life?

It definitely has – as I began shopping at Whole Foods for hair products, I became more interested in healthier foods and natural organic products for my face and body.

What are your top three hair products or tools?

I have spent hundreds of dollars on products, but my skin and scalp sensitivity limits the products that I can use and not react to.  After much experimentation, I have now settled on four indispensable products:  water; KC Come Clean Shampoo; KC Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner; and a creamy homemade blend of Shea butter, an oil such as EVCO, avocado or almond, Vitamin E oil, and a few drops of an essential oil for fragrance. I apply those products and braid my hair every night and wear braid outs during the day--except on the one or two days per month when I try a simple braided updo style from your book (One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways)  in order to give myself a break from braiding. 

If you would like to friend Delores on Facebook - please click here.

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Write by: Unknown - Tuesday, February 7, 2012