Curlfriends: AVA!

If you follow me on Instagram, then you may already be familiar with this Curlfriend - or at least the back of her head! My co-worker, Ava, has a beautiful head of hair. She pressed it recently, and though I thought it looked really nice, I missed her coils and curls. When she wears her signature twist-out I have to resist the urge to run over and bury my hands in her hair! Her hair always looks very healthy and well-maintained - so I had to make her a Curlfriend. Today! Since she is a very private person, I was both surprised and gratified that she accepted my invitation...I hope you like her hair and her responses as much as I do.

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DISCLAIMER: Poor Ava stood up and took mug shot photos for me in the middle of the office, just so I could have some content for my blog - today. She is a sweetheart!!! And while her hair looks gorgeous today, please forgive me for not giving her the chance to send me her favorite hair photos, as I have done with every other Curlfriend in the past.
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Why did you transition?

I’d like to say that I had a spiritual or socially conscious epiphany, but it was a lot more organic. Curiosity was my impetus; I wondered what my hair looked like after “zillions” of years of perm. ;-) I kind of eased into it. It was time for a perm and I just didn’t…. The next thing I knew, it was 6 months later and, since I was tired of the warring factions in my head called “ the Perms” and “the Coilies”, I made an appointment and cut it all off!



What stage of life were you in when you transitioned personally and professionally?

I was single and working in a professional, conservative environment. However, my job didn’t require that I interact with clients. I wasn’t dating, but my family and extended fam had lots of opinions! LOTS. I was wonderfully supported and affirmed, but there were a few “If there’s anything you’d like to talk about, I’m there for you”, offers. Lol. Idk, I think they had to get used to the shorter length more so than being natural.

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

Umm, I appreciate anytime someone tells me my hair looks nice. I can’t isolate a particular moment.



What is the one tip you would give a new natural?

Learn YOUR hair. Although there are universal needs for healthy hair, how you fulfill the need is individual to you. For example, all hair needs moisture, but the way that I moisturize my thick, kinky, low porosity hair is very different from the way you moisturize your thin, curly, high porosity hair even though the hair may look similar.



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

Absolutely. I re-learned as an adult how to care for my hair after having a perm since my 16th birthday. I think that this experience of continual learning and exploring the versatility of our hair is benchmark of the natural hair community.



Has your natural hair has influenced other parts of your life?

I’d say yes. It’s given me even more of an appreciation of the beauty that we possess as black women, just the way God made us. I like that we’re modeling for our baby girls that beauty is how you define it, whether it’s an Angela Davis fro or bone straight pony or anything in between, you get to choose. It’s freeing, and I was already pretty open!



What are your top three hair products or tools?
Just three, hmmm. As of today, Obia Curl Enhancing Custard & Moisture Cream, Coconut oil and my satin pillowcase.



What is your go-to style? A Twist-Out

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Write by: Unknown - Wednesday, September 4, 2013