When I saw her new profile pic in August, I was blown away! I loved the color, the cut, the confidence and happiness that was captured in the photo. I immediately thought that I HAD to get V. Walker's new look on my blog! You may remember V from previous posts - one for my logo (she designed it), and one that we did on
Love the Journey by My Book of Lists (V's company). I've mentioned that I've been kind of scared to cut my natural hair, but looking at V's has been inspirational...Anyway, look at her photos and read her interview.
How long have you worn your hair natural?
Since July 2003.
What was your general styling routine prior to the new look?
I have to admit, I didn’t do much to my hair. I did lots of wash and gos, puffs and sometimes twist outs. With it being longer and very thick, it was hard to maintain and I just didn’t have the patience to try new styles like I thought I would.
Had you had any other significant haircuts since going natural? What about when you had a relaxer - did you get it cut into different styles? Color it?
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| Wash-n-go |
Yes! I never had a problem cutting my hair or coloring it myself [when it was relaxed]. When I think back on the times I did go short, those were my favorite styles. Interestingly enough, I didn’t color my hair after going natural very much and the thought of a hair cut while natural made me consider the awkward phases of growing it back out. Instead of thinking about holding on to hair that I had grown for over ten years, I should have considered how that hair made me look and feel.
What inspired the haircut?
I had talked of cutting my hair for the last two years but just didn’t have the courage to. Recently I started working on a project that ignited a change in me. I started to eat better, feel better and when I would look in the mirror, I wouldn’t see that changed person. I didn’t feel like I looked like myself. I had already saved styles on Pinterest of cute tapered styles that could be worn curly or straight so it was just the point of making the appointment and I was surprisingly anxious to get it done.
WE WILL BE POSTING A PIECE NEXT WEEK ABOUT V's UPCOMING PROJECT....
Was it the same motivation as the color? If not, how did the two motivations differ?Yes. I picked an auburn color but told my stylist to work her magic. I honestly allowed her to do what she is great at and I was and still am thrilled with the results.
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| New look as a wash-n-go! |
Did you feel as if you "big chopped"?
Great question. No. When I decided to go natural, I held on to my straight ends for seven months before deciding to just let go. I had a lot of anxiety about how my hair would look, how I would look with it and what would the people in my life say. It was something foreign and I was uncomfortable with the possibilities but also optimistic about having the courage to do it.
This time, I didn’t consider anything or anyone else. I wanted my hair cut and if I didn’t do it because of what other people would say or think, I was not the person I thought I had become. It’s hair! No one is going to die.
About how many inches were cut?
I didn’t even count. Comparing lengths while my hair is straight, I would say 11 inches.
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| Pressed out... |
How did you feel during the process?
I felt great. Like I hit ‘reset’.
What has been the reaction to the new look?Great! People especially love the color. My stylist, Adrienne Curry, did an excellent job.
How do you feel about the change?One of the best decisions I’ve made in a while. I guess you can tell I love it.
How has your styling routine changed?
When I wear it curly, it is mostly wash and go but I don’t have to do it daily. It is a cut that I can have for a few days, simply refresh in the mornings and it’s just as cute. When it’s straight, it does require a little more effort but I limited wearing it in this style during the summer. The humidity laughs at my straight hair.
Have you changed your products?
Over ten years of being natural, l learned that the styling products that worked for my short hair didn’t work for my long hair. So it is like I have to go back and experiment. A lot of new products have come since I did the big chop and my hair was this short. But to answer your question, yes.
Has the color affected the texture of your hair?
No, I don’t think so.
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| The New Look's Debut! via Facebook |
Do you feel as if this look is more versatile than your previous haircuts/styles?
I don’t have as many options as I did with my longer hair but I feel like the difference between wearing it curly and straight offer two dramatic looks that I don’t think I could have achieved before.
Do you think that you will continue to cut and color your hair this way?
Yes, in fact I just got a trim yesterday. The color will be touched up in a few weeks. I think I’ll rock this style for a while.
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