All Things O'Natural: I've Got A Story To Tell: Meet the Beautiful NASHANDA CLARKE

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone..

Today, we are chatting with a beautiful natural, Nashanda Clarke of aunaturelhairaffair.tumblr.com . Like me, Nashanda loves all things natural and also incorporates Ayurvedic treatments into her hair regimen.. Nashanda was moved to write this feature in hopes to inspire another to venture on a natural journey..Nashanda says that she is really excited about the many women who are embracing their natural hair and love the support from the natural community...Yaaay, go Nashanda!! So, let's get to know Nashanda and hear her story that she has to tell.

MEET NASHANDA CLARKE:

1. What inspired you to go natural?

I decided to go natural because I was tired of getting relaxers. My hair was dry and damaged and I was just sick and tired of the same routine month after month. It had been a few months since I last got a relaxer and I was washing my hair one day and I noticed how pretty and curly my hair was at the roots (my hair was now curly at the top with relaxed ends). I decided to just go to the barber and do the BC. So I did!

2. How long have you been a beautiful natural?

LOL well I got my first relaxer in 2001 (I was a natural chica until then). Then I decided I had had enough and did my first BC in 2005. At that time I did not do a lot of research I just went and did the BC and a few months later when I didn't know how to manage my short curly hair I gave into the "creamy crack" and relaxed it again. I have been natural on and off between 2005-2008. But in 2008 I had my very LAST relaxer and I've been 100% natural since then :) and loving it!

3. In regards to natural hair, do you feel as though the same stigmas of hair type exist, for example, do you hear people use the term 'good hair' or 'good grade of hair' in regards to certain hair textures?

Yes, I hear that all the time and to be honest I would use the term "good hair" in the past too when referring to ladies with nice long, pretty, shiny, hair. I realized very quickly that the same way women grow up thinking that in order to have nice hair it must be long and straight some women also think that natural hair isn't "good hair" unless it is long curly kinky hair. I don't believe in "good hair" "bad hair" I believe in "healthy" and "unhealthy" hair now. I believe that making sure that we take care of our hair and that it's healthy is "good hair." And it's so much more than just hair. It's about making sure we take care of our bodies and our health and everything else will fall into place including our hair.

4. Do you feel as though most black men are supportive to natural hair?

hmmmm lol I believe most men like what they see on TV and in magazines which is women with long flowing hair or women with cute chic haircuts. But I think a lot of men now are accepting of women with natural hair. I know for me when I had relaxed hair there were a lot of things I would not do (like drive with the windows down or go swimming, a lot of stuff like that) because I did not want to mess up my hair and I think men like women that take care of their hair, but not make it "all about their hair" so much so that they can't have fun/enjoy themselves. So yes I do think some black men are becoming more supportive of natural hair.

How about other nationalities?

I think there are other nationalities that are more accepting and supportive because their women have been wearing their hair natural most of their lives and for some it's a part of their culture.

5. How do you maintain such beautiful coils?

I usually do wash and go's now that my hair is so short (I recently cut it again). I wash my hair once a week with Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo. I use Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay to shampoo once a month to remove impurities (it's really good I also use it as a facial). I deep condition every two weeks with Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture conditioner and add some essential oils and honey (I tried your deep conditioning recipe this weekend and it was really good). I wet my hair everyday when I'm in the shower with water (water is my BFF) and spray some of my Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing leave-in conditioner when I get out. I add some Fantasia IC Polisher gel to my edges and that's it! I realize when my hair was longer I had more style options but now that it's shorter I do more accessorizing or sometimes twist outs or flat twist in the front. I find that with my hair short now I don't spend too much time on my hair so my daily routine is very simple.

6. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to others striving for a natural lifestyle?

Yes. If you're considering going natural I encourage you to do some research. Visit YouTube or read some of the natural hair blogs. Talk to your hairstylist/find a hairstylist that specializes in natural hair. There is so much information out there now to help women that are thinking about going natural. Natural hair is so versatile, fun, and healthy. It's really the best gift you can give your hair. Just do it I promise you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!! Awesome story and thank you for sharing..

Nashanda Clarke: