Tell us about yourself.
My name is Niambi, but everyone calls me Nia. I grew up in Bloomfield, Conneticut, went to college in Boston, and now reside and work in the DC metro area. I’m a full time graphic designer & internet strategist at a PR firm, and I am a general “visual artist” the rest of the time. Both of my parents are fair skinned African Americans, with fair skinned African American parents themselves, but there is a ton of native American blood in my family. Everyone who meets me seems overtly or covertly curious as to where I am “from.” Lol.

What made you decide to go natural?
I got soooo frustrated trying to keep up with the health of my hair after moving away from home. I got mismatched touch ups at irregular intervals for two years, then out of desperation and undergrad poverty, I decided to cull out ALL of the relaxed hair to start over. After living with my short, natural hair for about a week, I decided I didn’t need another relaxer or texturizer. Ever.

What’s your hair routine?
I wash my hair about once every 2 or 3 weeks and I co-wash it every 4 to 7 days if I’m wearing it out. I de-tangle in the shower with a large tooth shower comb and plait it in 4 sections for styling later. I rinse with cold water. I go back and forth between protective styles like twists and up-dos and wearing it out in wash and go styles. I use creams and leave in conditioners mostly, and apply oils and natural pomades last, or by mixing them in with my leave-ins. I use Ecostyler, IC Fantasia, or Kinky Curly for hold with my wash and go’s. I trim my own hair about every 6 months or more often if I have knots or issues de-tangling. I tend to cut scraggly ends as I find them with my pair of professional shears. I wrap my hair in a satin scarf every night, usually piling my hair on top of my head.

What are your least favorite products?
I hate Luster’s products, like Pink Lotion. I used them when I was relaxed, and they probably worked against me then too. I also dislike all Creme of Nature products, except for their rosemary and lemongrass leave in for some reason. Cantu products also disagree with my hair.

What do you like about being natural?
I love that I can accept a compliment on my hair or looks with total dignity and honest gratitude. I like that I can be an example for so many peers and young women who need to know about alternatives to conforming to mainstream beauty standards. I love that I am free to swim, or dance/work out, or smell fresh from head to toe, or go from daytime to dramatic in 2 seconds. I love being free from any costly alterations or routines that effect my self esteem.