Tell us about yourself.
I go by my given name (Mazeratie) on twitter, but my fotki album and most hair related stuff is under my sn: Soliel185. I’m a East Coast Girl by birth, but I currently reside in Arizona.

What made you decide to go natural?
I’ve actually been natural for more years of my life than relaxed, but in the past, I feared my hair. I only wore it in braids or away somehow and I never got to know it. After my last bout with the relaxer ended in breakage and dryness, I decided that I was going natural once and for all – and this time I was going to really embrace it!

What’s your hair routine?
I had a more rigid routine when I was transitioning. These days my hair leads and I follow.

I stand by low manipulation styling. My hair is usually in a wash ‘n go or puff. I’ve found that by keeping it moisturized I avoid a lot of the tangling issues that some of my fellow naturals have faced. I finger comb my hair 99% of the time, and only use tools on it once or twice a month. I co-wash every 4-7 days and DC once or twice a month. I only use shampoo during the warmer months or when I have build up. At night I use a silk scarf and a satin pillow case to protect my ends.

Products of note:

• Suave Conditioners (special mention to Tropical Coconut and Almond, Shea Butter)
• Stay Soft Fro
• S-Curl
• Water
• Natural Oils (Castor oil, EVOO, Coconut/Vatika Oil)
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Vegetable Glycerine
• Rosewater
• Eco Styler Gel

What are your least favorite products?
Hmm..That’s a tough one. I’m a PJ and they all kind of blur together…lol. I don’t use a lot of the products discussed now like Kinky Curly or Miss Jessie’s. My hair seems to hate Infusium 23. It doesn’t like most shampoos or the Garnier Fructis conditioners.

What do you like about being natural?
I am finally completely happy and at peace with my hair. My relationship with my relaxed hair was always up and down. This is the first time in my life that I don’t feel like my hair has to be tweeked or changed or hidden. It has a little personality and vitality of it’s own. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t trade it for anyone else’s. I love the versatility, and it’s a great conversation starter!