Guest feature: Meet naturalista Danielle!

1. Please introduce yourself!

   

    My name is Danielle Chaney (everyone calls me Dani). I live in the great city of Cleveland, Ohio. I have been "creamy crack" free for about 3.5 years :-)

2. Why did you decide to go natural/ become chemical free?

    My main reason for going natural was the need for versatility. I get bored very easily and like to switch up my hairstyles a lot. I never knew what my true texture was because my Mom pressed my hair as a child until she relaxed my hair at 14. As an adult I continued to get relaxers until I was 28 and I did them quarterly. Then one day as I was browsing through makeup tutorials on Youtube, I came across a few MUAs who were also transitioning to natural hair. Watching their journeys unfold made me want to learn more about my hair. So, June 2010 i made the decision to begin transitioning. My original plan was to do it long-term. However, my impatience got the best of me, so on October 30, 2010 I big chopped. My bra strap length hair was now 2 inches long. And it felt AMAZING! I only wished I had made my decision sooner.

3. How would you describe your natural hair texture?

    I have three different textures of curls. My curls are looser in the front, the sides, and the nape of my neck. They get a little tighter as you go towards the crown area. My hair is dense but my curls are fine.  In short, I would describe it as "curly-kinky".

4. Describe your most recent style regimen within the last month.

    I'm quite the lazy natural lol I lean towards low manipulative styles (ponytails, buns, twistouts) that keep my hair stretched so it doesn't end up a tangled mess by the time I get to wash day. 

5. What are your go to hairstyle(s)?

    Spring/Summer = Wash n Gos and twistouts

    Fall/Winter = Twist outs and protective styles (braids, buns, an occasional weave/wig)

    I prefer less defined styles so first day hair is usually blah for me. The bigger the hair the better :-)

6. Do you have a specific wash regimen?
    

    I don't have a consistent wash regimen. I wash (clarify) and deep condition as needed and that's usually no more than once per month. If I feel my hair needs refreshing or is feeling dry, I may do a co-wash in between time. I find that the less I manipulate my hair, the more length I retain and the less breakage I experience. 

7. What are some of your favorite hair products?

    I love the Shea Moisture line. I've just recently started using Karen's Body Beautiful product line and I love that as well. I also keep a closet full of VO5 conditioners. They are cheap (less than $1), they are silicone free, and they smell AMAZEBALLS! Trader Joe's Nourishing Spa Conditioner is another fave of mine. I don't favor one over the other, I just use whatever I have on hand. I used to be a serious product junkie but I've learned that all I need is a good clarifying shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, and water. 

8. Do you have any natural hair goals?

    I only strive for healthy hair. Length is good but its not important. I've contemplated big chopping again just for kicks lol We'll see what happens after year 4 :)

9. Do you have any advice for other new naturals or those aspiring to be natural?

    

    Be patient with your hair. Take lots of pictures and make a hair journal. It really helped to see my progress on paper, especially on those days when I felt like my hair wasn't growing as fast as everyone else's. And most importantly:  Don't get caught up in wanting someone else's hair or trying to make yours look like theirs. Learn, love, and embrace your own texture. 

10. How can you be contacted?

     You can follow my hair journey on IG @danimyluv and subscribe to my Youtube channelwww.youtube.com/dchaney1982