Girl Behind the Curl...Leslie!

This week I had the pleasure of featuring a friend of mine I met in college (HU Fam!), Leslie! She and I met at pre-orientation, you know, the week you spend on campus the summer before your freshman year? Well at Howard, we had this group of students called Campus Pals and they throw a bunch of events/activities for the freshmeat to get to know eachother and build friendships before school starts. Well Leslie was in my group and I quickly discovered that she was a Cali girl like me! She’s from LA so I instantly knew she was cool lol Fast forward to 2012, I had to get her on my blog because her hair is always so pretty and SHINY!

Meet my girl Leslie!

Introduction : : Do share a little about yourself!

My name is Leslie, I am the co-founder of the style/natural hair blog; FlyyCoast2Coast. I’m a mommie to a vivacious 4 yr old, writer, resident jokester, and all around Flyy girl.

In the beginning : : What inspired you to go embrace your natural-ness? OR If you’ve been natural since forever, what inspired you to never get a perm?

I have had two perms in my life, once as a kid my mother gave me two options get my hair pressed weekly or get a perm. I hated getting my hair pressed so she permed it. Poor, poor decision I never got a retouch or anything after that because of the severe damage I experienced. My mother has apologized profusely for that. Lol. The second time was shortly after I had my daughter I decided to cut all my hair off in a worn out new mother haze I was too tired to deal with doing my hair. I rocked a short pixie and wish I hadn’t permed it. I finally decided to grow my cut out two years later, let the perm grow out and once it had reached a comfortable length I ceased going to the beauty shop altogether because I wanted to take control of my hair and stop leaving my beauty in the hands of someone else. At 26, I finally learned about my mane.

Mane-tain : : What is your weekly/monthly regimen like? If you have color in your hair, how do you maintain it’s health?

I wash my hair weekly starting with a deep condition on dry hair with Organix Root Stimulator Deep Conditioner as a base, I add olive oil, castor oil and honey to that and coat my hair. After I let it sit for about an hour, I rinse that then do an apple cider vinegar rinse and finally shampoo with Shea Moisture Coconut shampoo.

Your uniqueness : : How would describe your hair and how do you like to wear/style your hair daily? i.e. wash-n-go’s, twists, straight, protective styles, etc.

Daily I usually co-wash with any available conditioner. For some time I was using Herbal Essence, then Aussie Moist, now I’m on to Tresemme. The dryness of my hair is always a concern so I switch up conditioners if I see they are starting not to give me the softness I need for my hair. I also use a mix of olive oil, Palmer’s coconut hair milk, and Motions CPR leave-in on my hair. I usually detangle in the shower with a afro pick then twist my hair in 4-6 twists, wrap my hair in an old t-shirt and take it out after I am completely dressed. I recently colored my hair because for some reason I have dreams of having a blonde fro. Don’t judge my ratchet. lol

Choosing favorites : : What are some fav products you can’t live without or would recommend to someone else? How do you use them?

Palmer’s coconut milk has recently entered my favorites it gives my hair shine and a suppleness that is necessary for wash-n-gos. Also essential oils like olive oil, castor oil and jojoba have been staples since I decided to resurrect my natural. I usually always add an oil to my conditioner or my styling product. Eco-styler gel and Olive Oil edge control has also helped hold down those run away hairs that don’t want to comply. The age old toothbrush and wide tooth comb are also in my hair dossier.

Drop some knowledge : : Do you have an awesome hair practice/technique you’ve learned and wouldn’t mind sharing? OR is there something you’d like to learn more about?

Definitely using an old t-shirt to dry my hair has helped decrease the frizz and retain a lot of moisture I was losing when I used terry cloth towels. Also learn your hair, it’s good to ask questions from other naturals but remember everyone’s journey is their own. All products are not created equal, find what makes you FLYY.