Natural Beauty of the Week - Avia

Name: Avia

Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I’ve been natural all my life, but before loc’ing I wore two-strand twists, afro puffs, braids, wigs, and occasional press.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I loc’d my hair Father’s Day weekend 2005. I’ve always admired locs because I knew they were a commitment, especially for someone like me that changed their hairstyle often. One day I decided to make the commitment and loc my hair.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?

A: My biggest fear about loc’ing was if I was going to be “stuck” with the same style, however I soon found out that would never happen. Natural hair has a mind of its own, really! Locs are as versatile as you make them; they’re like a style within a style.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: The number one thing I cannot live without and no Black woman should be able to live without is a long silk scarf! Seriously, permed, loc’d, natural, weave, whatever, a silk scarf can do wonders! I’m a colorful person, so I cannot live without Clairol Tones & Textures or Kiss Xpress (right now this is what I use, until I find something better). I also need some oil (tea tree, olive, coconut, jojoba, etc.).

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: Never be afraid to reveal who you are naturally. You are whole and perfect just as you were created.