Nika’s Hair Story

Q: What is your hair story? What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I started out natural until the age of 10 yrs old. I got my first relaxer at the age of 11 yrs. old. When I was in high school I wore my relaxed hair long, short, in an asymmetrical bob, and then I grew it back long.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I chose to return back to my natural tresses on September 24, 2011. I didn't like my relaxed hair because it was very thin. It never held a curl, and it would literally be stuck to my head from chemical burns. I didn't want to go through that anymore so I chose to transition for 7 months from February 5, 2011 to September 24, 2011, and I did the big chop. I really enjoyed my short natural hair. It was so easy to manage. I just did wash n go's. I'm so glad I chose to go natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes!! I was always told the myths that natural hair can't be combed or detangled, and it was hard to manage. I was so afraid to go natural because of those myths I heard, but I went natural anyway. I found that I was able to comb, detangle, and manage my natural hair.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: I love Olive oil because it penetrates the hair strand, and it leaves my hair so soft. I love Giovanni Smooth
as Silk Conditioner because it has great slip, and it leaves my hair very soft also. I also love Eco Styler Argan oil gel because it lays my edges down really well.

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: My advice to other naturals is to love the hair that grows from your scalp. Natural hair is beautiful. If you are thinking about going natural I think you should go for it because going natural is the best decision I have ever made, and my scalp is healthier. My hair has grown longer than it has ever been, and it's because I went natural. It's an awesome feeling to be a natural. You can go from curly to straight and right back to curly. Natural hair is very versatile, and that’s what I love about it. Natural hair is definitely not boring because you can do so much with it. I say go for it and tune out all negative opinions around you.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: You can find me on my YouTube channel named PiecesofNika;  Instagram: @MsNikaR Twitter; and MsNikaR