Featured Natural: Debronique!

Fabulous Featured Natural!

Featured Natural: Debronique Ellis

Join me in welcoming this Summer's first featured Natural, Debronique Ellis! I know you want to know more so, without much further ado...

 How long have you been natural?  
D:  I've been natural for 21+ years with bouts of straightening, bleaching, curl-softening in between... 2 years since I've done absolutely nothing with my hair except TLC.

Why did you decide to go natural?  
D: I was always natural. I believed in representing my inner racial pride in every outward way so people can see that natural black kinky hair is as beautiful and healthy as any so -called "pretty hair" and is something to be proud about.

How have your friends and family reacted to the "natural" you?  
D: Friends and family have always admired my natural hair. Some even encourage me to lock as it would "fit"me.

How long have you been on your healthy hair journey?  
D: Like I said above, I've always been natural but I haven't always been taking care of my hair and putting in the effort for it to be healthy. I started this about 2 yrs ago.

Fabulous featured Natural, Debronique

Do you think your decision to take better care of your hair has changed you in any way?  
D: Yes it has! Seeing the results has impacted my confidence wonderfully and even further cemented my 'black pride'. It's also taught me PATIENCE, which truly is a virtue!

What are your favourite: Shampoos, Conditions, leave-ins and oils?  
D: Well because of my unstable income (due to me being an unemployed student) I haven't kept up with brands per say. Instead I look at the contents of a product and the size of my pocket at time of purchase, lol!
Shampoos: shampoos enriched with protein and infused with moisturizers Examples are: Creme of Nature Argan oil sulphate-free shampoo, Shea Moisture, VO5-deep conditioning and Beautiful Textures.
Conditioners: Organic Root Stimulator (ORS): Olive oil Replenishing Conditioner, Shea Moisture Leave-ins, Cantu Leave in, Beautiful Textures moisture butter, ORS Oils and CASTOR OIL -no question about it. I also find Jojoba, Argan and Tea tree oils are ok by me.

Walk us through your regime for styling and caring for your hair.  
D: Oh dear, lets make it as short as possible. I keep my hair jumbo braided and take them out twice per month. On the first take out, I co-wash, deep condition then oil and re-braid. On the second take out,  I wash, condition, apply a protein treatment, then oil. I'll oil the scalp as needed while braids are in. That's really it!

Any tips for ladies starting on their hair journey? 
D: Tips: Keep the hair moisturized and detangled. AVOID fine toothed combs - I use my fingers only (no comb at all) to part my hair. Use protective and/or low manipulation styles. Take supplements for the overall health of your body. Don't just get motivated, find a purpose, a deep meaning that being natural has to you and be reminded of it to stay committed. Look up hair growth stories on YouTube and draw motivation from their progress, realizing that you can do it too!

Thank you for those sharing your journey and tips with us on LolasCurls!