Hair talk
Hey, my lovely friends, I have amazing women, who I have worked with in the passed and she is one the most inspiring women I’ve ever had around me. she is a Girlboss in every sense of the word. I am so happy to call her a friend. I would like you to all meet Natalie, she is taking over the ‘HAIR WHAT I’VE GOT TO SAY’ segment. I am super happy and honoured to have this amazing soul ,on are my blog. 🙂
Introduce yourself, what do you do?
My name is Natalie and, aside from being a PA for a Telco company, I’m a Lifestyle blogger and ambassador & spokesperson for the skin condition, Vitiligo (think Winnie Harlow!). My story, as someone with a skin condition that doesn’t quite fit in with the standard type of beauty as featured in Blackhair Magazine, New!, Phoenix and She Caribbean. I have also spoken out on BBC Women’s Hour and recently appeared on ITV’s the Lorraine show and London Live. Im a regular speaker at schools, educating children about self-acceptance and the importance of treating everyone equally irrespective of any indifferences.
What’s the favourite thing you love about the work that you do?
I’ll talk about the work I do outside of my day job, which is what I love the most! I’m a spokesperson and ambassador for Vitiligo, a condition where white patches form on the skin due to a lack of melanin. For many years, especially during my teens, I struggled to accept my skin which ultimately affected my confidence and self esteem as I was conscious I didn’t quite fit in with society’s ideal beauty.
As I’ve got older and recognised the importance of diversity, my attitude towards who I am on the outside has changed drastically. I no longer feel self-conscious and fully appreciate (and have learned to love) the skin I’m in. I do still feel like I’m part of a minority group (1% of the world’s population has Vitiligo) but rather than see it as negative, I quite like there is something that little bit different about me!
Now, I love empowering women to feel the best that they can, regardless of any flaws because after all, we all have them! My blog, Being Just Us, is very much about self love and acceptance and not being afraid to embrace all that you are on the outside.
Are you natural or relaxed? (is that your natural hair colour and texture)
My hair is naturally curly. I’ve just recently left the ‘blond life’ behind after 10 years. I really miss it – but I love being darker again especially as my curls have regained their bounce because the harsh chemicals are no longer damaging my hair.
What are your go to products?
I love the Deva Curl range which is a brand from the US. It’s aimed specifically at those with all types of curly hair from super curly to wavy! The range is incredibly vast with something for everyone who has a curly hair texture. I also love the Shae Moisture hair range as their products contain really natural ingredients and exclude all harmful ingredients such as parabens and petroleum.
What is your all-time favourite hairstyle?
My styles are often very simple, but I love leaving my curls free flowing! They act as my alter ego and I’ve always said ‘the bigger my hair, the bigger my confidence’, even if I have to fake it sometimes! On a night out especially, I’ll wear my curls loose adding lots of volume to make them look more glam. It’s the hairstyle that makes me feel glam and ready!
What are your 3 top hair care tips?
Having mixed race hair means that I like to pay close attention to how I look after it. Its definitely my crown! The tips I swear by:
1. Use a No Poo Shampoo. It’s a lot gentler on the hair and a great alternative to ordinary shampoo.
2. Always condition after shampooing and every other week use an intensive hair treatment to give it a deep moisturise.
3. A good hair oil to keep hair glossy and stop the ends from going dry, is essential.
Do you have a hair routine?
The only time I have a real hair routine is after I’ve washed it, which I do between once and twice a week. I reserve hair washing for a night in as I like to give myself time to wash and style. I wash my hair with Shea Moisture No Poo shampoo and conditioner and leave the conditioner in for at least 10 minutes. I usually wear a shower cap to keep the heat in! After washing, I towel dry before applying Deva Curl Styling Cream which instantly makes my curls appear tighter. I then add a spritz of Curly Kids Super Detangle
Spray. I leave my hair to dry naturally as I’m going through a ‘No Heated Appliances’ phase at the moment, because I want my hair routine to be as natural as possible. In between washes I use Macadamia Hair oil to give my hair some shine and stop the ends from drying out.
Describe yourself in five words?
Good sense of humour, motivated, good with advice, understanding and quirky!
What helps give you inspiration/motivation?
Women that are passionate about their goals inspire me. I’ve always loved networking events, and as much as I sometimes find them nerve-wracking (something about a room full of strangers!) I always come away feeling inspired by those who have made positive changes in life, gone through a career change to pursue a passion or working on their goals as a ‘side hustle’ outside their day job! Woman are so much more motivated and focused these days and I love meeting women that are committed to making positive changes.
What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?
1. A holiday to Brazil
2. Spend a week at a retreat
3. Travel solo again, this time a flight longer than 4 hours.
What made you laugh this week?
I try to laugh as much as possible – I believe it’s good for the soul! My niece and nephews never fail to make me chuckle because they say things with such innocence! The other day my niece asked me very seriously to ‘hold her bunny’ whilst she went to collect something from the kitchen. In addition, she told me to ‘wait there’ until she came back to collect him. I couldn’t stop laughing, I never imagined my 2 year old niece ever telling an adult (as in me!) to wait whilst she deals with something else that has popped up in her life!
Please see link to her blog and any other contacts details.
Instagram: being_just_us
Have a happy hair day. 🙂 xx
