– As told to Ellen Haile, Contributor
An Italian blogger, Angela Adamou gives her advice on clothing, beauty products, and, of course, natural hair. Her site’s mission is to discover how to fully accept herself, inside and out…something she hopes she can share with her audience.
my story
Tell us about your hair journey.
I began my natural hair journey in January of 2014. I started off transitioning until May of that year when I did the big chop. Now, after ten months, the growth is very satisfying. My hair is stronger, more soft and manageable, and I’m very happy with my decision.
Describe your hair in 5 words or less.
My hair is kinky, elastic, soft, 4c type and very versatile.
my hair through the years
How did you wear your hair when you were younger?
From the ages of seven to twelve, my mom used to relax my hair every two weeks (what a shame!) or do braids. At the age of sixteen, I began to wear weaves and I only stopped in 2014 when I turned to natural.
I usually wore weaves when I was in high school. My favorite texture was when it was straight, which made me feel very feminine. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that I had to use the flat iron after every wash.
Braids are a protective style that I really like. They make me feel like an African queen. I wore braids last summer because I really liked some photos of Solange Knowles I saw on the internet, which inspired me. Beautiful style, but it takes too much time to do them.
The last time I had relaxed hair was in December of 2013 and at the end of that month I decided to go natural. I look at this picture with my relaxed hair often to remind myself that being natural is the best choice ever.
What has been your favorite look so far?
Even when I was a little child, I was in love with my hair texture when it was not relaxed, and would wear two big puffs, very sweet! Now, I really like the curls that I get after a braid-out, made with a curling custard or moisturizing gel.
Style you’ll never wear again?
Certainly, I’ll never relax my hair again!
Tell us a bit about your hair routine.
My daily routine consists of the LOC method, I co-wash my hair 2-3 times a week and I use a clarifying shampoo once a month. I usually do protective styles like twist-outs or braid-outs. In the winter, I used to wear weaves to protect my hair and have faster growth.
What products can’t you live without?
My hair’s best friends are coconut oil, Shea butter and aloe Vera gel. I also use black castor oil for scalp massaging to increase hair growth.
How do you feel about your hair?
I feel very confident about my hair, taking care of it is a pleasure! I can easily manage it and my routine takes me less time than I supposed it would. My hair explains who I am and who I want to be in the future, where I’m from and where I want to go. I think that embracing my natural hair and turning this peculiarity into richness is one of the best things I could ever do.
she is sooo beautiful!! I enjoyed reading her hair story 🙂