– As told to Tamara Pridgett
My name is Melissa. I was born and raised in South Carolina, but recently packed up a few suitcases and moved to Harlem, New York to pursue my dream of becoming a business owner. By day I’m a Social Media Specialist for one of the biggest girl-led non-profits in the world, Girl Scouts USA, and by night I’m a fashion and lifestyle blogger at melissachanel.com. And yes “Chanel” is my real middle name :-).
My natural hair journey was a very eye opening experience. Even though my family and friends didn’t agree with me wearing my hair “nappy” it’s something I will never regret. My hair is so much healthier without chemicals and I never get bored with it.
How did you deal with your family and friends not liking that you wore your hair “nappy”?
I would tell my family and friends this was something I wanted to do, and my hair is healthier this way. They eventually jumped on the natural hair wagon seeing my growth.
How did you wear you’re hair when you were younger?
Straight ponytails. My mom put a relaxer in my hair when I was 10 and all my hair fell out, I mean ALL of it. I wore box braids for a year. Then they slapped another relaxer in when I was 11, SMH.
We notice you color your hair and are wondering how you color it and maintain the health?
I get all my color done professionally at a salon in Charlotte, NC called Revolution Ego. I maintain health by deep conditioning twice a month and by also adding oil. The key is to not let your hair get dry, that’s when it starts to break.
Is there a style that you’ve been most drawn to?
I’m really simple. A twist out is all I need.
What has been your favorite look of all?
My short cut! I’ve been loving my hair so far and I’m so glad I made the decision to cut it for a different look.
Style you’ll never wear again?
Any style on wet hair. Ugh.
Tell us a bit about your hair routine.
My routine is very low maintenance. I wash my hair weekly, deep condition twice a month. I then blow my hair out using a heat protector and style; my style is always about 20 single twists all over.
What products can’t you live without?
I can’t live without Kurlee Belle’s Banana Nut and Avocado Deep Treatment! It’s so yummy… LITERALLY!
Describe your hair in 5 words or less.
Thick. Clean. Growing. Fun. Conversation starter.
