In this installment of Hair Story Naomi Jeeter takes us the hairstyles that crowned her from childhood through breakups. If you’d like to be featured in our Hair Story column, submit your story here.
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My hair story has taken me through so many changes—three big chops, two sets of freeform locs, and even a box top! I’m no stranger to sitting at the stove, getting my hair hot-combed, praying the grease or steam doesn’t burn me, or feeling the unbearable itch of a relaxer or texturizer, but I have been wearing my hair in its natural state for over 10 years now, and even though it can take a bit of time and attention, I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Describe your hair in 5 words or less.
Thick and free, just like me!
How did you wear your hair when you were younger?
I wore two-strand twists A LOT. I still love two-strand twists to this day! If my hair wasn’t twisted, I almost always wore my hair in some form of ponytail–high pony, low pony, side pony, double pony; you name it! On special occasions, I would wear some form of twisted or braided updo. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I started getting my hair straightened. Straight hair was like a rite of passage.
My hair over the years
Ginger Locs
I always wanted to be a ginger! About two or three years into growing locs, I went through a breakup, and about six months after leaving the relationship, I decided I wanted to do something new with my look. On my birthday that year, I finally became a ginger! I couldn’t decide which shade I wanted, so I did BOTH! I loved this look. Looking at it now, I’m definitely tempted to try color again.
Big chop and an undercut
Another birthday look was my last big chop. Remember how I always wanted to be a ginger? Well, I also always wanted to try an undercut, so I did! Technically, I already had gotten an undercut before this, but I had locs, so it was easy to hide. This day, I had the rest of my locs cut off but kept one in the back. I actually still have that loc! I named her Tsaheylu (an Avatar reference). This style made me feel a bit naked, but that feeling of vulnerability quickly transformed into feeling like a WARRIOR!
My braided frohawk
The braided frohawk will always be one of my favorite styles. I love being able to showcase my tresses while being able to keep my hair out of my face and off of my neck. Plus, now that I have Tsaheylu, when I wear an updo like this, I can showcase my single loc in the back that may otherwise go unnoticed.
What has been your favorite look of all?
It’s pretty hard to pick a favorite, because I love different things about each style I try. If I had to marry one hairstyle for the rest of my life, I would definitely choose some variation of a braided mohawk.
What’s a style you’ll never wear again?
I will NEVER relax or otherwise chemically alter the texture of my hair again. I probably won’t do freeform locs again either, but I’m glad I did it.
My hair routine
Tell us a bit about your hair routine.
I try to keep it as simple as possible except on special occasions. One thing that hasn’t changed for me is that I tend to keep my hair in a protective style and manipulate it as little as possible. On wash day, I alternate between using a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing shampoo. Then, of course, I condition. I also do a hair mask. I almost never wash my hair without doing a deep conditioning treatment. I detangle my hair while deep conditioning. When I’m done washing and conditioning, I apply a leave-in conditioner to wet hair (WET, not damp), and then do my protective style. I then apply oil to my scalp and hair and let it dry. If I’m doing a wash and go, I skip the protective styling step. Either way, before I go to bed at night, I braid my hair and sleep in a satin scarf.
What are some products you can’t live without?
I recently discovered the Mixed Chicks Coil, Kink & Curl Styling Cream. From the first use, I was in love. It feels and smells so good, and it takes my twist outs and braid outs to the next level!
My hair right now
How do you feel about your hair right now?
I feel incredible about my hair! My hair has become one of my favorite features! My hair and I have a very special relationship. My hair has been my number one teacher when it comes to self-love, self-care, and acceptance.
