Valaira

Meet Valaira whose last relaxer in July 2007. She transitioned and has been natural for 3 years.

Valaira's regimen... 
I wash once a month with a non-sulfate shampoo but I co-wash my hair once a week with conditioner. I deep condition the same time I wash it, which is once a month. I trim my hair myself and only when I start to see split ends, so it varies. I only get my hair flat ironed if I am doing a hair show or ad. I try not to straighten my hair because it is hard for my curl pattern to bounce back. My hair is not as thick as it looks and it fries easily.

Dye...
Pitch black color is my favorite color and it keeps my hair looking shiny, I’ll color it every 3 months or so.

Favorite hair products...

I try to use natural products and one of my favorites is RAW Black Soap from Smell Good Spa at www.smellgoodspa.com. I shampoo my hair with it and also shower with it.I also like Suave Almond and Shea Butter and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

Favorite style...
Pony Puffs, Wash-n-go’s and BIG Curly Fros

You should know...
As an actress, model and entrepreneur, I am always on the run so I try to do hairstyles that do not require a lot of work. My company VUE Entertainment is an event planning and Fashion Show/Event Production Company. I partner with fashionista’s like myself and collaborate on producing fashion shows and events in the Atlanta and surrounding areas. Being in this industry with natural hair has opened my eyes to the current mindset of those in the industry and this natural journey has taught me a lot about myself. My hair is just an outer reflection of my inner growth.

Photos by Terance Johnson