Charnele reached out to us for a feature on Beauty of the Week and we couldn’t resist. She’s gorgeous, fashion-forward and her hair is nothing short of amazing. What we loved most when looking through her photos was that Charnele is not afraid to experiment with her hair. From the big chop to loc extensions, head scarfs to twist outs, she always looks ready for her close up!
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
After high school I went through a five-year short hair phase and decided to do some modeling for hair. It shocked me how easily I was placed for jobs because I never thought of myself as a “model”. I started working only for my stylist who I knew was a professional and wouldn’t damage my hair regardless of the length.
After a few magazines I was getting calls to work in New York where I really got used to the “special treatment”, and let my hair be done by over six different stylists. Biggest mistake of my life! After a hair show in 2010 I went to my regular stylist to get my hair done for a wedding I had to attend. While her assistant was washing my hair she suddenly stopped, got my stylists attention, and showed her how much of my hair was falling out into her hands. I had to tell them that the stylist from a show I did permed and colored my hair at the same time. My stylist concluded that the procedure could be done, despite popular belief, but the technique and volume was done incorrectly. In order to even all my hair out had to cut it all off. If I wasn’t already used to having short hair I would have left the salon that day crying, but I loved it!
I had no intention on wearing my hair natural even though the craze had started and a few friends started transitioning. The only thing I knew was I was tired of constantly having to perm my hair and hated how bad it looked after I worked out. I ran into a friend from high school who was a barber and viola I had a caesar like one of the guys. I’ve officially been natural for 3 years and 3 months.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
With Demi [my name for my fro!] I tend to stick with twist or braid outs because they are quick to put in and take out. During my morning workout my hair gets wet so keeping my hair in twists helps it to dry without having to use heat daily. If I know that I won’t be exercising the next morning I like to try flat twists or cornrows for a change.
3. What are your staple hair products?
My staple products beginning with cleansing are: Carol’s Daughter Tui Moisturizing Shampoo, Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner or Carol’s Daughter Monoi Conditioner. For my deep condition, I tend to stick with Sof’ n Free Milk Protein & Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment or Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque. I like to mix olive, coconut, or grapeseed oil, a drop or two of peppermint essential oil, and honey to my DC, especially during the harsh winter months. As for my leave in conditioner, I like to use Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream or Carol’s Daughter Tui Leave in Conditioner. My staple oil as of now is Grapeseed because it is light on my scalp and ends, but gets the job done. My staple styling cream is Monet’s Moisture Mix, Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream, or Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
I tend to stick with twist or braid outs because they are quick to put in and take out. On days that Demi is just not giving me life or the weather is throwing some serious shade I throw her in a puff [high, front, or side], Janelle Monae inspired pompadour, roll and tuck, or bun.
5. For many naturals it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trail and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment?
Mmmm… my Curls Understood™ moment would have to be when I realized that my hair is like me, unique. Some people accept my hair while some consider it bad and “nappy”, and some people ask me when I’m going to cut it off again. I came to the point where I said enough is enough, the health of my hair is the most important thing to me, not length or curl pattern. I don’t get sad when I go through social media and see that light skin loose curled women get more love and recognition than those of my complexion or curl type. To each is own and that’s ok!
See more of Charnele…
Blog: My Sister’s Closet
Tumblr: My Sister’s Closet
Instagram: @char_of_msc
Twitter: @char_of_msc
YouTube: Charnele Ashlee
If you’d like to be featured as a Beauty of the Week, email us at [email protected].
