Shen Dove is one of our first Curly Ambassadors! We loved her hair and style so much that we decided to make a her a Beauty of the Week. She has some great insights on how to get to know your hair. Her self-titled site is amazing so be sure to check that out soon and like her on Facebook.
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
Though I did have stints where I flat ironed my hair on a regular basis, I have always been natural. Back when I was in elementary school when all of my friends were getting their first perms, my Mom stressed the financial cost of hair upkeep with perms. She said that if money was tight and she had to choose between a necessary expense and getting my hair permed, she’d forgo the hair perming and my hair would break off as a result. I believed her and that was enough incentive for me not to get a perm as a child and teen. I never saw a reason to get a perm or other chemicals in my hair as an adult. It proved to be more economical for me to do my hair myself.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
Wash day occurs every 1 to 2 weeks and typically takes a couple of hours. I usually start with a pre-poo of a mixture of oil (coconut, olive or castor) and whatever inexpensive conditioner I have on hand. After letting that sit for 30 minutes or so, I wash, condition, and deep condition my hair. After deep conditioning I usually apply coconut oil and a cream based leave-in. I then finger detangle, twist my hair while it’s still wet, and let it air dry. I refresh my hair with Oyin Handmade’s Juices and Berries Leave-In when it’s needed.
3. What are your staple hair products?
My staple hair products are: Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque, Oyin Juices and Berries Leave-In Spray, Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for clarification. I’m currently on the hunt for a good twisting butter for the cold weather months.
4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
My go-to hair style when I’m short on time is definitely some type of up-do (a bun, pompadour, French roll, French braid into a bun, etc.). When I have more time on my hands and the weather cooperates (no rain, low humidity), I enjoy wearing flat twist outs and twist outs.
5. For many naturals it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trial and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment (the moment you felt like, “I’ve got this!” or any essential advice you wish you had known at the beginning of your hair journey)?
My “Curls Understood Moment” was learning to embrace my hair length and texture several years ago when I stopped flat ironing my hair regularly. I now realize that my fine, medium density Type 4 hair cannot withstand the heavy application of heat. When I first stopped flat ironing my hair, I did not feel that wearing my hair “natural” fit my style. There was definitely an adjustment period while I discovered how to care for my hair and searched online for easy styles that I could do myself. But once I found a few go-to hair styles and started reading resources available online about natural hair, I started to embrace my hair. Now my hair is really a definitive part of my personal style.
See more of Shen…
Blog: Shen Dove Style
Facebook: Shen Dove Style
Twitter: @ShenDove
Instagram: ShenDove
Google +: Shen Dove
If you’d like to be featured as a Beauty of the Week, email us at [email protected].
