Beauty of the Week: Christine Nazaire

short natural hairstyles

Christine is a Jersey girl who enjoys makeup, modeling, fashion, and photography in her free time. She’s the ultimate creator and it shows on her blog and Instagram page! We wanted to feature her because we love her short natural hairstyles. Below she shares how she keeps her buzz cut so fly.

1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural most of my life, except from my Senior Year of High School through Sophomore Year of College, when I would periodically texturize my hair. Texturizing helped loosen my curls and made my hair more manageable which I loved, prior to me falling in love with my natural curls.

2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?

Every 2-3 days I co-wash my hair. I sometimes wash back to back, just depends on how I want my curls to look that day. Wash & gos are my fave and work quite well. Every 1-2 weeks I shampoo. And every time I shampoo, I deep condition. Conditioning and retaining moisture is for certain a must for my hair.

I always use a leave in conditioner and follow up with sealing in moisture using an oil based product because I just adore the final result of how my hair feels and looks. My go to is Shea Moisture or Coconut Oil, whichever is in reach.

3. What are your staple hair products? Which could you not live without and why?!

I work with a lot of products here and there because I always love trying & discovering new products that work for me or my friends. I’m always about giving my honest opinion and feedback about products, and that is why I believe a lot of my audience is drawn to me on various platforms. My list is extensive, especially with conditioners (don’t judge) but here’s my list across uses off the top of my head:

Shampoo: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo – Always in my shower!
Conditioner: Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner – Always in reach when in shower!
Deep Conditioner: Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner – works for all hair types which I love; absolute perfection.
Leave-in: Garner Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In – I’ve been using this for 5 years. It’s a necessity because I can always count of this to do whatever job I want.
Conditioner: Kinky Curly Knot Today Conditioner – It really helps define your curls. I thought this was a custard-gel at first because of the way it left my curls but it’s not, and yet it is everything. I’ve had this as my staple for at least 7 years now!
Serum/Scalp: OGX Organix Coconut Milk Anti-breakage Serum – Leaves hair smooth & shiny for days I don’t wash and want restoration.
Spritz: Mario Badescu – a lot of Makeup Artists, which I also am, use this only on the face but this works wonders on my hair when it gets dry. A lot of people skip over the fact that it’s versatile and can be used for both! I kill two bird with one stone by carrying this with me wherever I go.

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

4. As a model, do you find hairstylists in the industry know what they’re doing with your hair?

As a model, I’d say a majority of hairstylists I’ve encountered, don’t. The few I have come across with knowledge of natural hair, I cherish. Experienced barbers are always great on the other hand because they have to be detailed in their craft. I’m always open to a messy process as long as end result is great. I know hair grows back in due time, but I always want to know I’m in the hands of someone who won’t say they’re done when the process of greatness has yet to be reached.

Something I’ve observed in the last years is that with having a natural, maintained low cut, particularly shaved, it’s both an advantage and disadvantage for hairstylist. An advantage because it’s easily manageable for stylist to groom and manipulate. It’s a disadvantage for those who don’t work with natural short cuts often, but that’s why I always make sure to visit my personal barber, Scotty, prior to any projects.

All hairstylists are always thankful I’m always open and flexible with versatility with my hair because I enjoy wigs and extensions, as much as I love my razor sharp, sometimes expressive designs. By the way, for anyone ever curious I go to Shear Ambition in Elizabeth, NJ. Scotty is the owner and he’s wonderful in the most genuine way. As I like to say “In Scotty I Trust”. That’s actually where I got my first haircut at.

PSA, for my Big Chop (BC) and Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA) ladies, I think it’s crucial to find a hairstylist you trust and stay loyal because I tell you, the one time I stepped outside, I still regret it to this day and frankly, when you take care of your hairstylist(s), they will always make sure to take care of you!

5. What are your hair goals for 2017?

For 2017 I’m actually in the market to work with more natural hair brands. That’s my number one goal when it comes to my head. I have a lot to offer and so does my hair. In 2016, one thing I noticed greatly is that us bald girls aren’t at the forefront of the curl movement, but I want it to be known that WE are here, WE are often #1 fans of so many movements and brands, simply because we look for inspiration to those ahead in the journey of embracing our curls being great!

Another goal for 2017, is to color my hair! I’ve been contemplating it for months on end now, but surely if there’s a brand in mind that’s looking to help a sister out, it’s Crème of Nature. Their recent campaign was amazing! I love their range of color and the variety product line.

6. Who is your celeb curl crush?

Great question, because I’ve never actually thought of this before. Off the top of my head, I’d have to say Janelle Monae. I adore her as a whole being and her hair just compliments who she is. It also adds to her character. Our textures aren’t the exact same but everything from head to toe, reads BOSS BABE & that’s forever goals for me.

Solange is definitely next in line; she’s been fearless in how she’s rocked her hair & recorded her hair journey. I appreciate being able to be a part of the process.

Lastly, my 3rd, but certainly not least curl crush would have to be, Chrisette Michele, because her curls are so similar to mine. She’s got short, she’s got color, she’s got fierce and confidence… so I’m my book, she’s an ultimate babe!

7. 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 moment of “Aha!” and “I’ve got this!” came while I sat in the barber’s chair my first time, asking for a tapered cut, which turned into something more and then some. The transformation & experience is one I’ll never forget for the rest of my life because I knew I had held back for years, and when I finally was over holding back, I saw everything just unfold right before my eyes with that very first cut, fearlessly. I admit I had doubts; I was scared, but my entire spirit was one with the change.

After that experience, for my naturals, I’d say that it’s important to have a game plan, and break barriers. Overcoming fear(s), becoming confident in who you are and following the desires of your own heart is vital.

Don’t do natural or follow any movement simple because it’s the thing to do because it won’t be as satisfying or worthy.

That is advice I never got that I’ve noticed a lot of people still don’t get, and it all stems from learning, loving and understanding yourself shamelessly. Growing confident in your curl journey is all about what works best for you, not your momma or your boyfriend, but for you, and you alone! Until you tap into that, understanding your curls won’t work, because what you’re really doing is silencing and suppressing it’s greatness for the voice of others.

With that said, I have to admit that even today I hear snarky remarks featuring others’ opinon of my curls and cut, but I just choose to ignore, turn the other cheek, and carry on like “Go Christine! They don’t know any better! You’re the bomb & not everyone can see to appreciate you, so oh well. Next!” and that’s what works for me. That’s the attitude you need.

My curls and I have a relationship I appreciate because we are able to grow together through trial, error and success. So, don’t worry about anyone else but yourself. Don’t get hung up on taking steps back because it’s all about growing. Sounds cliché but life lessons totally apply to your headful of curls in every way!

Final thoughts! I’ve always had 4B/C hair, so I recall it always being a hassle to get my hair done, but I always loved the end result when I would allow my mom to touch my scalp back then. Since growing up, it’s been a rocky journey for me personally just learning how to manage but I’ve learned to embrace my hair as an extension of who I am, and I love it for the impressions it leaves on others because 9:10 times, the world embraces my curls because I choose to understand it for myself.

See more of Christine…
Instagram: @ChristineALaMode
Site: ChristineALaMode.com
Facebook: ChristineALaMode
Twitter: @StineALaMode
Pinterest: StineALaMode

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