Our Beauty of the Week is Joyjah – a gorgeous natural based in Belize, Central America. At just 21 years of age, she’s already got Instagram on lock with 48K followers since joining the social platform 2 1/2 years ago. Joyjah is of Belizean and Australian decent and was born and raised in her beautiful homeland Belize. She’s currently attending the University Of Belize pursuing a degree in Tourism Management. She’s also a part time model which, as you’ll see from the photos below, is a no brainer!
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for eight years now. Prior to that I’ve had my hair relaxed only once! Having big curly hair wasn’t something I aspired too, especially growing up in a community where all my friends permed and wore their hair straight. Although, my parents hated my hair straight! My Dad, who is Belizean, said I looked like everyone else and my hair had no life when straight. So they made me go back natural.
Transitioning was very tough. I had heat damage and all my ends were split up. My hair literally looked like rust. It was horrible. But thank goodness that at just thirteen years old I really didn’t care what people thought about me or my hair. My mom was the one who encouraged me to condition as often as possible to give my hair all the moisture it was craving. She also took me for trims as needed. Thank you too Mom & Dad. :)
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I only shampoo once a week OR once every two weeks depending how my hair is feeling and if it needs it. I also co-wash 1-3 times a week and I always deep condition once a week with either one of my favorite DIY conditioners or a hair masque. Deep conditioning can take up to an hour with added heat.
3. What are your staple hair products? Which could you not live without and why?!
Oh my gosh, there’s so many!
Shampoo: DevaCurl No Poo
Deep Conditioner: Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Conditioner: Aussie Moist Conditioner
Leave-in Conditioner: Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Hair Repair Cream
Vitamins: Sugar Bear Hair
Styling Products:
• Alikay Naturals Creme Brulee Curling Delight
• DevaCurl Super Creme
Natural Oils:
For scalp massages and pre poos…
• Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil
• Coconut Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil.. I mix all the oils together to create one formula all of which are from TropicIsleLiving.com.
I love all these products and couldn’t live without them because they do exactly what they say they’re going to do and combined they all work towards keeping my curls healthy, defined, voluminous, moisturized, long and strong.
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
4. What hairstyles are you loving right now?
I’ve always had a thing for protective hairstyles, especially living in Belize where it’s hot almost all year round. I’m mostly wearing the ‘pineapple’ or a ‘bun’ in my hair and lately I’ve been experimenting with some braid outs/bantu knots. I love all these hairstyles mainly because they’re very easy and they avoid friction between my hair and clothing. Which is a plus for retaining length. ;)
5. What are your hair goals for 2016?
My current hair goal is to a grow longer healthier mane. I’m more than determined and challenging myself to reach ‘waist length’ by the end of 2016.
6. Who is your celeb curl crush?
My celeb hair crush has got to be InstaBlogger @Bwatuwant. Oh, how I love her hair so much. The volume. The highlights. Curl definition. And the lack of frizz is just breathtaking. She’s such an inspiration with a beautiful soul as well.
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 to give aspiring Naturals )?
I think I had my “Curls Understood” moment when people started asking me for curly hair advice. I started realizing how far I had come and how educated I was about natural hair through my own experience. Knowing that I was able to help others encouraged me to really put myself out there by opening my Instagram account, and with the help of my best friend, a Facebook account (Belizean Natural Sistas) both of which are focused on natural hair and self love.
Some essential advice I have for any aspiring naturalistas is: once you make the decision to go natural, keep in mind it is a journey that requires strong DETERMINATION and BOLDNESS. You’ve got to commit. Yes, versatility is great, but think about it this way, you could be one ‘blowout’ away from serious heat damage that will permanently damage all your progress. I’ve seen this happen!
Also surround yourself with people who have natural hair – this will give you motivation and encouragement. ALWAYS remember, your natural hair is beautiful. So hold your head up high and show off what God has given you. Confidence is everything.
See more of Joyjah…
Instagram: @Joyjah
Facebook: Belizean Natural Sistas
