Textured Beauty: Ashley

Name:  Ashley, but the online community may know me as FabEllis.

Tell us about yourself:  I’m the editor of the online blog, FabEllis, which is centered on beauty, fashion and natural hair.  I’m a fun-loving person who enjoys laughing, traveling and meeting new people.

How long have you been natural? Why did you go natural?  February 2013 will mark my two year natural hair anniversary.  I decided to go natural because I feel like I never truly embraced my natural hair in my younger years.  I had been natural up until the age of 23, but mainly wore my hair blown out.  Since I was always striving to maintain my straight tresses, when I was told about a keratin treatment that would reduce frizz, I jumped on it.  I did not realize at the time that every curl or wave would disappear.  After nearly two years of having keratin in my hair and seeing that it was not “washing out” as it was once explained to me it would, I decided to transition.  With so many women rocking their natural curls and various styles being shown online, I decided I could do this.  Five months into transitioning, I did the big chop.

What is your hair type and texture? My hair type is a mixture of 3C/4A.  I have various textures in my hair.  The front is more of a loose curl, while the back is more of a tighter, defined coil.

What products and techniques work best for your hair type/texture?  With my hair texture, my hair requires a great amount of moisture.  Because of this, I try to always use sulfate and silicone-free products.  I rely on Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Tresemme Naturals Conditioner to keep my hair cleansed yet moisturized.  For styling products, I love Cantu Hair Lotion, Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter and Finickey Moisture Butter.  All three keep my hair shiny and moisturized and create defined twist outs, braid outs and puffs.

What is your hair regimen and how does it fit into your busy schedule?  My hair regimen is simple to me, but seems long to others.  On wash day, I wash my hair (Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo), condition it (Tresemme Naturals Conditioner), deep condition (Cantu Deep Treatment Masque), use a leave-in conditioner (Cantu Hair Lotion) and then style (Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter).

My wash day is usually on Sundays.  It fits in great because I’m off on that day and I am able to dedicate the afternoon to my hair.

Any additional advice? Be patient.  If you just did the big chop, your hair will grow back sooner than you think.  Embrace the freedom and the beauty in being natural.  If you are struggling to find the right products for your hair, don’t give up.  Finding someone who has as similar hair texture online could help you find something that works for your hair.  Remember that God created you so you are beautiful.