1. Please tell us more about yourself:
My name is Aurélie but most people call me Aura because they massacre…I mean can’t pronounce my name. I was born in Belgium in a little town called Etterbeek, grew up in South Africa and then moved to London four years ago.
2. What was your childhood “hair life” like?
My childhood hair life consisted of relaxer touch ups by my older sisters. My hair thrived and my mom used to do these weird looking threaded plaits, they looked hilarious on my head. I wanted curly hair but I always thought my hair would grow out in an afro, now I know that an afro is actually a style.
3. What made you transition to natural hair? How long did you transition?
I transitioned because I wanted curly hair haha it’s that simple. I transitioned for about seven months, luckily I wore weaves during that period so I did see a lot of growth. When I did my big chop, I was super excited but nervous that I wouldn’t look as cute. My transitioning hair looked nasty, I had skinny looking ends that just had to go.
4. What was the hurdles during your transition and if you have any right now being natural?
The only hurdle was me lol. I must have dyed my hair ten million times during that period. As a natural my hurdles are my edges, they are naturally very fragile so I have to massage them to get that growth going.
5. What is your hair regimen?
I keep my hair in flat twist up-do’s four days out of seven, I love twist-outs but I know that with my hair to retain growth I have to keep it in protective styles. I strictly co-wash my hair every Friday and do a henna treatment every beginning of the month. Without henna my hair wouldn’t be as strong. The only time I use a sulfate free shampoo is when I have a lot of build up from working out everyday. I also try to moisturise my hair every second day so as not to have any dry strands that snap off.
6. What are your MUST HAVE products?
The Tresemme line of conditioners, I love them so much I’d buy shares in the company, I love using them to detangle, co-wash, deep condition, everything, it is that amazing! I loooove castor oil, the shine that it gives my hair and it is the best sealant I have ever used. I’m not fussy about brands as long as it says castor oil I’m good. I love the Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner because it not only smells good but also leaves my hair soft, whenever I apply it, my hair kind of soaks it up. I noticed that the kids version has the same ingredients and is cheaper but it isn’t as think so I might just go back to the adult version. I also love the Curls Whipped Cream curl cream, it doesn’t offer any hold but it is really great at moisturising my hair.
7. What are your tricks and tips, that you have seen that works great for your hair?
Finger detangling, although I am still a tiny bit sceptical about not using a comb, I have noticed that my strands are breaking a lot less. Wet detangling works wonders for my hair, dry detangling is just be asking for my hair to be ripped out of my head.
8. How do you combat shrinkage if you ever have any?
Shrinkage is the only thing I hate about natural hair lol, my hair is capable of smelling any moisture in the air. The back of my head reaches almost shoulder length but the way it shrinks you’d think my hair only reaches my ears. I try to style my hair while it is damp and stretch it by using the banding method, it does stretch my hair but not that significantly.
9. What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
My edges, I’d compare it to temperamental kids that if they don’t get their way, they wreak havoc. I’m still learning how to take care of it.
10. Two don’t for your hair texture
Coconut oil is kind of a don’t. I cannot use it on its own or my hair goes crispy, another don’t is coconut milk which has the same effects as coconut oil. I don’t think my hair loves coconut in pure forms.
11. Two tips for anyone transitioning
Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t dye your hair unless you want it to break off. You should be transitioning to feel better of yourself as a natural woman, people will throw comments at you but if you remember the why behind your transition, it will bounce off.
12. Two tips for any one wanting to go natural / transitioning and are hesitant.
Natural hair is beautiful! Don’t be afraid of embracing the head of hair that God intended for you. It isn’t always going to be easy but it will be worth it. I’ve had friends tell me they prefer me with my hair. It is also refreshing to know that you’re rocking your hair, no additives, no preservatives!
13. how can we keep in touch with you? (blog, twit,fb or YT?)
I’m all over social media, my twitter username is aureliemu, my blog is arielalondres.blogspot.com, my Youtube name is Auralinamuk
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