Meet Markeeta!

When I first decided to go natural one of my cousins told me to find someone in her friends named Markeeta. When she accepted my friend request, I took one look at her hair and said "I'm doing this!" Although we've never met in person, I believe her to be a God fearing woman and I want to introduce her to you all IF you haven't already seen her!

How long have you been Natural?

"I went natural in November 2008 after transitioning from relaxers for 8 months. My last relaxer was in March 2008, but I didn't make the conscious decision to go natural until May 2008. After the 8 months I just knew I was ready to let go of the relaxed ends, and I wanted to see my natural hair and be "free". So my sister, a licensed hairstylist, cut off my relaxed hair and I was left with 4 inches of natural hair. I would say I was shocked for the first few minutes, but then I fell in love with it. The short hair showed off my face and I just felt this confidence that I didn't have before. No longer could I "hide" behind my hair. I had to understand that hair didn't "make me". With or without it I am beautiful."

What are the reasons you decided to go Natural?

"My reasons for going natural are many. To name a few, I wanted to be free of the chemicals and the need to straighten my hair. I was so tired of feeling unattractive if my hair wasn't laid just right, if my edges were frizzy, or it just didn't flow like I wanted it to. I just wanted to accept myself and my hair for what it was. To be honest, I never felt like myself for the last few years I had my relaxer. Getting rid of it was the best thing I've ever done for my hair and it's much healthier. I retain so much length so the growth is more apparent than when I had a relaxer, and I thought my hair grew fast THEN!"

Routine?

"Now that I am approaching 2 years (time flies) and my hair has gotten much longer, my routine has changed quite a bit. I co-wash once or twice a week (depending on my style), and now I deep condition once a week. I wear my hair mainly in twists (pinned up) and twist-outs. I'll style the twist-outs in various ways... pinned on one side, or I'll wear it all out or in a puff. "     (I love PUFFS!)

Now I have to know what products you use....Lol

"My absolute favorite products and staples are: Herbal Essence Hello Hydration for co-washes... Hair Rules Quench Conditioner for deep conditioning... Extra-virgin Olive Oil (I put about 2-3 tablespoons in my Hello Hydration conditioner and shake it up to add moisture and shine to my hair)... Coconut Oil (a very light oil that adds shine to the hair)... Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In (the BEST leave-in I have tried to date). When I use gel, I have 2 favorites that don't flake and contain no drying alcohols: Eco Styler Clear Gel and ic Fantasia Olive Gel."

*She has a Youtube channel!* http://www.youtube.com/tayah97

*Also on fotki* http://members.fotki.com/tayah97

I've also been featured on Curly Nikki's blog; here are the links for additional information.


http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/06/keetaray-story-of-transition.html

http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/10/keetaray-naturally-glam-hair-idol.html

http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/01/mini-twists-on-natural-hair.html


BEAUTIFUL, RIGHT???

Thanks Markeeta!





Happy meeting a natural day!