Hair Talk With Sylvia Of Love Natural Sunshine

Firstly introduce yourself? Where are you from and what do you do?

Hello! My name is Sylvia. I am originally from Indiana although I lived in North Carolina for 5 years. I am college student, aspiring writer/photographer, and the owner of the hair care site lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com.

How long have you been natural? If all your life what kept you from relaxing your hair?

I have been natural my whole life! I was blessed with a supportive family who always encouraged me to be myself and pursue my creative endeavours.

What were the main reasons for your choice to wear your natural hair?

I like wearing my hair natural because, for me, it is easier that way! I would not know the first thing about taking care of relaxed hair-- not to mention styling it. I also like the versatility of natural hair. I like using a pick or wide tooth comb to shape my hair. I love the volume and body that comes with natural hair… natural hair has a visible presence!

What are your earliest hair memories? How did these memories influence your hair journey today?

From the time I was little, my mom styled my hair. She would use Pink Lotion and a lot of love. Now I know that Pink Lotion contains the infamous mineral oil and I have switched to using natural/organic products. However, I learned from my mother how important it is to take care of one’s hair and how to treasure “your crown.” My sister also motivated me to cultivate my hair and after listening to my “saga of hair problems,” comforted me and gave me advice. Eventually I started my own blog (Naturalsunshine) on tumblr to share my thoughts, experiences, and advice on natural hair.

What does having natural hair mean to you? 

Being “natural” or having natural hair is just one blade of grass that makes up the landscape of me. Although, having natural hair is important to me, I like to think my hair is an extension of myself rather than a defining characteristic of my nature.

How do you keep your hair looking so good?

My regimen is simple, it’s easier for me that way! Every two weeks, I wash with

Terressentials Mud Wash, deep condition with Greek Yogurt, clarify with an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, and moisturize with an Aloe Vera Juice Rinse. Then, I use my homemade Aloe Vera Gel Leave-in Conditioner. Once my hair is dry, I use Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in conditioner, coconut oil, and my homemade Shea butter mix to style my hair. Sometimes, I use Alma Heavy Cream to style my hair too. If my scalp needs to be exfoliated I use my Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub Recipe.

What products do you use in your hair?

My favorite products are natural and organic! I love the Terressentials Mud Wash. It serves as a great shampoo and conditioner. I also like the Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in Conditioner! It is very moisturizing, aids with detangling, and does not cause major shrinkage. Finally, I like

Alma Heavy Cream

for styling, although I usually apply my own Shea butter mix to my hair as well. Alma Heavy Cream is a great oil-based moisturizer and it helps smooth down the hair shaft.

What are your go to hair style?

My go to hair styles are the twist out and the flat twist out. Both are easy to accomplish and work nicely with showing off my thick, spongy hair texture. First, I use Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in Conditioner to hydrate my hair strands. Then, I seal the moisture in by applying coconut oil to my hair and scalp with an applicator bottle. Finally, I style my hair with my own Shea butter mix, Alma Heavy Cream, or a combination of both.

How do you protect your hair in the winter months?

In the winter months, I like to wear Kinky Twist as a protective hair style. When I have Kinky Twist, I usually moisturize my hair with a variation of my Aloe Vera Gel Leave-in recipe. If I don’t have Kinky Twist, I like sporting a colorful beanie over flat twist.

Do you have any advice for women starting out on their natural journey?

The key suggestion given to new naturals is to have patience. Although that is good advice, I say dig in! Have fun, explore, do research, and enjoy the networks of the natural hair community. Stay encouraged and be inspired by learning new things about yourself that you never knew!

Naturalsunshine is looking for natural hair curlies in the Indianapolis, Indiana area to be featured in a Photoshoot.

Visit lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com/photoshootfor more information about auditioning!

To read product reviews and find the recipes mentioned in this interview, please view lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com.