CURLY SISTER: Paulette Harper Johnson

The first time I went natural, I did it by myself.  It was a lonely journey and I gave in too soon.  The next time I tried, it I went online and talked to my curly sisters and I joined a few groups.  This time I wasn’t alone in my journey.  I had others to talk to and I learned a lot.

I wanted to introduce you to a few curly sisters who are also on this natural hair journey and my hope is that by sharing their experiences, it will help someone else on their natural hair path.

Our first curly sister is Paulette Harper Johnson

Tell us a little about you and when and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

Thanks LaShaunda for allowing me to be featured. 

Hello Natural Beauties. I’m Paulette Harper Johnson. I’m originally from Northern Ca. by way of the San Francisco Bay Area. I currently reside in sunny Florida with my husband of 2 years. I have two adult daughters who have blessed me with two adorable granddaughters.

My natural hair journey began in Dec 2010. I decided to go natural because my hair began to thin at the top really bad (due to alopecia) I had for years kept experiencing hair loss in certain parts of my scape. Not a pretty site when I use to wear my hair spiked! Prior to that, I had been contemplating going natural because I was seeing my other natural sista’s wear their hair and I loved it. The last perm I received my beautician told me that I needed to get a different hair style because my crown was getting too thin. That was all it took. That was my deciding factor. That was the last time I had a perm.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

I believe the first 3-6 months was very frustrating for me.  At the time I didn’t really know my hair and what it loved.  There were many days that my hair did not want to cooperate. But I was determined not to go back to a perm.   I learned over time what products worked best for my 4 B hair. 

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

LaShaunda I have to admit I was a product junkie. I tried a lot of products. Some worked, while others didn’t. The three products that I can’t live without: As a styler I use, As I Am Twist defining cream, my leave in conditioner I use, Giovanni direct leave in, and the Moisturizers: shea butter, aloe vera gel, essential oils.

What are your favorite styles to wear? My favorite style to wear is a two-strain twist.

Which natural sites/blogs do you follow?

When I started doing my research you tube became my best friend.  I found Mae, Kerry and Lady T who had a major impact on my learning how to care for and maintain my hair.

Mae of NaturalChica.com 

Simply Younique  http://www.youtube.com/user/SimplYounique?feature=watch

Lady T http://www.youtube.com/user/101LadyT?feature=watch

Any advice for the newly natural sisters?

I would tell those who are transiting not to give up. Keep learning which products will work best for your style of hair.  It takes patience to learn how to take care of your hair.  At times, you might get tempted to go back to a perm because of frustration, but with time, patience and determination your hair will eventually tell you when it’s “happy.”

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

https://www.facebook.com/paulette.harper2

Natural Hair Journey - Know What Type Of Hair You Have

My first mistake was thinking I would get a curly look like the curl I use to wear in the 80/90s.  I wanted those Shirley temple curls flowing down my back.  If I’d thought back to when my mother use to press and curl my hair, there was never any Shirley Temple curls to begin with.  Why did it take me two years to realize this.  OK I wanted to live in lala with my curly Qs in hair.

Learning the type of hair I have really made me understand it more.  I’m a type 4 which means for me to get the curls I want I have to manipulate my hair.  I have to twist/braid it or pin it to get waves or curls.

I’m ok with that because I now know I will never have the Shirley Temple look naturally but I can achieve it with rods and a long wait und the hair dryer.

Four years later I’m still learning my hair, but I’m not fighting it like I use to.  Now I listen to what my hair needs.  It tells me when its too dry. My scalp is super itchy.  It tells me when it needs moisture it looks dull. 

I still have my bad hair good hair days.  I know with hair you will always have those days.  However I’m learning to deal more with the bad hair days.  Those are the days I rock those cute earrings, so I can feel cute with my ugly hair.

Do you know your hair type?  Here's a link if you don't.

Natural Hair Journey - Stick To Your Budget

If you’re thinking about going natural because you think it’s inexpensive, think again.

When I started this journey, I figured I would drop the stylist bill off my monthly budget.  NOT.  I still go to a stylist every now and then. 

I was like everyone else when I started this journey, a product junkie trying to figure out what works in my hair and what didn’t.

I was trying every product my friends or natural websites suggested.  I went from the most expensive to the least expensive.  I had stuff I used one time because it made my hair hard.  I don’t like the hard hair.

I paid for stuff that promised wavy curls and all I got was goopy hair.  I know I came off a few hundreds before I realized that I needed to listen to my hair and not what others said.

This year I've decided to share more about my natural hair journey in hope I can ease your pain if you're trying this new path and hopefully be an encourager in your journey.

My advice for anyone going natural before you start trying every product, listen to your hair. 

1. Know what type of hair you have.

2. Know what you want your hair to do.

3. Know what your hair looks like happy.

Each Monday I will talk about my journey.  Stop by and share with me.


Did you stick to your budget or go overboard like me?

Natural Hair Journey - First Hair Meet Up

I experienced my first hair meet up.  It was hosted at a shop called Twist in the Cherokee shopping area.

There were four ladies who showed up to learn about natural hair.  I host, Kelly was warm and welcoming.  She asked for a volunteer to show us how to do flat twists.  One of the ladies voluteered and she started the process by washing her hair.  She used a conditioner and oil to wash her hair with.

She blow dried her hair and began the flat twists.  While doing all this she explained different techniques and answered our questions about natural hair.

It was a fun time hanging with other women who shared their experiences of going natural.  We all had different reasons and difference grades of hair.  One young lady had locs and shared her experiences with them.

I'm looking forward to our next meet up.

Have you been to a natural hair meet up? 

P.S. Have you ever heard of a site called Meet Up?  This is a great place to learn about local groups in your area.  This is where I found my natural meet up.

Natural Hair Journey - Straight Hair

I haven't talked about my hair journey lately, so I thought I'd catch you up on what's been going on.

The gray has been driving me crazy and I was coloring my hair too much, that I ended up damage it.  I decided to let my hair heal before I try the color again.

I went to my daughter's stylist to let her do the color instead of myself.  She put the color in and trimmed my ends which were in dire need.  She suggested I blow dry it out and let her trim the ends.  I wanted to see what my hair looked like straight, so I let her blow dry it and press it out.

I loved the look, reminded me of my perm days.  I didn't think about taking pictures or I would have some to share.  I know for next time.

I've decided that for the winter I would wear my hair straight for two weeks and curly for two weeks.

I found out that I've grown lazy when it comes to my hair.  When your hair is straight you have to curl it each morning.  I wasn't use to that type of work.  I loved how pretty it looked, but hated getting up early to do it.

This natural hair is a learning process. 

What have you tried new with your hair?