Beauty and the Kinks: Olivia

Where are you from and and is the natural scene prominent?
I'm from Ottawa, ON Canada. There are a few naturals, but not that many, because if being natural was the norm in the Nation's Capital people wouldn't be staring at my hair daily!

How long have you been natural?
I've been natural my entire life. Although, from Grade 6 to graduating from High School in Grade 12 my hair was either in braid extensions or weaves. I stopped wearing fake hair in December 2009. On January 27, 2009 I chopped off all my damage hair (split ends, heat damaged pieces and limp hair) it was about 5 1/2 inches of hair that got cut. I am finally on my natural hair journey and this coming January will make it ONE YEAR OF BEING NATURAL!

What is the weirdest thing that someone has asked you about your hair?
"Is that yours?" I didn't want to answer that question; especially coming from a black woman. My hair was styled in a braid out and was blowing in the wind like crazy. She was staring at my hair so hard (probably looking to see a track) Usually when I do braid outs they come out a bit wavy. So, I suppose she believed it was a wavy hair weave and even had the nerve to ask me if it was. Then she went on to ask me what I did to get that look. The bus came so I didn't get a chance to reply and as I said I truly didn't want to talk about my hair to her, I felt so violated because she asked those questions in such a rude manner.

Whats your regimen?
Shampoo 1x a week with Kiss My Face Whenever or Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat
Deep Condition in twists under a hooded dryer 1x a week with Ultra Black Hair Deep Conditioner
Moisturize Daily with Ultra Black Hair Lotion Creme Moisturizer
Style 1x a week with Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding or MJ Curly Meringue or Blended Beauty Curly Frizz Pudding or BB Curl Styling Butter
Spray hair (w/ water) Daily
Intensive Deep Conditioner every 2 months -> That's using Jamila Henna for me!

What advice would you give to those thinking of becoming natural?
Enjoy it! Don't worry if your hair doesn't look like so and so, just love yours. Your hair will come out and look the way it wants to be, you just have to accept it and embrace it. Don't obsess over length, within years, it will come. Being natural is not easy, especially with our society and their standards of beauty, you have to be strong, hold your head up high and say "this is my beauty, I am beautiful just the way I am!" Once you start believing in yourself no one can tell you otherwise! Also, you have to understand that being natural is so much fun. With all the beautiful hair styles, I don't know why more people aren't all natural! :)

Are you pro natural, if so why?
No, if people want to be natural then they choose to be, if not, I can't force you. It's a personal choice, very personal.

Thanks for your time girl, and for featuring me! <3