Curlicious Diva- Roshini of Glamazini

So we're starting the Curlicious Diva feature back up. If you're interested in becoming one, email us at litk@leaveinthekinks.com or use the contact form. :)

Roshini's blog was one of the first to focus on natural hair and she has answers for practically everything. Basically she's like Microsoft of the natural hair blog world and we're some tiny internet start up... Like Mickey Mouse and we're Hannah Montana... Kenan and Kel to our Drake and Josh... anyway I hope you get my drift. My point is that she is amazing and we are honoured to feature her.

1. Why did you decide to go natural and how long have you been natural?

I've been natural this last time since November 2002. I went natural because the right side of my hair was thinning and I know hairloss runs in my family. I looked at my hair and thought "I'd rather be natural and not know what to do with my hair than to be bald and relaxed" and that was that. Thank God now my natural hair is no longer a "last resort" so to speak but the "only resort"

Relaxed

2. What was the experience like? Did you transition? Was there any
opposition? Support?

I transitioned for a couple months the last time, which made no sense since I'd been natural before I guess I "transitioned" then too but I'd never heard that term and really wasn't thinking about the health of my new growth back in 1998 when I first hacked off my relaxer. I had no serious opposition. At the time my boyfriend (now hubby) told me he liked "long straight hair". I promptly hacked my hair off and figured if he loved me he'd stay...and he did...and now he has long natural hair he wears in braids and has told me to "never relax my crown" so Jesus worked that thing out LOL!

3. How has being natural changed your outlook on life?

Interesting question since I've been natural so long. I suppose it's made me more accepting of the authentic me that God dropped off to my parents 33 years ago, plus I realize there's no shame in being "counter culture" if that's who you really are. The culture ain't always right and I don't have to flow down that stream with ya'll dangnabbit! I've also learned that I am good at doing hair in general, something I never knew prior to cutting off the relaxer. Oh and I've learned I'm obsessed with my website and documenting my journey, I just LOVE how something so unassuming can be so helpful to so many people! oh joy!

TWA

4. What’s a typical hair day like for you? What are your go to styles?

I tend toward protective styles like 2 strand twists. My typical day is wake up, take the satin bonnet or scarf off my head (or not if I'm staying home), moisturize the ends, fluff the style and let it be. I don't do much.

5. What are 3 products you can’t live without?

Water, shea butter & coconut oil.

6. Do you have a goal length that you’re aspiring to?

Late last year I had a "moment" when I was either gonna cut all my hair off or grow it till it wouldn't stop. I opted for the latter and now will just let it grow. I have no goal length since my hair's been super long before, many times actually. I just tend toward being scissor-happy and this year I've said no cutting just for cutting sake...which is SO hard for me but I'm gonna do it.

7. What treatments have you tried, colours etc.

None.

8. Have you got any advice or questions for naturals and transitioners?

All the time since I've had my site for all these years. I try to be gentle and loving and answer questions. I get the same questions over and over and do my best to make resources available to point them to either on my own site or others. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who have online resources yet seem annoyed that they are answering the same question over and over. LOL boo boo, get a grip, welcome to my world for the past decade...just answer the question in love the way you'd want someone to answer you, and move on (sorry, had to get that of my chest).

Additional Questions

1. What made you decide to start blogging and when did you start?

I had a website (roshini.net) for many years prior to starting my blog. I came off "haitus" and blogs were the thing so I started one, made it easier on me and the general public to publish and follow my posts.

2. Do you get recognised on the
street?

All the time, and so does my husband :)

3. What kind of attention does your hair garner and how do you deal
with it? Does it limit you or boost you in any way?

It's hard to differentiate the attention my hair is getting from the attention I'm getting (I'm a 6ft 1in tall black woman, let's be real, people stare ALL THE TIME). That said, I suppose it's boosted me but I don't pay attention. If it's limited me that's a shame, but once again, I don't pay enough attention to notice.

4. What has been your biggest challenge so far (being natural) and how
do you deal with it?

I can't think of any (I tried).

5. Anything you wish to add?

Thank you for your interest in little ole me *blush* I'm honored and wish you the best with your endeavors. Oh and naturals, moisturize and drink lots of water! The end :D