Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Andria; I'm from Chicago, but I hope to move to New York in the near future. I want to become an editor for Vogue or Teen Vogue. I'm a very shy person and become really reserved in huge crowds.
How long have you been natural? What is your hair type? Describe your curls!
> I have been natural for a year and a half. It will be two years in July! I don't hair type because I can never find my hair on those darn charts, but I would fall in the 3 range. Part of my hair is wavy with spirals at the end and other parts are just spirals. My edges don't really curl at all; they (for the most part) stay semi-private, which is why it's so easy to lay my edges down. The front of my hair doesn't have deep waves like the rest of my hair.
Did you transition or big chop? Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned but wanted to big chop so bad, but my mother wouldn't allow it. Had I been who I am now, I wouldn't have listened and just went for it lol. Hair played a big part of who I was; I was always that dark skinned girl with "good hair". So when I told my mother I wanted to cut my hair off, she had a fit and gave me an either or situation. So, I waited until my hair was to my ear and cut it.
On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> I was so excited when I saw my curls. I wasn't a child getting relaxers when I was younger, but I always got my hair pressed, which damaged my curls. I remember growing my hair out and posting it on hair blogs asking my type, and I would always get that it wasn't my real curl pattern, and that I was black so my hair would be much nappier than that 4 inches of growth I had. Funny thing-- that was really my hair texture. Either way, I was willing to accept whatever grew from my head.
What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> When I cut my hair I felt so happy because I did it for me. I didn't care about how long my hair was; I didn't even do it for the health of my hair. I just wanted my hair to be curly. When I wore my first wash n go I was so excited; I didn't care that it stopped at my ears! I loved my curls.
What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)
> Cantu Shea Butter leave-in repair cream, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, Eco Styler Gel
What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My go-to styles would have to be braids, buns, and wash n gos.
What is a haircare lesson that you'd share with someone who wants to go natural?
> One hair care lesson I've learned is to NOT FOLLOW HAIR TRENDS! I can't stress this enough. I do not believe in only buying products geared towards African Americans, nor do I believe in not clarifying your hair with a shampoo.
What are your hair goals?
> I just want my hair to remain healthy and to grow out. I recently cut it just because, so now I just want to get back to the length it was before. Anything longer would be a bonus.
How do you feel about your hair today?
> Since I cut it and it's growing out, I'm back in the "awkward stage". But I have to say I'm enjoying it. I didn't realize how much I missed my hair at this length.
Instagram: anicolec_
YouTube: andriachildress
Do you have any questions for Andria about her natural hair journey? Comment below!
