Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Stephanie, but everyone calls me Steph. I'm 20 years old from NYC! I am the youngest out of 6 girls and I'm always getting picked on lol.
How long have you been natural? What is your hair type? Describe your curls!
> June 2nd will make 2 years of me being natural. The top of my hair is 3c and I would say the back and sides are 4a-4b. I love my hair, but I'm still trying to figure out what to do because the top of my hair has looser curls than the rest.
Did you transition or big chop? Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned for a little while during my first year of college. One day, I decided to just cut it all off. I could have transitioned longer, but I was far too anxious to feel my hair texture and not have to worry about my natural hair and the permed hair, too.
On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> When I big chopped on June 2,2012, I was terrified! My mom made it even harder. I thought she would be so supportive of my decision, but she wasn't. She told me she didn't like it and that I looked like a little boy. Feelings hurt much? Yes!
What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Above all of that, I was so in love with my little afro lol. I washed it every single day to keep my curls poppin'.
What are some of your favorite products? (top 3)
> My favorite products now would have to be anything from the Shea Moisture line, as well as Curls Unleashed.
What are your go-to hairstyles?
> I don't think I have any go-to hairstyles, but I do like putting my hair up in a puff, or a twist across the front and my puff in the back.
What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?
> I think a really important lesson is don't go natural in hopes of having hair like someone else. You will come into the natural hair world hating yourself. Your hair is YOUR HAIR and only your hair. Your hair is unique and you should love it regardless whether it's kinky, coily, curly, or very loosely curled. It'll be hard at first, but I think it gets easier with time.
What are your hair goals?
> My hair goal would probably be to get BSL (bra strap length) but above all else I just want to maintain healthy, natural hair. Keep in mind that Black hair does grow!
How do you feel about your hair today?
> Being almost 2 years natural, it's the best decision I've ever made, I lovvvvvveeeee my hair, and I love everything about this little natural hair movement that keeps growing.
Until next time,
Ashley, xo.
Do you have any questions for Stephanie about her natural hair journey? Comment below!
How long have you been natural? What is your hair type? Describe your curls!
What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?
What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
Did you transition or big chop? Why did you take that route?
> When I first experienced my natural hair after I stopped relaxing it, I hated it. I was very athletic & played several sports, so the relaxer maintained my roots and edges from "drawing up" or "napping up". It took a couple of years to get used to it. After doing research on the actual maintenance, I fell in love with it. I'm in love with my natural hair now to the extent where I'll go months without putting the slightest bit of heat on it (including a blow dryer). 
> I have been fully natural for 2 years & 7months, but began the process April 2010 (my last relaxer was for my 20th birthday). My hair type is 4a/4c; my hair is very tightly coiled yet soft. However, the middle of my hair is so thick and tightly coiled that it lacks definite shape while the sides of my head have more defined curls that are springy when pulled.
I went to the salon on Friday to discuss the cut and price with my stylist, and I made sure I was the first person at the salon on Saturday.. ready. She used the clippers for most of the cut-- along the back and sides of my head and she used scissors only to even off the tuft of hair that was left to create the shape I wanted. I couldn't really tell if I was liking the cut at first because my hair was combed out and not curly. I kind of started to worry, but I had to wait until it was 100% done before I panicked.
After the cut, she washed my hair with my L'Oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo. I forgot a conditioner-- I seriously don't know how-- so she went straight for my deep conditioner and applied my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask. She combed it through, I donned a plastic cap, and sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes. Once the timer went off, I had her rinse the deep conditioner out with cold water and headed straight for the chair. While in the chair, she applied my Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in/Detangler and a little bit of my Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls gel. Then, I sat under the dryer, again, for about 10 minutes. I just wanted to make sure my hair wasn't soaking wet before I headed home.
> When I began my natural journey I did the big chop. I did not do the big chop with the intent of going natural; I did it because I had a point to prove. I go to a predominately white school in the south. People often met me with preconceived notions because of the length of my hair, my hair type, and the fairness of my skin. Once people got a chance to know me they were often taken aback by how pro-black I was, and by the fact that I wasn't mixed.
> My favorite products are olive oil, coconut oil, and "Curls Unleashed" by Organic Root Simulator. I've been using these products since I've done the big chop.