Natural Beauty – Samara Taylor

What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Samara Taylor and I am California born and raised.  Ten years ago I picked up and moved to Virginia and this is now home!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

By day I work with my local community college in the finance office as an Administrative Specialist and by night I am a Style, Beauty, and Natural Hair blogger of my personal blog www.StyledChic.net!  I live in Hampton, Virginia with my husband and sweet little black labrador.  I love cooking, wine tasting, and networking as a blogger.  Traveling is also something I enjoy as well as getting together with close friends and family.

How long have you worn your hair natural and what made you decide to do it?
I’ve worn my natural hair for 5 years now. Initially I wanted to stretch out my relaxer to go on a healthier hair journey, but during that time I stumbled upon natural hair.  After discovering this alternate way to wear my hair I was sold and was convinced to never relax again.

When did you first realise that you love your natural hair texture? 

I realized I loved my natural hair texture when I was able to achieve a great coil out.  This was back in the Summer of 2010.  I was only about 6 months in and so my hair was still significantly short.  I completed coils throughout my hair and when I took them down I absolutely loved my hair and how springy my curls were.  I loved how my face looked with short hair!

What is your hair regime? What do you do to keep it healthy?
I wash my hair once a week along with deep conditioning and styling it.  2014 has been a year that I got regular trims to prevent breakage and tangles.  That’s important along with deep conditioning and maintaing a clean scalp.

What have your experiences been as a natural, including reactions from friends, family and colleagues? Have you experienced any opposition from anyone in your life regarding how you wear your hair?

My experience as a natural has been very positive.  In the beginning however, there were a few people who laughed and asked what did I do to my hair.  The funny thing is now that my hair has flourished and grown those same people are asking for hair tips or are loving my hair.  For the most part though, it’s been nothing but positivity.

What is your favourite go-to hair style for days when you don’t have a lot of time?
Most likely a textured bun or a braided crown.

What is your hair goal?

Just continued growth and fullness.  I love big, thick hair!

What is your best hair advice to someone who is thinking of going natural, but who is apprehensive about doing it?
Don’t do it unless you are ready to put in time doing your natural texture.  Don’t do it until you’re confident, or absolutely sure about your decision.  Don’t do it until you’re ready to receive unsolicited opinions from others.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during your natural hair journey?
Learn your own texture and what styles work best for you.  Stay patient with your hair.

 Do you have a favourite life lesson? If so, please share it with us.
Give yourself a chance.  Be unique and confident in who you are and what you have to offer.  Don’t look to the left or right at what others have and are doing but look to God where our help comes from and he will grant you the desires of your heart when you seek him first.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Be confident in your own unique hair journey.

Where can we find you online?

www.StyledChic.net/

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