This Week's Natural Hair Feature: MsButtahFly!

Denyelle, better known as MsButtahfly to those who know here via Twitter and YouTube, has been one of my main natural hair inspirations and her videos helped me through my transition and early natural months. Here, she shares her story with us :-)

1.       How long have you been natural? Did you transition, BC or both? 

I have been natural for 4years; I chopped on May 10, 2006.  I did not transition, my chop was an impulse decision, and I was hot one day and just decided to cut my hair because I was tired of dealing with it. (I had APL relaxed hair)

2.       What reaction have you received since going natural? Did you announce your decision or did you just do it? 

I did not announce it, I was about to cut my best friends hair, and said “You know what? I’m going to cut my hair too!” She and my son thought I was just playing until I walked out of the bathroom with one inch of curls.  I was in shock and thought I looked like a little boy, didn’t like it at all. The next day, I went to my local beauty supply store and bought all kinds of fancy earrings and sunglasses. I also started to do my makeup a little differently. By day three my confidence was through the roof!! I received a lot of “OMG I can’t believe you cut all that pretty hair!!” and “Why did you cut your hair??”, but I didn’t let that bother me, I was becoming a new me.

3.       What are your current fave styles to do on your hair? Do you have a staple style? Please share how you achieve it. 

My favorite style for summer is a low curly ponytail with bangs accented with a headband or flower. For winter, my favorite style is a Bantu knot twist-out which is achieved by twisting hair, Bantu knotting it leaving it in overnight and fluffing out in the morning. The bigger the better!!!

4.       What has been the most significant change within yourself that you've noticed since going natural?  

I have noticed that I’m more outgoing and carefree. If I get caught in the rain, who cares??? ;)

5.       What do you love most about being natural?  

The flexibility that natural hair gives you is ongoing, as long as your hair is neat and clean, you can just about wear any style. 

6.       What are your must-have products? Any favorites that you cannot do without? 

My MUST HAVE products are Econ clear gel, for my slicked back pony puffs, Africa’s Best Curl Keeper, for twist outs and any twist or braided styles, Shea butter/olive oil mix, water is also a must, and my big stretchy bands…I could go on and on. :-)

7.        Finally, any advice you'd like to give to women who have just BC'd or are thinking of going natural? Please share :) 

If you are leery or afraid to show your natural hair, do your research online via Natural Hair Blogs, Natural Hair websites, and YouTube, you will see how natural women exude a beauty and confidence that’s like no other. If you have the guts to just go for it and cut it all off then GO FOR IT!! Otherwise, transition with braids, cornrow styles, or weaves. I also recommend that you see a natural hair stylist in your area for that first chop, that way you’ll get it right! Also, don’t worry about what people think of you, you are doing this for YOU and the well being of your hair, not for anyone’s approval. Be patient!!!! This is really important because everyone hair grows at a different pace, and we all don’t have the same hair texture. Embrace what you have and rock it!!! 

 MsButtahfly is also a HOT makeup artist. You can follow here here: MsButtahfly on Twitter, MsButtahfly on YouTube