The Kinky Khronicles: TKK Natural Hair Spotlight-CaShawn Thompson

Loc Rockin'

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is CaShawn & I am from Washington, DC.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since 2004. I got my last relaxer in February of that year. I Big Chopped a year later, then I loc’d my hair in August 2005. I picked my locs out in September 2010 & have been a loose natural since then.

Why did you decide to go natural?

I got that last relaxer the day before my wedding. It burned my scalp and I was very irritated on my “big day” because of it. I decided then that it just wasn’t worth it anymore. So I started my journey to natural that day and never looked back.

Textured 'fro from a chunky twist out

What is your hair type and how would you describe it (kinky, curly, wavy, spirally, etc)?

My hair is coily-kinky. I’m definitely 4A.

What is your hair care regimen?

I shampoo my hair every other week, and co-wash as needed in between. I do an avocado pre-poo treatment once a month to keep my hair (named “Cookie”) soft and happy. Yes, my hair is very happy!

What are your favorite hair products?

Dr.Bronner’s Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap (peppermint) for shampoo, Tresseme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner, Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner are all my favorite basics. I rarely stray away from these products now. My favorite styling aids are Oyin Handmade’s Burnt Sugar Pomade, Shine & Define, Juices n’ Berries moisturizing spritz and their Hair Dew. I use EcoStyler Styling Gel and Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk as well. My favorite natural oils are coconut oil, castor oil and apricot kernel oil. I’ve had great results with these products.

Cashawn & Cassandra-protective styling

What has been your experience as a natural? Good, bad, or ugly? How has it affected you?

I haven’t had any negative experiences with my natural hair. I come from a family of naturals (both my parents are long-time Loc Rockers), and I started using relaxers relatively late at age 14. I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with natural hair, but I did have to learn to do it myself once I went back to it. Most of my friends are Naturalistas and so is my teenage daughter. I do wonder if it made a difference while I was on my job hunt recently. I was made offers for jobs when I interviewed wearing a wig or a weave. Others when I went with my own hair out, I didn’t receive any offers. Kind of hard to tell, but I guess that’s just the way things can go at times.

What is an important piece of advice you would give to a newly natural?

My motto is “I am inspired by many heads of hair, but I aspire to none but my own.” When Newbie Naturalistas start out, they have this vision of what their hair will look like, mostly coming from what they see on the heads of their favorite celebrity Naturalista or Youtube personality. I think the ladies should give their own hair a chance to show them who they are and work with that. Get to know YOUR hair through trial and error with products, techniques and styles, so you can formulate realistic expectations as to what your hair can do. It will take some time and maybe even some help, but you will get to a place where you love and respect your hair for what she can do and be. Happy Hair!

Do you have a blog, vlog, or website where we can find you?

I can be found at www.dirtyprettythangs.com and www.twitter.com/thepbg

Final thoughts or words of wisdom?

Name your hair! I believe the act of Naturalistas personifying their hair lends itself to developing a relationship with it. “She” is somebody that you want to love and take care of the best you can. I know it sounds silly, but I think it works!