My Hair Story Kimberly Nichole

Introduce Yourself…

My name is Kimberly Nichole, but everyone calls me Kimmie. I was born and raised in Southern California, but I have lived in NYC for 6 years now. I will ALWAYS consider myself a Cali Girl, but now I have a little bit of that Brooklyn swag! I am a 33 year old, Mental Health Counselor who works with mentally ill and formerly homeless youth and young adults.

Are you relaxed, natural, texturized or texlaxed?

I have been natural since 2011.

What’s your story, how did you get to where you are?

I was motivated to return to natural for several different reasons. I was sick and tired of how relaxers were damaging my hair/scalp. I used to get sores on my scalp and my hair was brittle, dry, and constantly shedding. I remember being in the beauty supply store with a relaxer in my hand and thinking, “NO MORE!”

I put the relaxer down, walked out of the store, and haven’t looked back since. I was also inspired by all the fly Naturalistas I saw around Brooklyn, but I was most inspired by my Curlfriend Ayana D. She made being natural look beautiful and she rocked her natural hair with confidence. It made me want to try it too!

What is your typical weekly regimen?

I deep condition my hair with a mix of organic coconut milk, banana, and warm organic honey. I use a self heating conditioning cap to make sure the nutrients really penetrate my hair. Then I wash my hair with Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle shampoo, and then I condition my hair with the same brand of conditioner.

I wash and condition my hair while leaning forward, so that it elongates my curls. I finger detangle my hair in the shower, rinse, then squeeze any excess water from my hair. I wrap my hair in an old clean tshirt using the “plop” method and let it dry for about 30 minutes. I then spritz my hair with a mix of distilled water, aloe vera juice*, tea tree oil* and peppermint oil*.

Once my hair is spritzed, I seal it with either macadamia nut oil or extra virgin olive oil*. I then twist my damp hair into medium sized twists using my homemade shea butter* twist pomade. I put on my silk bonnet and then I’m done for the night! In the morning I rub a small bit of macadamia nut/olive oil in my hands then I unravel my twists, fluff, and style. I give my hair another mist of the water/aloe vera juice* mix and then then leave my hair alone for the rest of the day. I sleep with a silk bonnet every night to maintain my style and spritz my hair twice daily. I like to wash/cowash my hair once a week.

Are you happy with your progress so far?

Transitioning was a bit rough in the beginning and I found that most natural styles did not turn out well on my transitioning hair. I rocked a bantu knot out and braids for months in the beginning.

I never did a “big chop”, but I did trim 2-3 inches every couple of months until only my new growth remained. I was so happy when I could finally do twists without the ends unraveling! Now I am absolutely in love with my hair! Every kink, every wave, and every curl is beautiful to me.

What is your signature style?

My signature style used to be a bantu knot out, but now my go to style is a twist out. I love the ease of the style and the curl definition I get.

How do you ensure that your ends are protected from the elements and your hands?

I deep condition on a regular basis, I moisturize daily, and I make sure to seal my ends to keep in the moisture. I also wear protective styles during the summer to give my hair a rest from styling.

Do you have a goal length or are you more concerned about the health of your hair?

I would love for my hair to be past my shoulders after shrinkage, but I’m more concerned about the health of my hair. As long as it remains healthy then I’m happy!

Is there anything that you hair hates?

My hair does not do well with too much protein.

Do you have any favorite products?

My favorite shampoo and conditioner is Trader Joe’s Tee Tree Tingle. My hair LOVES it. I also love Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Leave In Conditioner*. I use it with Kinky Kurly Curling Custard for my Wash & Go’s in the summer. I also use Cantu Shea Butter* Moisturizing Twist & Loc Gel for my twists whenever I am too lazy to make my own twist pomade. It really brings out my curl definition without leaving a build up on my hair.

Where can we find you online?

You can follow my hair journey on Instagram @kinky_kimmie