How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for about 12 years, but loced about six years ago.

Why did you decide to go natural?

My family has a history of thinning hair, so I decided I had better get ahead of the game and just go natural. I am a cosmetologist (20 years), and it started out as just something different to do. Since I had had every style in the world, it seemed natural to just give my hair a break.

How long did you transition?

Actually, I just cut it very short, and let it go, so the transition to natural wasn’t long. During the six years of being natural without locs, I would just wear it curly. I would press it, and it was to the middle of my back. When I started locing it, I started out with the double-strand twists because of the length. Everyone kept telling me I would have to cut it, but that is not necessary unless you have a relaxer or something. However, my hair is very slick, which made the locing process long. They kept coming undone when I would wash them, so I tied small knots at the ends. I love color, so the bleaching process dried them out enough to where they began to lock. This is what they looked like about eight months into locking:

They shrunk considerably, but I loved this length actually. I didn’t appreciate it when they were short because I was always looking at other people’s who were long, and they could do all sorts of styles with them. After mine grew down my back, I realized how much responsibility came with the upkeep and learned that, as with life, to be grateful for what I have and where I am because every stage has its pros and cons.

What is your favorite style?

I don’t have a favorite style. It just depends on what I am feeling. [Recently], I [had] them braided up, waiting to be taken down into a crinkle wave pattern.

Do you have any hair inspirations? And if so, who?

I love mature  locs such as Toni Morrison and Alice Walker. Their locs tell such stories.

Candi also runs a website, Single Mama Diva, which gives lots of helpful info and resources for single parents. Check it out by clicking here.

Jamie Fleming