1) Introduce yourself

My name is Tekita L. Williams. I am a divorced 42 year old who resides in Byram, MS. I’m a graduate of Mississippi State University where I received my Bachelor & Master degrees. I’ve been employed with Hinds Community College for almost 19 years. I’m an active member of the Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and I serve as the Nursery Ministry Administrator at my church, Greater Pearlie Grove M. B. Church and sing in the Mass Choir. I love children, love to sing, travel, shop, love listening to a variety of music, enjoy organizing things and value spending time with my family.

2) Describe the moment you were spotted by Hug My Hair.

I first met Jessica when she was a young girl at church. She quickly grew into a woman, went off to college then graduate school and I can remember when I noticed on Facebook she did the big chop and went natural. I decided to follow her journey when I noticed how BEAUTIFUL her hair was at every length. Every single picture she posted, was beautiful! She’s beautiful anyway, but her hair was ALWAYS styled so pretty. I can’t think of a style she’s done that I didn’t like. She has truly been blessed with the gift of styling natural hair. I also noticed how quickly her hair seemed to be growing so I became even more intrigued. At this time, I was in the process of “considering” going natural but I had stopped getting relaxers, I just wasn’t sure I wanted to do a big chop because I have always had long hair and I like my hair with length on me. I continued to follow her journey, reached out to her for hair tips and she became my inspiration for me to continue on my natural journey.She always gave me tips, suggestions, encouragement when I asked and has even styled my hair for me. I still have A LOT to learn about styling my own natural hair, but I LOVE being natural and I love this natural journey!!!

I can say that I have always embraced my natural hair. Initially, because I was working out 5 days a week, I wore braids or buns a lot only because of convenience. Plus, I wanted my hair to grow out more because as we all know, natural hair shrinks and I wasn’t used to my hair drawing up so short. So I had to get used to that on me, but I wasn’t trying to hide my hair nor was I ashamed of it, I just had to learn how to work with my hair in its natural state . I had my relaxed hair routine down to a science and wanted to have this natural hair on lock too! Once I learned that I could spray water on my hair mixed with an oil and go in the mornings if I wanted too, that was even more convenient for me. So I REALLY embraced it even more!

4) How would you describe your hair texture?

My hair is VERY THICK, but also very soft. I would say my hair is curly/coily I guess. I’ve never understood the high type thing I hear Naturals talking about. I don’t know what “type” my hair would be considered, but my roots are very straight and my curls/coils are very tight. However, the very back of my hair, the curls are very loose and if I brush my hair up, it looks bone straight while the rest of my hair has a wave pattern going around my head….LOL.

5) Tell us one “Do” and one “Don’t” for your hair type.

Well, like I just stated, I don’t know what my hair “type” would be in the natural world, but I have learned that my hair LOVES water and moisture. It will perk up and curl up immediately when I spray anything liquid on it. So I would say DO use a lot of water and keep your hair moisturized and trimmed. My “Don’t” for my hair would be not to let it dry after you shampoo/co-wash without detangling because it will tangle and fast and make you very frustrated trying to detangle it. I have to work fast because my hair has always tangled very easily even as a child.

I would tell them to be patient. Hair will grow, but you have to accept that your hair might not grow as fast or long as others. I would also tell them to never compare their hair to others. GOD gave us the head of hair and grade of hair HE wanted us to have. There is NOTHING we can do about what type/texture of natural hair we have. We have to embrace OUR HAIR and our texture whether it is curly, coily, kinky or as some might say nappy. It is what it is. LOVE what you have on your head and learn what works for YOU. All products and styles we MIGHT like just MIGHT NOT work for us and we have to be OK with that. Embrace what does work and enhance that!

6) What advice would you give to someone considering going natural?

I would tell them to be patient. Hair will grow, but you have to accept that your hair might not grow as fast or long as others. I would also tell them to never compare their hair to others. GOD gave us the head of hair and grade of hair HE wanted us to have. There is NOTHING we can do about what type/texture of natural hair we have. We have to embrace OUR HAIR and our texture whether it is curly, coily, kinky or as some might say nappy. It is what it is. LOVE what you have on your head and learn what works for YOU. All products and styles we MIGHT like just MIGHT NOT work for us and we have to be OK with that. Embrace what does work and enhance that!

Since I’m still trying to learn how to style my own natural hair, my favorite would be the puff. I Love pulling my hair up in a puff because it’s so easy and convenient. Not to mention, in the mornings I just spray water/oil on it and GO!! I also love wearing an afro. Since Jessica thought me how to do my afro, I LOVE rocking my big hair!!

8 ) How often do you wash your hair and what products do you use?

I co-wash and deep condition my hair weekly. I will shampoo it once or twice a month at the most UNLESS I feel I have product build up. Then I will shampoo it as I feel I need to. Whether I shampoo or co-wash, I always deep condition, put a plastic bag on it and sit under the dryer or use my thermal wrap. I also use a leave in conditioner. I LOVE shea moisture products and the coconut line by Proclaim. I also use coconut, argan & Jamaican black Castrol oil. I use all of these products regularly. But I am a product junkie so I will try anything to see if it will work for me.

I think my worse hair day was when I attempted to do a twist out on wet hair and didn’t know what I was doing. At that time, I hadn’t learned that my hair doesn’t dry well over night wet. I woke up with my hair just as wet as I went to bed the night before. I got ready to take my hair down and it was still very wet and it was time for me to leave for work. I was thinking, “Oh my Lord….what am I going to do with all of this hair because it looks a mess!!” THANK GOD for a band because I scooped it up in a puff and went on my way.

Twitter: @Japaaka Facebook: Tekita L. Williams Instagram: @Japaaka

11) Website/blog address (if applicable)

Not Applicable