40+ Naturals - Meet Marci!

Hey guys! I have not posted in about a week, things are wrapping up with school and I am super busy.
But please allow me to introduce our second 40+ Natural...Marci!

Marci, a lovely 42 year old natural, graciously agreed to do the interview and sent us some great pics of her hair. I think you will find that Marci is a wonderful inspiration and full of effervescence. Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes it takes a few "go's" to go natural and stay natural but when you do, it is so freeing!

When did you decide to go natural and what led to that decision?

This is my third attempt at going natural. This time is the final TIME! I am more relaxed when I am a natural. Curling irons or a flat iron is NOT my kind of thing. My natural is so much easier to style! I am not good at styling my hair. The very first time I went natural, was because my ex-husband told me I was his Jill Scott and he liked her look! I loved it. I was trying to get a new look with my natural and got a haircut! BIG MISTAKE!!!!! It was shoulder length, at that time. The stylist, (unfamiliar with natural hair), basically gave me a low cut fade. I ran back to a perm for fear of a TWA. (teenie weenie afro). The last time, I was so tired of the curling iron! This time, I ran back to my NATURAL, the hair that I am most comfortable with. Finally, I did the big chop and am happy with my look!

Did you transition or big chop to natural? How did you make that decision?

I did a little of a transition for 4 months. I went in for a big chop and have not turned back. It was easy, since this was my third time being a natural.

What are your favorite products and styles?

Miss Jessie Curly Buttercreme and Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme, Shea Butter, Darcy’s Botanicals- Madagascar Vanilla!

I wear twist outs or coil outs. I also love to make homemade concoctions with shea butter. I have one that has sheabutter, castor oil, honey and peppermint oil. My hair loves this!!!

Currently, I am using Kinky Curly Curling Custard. Or a co-wash and apply the Madagascar Vanilla.

If you just recently went natural, what were your expectations, fears, or concerns beforehand? How did you feel after you made the transition?

I was afraid that my hair wouldn't grow. This is my third time and I guess I didn't really pay attention to how my hair grew the last 2 times. I never did the Big Chop before- I would transition using micros, this is my first time doing the BC. I am loving my hair so much this time! and discovering all these cute ways to style my hair!

What have been the reactions from family, friends, co-workers, peers?

My mom has always wanted me to wear my natural hair. My co-workers are another story. I am the only black in the office out of 8 people. One of the guys always compliments my hair when I wear the flower. The women want to touch it. I am tender headed so that is a NO! I think that also might be a reason I went natural! One friend asked, ‘Why I don't want a perm?’ I told her I guess the same reason, you don't wear a natural!

What was it like to go to work after the change to natural?

I really didn't care what they thought- I love me! If they didn't like it, oh well! I am ME! and I love my hair!!!

What has been the most unexpected change since you’ve been natural?

That I would learn how to really STYLE it in a bunch of cute ways! I want a fro hawk! and I know I could rock it, once it grows out some more!

What advice would you give another 40+ woman wanting to go natural?

40 is about being fun, flirty, and fabulous! Go for it!

Fly over 40!

Lovely Fro with Flower:

Kinky Curly Curling Custard:

Cute Puff: