Keep It Kinky: Natural Hair and Beauty: "Elektrified" by Janae's Coloured Curly Hair

Name: Janae A*K*A Elektrik

From: Houston, TX

Natural Since: 2001

Occupation: Certified Nurse Assistant/Cosmetology Student

KiK: Why did you go natural?

Janae: Relaxers were never beneficial to MY hair. They didn't do anything a flat iron/hot comb couldn't do. I like change. Variety. So, natural hair only made since.

KiK: Well, I found you on YouTube because of your hair colouring vids but with so many naturals afraid of colouring, why did you start colouring your hair?

Janae: I am in LOVE with colors. They make me happy! LOL. The thought of changing my style by the simple choice of a hair color is a bonus.

Janae's multi-coloured curly hair

KiK: Have you experienced any damage?

Janae: Honestly, I have. But, that's part of my hair journey. I'm learning what works for the hair, what doesn't. What to look for to avoid damage or over processing. I Thank God there have been no major set backs, though.

KiK: What are your top 3 tips for maintaining healthy coloured hair?

Janae: Moisture/Protein Balance. Patience. Dedication. (Check out the video below where Janae shows how she treats her hair with protein protein treatment.)

KiK: OK. You also straighten your hair? How often do you do it? (and why)

Janae: Not very often. I try to wait for the weather to be right. I straighten my hair when humidity is low. We have a lot of humid days here in Houston, and there's no point in flat ironing the hair if it's just going to revert, in my opinion. With that being said, I flat iron maybe 4 times out the year, IF that.

KiK: Have you experienced damage from straightening?

Janae: I have recently. I let someone else flat iron my hair this time around, and there was no heat protectant involved. I noticed a few straight pieces in the crown area of my head, but they are trying to revert back, now.

Janae's Flat-ironed Natural Hair

KiK: So what do you say to people who say you aren't truly natural because you chemically colour your hair and straighten it?

Janae: When I refer to being "natural", I am referring to my natural wave pattern. If my natural curl pattern is still intact, I'm still naturally curly.

KiK: What advice do you have to women who want to go natural but always wish to wear their hair straight?

Janae: Use heat sparingly. I would recommend staying away from heat as long as possible, BUT if you JUST can't deal, No more than once a week. Deep condition often. Heat Protectant – Always.