Featured Natural: Jamila Reddy of For the Fabulous and Frugal

Meet Jamila Reddy of For the Fabulous and Frugal! (Formally College Curlies) 

PC: What is your name, age, and how long have you been natural?

J: My name is Jamila, I'm 23 years old, and I've been natural a little over four years. 



PC: Why did you decide to go natural?
J: I made the transition my first year of college-- a time when I was discovering a lot about myself and trying to find my place in this big ole wonderful world, and I realized that who I saw on the outside didn't reflect what I felt on the inside, so I made the transition and never looked back! 


PC: How do you feel about your hair?
J: I love it! It's like family. Even when it acts up, you know it's yours, and you love it anyway. :) 


PC: What products do you use?
J: Here's my Current Product Rotation:

Shampoo - Shea Moisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo
Conditioners - Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration, Aussie Moist
Deep Conditioner - My At Home Mix (Conditioner, Honey, Oils)
Moisturizer - Still searching for the perfect leave-in... my favorite right now is LUSH R&B, but it's so expensive... I need some help!
Sealant- Raw Shea Butter & Coconut Oil 


PC: What is your hair care routine?
J: It's not as constant these days as I'd like for it to be, but recently I've been doing the following sad little simplified version of my typical regimen: Once a week I co-wash, detangle, and style my hair in two-strand twists or bantu knots, wear twist out styles until the end of the week, and then repeat.   


PC: What are your favorite hairstyles?
J: The Bantu Knot Out is my most recent favorite style. I'm a huge fan of big hair, but I typically wear my twist-outs as simple updos with fun accessories. One style I really love is the curly twists--it's great protective style that I get tons of compliments on whenever I wear them.

Updo with a bow

Bantu knot-out

Twist-out

  Curly mini twists 



PC: What has been the hardest part of your natural hair journey?
J: The hardest part of my natural hair journey would have to be finding out what really works for me. There's so much information out there, but I had to learn the hard way that two heads of hair are the same. Finding out what my hair likes (products, routines, just the right amount of management) really took a lot of trial and error, which of course, takes a lot of patience and money...and I'm still figuring some of those things out now. 


PC: What was your proudest natural moment?
J: My mom and my sister (and two of my closest friends) all went natural shortly after I did. I love that I was able to inspire them to do so!

PC: What tips/suggestions do you have for other naturals?

J: I say it all the time, but I believe it through and through: I believe that natural hair is for everyone. That being said, at the end of the day, hair is just hair. Regardless of what your hair looks like, it's you... and because it's you, it's beautiful!



I just love Jamila's styles! So cute and versatile! I especially love how she inspired her mom, sister, and friends to become natural! Thank you so much for allowing me to feature you on my blog. Jamila's blog is one of my favorites! Check out For the Fabulous and Frugal here!