Linzz Bantu Knot Out
This is my second feature of the L4L Hair Share series, a young woman to whom I was introduced thru my good friend Carmelita (@DrMystique12). We were chatting on the phone and she told me about a new Instagram follower of hers who had complimented her natural hair. Carmelita was humbled because in her words “Her hair is amaaaazing and she’s talking about MY hair?” Immediately I asked for the username (@PrincessLinzz) and started gushing right along with her after seeing Linzz’s hair! There are two things I appreciate most about Linzz – she supports and appreciates beautiful healthy hair, no matter what the length or state. It is quite common for her to leave an encouraging comment on my hair pics and it doesn’t matter that my hair is relaxed and hers is natural (a girl after my own heart!). Secondly, I really admire Linzz’s commitment to healthy eating both for body and hair reasons, on her Instagram account you will find green smoothie recipes and photos of her water intake intermixed with her gorgeous hair photos, which reminds me that your hair journey isn’t JUST about taking care of your hair. So without further adieu, meet Princess Linzz!
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for over 12 years. However, I just figured out how to take care of my hair in 2010. I watched youtube videos, following some of the natural hair greats like EmpressRi and LeoBodyC5 and I also followed the Long Hair Care Forum, religiously.
If you had a relaxer at any point in your life, what influenced your decision to stop relaxing your hair?
I had relaxers on and off throughout my life. I would grow them out in high school and then once my hair got longer I would relax it again. But my hair would constantly break in the nape area. I grew tired of the same results and started using relaxers for kids. At first they worked for my hair and then again the nape breakage. I just realized that my hair could not take the process any longer. I can’t even wear braids/extensions, my hair has a mind of her own and is very meticulous.
Straightened Hair, Fluffed
How long did you transition and please describe your process (braids, weaves, straightening, low mani styles)?
I transitioned for about 1 year, I could never do the big chop. However, I admire women that are brave enough to do it.
Have you always had long hair? If not, what would you say helped you retain the most length?
Growing up people always said I had long hair and what I perceived as long hair. I would say it was about apl length. It’s funny because in high school when I would grow out my relaxer I would slick my hair in the front back and where a fake ponytail which I always wore in a bun. Everyone thought my hair was real and then after months of wearing it, I finally stopped and had serious growth. I bet it was because I never had the chance to manipulate my hair as it was tucked away. But then I would relax it again, and there would go the breakage because I admit I didn’t know how to care for it. Relaxers DO NOT cause breakage, PEOPLE DO, you have to learn how to care for your own hair.
Are you on a “healthy hair journey”? If so when did it begin?
I really don’t like to say I’m on any journey because when I grew out my relaxer years ago it wasn’t a journey I was just tired of having broken off hair. I will however say that I am longing for more length, I really want to be full waist length and ultimately tailbone length. I know that it is possible as some of my favorite hairgurus’ hair is at this length. I would LOVE to be mid-back length curly, I would absolutely love it! And I also blow dry my hair straight occasionally. I am not a natural that doesn’t believe in using heat or anything like that. However, I do not believe in excess. Straightening your hair excessively, like doing anything excessively will give you horrible results. Everything in your hair regimen and in your life period has to be balanced. Too much of anything is never good.
Please describe how you began your fitness/healthy living journey and how it plays a role in your hair regimen.
Well I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I fluctuate constantly. I have started working out again both in and out of the gym. The sweating I do, definitely wakes up the follicles and pumps circulation throughout my scalp. I drink a lot of water which also helps with hair growth and a healthy scalp. I incorporated juicing into my daily schedule. I drink my PrincessLinzz’s B’s in The Trap Juice (the recipe can be found here) faithfully. The green vegetables have definitely added strength to my hair. My skin is much more supple and soft.
Linzz’s Natural Texture
What is your current hair regimen?
My regimen is very simple. I co-wash with a moisturizing conditioner every two days. I am a wash-n-go kind of girl so this is what works for me and it always has. I deep condition with a moisturizing deep conditioner 1 week and then the following week I deep condition with a light protein conditioner (I am protein sensitive). I always follow-up with a moisturizing conditioner right after I complete my protein deep treatment.I alternate with these two types of conditioners to keep my hair balanced, this way my hair doesn’t have too much protein or too much moisture. I am guilty of over moisturizing, over-steaming my hair and overuse of protein. BALANCE is the key to ANY REGIMEN! Trust me when I say this.
Any favorite products?
Ebony, I’m glad you asked. You KNOW I’m going to say Aussie Moist 3 Minute Deep Conditioner. I buy 4 at a time because for some reason this product never stays on the shelves. I even know the Walgreens shipment date in my neighborhood! Another product is Curl Junkie’s Curl Rehab Conditioner and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner. You will always find 3 or 4 bottles each of these items in my house. I am really feeling Dr. Miracles Strong Hold Gel which has given me awesome 4th day hair…yes FOURTH DAY!
Straightened Texture
How can we keep up with you and your beautiful hair?
My instagram name is @princesslinzz. I love answering questions about hair and just discussing it all day long. Thank you Ebony for asking me to be on your wonderful blog! xoxo
Thank you Linzz for agreeing to be an L4L Hair Share feature!
Texture On The Runway!
