FAQ with Nedjetti...

Q. I'm interested in going natural, can you explain the transitional process in going from a relaxer to natural?

A. Welcome home and embracing your beautiful God-given texture is truly a remarkable experience. When a person has come to the realization that being natural is the greatest freedom s/he can experience, the next step is removing the relaxer by cutting it off. First, I suggest wearing box braids extensions for 2 months at a time for about 6 months (to prevent hair loss). Within 5-6 months you have the option to cut (some cut it off sooner, it's a preference) off the relaxer and sport an Afro of about 2 inches. Another option to wearing braids is to cut the relaxer out to your TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) after 2-3 months from your last re-touch, your hair may be less than 1 inch.

Remember hair averagely grows about ¼ inch per month and everyone has their own growth speed,therefore try not to compare your growth to another. The amazing treat about having coily hair is with only 1 inch of hair, wearing comb coil twists to the afro twist out is a wonderful option and as your hair grow, the more hairstyles options you'll have. Remember, hair growth depends on your mental thought process (think positively), genetics and nutrition. Be sure to visit a natural hair care salon that caters to natural hair care.

Q. What are some basic maintenance tips for natural hair and locs??

A. Maintenance on natural hair and Earthlocs takes place on a monthly basis. I shampoo the client's hair also giving a steam treatment and to style the hair, I use a clear non-alcohol gel throughout the hair, nothing heavy which clog the pores or that leaves flakes. The same process is used when giving maintenance to Earthlocs. The difference is I'm not combing through the hair, as I must do to style un-loc natural hair. Earthlocs are twisted in a clockwise position using a comb.

To reduce pain and hair loss, natural should always be damp when styling including loc maintenance. If a person doesn't want to loc, I suggest not keeping any hairstyle in longer than 4 weeks because the hair will begin to bud reacting to the natural process of locing. After the hair is styled, a rayon or silk scarf should be worn nightly and the hair and scalp should be moisturized with a product containing natural ingredients as needed.

Q. A moment off the subject, I hear you're related to Comedian Steve Harvey. Is that true?

A. Yes, we're paternal 2nd cousins, although I mostly use Nedjetti in my line of business, Harvey is my last name. We met briefly at the Essence Awards (Apr. 2001, I look forward to our paths crossing again). Can't you see the resemblance (smiling)?