Rockin Naturals You May Not Know But Should: Kira

Posted on 01/10/2015 by naturallytash Leave a comment

Introduction

My name is Kira and I’m an actress living in Los Angeles, CA. I love music, filmmaking, traveling, and I have a vast interest in psychology and social issues. I recently started a grassroots organization called “Caught in the Mix,” which explores the issues multicultural and multiracial people face, and encourages self-acceptance. I am working on a couple of projects that will incorporate social awareness with my passion for acting, writing and directing. I always felt like I had a unique story to tell that other mixed race/culture people can relate to. Many of the ideas were spawned from a recent trip I took to South America.

Growing up in America, it is instilled in us at an early age that a major part of who we are is identifying with a race. I felt different and less-than since I didn’t identify with one race, and at times felt forced to choose. I never felt fully a part of anything. My mother is Ecuadorian and my father is a Black American (African, Cherokee Indian, and English ancestry), so I was raised in both -very different- cultures. It was a long journey towards self acceptance, and in developing confidence in my uniqueness. My hair had so much to do with it. I stopped relaxing it in 2009.

What or Who inspired you to go natural? Did you bc or transition?

My natural hair journey has been a long one because I experimented with keratin treatments and overly flat-ironed my hair during the beginning of my journey, which severely damaged it. So, I had to start all over. I didn’t want to do a big chop (although, thinking back I probably should have), so I just transitioned. I watched Taren Guy’s youtube channel and she inspired me to stay with it! Not gonna lie- I’ve been tempted to go back to keratin treatments before because I felt my hair was not acceptable in the industry I’m in. I was so wrong! I booked many national commercials since I’ve been wearing my hair naturally. Empowering to see natural haired black and mixed women being represented more and more in television and in movies.

I’ve been rocking my fully natural- non-relaxer,- non-BK treatment- no heat damaged- hair since August 2013. I finally got to see what my natural and healthy curl pattern looks like, and I love it!

Top three products and prices.

Eco Styler Gel: $4

Deva Curl Mister Right-second day curl revitalizer: $10

KinkyCurly Knot Today Detangler: $12

Fave go to hairstyle.

Wash and Go or Hair up in a Puff

If you had to give your hair a name what would it be?

Fluffy

Sum up your natural hair journey in three words.

Patience Persistence Love

Any advice to the natural newbies?

Keep going! The growing out process can be a pain, but don’t give up! Resist the temptation to straighten. If you get bored, try new styles like twists, braidouts, and buns. There are so many styles to choose from!

What was your favorite compliment someone has ever given you on your hair?

A young girl who follows me on instagram told me that my hair inspires her to accept her own. It was really touching for me to hear that I inspire young girls to love themselves and their hair no matter what.

If you could only watch one natural hair vlogger on youtube who would it be? why?

I started this journey because of Taren Guy’s positive influence, so I will continue to support her and what she does. She is inspiring in so many ways aside from just hair alone.