Hello, My name is Markisha; however, I love to be called Kish! I am from Detroit, MI but I’m currently a college student residing in Lansing, MI. I am also a dance teacher and choreographer!
My natural hair journey has been an emotional roller-coaster! Initially, I wanted to wear my natural hair because wearing weave just didn’t feel right, physically or emotionally. I felt fake and it itched like crazy! My hair was already color damaged and wearing weave (sew-ins, glue-ins”> made it worse. I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin, wearing my own hair (not to mention I was in love with Corinne Bailey Rae’s hair!”>.
I had just graduated high school and was finding out who I was and who I wanted to be like. The person I wanted to be like was… ‘Me’! I tried to fit it in and be like everyone else but it didn’t work. I loved to be like me more.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
My signature style is the twist out using perm rods! It lasts me for a week and is very easy to do! I do love rod sets as well!
How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as wild and free! On a serious note, my hair is a mixture of dense, curly, kinky strands that are easy to manage.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products”>?
- I rinse/cleanse my scalp once a month with Apple Cider Vinegar
- I co-wash my hair every week with Aussie Moist Conditioner
- I apply SheaMoisture Reconstructing Leave In Conditioner after the co-wash
- I do about 13 to 14 medium twist in my hair using Aloe Vera Gel
- I take down in the morning and pick and fluff until my hair is massively rude! lol
- If my hair appears dry I may rub some coconut oil over it, also for added shine.
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 8 years going on 9!
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I transitioned for 2 years wearing braids and twists. My hair was so damaged from color on top of color on top of relaxers! I hated to look at my hair, something had to give! After 2 years of wearing the braids, I cut all the relaxed ends off which left me with just above shoulder length hair.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love that it’s not too thick and it’s not too thin. It’s somewhere chillin in the middle.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I love to see little/young girls who I inspire to wear their natural hair. I wish that I had the pleasure of being natural all my life, however that wasn’t so. I struggled with damaged hair during high school and it was very frustrating at times. So when I see young girls who would rather learn about their real hair other than wearing weave all the time, it really does bring me joy!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
For the most part everyone in my family appears to love my natural hair. They say it fits me and my personality. There was a time this man came up to me and said “Do you EVER do your hair?” lol rude, right?! I laughed and said “nope! No time for ignorance sir, Good day!”
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTubers, or blogs?
I literally have a million favorites! A few of them include Taren916, and My Natural Sistas
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
“Hair typing” shouldn’t divide a community that was built to bring us together!
Where can people find you for more information?
You can reach me @thekishshow.
This post was written by Global Couture for CurlyNikki.
