This week, Ashley Carter from the popular beauty and natural hair blog Fab Ellis is sharing her natural hair journey with us. In this feature, she talks about transitioning, her least and most favorite parts about having natural hair, and great tips for beginners. We’re glad Ashley chose to chat with us and after reading this interview, we know you will be, too. Take some notes and share with your friends.

Name and where are you from?

My name is Ashley, but most online may know me as FabEllis.  I’m from Greensboro, North Carolina.

When did you go natural?

I went natural in February 2011 and I just celebrated four years of being natural!

Did you transition or did you big chop?  Why?

I transitioned for five months and then did the big chop in February 2011.  I decided to go ahead and do the big chop because I was having trouble blending my hair and didn’t want to risk heat damage on my natural hair.

What prompted you to go natural?

I decided to go natural after having a horrible experience with a keratin treatment.  I had been natural all of my life, but I mainly wore my hair straight.  I decided to try a keratin treatment as an alternative to a relaxer, but after a year, the keratin wouldn’t wash out of my hair and instead, it appeared like it was growing out at the root like a relaxer.  Since I wanted the option to wear my hair curly or straight, I opted to transition.

What is your favorite thing about being natural?

I love the versatility of natural hair.  From my natural curls to protective styles, I love it all!

What is your least favorite thing about being natural?

My least favorite thing about natural hair is the work that is involved.  I normally wear my hair short to minimize the work involved.

Did you experience any negativity regarding your decision to go natural?

Surprisingly, I did not receive any negativity on my decision to go natural.  My mother went natural before I did so she was very supportive.

What is your nighttime routine?

My nighttime routine is very simple.  I put on a satin bonnet and call it a night.

What advice can you give to anyone considering going natural?

My advice would be to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.  I have found so many women are pressured by friends or family to go natural, but it should be your own personal decision.  Also, I recommend finding a natural hair stylist to help you with the transition.

Who are your favorite natural hair bloggers/vloggers?

My favorite natural hair vloggers are Naptural85 and MahoganyCurls.

What is your regimen?

My natural hair regimen is pretty simple.  Once a week, I wash my hair, condition, deep condition for 30 minutes and then do the LOC method (liquid, oil and cream) and then two strand twist my hair.

What are your favorite products?

My favorite products are coconut oil, Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Cream.

What is your go to hair style?

My go to hairstyle is a twist out.

Where can you be found on social media?

Blog: http://www.fabellis.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamfabellis

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamfabellis

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamfabellis

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/iamfabellis

Any big plans for 2015?

My plans for 2015 are to take more risks with my hair, which I’ve already started by shaving my sides, and attending more natural hair events along the east coast.

We’re thankful that Ashley took out the time to chat with us. Found these tips helpful? Share them with your friends using hashtag #FlorBellaBoutique. Send an email to bellabonnets@gmail.com if you’d like to be featured next.