Traveling Haircare Welcomes: Charly!

Name: Charly (Charlene Abdullah)
* You can find her on YouTube as CharlyCheer!

Where are you from? Los Angeles California

How long have you been natural?

Growing up my mom always warned me of never perming my hair. Thankfully I listened to her and have never permed it. My mom however always straightened my hair so I’ve been used to having my hair straightened up until I was around 20-21. I’m now 24 (almost 25). From then I tried individual braids and then the curly fro look.

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1. Let’s talk about one of your most recent trips and your hair care regimen during!
(Feel free to name some of your favorite products)

My last trip was to Thailand and I stayed there for 2 weeks. My hair care routine was very simple. I woke up and my hair was ready! I think braids are a great travel style. 

2. Did you do anything differently for your regimen while traveling?

Because I was in the water everyday, I didn’t put any oils or anything special in my hair. Usually I grease my scalp daily or every few days. There really are no special products I’m attached to in my regular life so when I travel I just go with the flow and not stress over having a certain product within my reach.

3. What about your nighttime regimen?

At night I never wear a wrap on my head so I did the same while traveling.

4. We all know that when we had relaxers swimming was something you had to think twice about! Have you been out swimming at all? If so how did you prepare your hair?

Like I said, braids are the way to go! I swam everyday and didn’t have to do anything special to prepare my hair and afterwards I could wash my hair without having to follow up with having to comb my hair. I was able to enjoy my trip without thinking twice about my hair.

5. How do you wear your hair while you are on the plane?

When I’m on the plane I usually wear my hair down. If it’s in a ponytail I can’t put my head back comfortably. If I want to sleep I’ll make a very high bun with my hair so my head can rest back comfortably.

6. What are some complements you get on your hair while traveling (or even just around town)?

Many people want to touch my hair no matter the style it’s in. The unique thing about African hair texture is that in itself, it’s unique! We can do more things with our hair and wear many different styles that other groups can’t. Many people are very fascinated by the fact that it’s different. The time I get the most comments is when I wear a fro.

7. You just missed your flight but your entire luggage was checked. You must spend a night in a hotel. What essential products for skin and hair care is in your carry-on?

A small travel container of hair grease. (You can find great small travel containers at dollar stores).
Chaptsick (don’t forget to keep your lips moisturized). A small travel container of Jergen’s Shea Butter lotion. This is my go to product for my dry skin.

8. What do you love most about being natural? What annoys you?

I like that it makes me feel at home. Not many people can say they feel most comfortable in their natural state. When I was younger I could never leave the house with a fro out of embarrassment. Now, I’m confident and proud to have such a unique hair texture.

9. How has your style and hair care evolved since living in South Korea? How long do you plan on working in Korea ?

When I first arrived to Korea I wore a curly fro. Sometimes I made it more of a curly look than a fro and other days I made it more of a fro. Then it went home to visit family for a month and wanted a change so I got braids. After the braids I wore an actual natural fro then I decided to visit one of the African/Black hair shops here in Itaewon Korea. I decided to try something completely different and got a sew in weave which is what I’m currently wearing.

10. What has the reaction been to your natural hair in South Korea? Other countries you have visited?

In Korea, many people say it’s cool and like it. I get the most reactions with my fro. People are very curious if it’s my real hair or if it’s a wig and they want to touch it. When I wear braids people are shocked that I sit for hours to get it done. Overall the reactions about my hair have been very positive in South Korea.

The important thing to remember is that Koreans are very curious as you’re probably their first foreigner and black foreigner they’ve ever experienced in real life.