The Co Report: Tell us about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Kaylen: My name is Kaylen Zahara. I am a model, reality TV Star, and self-help blogger from Southern California. My ethnicity is Jamaican, Creole, Native American, Caucasian, and African American and my curl pattern is just as mixed as I am!
TCR: When did you decide to go natural and why?
Kaylen: I decided to go natural in 2011 when I shaved all my hair off and rocked the amber rose look. I had no choice but to let my hair grow back & rock my natural hair. The grow out stage was dreadful, but my natural curl pattern grew on me & I’ve been rocking my curls ever since.
TCR: Being that you model, do you find it difficult to book jobs because of your curly mane or is it easier to get booked since natural hair is becoming more mainstream?
Kaylen: Being that I rock my curly hair, it can be a tad bit difficult to book mainstream gigs. Most clients are looking for the “American look” so either my ethnicity is a problem or my Afro hair look isn’t the look they are going for.
TCR: What’s your current hair regimen?
Kaylen: Right now my current hair regimen is staying away from heat. I’ve just recently decided to start having my hair conditioned and braided so I can wear some really cool & versatile wigs.
TCR: What are your must-have natural hair products/hair accessories?
Kaylen: When I am not braided or wearing a wig, my hair regimen consist of detangling in the shower, adding Shea Moisture leave in conditioner, Olive Oil Sheen Spray & some Glycerin.
Right now, my go to products are Manechoice hair growth pills and shampoo. I have yet to find a perfect hair conditioner that gives me curls the life they need but I will say, don’t sleep on Palmers Olive Oil products. They have a moisturizing hair milk product that my curls appreciate.
TCR: What has been the best compliment or most memorable moment as a natural?
Kaylen: I get ALOT of compliments on my natural curls. I don’t have any specific memories, but I will say, I never get complimented about my hair when it is straight. So that says enough.
TCR: Do you take extra precaution of the overall treatment of your tresses since it’s color treated?
Kaylen: Right now I am taking care of my hair. As I mentioned, I’ve been protecting my hair by taking necessary vitamins, trimming my ends, braiding my hair and even wearing wigs. I’ve always considered my hair “good hair” (in regards to how much heat & chemical it can take) so I dyed it constantly and put lots of heat in it & it turned out my hair isn’t as “good” as I thought.
TCR: Describe your hair in 4 words?
Kaylen: To describe my hair in 4 words… it would be unique, soft, thick, and amazing.
TCR: What’s the best benefit of being natural?
Kaylen: The best benefit of wearing your hair natural is not having to spend hundreds of dollars or more just to feel beautiful. It’s an effortless way of living.
TCR: Where can we keep up with you?
Kaylen: As always you can keep up with me on Instagram & Twitter @amazedbykay & be sure to check out my latest on self help topics at www.kaylenzahara.com
