My name is Rii Fitzgerald. I live in Maryland. I am married with two children. I am a VP for a financial services firm. My major interests are reading (preferably mysteries and suspense), crossword puzzles and logic problems (gotta keep the brain firing on all cylinders), shoes (stilettos to be more specific), mustangs (I own two), and sports (of any kind…ESPN rules my life).
I’ve been natural for 22 years. I cut my hair when I was pregnant. I couldn’t bare to have photographs taken in the hospital with my hair ALL over my head. I was always fearful that people would look at pictures and think…here’s a beautiful newborn, gosh the mother looks like labor was tough… lol
How did you transition (or did you BC)?
There was definitely a big chop! I buzzed it all off, but as a rebellious college student, it wasn’t as courageous as it sounds. I simply figured it was a distraction and I didn’t need it.
What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?
I faced more challenges when I wore it bald, than now with my locs. I wore it bald in the early 90’s before it was a cool thing to do. Since every challenge is an opportunity, it became the first step in my journey of really figuring out who I was, and how I would like to be seen by the world. Growing locs was simply the next step in that evolution. Each phase of a loc journey teaches you something new about yourself, its up to you to be self aware enough to recognize the lesson taught.
How do others respond to your hair?
People love love love my hair! From all cultures and walks of life. It’s such a positive experience to serve as motivation for others. Its also an honor when people who aren’t familiar with locs ask questions. People think questions are taboo so they never really feel 100% comfortable inquiring, but I think its nice when people think you’re approachable enough to ask.
What’s your go-to style?
Two strand twists! You can never go wrong with two styles in one. Professionally, I feel my appearance is very important so I stick to a three week loc maintenance schedule. Typically at the halfway mark, I unravel the twists for an entirely different look.
I’m not a product junkie because my hair is professionally maintained, but my guilty pleasure is SeaBreeze. I love the way it makes my scalp feel. My spray my roots at night and cover my locs, in the morning my scalp feels refreshed.
What piece of advice would you share with someone who is just starting out?
Every journey is different yet beautiful, so be patient. My hair is very strong and resistant so what it takes for my hair to look great may not be what it takes for someone else. Your journey is YOUR journey enjoy every moment.
Who is your hair crush?
Easy, @Ladiswag55 on Instagram. I have serious loc envy!!!
What is your social media contact info?
Instagram: @MissRii