Aevin Dugas
When the 2012 edition of the Guinness World Records was announced, one category literally stood above all others.
Aevin Dugas, a native of New Orleans, was crowned the record-setter
for the world’s largest Afro, the first time the record has been
recorded. Her Afro measures out to a 4-foot, 4-inch circumference and is
as big as a disco ball.
Since the announcement,
Aevin’s life has turned from working gal to
world-traveling speaker, encouraging other women to go for the gold, or
at least to go natural!
We caught up with her and got the scoop on how she keeps her curls so
healthy, how long she has been growing out, and much, much more!
Patience, Conditioning and Creativity!
How long have you been natural and how did you wear your hair before you did so?
I’ve been natural for 12 years. I wore my hair in relaxed various styles before.
What was your transitioning process like? What spurred the change?
I transitioned for a year—getting my hair braided, rodding, etc.
Then, after a year, I was comfortable with my length, so I finally cut
the ends off. It was easy once I figured out how to style it, and then I
was ready for the big chop.
What is your current regimen and what are you go-to products?
My regimen is pretty simple. I shampoo with Suave Clarifying, then
follow with Suave Almond and Shea and Garnier Fruictis Triple Nutrition.
Then I condition with Aussie Moist, Garnier Fructis Triple nutrition,
Pantene Nature Fusion Moisture Balance, Pantene Beautiful Lengths and
Dove Intense Moisture. During the week I work out, so I leave the
conditioner in and put my hair up into a donut or a French braid. Then
by Thursday, if I have plans for the weekend, I’ll rinse the
conditioner, shampoo again with the Triple Nutrition and then style.
Believe it or not, I use a lot of over-the-counter products. One of my favorites is Aussie 3 Minute Miracle!!
So many women struggle with the grow-out process: breakage,
shrinkage, moisture, and even lack of ideas for hairstyles! How did you
handle those issues?
Back then, there weren’t any sites that I knew of to help or offer
advice, so I had to be creative. For styles, I would just think of a
style and try it, and luckily it would always come out cute! Thank
goodness!
What are your go-to hairstyles, and how do you get your signature ‘fro?
My go-to hairstyle is either a donut, French braids or a two-strand
twist. As for my afro, in the winter is the best time to wear it! My own
personal earmuffs!
I shampoo, condition then put it into two French braids. Let them air
dry, then take them loose, add a little moisturizer, then pick them out
one at a time. I spray a little water on it to shape it to my liking.
How do people react when you wear your Afro?
They love it, want to touch it and take pictures of it!
What advice would you give women who are just beginning their own natural hair journey?
Patience, deep conditioning and creativity!
#Shared from
