Name: Zondra Hughes

Occupation: Deputy Editor of Rolling Out and creator of SixBrownChicks, a daily relationship blog for women.

Resume: Worked six years as an associate editor for Ebony. Was a driving force as editor at N’Digo magapaper, the largest urban upscale alternative weekly newspaper in Chicago before taking on the position as Deputy Editor of Rolling Out. Penned her first novel, The Mood Lounge, that was published in 2007. In 2010, she released a memoir based on her experience at Ebony, Living the Ebony Life: Emails from the Plantation.

Education: Master’s degree in journalism with honors from Iowa State University.

Ever been introduced to or met someone, and instantly, you knew you could be great friends with that person?

Zondra Hughes is that sistah!

The media maven–aside from being personable, outgoing, and funny–is honest, raw, and does not hold her tongue; so you know she’s going to serve it to you straight. Now, isn’t that what we all want in a best girlfriend?

A girl’s girl who loves fashion, makeup, and hair, I recently had the opportunity to do a Q & A with Zondra about her experience as a natural hair diva, and she was more than happy to share.

As a professional in the media industry, were you hesitant to wear your hair natural?

Yes, there is hesitancy, to wear natural hair, because the Black woman’s hair is still a political hot potato. Can you imagine our First Lady with an Afro? If she rocked one, the media would turn her into a renegade woman, no matter her message.

Do you think we’ll start seeing more Black female reporters/anchors/TV personalities wearing their natural hair?

I hope so, if the natural look trend is to catch on in the network news arena, it would have to be ignited by a powerful, surprising source.

Why did you decide to go natural, and how lond did you transition?

[I haven’t had a perm] in years, so I’ve been natural for a long time. I left the perm alone many years ago because I was in grad school in Iowa and didn’t know anyone who could do my hair. Necessity brings you back to natural, every time!

I transition all the time. When I wear it straight for the Six Brown Chicks show, it’s a blow dry style.  I color my hair, so when I want to condition my hair and give it a break from the blow dry process, I wash it and use Miss Jessie’s curly pudding. I prefer the kinky look for sure.

How did you style (wear) your hair before starting your natural hair journey?

I used to love that weave. Love it, love it. I wore my hair Wendy Williams style Savvy Sistah!

Why do you think so many Black women are making the decision to rock the hair God gave them?

This may sound weird coming from a bottle blonde, but hear me out: We are embracing our natural beauty. We are rebelling against the messages that have told us for so many years that we are unattractive. We know we’re beautiful, we feel it. Some of us have always been emboldened by this knowledge of self-beauty, others have slowly grown to know it’s true. As for myself, my natural hair color is a dusty brown. I wear bronze, gold, blonde highlights to wake up my look. I know the hair color is glamour, not a cry to be something I’m not.

How do you feel about Black women who speak negatively about the natural hair community?

I am proud to admit that I have never heard an ill word spoken about Sistahs who rock their natural hair. I am surprised to know that some chicks would have a problem with it.

Women love my natural look.

Did any of your family members or friends react negatively when you began your natural hair journey?

Someone on my husband’s side once told me that I should stop blow drying my hair and get a perm. This person also told me that I would be a cuter person if I stayed out of the sun; nevertheless that advice went unheeded as well.

I applaud you for taking the high road. Comments like that should never be entertained. This takes me to my next question. You give a lot of relationship advice through hosting relationship panels and through your daily relationship blog SixBrownChicks. What advice do you offer women who feel like men will not approach them, find them attractive, or that their men will leave them if they wear their natural hair?

I can tell you that when I wear my hair natural, men do not, have not, and I can say comfortably, will not approach me. However, my fellow chick Yanni, who wears ‘locs, has men throwing roses at her feet. A man will not leave you over your hair style if he loves you. I encourage you to change your style often, surprise him, and let him wonder which “you” will come home.

That’s wonderful advice. Always keep them guessing! How does your husband feel about your natural hair? Does he like to play in it?

[He's] just excited to see me come back to his ass every day. I could wear a paper bag on my head, he wouldn’t care, he’s just happy that once again, I have graced him with my presence.  And no one touches the hair. He knows the rules, dammit.

That right is reserved only for the hairstylist. Have you been able to find a stylist who can work with your hair in its natural state?

My stylist Telena always cares for my hair, especially since I color it. Telena styles me every two weeks, when I let go of the blow dry, she deep conditions it and sets it with the Miss Jessie’s. She loves the transition.

As a natural-haired woman, what’s more important to you: length or health?

Health. You can buy length anytime.

So true!

You recently posted on Facebook, “Nappy girls rock!” What do you love most about being natural?

That you can wake up and be BEAUTIFUL! That you can jump in the shower or the pool and not have to worry about “sweating out” your blow dry.  How can that NOT rock? How can you NOT love that?

Do you have a hair regimen that you’d like to share?

Always wear your baby-hair ladies, keeps you young and innocent looking. Men tend to trust women with baby-hair; win his trust, and then you can strike when his guard is down.

What hair products do you use? Any staples that you just can’t do without?

Miss Jessie’s deep penetrating conditioner, Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue. When I blow dry, it’s all about Mizani.

Do you think the natural-hair movement is a “fad?”

No, never.

Besides having fabulous hair, your skin always looks radiant, and your make-up is flawless. Care to offer any make-up tips or share some of your favorite makeup products?

I am a Fashion Fair Lady! I love the bronzers and the lip glosses. My best tip is to never leave the house without your concealer, even if you’re just retrieving the mail.  Everyone has a cell phone and they are quick to snap your photo, and then you’ll appear on terrible sites, such as People of Walmart.

What’s next for Zondra Hughes?

The Urban Flirt, we pick up where networking leaves off.

I’d like to thank Zondra once again for chatting with The Savvy Sistah. To learn more about Zondra, go to her website, or you can keep up with her busy world by following her on Twitter: @ZondraHughes.