• Sophisticates Blach Hair

SBH: What was behind the decision to release a solo CD?

C: Any other time before, when my group member (Left Eye) was still alive, it just felt like we were still together. It didn't feel right to release solo music. So I think it's just my time now.

SBH: What have you found is different about making music as a solo artist versus working with a group?

C: Well, you're in control of everything. You don't have to talk to your sisters. I don't record a song I don't like and when I go in there and sing, it's just me. I'm enjoying myself.

SBH: What kind of sound should fans expect on this album? Is it different than previous things we've heard from TLC?

C: Oh yeah, absoulutely. I mean, I haven't gone too far left where my fans can't identify with me. They're going to know it's Chilli, but whats different is its just me.

SBH: Are you going to continue to make music with T-Boz as TLC?

C: We talk about that, and we want to make another TLC record. I figure as long as we can get up there and dance our butts, sing, not pass out, and still look like we're in our 20s, I'm not stopping. When I start looking 45 when I'm 60, then I would be like "OK, let me do something else now.

SBH: To what do you contribute your longevity in the music industry?

C: I think we have always touched on issues that people can relate to. We've always represented girl power-being independent and doing your thing. This is how we live, down to my last relationship. I get constant questions like "Why don't you take him back?" He's just a regular guy. If the person is not gonna make you happy, I don't care what they do, how they look. Move on until you find the perfect person for you.

SBH: Sounds like you take your responsiblilty as a role model very seriously.

C: Oh girl, yes! I feel like we don't have proper role models. So when I come out with my new music i want to talk to the girls and my fans, help work on self-esteem and loving themselves. Once you do that, your whole attitude changes about everything you do in life. I can't get out there and preach this stuff to them if i'm not living like that. So girl I'm on a mission.

SBH: Well, you've also served as a style role model-especially with your lengths. How would you describe your hair now?

C: It's wash-and-go. My hair, theres 3 different things going on: it's straight at the root, then its wavy, then it'll do a little Shirley Temple curl at the end.

SBH: How do you deal with all 3 textures?

C: I live by Paul Mitchell mousse, the one with conditioner. If I want my hair to be a little curlier, I will use the diffuser and "hang" upside down until it dries.

SBH: How is it cut right now?

C: Actually my son wants my hair down to my butt, so I told him to compromise, it's an inch or two above. I'm really just letting it grow. I have a few layers in the front, but they're long layers so when I get roller sets, it looks pretty.

SBH: Longer lengths seem to be your signature style. Can you tell us about being a long-hair girl?

C: Yeah! I think you have to figure out what's more becoming to you. Like with Halle Berry, I think she's most beautiful with short hair. I think longer hair is my thing. I'm gonna wear it long like this as long as I can.

SBH: Have you ever had a day when you've been tempted to cut it all off?

C: Never. It's funny. I remember once I had really bad split ends. I wasn't taking care of my hair and I had to 2 or 3 inches cut off. When fans would come up to me, the first thing they would say wouldn't be "hello" but "Oh my God, you cut your hair."

SBH: So, have you learned to be better about getting your trims and taking care of your hair?

C: Yes. I get a trim once every 8 weeks. I love Aphrogee; it's a protein treatment. I try to do it once every 2 months because I also have color.

SBH: What kind of color are you wearing?

C: It's an auburn color. My hairstylist has been coloring my hair for about 3 years, so it looks better as the years go by because you can never duplicate the the colors. It's just a million colors now- but mixed in.

SBH: Tell us about how you use rod sets to accent your texture.

C: I just get a roller set and sit under the drier for 2 hours. At night, I do the pin curls; I section my hair off and roll it with my fingers. It'll last for 4 days and after that I have to wash it because it starts to get heavy.

SBH: We know you're loving the long, curly look, but do you ever wear your in hair in updos?

C: I'll sleek it up in a ponytail and just wrap it around. I like the side part swooped back into a ponytail. When I wear it curly, I would just swoop it all up in a ponytail but it's more like a bun. It kind of looks like a croissant! I wet a brush and slick it back. I'll use some of the Paul Mitchell mousee so it doesn't get frizzy.

SBH: What's your favorite look to sport when performing?

C: I have to do the more natural look because when you're on the stage, you're sweating. If I try to go straight or do a roller set, I'm gonna sweat it out and it's gonna curl up anyway.

SBH: Is that all your length we're seeing or do you ever use extensions?

C: I have never, ever had extensions. I don't have a perm, nothing. The only thing I do have is color. So it's always been my hair.

Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine March 2006 ||

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