Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, long or short, keeping your mane tamed can break the bank and eat up your free time! But for some, the price and effort to ensure your tresses stay in check is worth it. That’s why we’re spotlighting our readers’ coolest ‘dos. Do you pay a pretty penny or do you know how to handle your hair with frugality? Send your submissions to [email protected] for a chance to break down the cost of your coif.

NAME: Adrienne Porter

OCCUPATION/PASSION PROJECT: Citizen School Teaching Fellow at the Bronx Writing Academy

SIGNATURE STYLE: “Girl on fire”

PRICE TAG: $20 per month

DESCRIBE YOUR LOOK.

The “girl on fire” is a curly Afro dyed an orange-reddish color. It’s really bold and in your face like my big personality. I’m spirited, confident and I like to make people laugh. The title is so appropriate for my hair.

WHAT PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES DO YOU USE TO STYLE YOUR HAIR?

First, I start off with a wash and condition using V05. I apply the Shea Moisture Deep Treatment, and I let that sit in my hair for about a half an hour. I rinse it out, and then I shed it with a shedding lotion. I do a simple perm rod set and air-dry it over night. I take it out the next morning, separate the curls and pick my roots to get a lot of volume. I like it to appear bigger on the top and tapered in the back.

To maintain it, I wear a bonnet at night. I have a very busy schedule, so I like to get up, take off my nightcap, fluff my hair and be out of the door. After about a week in a half, I pin curl my hair, which gives it another style, because my curls are elongated by that time.

I love the “girl on fire.” It’s a really good protective style that allows me to embrace my length and try new things.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR NATURAL HAIR STORY.

I started in 2009, and then around 2012 I got tired of the natural to be honest. I went back to relaxers, but I missed the versatility of the curls so much that I transitioned back. I’ve been recently natural for two years now. Even from the beginning, I thought getting perms was some form of self-mutilation. I kept getting scalp burns and headaches. I decided to call it quits for good to have as healthy as a natural hair journey as I could. It’s worked out for me.

SHARE SOME HAIRSPIRATION.

If you don’t see the progress you think you should see, be patient and take care of your crown. Make sure that you have healthy hair, and it will definitely grow. Have fun. I love to try off-the-wall, funky colors. My original hair color is a dark brown, but I have worn blue, purple and green tresses. I enjoy experimenting with new shades – without causing damage (I color once or twice a year). So don’t be afraid to explore.

HOW CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

I’m @LOUBOU_BOO22 on Instagram.