Please introduce yourself?
My name is Filsan Abikar, (pronounced like Wilson with an ‘F’, haha) but everyone calls me Philly.
What is your current hair regimen?
To be honest its a lot of shake-and-go’s in the morning. I use extra virgin olive oil as a treatment for my hair a few times a month, aside from that I avoid washing my hair often and stripping natural oils from my curls. I use Sebastian Drench as a conditioner and use nothing else on my hair.
When you travel how do you care for your hair?
I bring A LOT of conditioner. Haha, my hair needs to be large and fluffy.
How would you describe your hair type?
My hair gets tangled easily and is extremely voluminous.
What type of products work best for your curls?
I’ve tried products for ‘sisters’ and ‘African women’ but to be honest my hair reacts best to something with added moisture. And when I use natural products I’m using NATURAL stuff. eg. Extra virgin olive oil, mayo + eggs as deep treatment.
When did you first decide to go natural or have you been a curly girl all your life?
My mother kept my hair braided and long as a child. She cared for it, and taught me to do the same.
Did you ever struggle with curly girl insecurities? If so, what helped you adjust to your naturally curly hair over the years?
Yes! I hated my hair for years. I would constantly straighten it and damage it. As a child, I was told I wasn’t black because I had ‘good hair’. I don’t believe in the concept of ‘good hair’. As an African woman, I felt half my identity was being black. As I grew into my teen years I started conforming and being attracted to ‘stereotypical’ beauty. Something we all know is based on the white middle aged male perspective. Then it hit me… why go through all that trouble to be the ideal for someone other than myself?
What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
My hair is an extension of me. My wild, nonconforming, unmanageable hair is everything I am. Rebellious, occasionally tamed and full of far reaching ideas. I wouldn’t be the strong proud woman I am today without having embraced my look, my features and my beautiful African heritage.
Where can we find you on the web?
Twitter: PhillysABigDeal!
Is there anything else you want to share?
Let’s forget this concept of hair being graded as good and bad. Embrace your locs, and kinks. I couldn’t see myself living life as a side part, straight haired girl. Let that ‘fro be free and wild!
I can relate to this article. I was asked and told majority of my life you must be mixed because black people hair is not this way or good. Love your hair and style.
Luv the first photo the best, beautiful girl, fun colors and fabulous hair.
Gorgeous hair.