Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was a transitioner. I had the Rihanna cut where she had it shaved all around her head with a patch at the top. After that I decided to not perm it any more and let it grow naturally. I grew it out from braids, letting the braids cover the shaved part until it was long enough to be caught by the braiders. Then I grew it out from there.
Had you always embraced your texture?
No, I haven’t always embraced or appreciated my texture. I always felt as though I couldn’t go natural because I didn’t have the “curly” or “wavy” type hair, only to realize that my texture is not only curly and wavy, but thick and soft as well. Since becoming natural, I get even more compliments than I ever received with perming my hair.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
I basically jumped on the natural hair bandwagon. Many of my friends had already embraced their natural hair. I was one of the last ones to go natural and to feel comfortable about wearing my TWA. My husband was very positive. He’s always been accepting of any style I wear. On one of our first dates as boyfriend and girlfriend I asked him to help me take down my braids. He had not seen my hair prior to that. He always teases that he was afraid of what my hair would look like, but when he saw it, he was pleasantly surprised!
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair, I suppose, would be considered coarse, thick and highly porous.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
I love cutting and dying my hair. It’s nothing for me to grow it out for 2 years and then chop it off. The craziest thing I would have to say would be cutting it myself, and then having to get it done by a professional because it was so uneven!
What’s your biggest hair related regret?
I really don’t have any regrets. I love my hair. I loved it when it was permed and I love it now that’s it’s natural. I enjoy the versatility of being natural, but I had to do it when I felt comfortable in order to really feel confident.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I wash my hair once a week. After washing I put a leave in conditioner as well as regular conditioner, coupled with moisturizer and usually will two strand twist it or wear in an afro. I don’t have a favorite product per se, but I do utilize Hicks, Shea Moisture, coconut cream moisturizer, Dr. Miracles and Talia Waajiq quite a bit. When I two stand twist it, it usually only lasts until mid week and then I have to put it in an afro puff or another style. I also frequently wear protective styles like braids (braiding my natural hair).
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I love funky styles! I swear I’m still in my mid twenties, even though I’m 35! I like frohawks, mohawks, half braided half afro, or just wearing it out in an afro. I also love color. I try to color it every Spring or Winter. I like blonds, browns and reds for color! I just look on the web (or sad to say reality T.V). to see what’s hot.
Who is your curl crush?
I love Elle Varner’s hair. She’s beautiful and her curl pattern is divine! Her hair always looks super cute and healthy.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
My mother-in-law actually educated me on bonnets. I was tying it up prior, and it often would flatten. I tie it up now. I also sleep on a satin pillow case so that it will not damage my hair and my style will be maintained.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I get my hair trimmed professionally every 4-6 weeks. My beautician recommended 4 due to my color.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
Freedom! I feel so free, so fly, and my confidence has boosted through the roof due to all the compliments I get. I can wear my hair straight, two strand twisted, frohawked, flat twisted, braided, blown out or whatever. I feel like the sky is the limit and I never get bored!
Where can folks find you on the web?
Folks can find me @jayamina79 on instagram
