Tell me about yourself!
My name is Shajee’ah. It’s Arabic. I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I’ve spent most of my life in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m a single mother and entrepreneur. I own Exotic Handmade Nose Chains and Hapi Hair Care.
Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
Well I’ve been natural all my life, but once I turned seventeen I started experimenting with hair dyes. I really didn’t know how to care for my hair, so it broke off. That’s when I decided to BC in August of 2012.
Had you always embraced your texture?
Yes, I would say so I always loved taking care of my hair. The waves, curls, and kinks.
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
Everyone in my family is natural. They really don’t mind, unless I’m dyeing my hair a color that would be considered odd. But I look at my body as a canvas and I’m a living artist so I paint it how I choose.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
Thick and wavy.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
Dyed it blonde.
What’s your biggest hair related regret?
Before I big chopped, I wished I would have looked up information on color treated hair and how to care for it properly.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
Well I deep condition my hair once a week, shampoo my hair once month, and pre-poo of course. I do a hot oil treatment on my hair every two months and a protein treatment once a year.
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
Well I love braid outs, super high puffs, and two mini mouse buns with my baby hair slick down. Twigs and Chime Edwards are my inspiration.
Who is your curl crush?
Chime Edwards.
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Well I do the LOC method on my hair before bed and put my hair hair in 4 big braids. Then I tie my head with a satin scarf.
How do you maintain healthy length?
If I feel like the ends of my hair are getting ruff or splitting, I will trim my them. I search for fairy knots and cut them off. I keep my hair moisturized and wear protective styles for the winter months.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
Well there’s a sense of realness and that feeling for me is amazing. Also, the versatility being natural brings to your style choices. It’s like you never get bored with this hair.
Where can folks find you on the web?
Instagram @knotty.knots
Youtube UniqueShaj
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Etsy Exotic NoseChains
