Name: Aisha
Age Range: I'm 26 years young :)
When did you start your healthy hair journey?: I had my last relaxer on February 26th, 2011. I decided to go natural the next day.
To big chop or not to big chop? That is the question: I big chopped exactly three months after my last relaxer, on May 27th. After my last relaxer, my hair was in shambles. It was longer than it was before I put in the braids I'd removed but about half of its volume had gone. My hairline was tattered and it just looked sad. As soon as the hairstylist turned me around to look in the mirror at the finished look, I almost cried. That's when I knew I had to stop relaxing. I never had many issues whilst I was relaxed, I generally still took care of it and going natural never seriously entered my mind before then. But that day my hair was telling me to stop, it was tired and had enough. I woke up the next day and decided to natural.
I think it took me a good month or so to decide how I was going to get there. I didn't have the first clue about natural hair and how to care for it etc. So I did my research and came across the term "Big Chop". At first, it scared me because I had gained a bit of weight and I'd never had hair that short since I was a child. I decided to wait 6 months for my hair growth to be substantial before cutting it off. But after 2.5 months, I was antsy and curious about my new growth. So I went to Abina's Salon in Jo'burg and told them to cut all the relaxed hair off. By that time I was ready and excited for a whole new look. My friend who'd come with me for support was more nervous than I was! But in the end, she said I made the right choice because now she could she me. No big weave or intrusive wig, just me.
What is your protective hairstyle of choice?: I'm really in love with chunky braids. I hate sitting and getting my hair done for hours. I used to be okay with it as a child but now, if it takes longer than 4 or 5 hours, never mind. I love how simple they are and how quickly they are to braid and remove. Solange definitely brought this style of braiding back into my psyche.
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| Daily Spritz Ingredients |
What is your favorite hair product and why?: I'd have to say it's my own homemade daily spritz. I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration conditioner as the base (although you can use any conditioner of your choice) and I add glycerin oils, water and aloe vera juice. I spray that on my hair twice daily and my hair is happy; moisturized and spongey just the way I like it :).
Finish this sentence: My hair is at it's happiest when I've sprayed it with my spritz. My scalp doesn't itch, my hair is stretchy and soft and it smells delicious!
What does 'Good Hair' mean to you?: Good hair means healthy hair. It means hair that represents you. I used to think that natural hair was ugly by default but it's not. It's beautiful and has so much character. And the variety of ways I can now style my hair came as a pleasant surprise to me. Good hair is hair that is beautiful and inspiring.
Would you like to stay up to date with Aisha's hair journey? Follow her personal blog My Fro and I and show her some love.
Have a Good Hair Day!!!
3 comments
Luvly girl!! Pls where do you get your Herbal Essence? I can't find them anywhere in joburg! :(((
ReplyDeleteJasmine
Hi Jasmine, Herbal Essences isn't available in SA. I believe Aisha gets hers from Tanzania.
DeleteHi there, I get my Herbal Essences from Tanzania as I haven't seen them anywhere in South Africa. But if you're looking to make daily spritz, you can always replace it with a conditioner of your choice with the same results ;)
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