A Natural’s Perspective: An Interview with Amina-Part 1
Amina is one of our top authors and editors here at the BHP blog. She is also a loyal and valuable BHP forum contributor. She’s always full of healthy natural hair care information, as well as creative ideas for styling. She is super inspiring to naturals and transitioners on our forum! That’s why we were so pleased that she took the time to sit with us for an interview.
Where are you from?
Detroit, MI born and raised!
What influenced your decision to transition to natural?
You know what, there was not one key element that made me go natural. It was just something that I did: cold turkey. I was simply tired of getting a relaxer. I knew that I had mastered styling my relaxed hair, so much that it began to bore me. Why not discover and embrace the beauty in my natural coils?
How long have you been completely natural?
I’m embarrassed to say I am not totally sure! I did not mark the date on my calendar since my last relaxer, or write down the date that I clipped all of the relaxed ends off either. That wasn’t important to me. I just say from Fall 2009. I know for a fact I had clipped all of the relaxed ends by then.
What are the pros of being natural as opposed to being relaxed? The cons?
I am very health conscious, so being chemical free is a great aspect of being natural to me as well. My hair is thicker now and healthier. Not to mention that the versatility that comes with being a natural is exhilarating! I love big hair; and the fact that I have so many styling options is phenomenal. If I want to straighten my hair – I can, but without compromising my coily curls. My hair is my best accessory. I enjoy the fact that I stand out in a crowd, and I can show people that natural hair is beautiful!
Honestly, there aren’t really any cons in my book. Naturals and relaxed heads alike have certain issues to combat with their hair. I had to deal with splits and breakage when relaxed; I deal with knots and moisture retention as a natural. The biggest con that I would say is the socially acceptable aspect of natural hair (especially in the workplace). A natural has to disprove the myths of natural so called “nappy” hair everyday.
What are some of the daily challenges that you face being natural?
Daily challenges – not so much. The biggest challenge I have to combat with my hair would be keeping the tiny knots that form on my hair to a minimum. When relaxed it was split ends, now that I’m natural it’s those darn knots!!!
What are your favorite products?
I love, love, love natural products. I buy the vast majority of my products at the health food store, not the beauty supply store. Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Coconut Oil (EVCO), Castor Oil, Olive Oil (EVOO), Nature’s Gate Lavender & Aloe Conditioner, henna, and Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. I can’t abandon my VO5 Moisture Milks Conditioner either.
How long have you been engaged in your healthy hair care journey?
Every since I joined the BHP forum (May 2009), I started to learn about the do’s and don’ts of hair care. My healthy hair journey took off then! Through trial and error, I found what works for my hair and what does not. Now I have a solid regimen.
Keep up with Amina at her frequently updated blog – BlackHairCareBlog.com.
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Good interview Amina! I can definitely agree with those “darn knots” lol! Keep up the good work!
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..My name’s Amina! :]
In any case, this interview was great. I have had natural hair my whole life. I’m a teen, though, who lives in an extremely white area, so it’s hard to find inspiration and personal understanding when it comes to styling and caring for my hair. Thank you for naming your favorite products, because now I have something to look for and try out! All I need is a starting point, so thanks, Amina! hah
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Oh you’re very welcome hun!!! Glad I could be of help. Let me know if you have any further questions or support! You should def join the bhp forum! It’ll be fun.
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Hello: I started using coconut oil on my hair recently, and it is very cold here. I noticed that started getting those little knots you talk about. It may be that coconut oil hardens in the winter and causes our natural hair to knot and break. I am not using the coconut oil this time and I will see if that is the culprit. I too am new to being natural, but so far I love it.
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Hi Angel, I don’t think the knots are caused by the coconut oil. EVCO usually absorbs into the hair pretty quickly…so it doesn’t harden and make the hair knot and break. Actually after it does solidify, it only takes for you to touch it and your body heat will dissolve/melt it. I’m pretty sure the knots that you are experiencing comes from over-manipulation or the hair just not being tangled and stretched enough. Try some other methods, for instance, finger combing and see if that helps any! Thx for reading!
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Hi Amina! I am transitioning. I don’t have much new growth but I would like to treat my hair as if it were natural already so that when the day does come to be 100% natural, I will have a great regimen. Do you mind sharing a mini regimen for me to establish. I am on a budget but I plan to treat myself every month with a big spend. What should I get from the local store that is pretty good for transitioning or natural hair? Also, I heard co-washing is a great way to wash my hair. After co-washing should I still condition and comb my hair with the conditioner? I really need a good way to start caring for my hair! I’m excited! Thanks so much for helping those who wish to go natural or are already natural.
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Hi Brenesha!
Congrats on transitioning! I would refer to the regimen building post that I did a few months ago here on the blog, I’m sure that will help. My regimen is pretty simple. I cowash once a week, prepoo before each wash (with oils), and style with shea butter/aloe/evco. Poo with Castile soap. I moisturize and seal when needed, DC when needed, and I avoid heat!
Honestly, as far as the products go, I don’t spend a bunch at all. I find that the products I use are easy on the wallet and excellent for my hair! I use mostly all natural products. Shea butter, EVCO (coconut oil), EVOO (olive oil), Castor Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, ACV (apple cider vinegar), Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner and/or VO5 Moisture Milks (co-wash conditioners), a good DC of your choice (I love Nature’s Gate L&A – moisture), and for protein I use ApHogee products. I cleanse my hair with Dr. Bronner’s castile soap. Join the forum, we can talk much more on there and there will be many others who can chime in to help u on your way! HTH
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Ive been using coconut oil for the last couple of weeks and I really like. I kind of developed my own daily hair moisturizer mix and I added the coconut oil to my routine. I have type 3c/4a hair and my hair is super “fine”, not thick at all…so when I two strand twist my hair, I use a little coconut oil but I melted first so that its an “oil” then I use sponge rollers on the end. Every other day I use a water bottle and slightly dampen my hair, take a little bit of the oil and put it either on that strand or all over and then a spray my mix on there (that has the oil mixed in it as well) and the results have been FABULOUS. Whats happening is my curls are becoming “singles” and really giving me that “springy” look that Ive been going for or hoping for…….
coconut oil has become my best friend, I just think you have to know how to use it b/c Ive heard it can make your hair hard but my hair is super soft.
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