Where do you live?
A: I live in Maryland which is a part of the DMV area (D.C., MD and Virginia). I am a student, mother, employee, friend and lover of all things natural, especially my hair. I am also an entrepreneur. I have my own natural hair care line called “Safi” and my signature product is my home made “Avocado Shea Butter”. I am very proud of my little business and I am so glad that people LOVE the products. That makes me SUPER HAPPY!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: This is my third time going natural and I am glad to say it’s my final time. I went back and forth with my hair for years and now I am ready to embrace my curls for good. I’ve had every hairstyle you can think of; long, short, bobs, color, shaved sides and ALL that, LOL. But I find that being natural works best for me. I was very inspired when I saw women with big hair HEALTHY hair. I wanted that, so I decided to make the change yet again. I am happy I did.
I transitioned for 6 months. I big chopped on September 26, 2009 but I am not sure when my last relaxer was. I didn’t get them often; I think one day I was just like “bump this”… LOL and I never went back.
Going natural has made me a better mother. I say that because I want my daughter to be proud of who she is. In this day and age, “straight hair” is what you “need” to get by. I never want her to feel less than because she is a curly girl. I want her to love it and by me loving and embracing my curls I know she will look up at me in admiration and love hers as well.
What’s your regimen?
A: I use Shea Moisture Products to wash condition and detangle my hair every 2 days. My favorite shampoo and conditioner by them is Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Shampoo and the matching conditioner. I like these products because they are all natural and inexpensive. I purchase mine from Target. You get a bang for your buck. I have the WHOLE Shea Moisture Line, LOL.
I also use my hair butter to seal and retain moisture along with a Rose Water and Glycerin spray that I make at home. It works well and the products are eco-friendly and easy to find. I deep condition twice a month with a bentonite clay mask mixed with coconut oil. It works wonders for my dry hair. I have been wearing wash and go’s most of the summer, I define my curls with Smooth and Shine Curl gel along with Sweet Ohm Hair Pudding. These products keep my hair SUPER DUPER soft and bouncy!
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
A: Not listening to my hair was my biggest mistake when I first went natural. My hair is very picky and it likes what it likes. I was trying way too many products at once and my hair was becoming more dry than it naturally is. Once I toned that down and starting using what I KNEW worked for me and my hair, I was good to go.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
A: CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION and use lots of water or water based products. My hair is like a SPONGE and sucks up everything. So I have to keep it hydrated very often.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: You can find me at any of the following places:
www.thegoodhairblog.com
www.twitter.com/Safi_HairCare
www.twitter.com/AisforALEX
www.safihaircare.etsy.com (My hair products will be back in stock in a few weeks)
http://a-isfor-alex.tumblr.com/
www.fotki.com/AlxElle
www.youtube.com/iamalex07
Anything else you want to add?
A: Being natural has opened up so many doors for me and I love it. I encourage new naturals and transitioning ladies to keep up the good work! Learn your hair and implement a regimen that works for you and your curlies! Your hair will thank you for it!
