*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Aiysha and I currently live in NYC.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: My last chemical treatment was in December 2006. Within the next couple of months my hair started to thin/fall out. I actually had bald patches here and there. Those grew in pretty quickly as the rest of my hair slowly started falling off. I would tie back whatever I had left, strategically covering up the short hair spots. Clearly, I was in denial. In March 2007, I finally walked into a salon after work and asked someone to just cut the rest of my hair off. I’ve been chemical-free since.
Later that year I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), which could have contributed to my hair loss, if it wasn’t the sole reason for it. I did have two sew-in weaves shortly following the ‘big chop’ because I was a little uncomfortable with the look of my new hair. My bf told me to just get rid of the weave. I was a little hesitant at first because I thought he would hate my natural hair. It was definitely a journey of acceptance in the beginning, but I love my juicy hair.
How would you describe your texture?
A: Ok, I don’t know anything about hair types. I actually just discovered these different texture categories last year. I’m just now really playing with my hair and doing more research. Thanks to sites like this.
If I had to choose I would be in a Type 4 category, with a defined S pattern. Although I love when my hair bunches up and gives me more of a 4c look. I’m already confused. Forget that. My hair is all over the place. Sometimes it’s the juiciest thing ever. Other times I can’t put enough moisture into it. Sometimes it hangs and other times I have the biggest shrinkage. The top is light; it’s fluffier and less defined. The back is curlier. The hair on the side, underneath, like right near my ears, is super soft and silky – almost like baby hair, especially because moisture is retained better there. I also have to use a lot of product…because I have A LOT of hair. A LOT. I’m reminded of that every time I comb my hair out or do a twist out.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: Hmm in the last few months I think I’ve alternated between twist outs and just wearing my hair out (either down or loosely tied up). I really like using DevaCurl (DC) One Conditioner. Right now, it just seems to be the only conditioner to really penetrate my hair and moisturize it. Although I haven’t really tried testing anything else out. And sometimes I get buildup that I feel is definitely from the DC Conditioner or that it’s making my dermatitis worse.
Since I discovered Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie (thanks, YouTubers!), it’s my go-to product – especially for twist-outs. That and Kinky Kurly’s Knot Today Leave-in. I don’t really like to mess with my hair too much. I think even doing twist-outs too often stresses my tresses (yes, I think I’m clever). If I do twist my hair, it’s more to retain moisture, for a more defined pattern, and length. So when I twist, I use Shea Moisture and then put Argan oil over the twists.
What does wash day look like for you?
A: I just got diagnosed with dermatitis so I’ve been using a prescribed shampoo for that. I don’t use it as often as I should. Instead I use jojoba oil on wash day. Really helps. I have also used Paul Mitchell’s Clarifying Shampoo and DC’s No Poo. So…I shampoo my hair, use the tips of my fingers (vs. nails) to really scrub away all that buildup, condition and then apply either just jojoba oil or a mixture of jojoba and tea tree oil to my scalp. Coat my hair in Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and air dry.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
A: I rarely pineapple my hair at night or wrap it in anything, or sleep on a silk pillowcase (although I probably should). Whether I am wearing it out or in a twist-out I just usually get up and go. Or get up, tug at it to unflatten the sides, reshape and go. If that doesn’t do it, or it’s way too hot out I grab a scrunchy, pineapple my hair, and go.
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: Well I’m not combating it because I’m not at war with it haha. If I want my hair to ‘hang’ more, I do a twist out. Otherwise, like I said, I can reshape it. Sometimes the shrinkage annoys me, especially when it’s looking so cute after a shower and then less than an hour later I’ve lost a few inches. But other times I like the shrinkage. I like that my hair can look so many different ways – long, short, super curly, super puffy and ‘fro-y’.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: Breakage, split ends, dryness. I find that usually those are due to the products I’m using or lack of product. Like I said earlier, I have to use a lot of it to really coat all of my hair. Sometimes it’s my diet. Sometimes it just needs a little water to perk up. Now that my hair is so much longer than when I started and I’m more acquainted with it, I starting to work with it more and understand what it needs.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Lots of moisture and keeping it detangled (otherwise it can start getting a little matted). And I’m going to add a third one…a cut every few months really revitalizes my hair.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: No moisture and messing with it too much. My hair responds to a light touch and just leaving it alone after that.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: amerryprankster on Instagram. I can be a big #gpoy #naturalhair hashtagger sometimes.
Woahhh. She’s strikingly gorge. I think I have a fave. Lately these icons have been amazing. Sorry for the illness
Beautiful hair. I love the varied looks she’s learned to do. Inspirational….i need to embrace more looks too. Great interview.
This is like looking at my own head. I can’t even imagine how I’m going to manage when it gets to her length. Beautiful hair and girl. Love the Red Stripe!#TeamJA
Gorgeous hair! This is a first for me but I think I may have found a hair twin. Her texture looks similar to mine as well as her description of the different textures. The only difference is hers is twice as long as mine ;) Gives me something to look forward to.
Beautiful hair! I so agree about not knowing my curl pattern and not understanding shrinkage! LOL
I would be multi textured wiv a defined S pattern.My hair is looser at the back and front but tight on the sides.
Kinky hair is sooooo beautiful and versatile,this is ONLY the beginning of great things for kinky-textured hair. :)
I love her hair. its perfect! I love the fact she can go from what looks like a a to a 4c – I love the main 4c looking pic – absolutely beautiful!
That should say ‘what lokos like a 4a to a 4c.’
I love, LOVE the versatility of natural hair. As a 9 month natural, I can say that it has been such a fun journey, and I learn something new every day. Aiysha, you are a beautiful girl with hair to match!
She looks Ethiopian. Beautiful x
Cuban-American ;)
I knew it! I’d know a fellow Cubana anywhere! Gorgeous hair hermana. Good luck with your health woes. I have many of my own and I hope that my hair will grow into a beautiful fro such as yours one day. Cuidate.
Gracias fellow Cubanita!
That big chop photo is especially gorgeous. she has such a pretty face and the cut just made it stand out more. And she does have ALOT of hair. wow..so big and fluffy.
Thanks for the love! Afua, I’m actually Cuban American :)
I love how we are re-discovering the BEAUTY of Kinky hair! I really like these features lately that celebrates our UNIQUE and wonderful textures. :)
This girl Aiysha is one of the most beautiful girls I’ve met. No matter if her hair is long, short, had three hours or 15 minutes dedicated to it, she looks fantastic. She wears is with grace and pride. I guess the most important thing is loving what you came with. When you do, you’ll look absolutely fantastic like her.
Gorgeous woman and hair!
Ayisha is not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well.
Not to mention she is my co-worker :) I too have natural hair (1 year last month YEAH ME !) Aiysha has been extremely helpful to me in providing tips and encouraging me on my own natural hair journey. I love how candid and honest her feature is. I know her story will help and also educate many women with their natural hair journey, just as she has done for me :)
NYC!!!
Our textures appear a bit different but Aiysha was describing MY hair!
The up-and-down moisture, less-defined top and curlier back, the slippery hair around the ears and back (I thought it was just my bizarro quirk!), the thickness and need for TONS of product, nighttime routine, shrinkage, go-to style and problem areas, hair color – EVERYTHING was eerily familiar. Even her glasses look like my blue Persol’s *scary*
Gorgeous! Thanks for the upbeat interview, and love the quirky photos, her expressions make me think of Gilda Radner, Lol!
@Aiysha, how did you deal with your hypothyroidism and your hair? I have the same condition, and although I’m in treatment this hair loss thing (among other challenges) has been ridiculous.
Hi Erica! After my hair fell out, I just let it do its thing. It grew in just fine, super healthy and curly. My hair had been processed since I was like 8 or 9 so it was refreshing seeing my hair in its natural state. I actually wondered why it was processed in the first place.
I was warned about having extra shedding and brittle strands so I did look out for that and I think in the beginning that was certainly true. I haven’t had a problem with my hair, really. Recently I started noticing some thinning hair loss on the left side of my hairline along my forehead which I want to look into. Maybe I’m just imagining it but it looks different. And sometimes my hair doesnt look as curly but I dont know if that’s related. Aside from the Synthroid, LOTS of water and healthy eating is key. I am the worst at both of those haha. I’m trying though. I recently started losing weight so I may have to get my meds adjusted. But I think just taking care of yourself is super important and hopefully that will contribute to improving your hair loss. Lots of water, balance of protein and fiber. Less salt more natural seasoning. I’m also Vitamin D deficient so I’m taking Vitamin D supplements in addition to Calcium pills. Having a vitamin deficiency can lead to hair loss so I would look into that if you haven’t already. A hormonal imbalance can also lead to hair loss. I recently started using birth control pills to help my PCOS symptoms (more health problems, yay!). So the extra estrogen could be messing with me too. More stuff I have to look into. It’s a lot to keep track of and it’s stressful at times. oh that too…stress. stress can also contribute to hair loss! Where was I…oh yes, I can be overwhelming but you’ll get through it. I would start a process of elimination. I hope all works out for you, lady.
-A
Erika*
Love the hair and the length. I’m excited for my hair to reach that length.
:)
I like that even though she had a scalp condition, she learned to work with it and still attain a nice head of hair. Very inspirational and encouraging.
This woman is too cute. Love how she’s loving herself. Especially with the glasses!