Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Safari Mincey, and I am from Montclair, New Jersey.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I went natural because always wanted to have really long healthy hair. When I had a relaxer my hair wasn’t very damaged or in bad shape, but I wanted to see it grow longer, thicker and healthier. I also decided to go natural because I had a perm for my entire life. I was really interested in seeing what my real hair looked like and wanted to embrace that part of myself. I have been natural since December 26, 2011.
How would you describe your texture?
S: My strands are coarse. My hair is also very thick.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: I am a very busy college student, so I protective style a lot throughout the year. I have done crochet braids, yarn braids, kinky twists, mini twists and all different types of styles to protect my hair and help retain length. I do love wearing my hair out however, and when I do my go to style is usually a twist out because they are beautiful and don’t take too much time. I also do braid outs a lot because I love the look and the way they stretch my hair. When I am having a bad hair day I will normally do a puff, or put my hair into a loose bun and dress it up with cute accessories. Before doing any styling I finger detangle, then I apply my leave in conditioner and properly moisturize and seal my hair. Depending on the look I want, I may or may not use gel to get a little bit more hold. I also do not use any products with parabens, sulfates, phthalates or mineral oil.
What does wash day look like for you?
S: On wash day I start by lightly spraying my dry hair and finger detangling. After I have finger detangled I will pre-poo my hair with coconut oil, jojoba oil and Tresemme Naturals Conditioner. Sometimes I add essential oils such as lavender oil, ylang ylang and peppermint oil to my pre-shampoo mixes and leave them on for at least an hour. After I pre-poo, I wash my hair with Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo and condition with Tresemme Naturals Conditioner. I have used various different shampoo and conditioner brands, but one of my other favorites is the Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Conditioner. After washing my hair I apply my leave in conditioner and products to moisturize and style my hair. I use Giovanni Direct Leave-In, and follow that with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to moisturize my hair. I then seal with coconut oil.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: When I do not have a lot of time to style I will often do a twist out, or just medium sized twists to wear for the week.
How do you combat shrinkage?
S: Whenever I do twists, I pin or wrap them in a low bun to stretch them out.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: I do not have any problem areas.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: One thing that I find works really well for my hair is deep conditioning with greek yogurt, oils and honey! It always leaves my hair so soft and moisturized.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: The two things I avoid doing the most are combing and brushing my hair excessively. I do comb my hair every now and then, but I find that finger detangling is much better and less damaging to my hair.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: Instagram: fitnessfreakkkkkk
