Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Taja and I’m from Philadelphia, PA.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I decided to go natural because my hair was damaged. My hair never grew past shoulder length when I was relaxed, and was constantly breaking off in the back. I also got a chemical burn in the front of my head from a relaxer. I have been natural now for 2 ½ years.
How would you describe your texture?
T: My hair is predominantly 4a. My strands are medium to low porosity. My hair behaves well when I don’t use water-based products and once I add water to my hair it tangles up.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T: I wash my hair every two weeks using Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars. My favorites are the Henna Bar, Coconut Milk, and Mud and Clay. I moisturize my hair twice a week. My favorite moisturizers are Curls Whipped Cream, Oyin Handmade Hair Dew, and Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter. I seal after I moisturize my hair using the Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade. I deep condition using the Curls Coconut Sublime Condition, Honey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Lastly I oil my scalp once per week using Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I love using the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter for twist outs and rod sets whenever I want a light hold. The Curls Whipped Cream is great for the fall and winter months. The Oyin Hair Dew is a great refresher to use mid-week and can also be used as a leave in conditioner.
What does wash day look like for you?
T: My wash day starts with detangling on dry hair using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I finger detangle because I have found that works well for my tightly curled hair. I follow up by mixing my deep conditioner and applying that to my hair (Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner, Honey, EVOO, EVCO). I then deep condition my hair and wash it in 8 jumbo twists. I wash my hair with the Chagrin Shampoo Bar then dry my hair for two hours using a micro fiber towel. After that my hair takes about an additional 4 hours to dry completely. Then I style.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
T: My go to hairstyle is two strand twists. I usually do medium style twists and put them into an updo for the week.
How do you combat shrinkage?
T: I combat shrinkage by wearing my hair in stretched styles 100% of the time. This also helps me reduce tangles.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
T: My problem area would be the front of my hair. It grows slower and is drier than the rest of my hair, so it needs additional moisture.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
T: Keeping my hair stretched, low manipulation, patience, and moisturizing products.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
T: Wearing my hair in its natural state (because it tangles too much), combing dry, and washing daily.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Mseverythingg.com
