Where do you live?
A: Detroit, MI born and raised…I love my city 🙂 I’m a recent graduate of Michigan State University with my B.S. in Economics (Masters in Public Policy is up next). I just landed an internship relevant to my field of study that I am super excited about. In my leisure time, I share my thoughts about beauty, wellness, and all things natural hair.
Why did you go natural?
A: There wasn’t just one concrete reason why I decided to go natural. Sometimes I have been known to act on impulse; this was one of those cases. One day, I just woke up and said “NO more relaxers for me!” I quit cold turkey. The straight hair was beginning to bore me; it was time for a change. Now, I say it was a long time coming!
I’m not certain of the exact date when I stopped relaxing, although I can say that I have not had one in about two years. I transitioned and clipped the relaxed ends off gradually for about a year or so. As my transitioning progressed, I started to become fascinated with the true blossoming of my natural hair.
What’s your regimen?
A: My regimen isn’t set in stone, however, there are certain things that I do consistently. I pre-treat with coconut oil and wash once a week with VO5 Moisture Milks Conditioner; cleanse as needed with Dr. Bronner’s peppermint castile soap or a sulfate shampoo.
I deep condition with heat using Nature’s Gate Lavender and Aloe conditioner. After rinsing, I apply Giovanni Direct Leave-In and put my hair in plaits to air dry (stretches out the shrinkage; no blow dryer needed). Finally, I style as desired using aloe vera gel and a shea/aloe vera/coconut oil combination.
What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
A: In my early stages of transitioning, I used excessive heat to blend the multiple textures. If I’d have known better, I would have found other styles to do the task. I have learned from it though; flat irons have not touched my hair in about a year.
What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
A: My hair has seen the most benefits from pre-treating my hair (thanks to LeobodyC5). I faithfully put oil on my hair before water touches it; the detangling is a breeze that way. I notice less single-strand knots after this procedure as well. My hair loves me for it!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: You can browse my posts at blackhairplanet.com/blog
twitter.com/ubersavvyclassy (I need to step it up though…I’m on there primarily to follow current events #suchanerd)
forum.blackhairplanet.com — username: Amina
Hey, nice interview Mina, congrats also on your internship. Look at you posing all cute LOL go on with your bad self.
I was born and raised in Detroit! Yay!
you are BEYOND adorable, Amina! you look like a little doll, lol. Cute hair
http://socialitedreams.wordpress.com
your hair & clothes rock! i love your look!
Congrats on the interview! Your hairstyles are always on-point, and you have a wealth of knowledge that you don’t mind sharing. Keep it up!
your style is Fierce
Beautiful hair, beautiful lady…
Thanks everyone for the beautiful compliments!!!
Alright Amina!!!!! This was a great interview and congrats on your internship miss!!! BHP represent! LMAO! =)
Your hair and your style is FAB! I’m from Detroit, MI too, WOOT WOOT! And congrats on graduating, I’m escaping with my cap and gown next year!
Do you know of any natural meet ups anywhere in Michigan? It would be nice to meet other natural beauties around these parts.
her curly hair is fabulous!!
is that your natural curl pattern??
if not how did u get it like that bantu knots?
Hey. .anybody know any natural shops in Detroit? im BC’ing in the fall and have nobody to do it I CAN TRUST? =(
@Charnika (and @TerraD) Go Detroit! We can be so underrepresented at times:) Thanks! I don’t know of any meetups in MI, but that’s something we need to get started/going. I’ll be looking into it.
@Shukura Thanks, no my natural curl (or lack of in most places lol) is type 4 it’s coily/kinkiy/curly. I do bantu knots quite often. The first pic is culrformers, the other 2 are bantu knots.
@Gabrielle Yes I know of a couple that are in and just outside of the city. Mail me at my blog or twitter; I have to go look them up.
Amina, your interview is fabulous, as your hair is! Keep up the great work…you’re setting such a great example for naturals everywhere!
Detroit! Woop woop! 🙂 Beautiful hair.
@Gabrielle I am going to do my BC at Serendipity Salon in Ann Arbor in August. They have wonderful reviews on NaturallyCurly.com
But I would say go there (NaturallyCurly.com) to check out other salons that deal with curly hair. It’s awesome because they have reviews right there next to the salon.
Hopes that help!
Thanx Girl. . i followed u on twitter =)i cant find anybody who even wants to help me. .everybody wants to relax me again lol
Congrats on being featured, and most importantly congrats on the internship! Your hair is ALWAYS on point. Way to rep BHP! 🙂
Congrats Amina! Nice interview 🙂 GO BHP!
Congrats Amina! I love your hair. I’m transitionig right now and you are definitely providing some curlspiration! Congrats on your internship! Good luck with your Master of Public Policy! I have a Master of Public Administration. It’s a great area of study. Make sure you get an assistantship (tuition AND stipend). Let me know if you have any questions.
http://toya-quarterlifechronicles.blogspot.com
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Good interview Amina.your hair is looking great(as usual)good to have you representing the BHp family over here.
Congrats, Amina. I must say I am a bit envious of your styles, lol. Well done and congrats on the internship. And what the others said, GO BHP!
What a wonderful interview Mina! You are one of my natural inspirations 🙂 Keep doing big thangs!!
Beautiful pica and great interview!!!!! I will definitely check you out on twitter & blackhair planet
I love your hair, especially on the last pic!!!! I have no idea how to do bantu knots. Maybe i’ll just youtube it!!!! lol!!!
@Andrea Thanks! I have a tutorial on how I style it on the blog. I ought to do a more recent tutorial of the pin up looks.
@Kira @Vonnie @BlkAmerican @Les @thelady Thank you all!!!
@Latoya Thanks and I’ll hold you to that! I’m sure I’ll have questions.
@BHPFam Thanks for the support and checking me out on here. Love yall!
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You’re so adorable.
Amina, this is a great interview! I second that emotion that you are a true natural hair inspiration to me. Keep up the good work
Beautiful pics and hair! I’m gonna try to replicate these styles myself (though I can never seem to get the hang of bantu knots.…)
BEAUTIFUL! Congrats my fellow Spartan and Detroiter!! I love it!! Keep reppin MSU and The D!! 🙂
Girl you betta rep the D! GO STATE!!!!
Great article sweetie, simply beautiful in your pics.. continue the good work, and i wish you the best in your future endeavors..God Bless
Thanks everyone!!!