Introduce yourself!
M: Hi! My name is Maame. I’m from Ghana. I spent the last 11 years in Philadelphia. I just moved to Ghana in December and I’m loving it! Philly is my second home though! I dream of chicken cheesesteaks every other week! I’m currently in the process of setting up my own business.
How long have you been natural?
M: I’ve been natural for about 4 years.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
M: My transition was completely by accident to be honest. A coworker introduced me to a hair salon that was doing caramel treatments. Caramel treatments were very new at the time and I only did them because I hated the process of getting a perm even though I had been getting perms since I was 7 years old…eeek! I had no intentions of going natural. I would actually get my edges permed occasionally! What the….?!? lol. I did that for about 2 years until I stumbled onto an online hair forum. It was there I began to learn about going natural. One evening after washing my hair I just decided to cut off my permed ends. It sounds like such a cliché (and sometimes controversial thing to say) but I felt authentic. I felt like I had fully come into my own. I loved it!
What are your must-have products for shampooing, conditioning and styling your hair?
M: I am so not a product junkie. I have five go to products; Vo5 Conditioner (any and all), Suave Professionals Humectant Moisture Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In, natural shea butter and extra virgin coconut oil. I’ve tried everything over the years. I was that woman that ran out and bought a product if a friend or someone online recommended it. But these basic products have been working for me fine over the last 2 years.
I also don’t have a set regimen. I cleanse my hair once a month with a bentonite clay, aloe vera juice and honey mix. I’m a cowash girl and do it whenever I feel like it. Vo5 gives me the slip I need. I cowash in five sections. The middle of my hair is very thick and needs special attention. I moisturize with Cantu and seal with either shea butter or coconut oil. I put my hair in about 8 twists and let them air dry. Sometimes I will band my hair with thread after they dry (African Style) for a little more stretch. I deep condition and do protein treatments as I see fit. I love a honey/evoo/Suave Professionals Humectant Moisture Conditioner and avocado concoction. It gives my hair life when it goes into dry desert mode. That’s about it. I recently pressed my hair for the first time since going natural. I enjoyed the change, which lasted about an hour due to the 95 degree weather! Other than that I haven’t used direct heat on my hair. Oh!! How could I forget my trusty Denman. It’s my go to detangler. I only detangle/comb my hair when it’s wet. I try and keep my “routine” very simple.
What is your signature hairstyle?
M: The bun…It’s my go to hairstyle. Especially since moving to Ghana. I’m now trying to figure out my hair’s personality in this weather. Lots of styles that looked great like twist outs, bantu knots and straw or rod sets, just aren’t holding up for me in this heat. So the bun is my best friend right now.
What is your style philosophy?
M: Simplicity and comfort with a hint of eclectic flavor. If I’m not comfortable, I can’t wear it. And I love looks that are easy and seemingly effortless. I love men’s or over sized shirts paired with tapered pants or skinny jeans. I love vintage, especially 50’s era looks. I miss thrifting so much!! I love anything mid length and high waisted and I’m currently obsessed with block heels! I do love gaudy jewelry. I never met a pair of earrings from the 80’s I didn’t like!
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
M: Sigh! I love everything I have! But the first would be a vintage 70’s necklace from Egypt that my dad gave to my mum. I’m obsessed with that thing and I wear it all the time. It has a rustic gold tone and looks old! That’s my favorite part about it. Second would be a backless wiggle dress I had made in Ghana. It fits to perfection and the Ankara fabric is gorgeous. My Michael Kors mirrored block heel sandals would be third. They are so simple in style but the color and platform adds some umph to any outfit.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
M: You can find me on Instagram @Msadjei and on Twitter as the same.
You are breathtakingly beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much!! And all the other comments! So very flattered! Thanks Moesha and BGLH!
Love your hair. I am in the process of relocating to GH now, actually. Do you have anywhere in particular you go to do your hair or do you always do it yourself? And where do you get you products in GH? Unrelated to hair, did you encounter any challenges in moving back home??? Thanks in advance for your response.
Hi Asabeah! Yup i do it myself. Went to a “natural hair” hair salon and had a terrible experience. I hadn’t been to a hair salon since going natural. As far as moving back thats a whole essay of experiences i’ll be glad to share through email or something. Let me know!
I would love to hear your thoughts on relocating. I was born in the States and no seems to understand my desire to go back, except my father probably. My email is Elizabeth.Antwi@gmail.com. I look forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I’m Ghanaian-American and plan on moving “back” to Ghana one day as well. Can you email me too with your experiences as a returnee(marmooda@gmail.com)? Thanks!!
Gorgeous hair by the way!
So gorgeous! Love your style.
Truth! She’s gorgeous, and has a great sense of describing style.
vertmoot.blogspot.com
Your hair and style is so giving me inspiration.
Beautiful and regal!! I hereby motion that all Icons must also provide skin care regimens, lol. Any seconds? 😉
One of my favorite things about BGLH is seeing sisters from ALL over the Diaspora. . . .
Ehh Maame these styles and outfits are giving me life. You are incredibly beautiful and best of luck in starting your new business! Ghanaian girls represent!
I can’t stop looking at her skin! FLAWLESS. *sigh*
Beautiful girl, great hair. Nice and thick. i really wish she had a pic of the necklace, dress and shoes she described though. They sound awesome.
Beautiful woman!!
You have such beautiful skin, you’re such a natural beauty 🙂
wow! she`s one of the most beautiful women I think I`ve ever seen!
Fabulous hair, fabulous style. My hair is the same texture. A hassle and a blessing!
Beautiful!
Wow! Such beautiful and even skin. What is your secret for such even skin?
fromshytoconfident.blogspot.com
HI Kemz, Thank you! I don’t have a secret! lol. I wanna say I drink tons of water but that would be a huge lie. The only consistent thing i use on my face is African black soap to cleanse. Besides that i switch between a lot of different moisturizers.
This site needs Beauty Icon section and she should be the first person featured! BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Damn Ghanaian women tho!!!! And they say African are not beautiful…
Maame you are such a beautiful woman (the curves, the skin , the hair, queen-like feature ) it hurts lol!
Amazing hair, it looks so soft.
Your hair is beautiful, but I am suffering from body envy right now.
Wow, hon! Lovely hair!
I wish I could meet up with you when I’m in Ghana next month, by God’s grace! I’ve also been wondering if braid-outs/twist-outs would hold up in that heat.
Thanks for sharing your regimen!
Sure thing Lola! Are u on fb or twitter? Add me and let’s exchange info. xx
Thank you all so much for all the amazing comments!
I am really loving your look! You’re beautiful, sis!
what type of business is she setting up?
Lovely. Im all inspired by you. It may not be hair related but i was born nd raised in AMsterdam, Holland and after my last visit to GH i started to thinking bout moving to Ghana after I finish my studies. I hope i can contact you to get to know more bout how you did it etc.
Very beautiful
You are absolutely, positively STUNNING!!!! Auditions for “Africa’s Next Top Model” are taking place now and should be in Ghana very soon. You need to be up in there, girl, for real!
Love your style Maame. Do your thing!
Hi Maame I love your style. I love that you use Ghanaian fabric to make clothes, I do that too and always get compliments here in Cali. Ghana is a wonderful place, that’s where I started my natural hair journey.
very beautiful! love your hairstyle and style in general!
themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
Aww, Maame!!! You look amazing!!
[…] show. I discovered Maame Adjei through Black Girl Long Hair last summer when she was featured as a Natural Hair Icon. She was also interviewed for AfroElle Magazine last year in which she shared her experience as a […]
[…] show. I discovered Maame Adjei through Black Girl Long Hair last summer when she was featured as a Natural Hair Icon. She was also interviewed for AfroElle Magazine last year in which she shared her experience as a […]