Maame // Natural Hair Style Icon

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.