Sasha // Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
S: Hi!!!! My name is Sasha-Gay, Sasha for short. I was born in Jamaica, but grew up and am still living in the UK.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I have been natural for 3 full years this past May! I transitioned for nearly 2 years. I decided to go natural after my boyfriend encouraged me to. He reminded me that I don’t need a relaxer since I only relaxed twice a year anyway. So I made the decision to transition with the support of him and the rest of my friends and family, and haven’t looked back since.

How would you describe your texture?
S: Truthfully I have no idea what texture I am lol. I haven’t thoroughly researched to find out either. I would say my strands are thin, but on the other hand there are a lot of them, so my hair seems thicker. It is easily manageable and quite easy to detangle which is a plus!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: Over the course of the month I will shampoo and deep condition once every week. My staple shampoo right now is the Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Shampoo. I then use a conditioner (Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or Tresemme Naturals) to detangle, then follow with my deep conditioner. I switch between using my own mixture of mayonnaise, olive oil, an egg, and any conditioner once a month as a deep conditioner. The remainder of the month I either use Motions CPR or Henara Intensive Treatment Wax. I always use a leave in conditioner. Without it I feel as though my hair is lacking in something! Either Cantu Shea Butter Leave In, Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner or the Doo Gro Leave-In Growth Treatment. I always try to do a hot oil treatment once in a while using olive oil or coconut oil.

I will co-wash if I feel like doing a bun in the week, using Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. I will typically style my hair either in braidouts, twistouts, twist n curl, or a flattwisted or cornrowed updo. My staple product for these styles is the Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream, olive oil, castor oil and water. I do occasionally use the African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Bouncy Curls Pudding, or Organic Root Stimulator Smooth ‑n- Hold Pudding. To keep my edges neat, I use Eco-Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel with castor oil. Once in a while I will blowdry my hair, always using heat protectant on cool air. I use Tresemme Heat Defense Styling Spray and the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion.

What does wash day look like for you?
S: I shampoo and deep condition once every week. When I first chopped off my relaxed ends I would only shampoo once every two weeks, but since my hair has gotten longer I need to shampoo weekly! My staple shampoo right now is the Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Shampoo. I then use Tresemme Naturals or whichever conditioner is on hand to detangle, wash out and then follow with my deep conditioner.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: Either the low pony or a high bun! Effortless, but still classy.

How do you combat shrinkage?
S: I don’t. I try to embrace it as much as possible! However if I do feel like I want a bit more length, I blowdry on cool air.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: I would say my ends. They are the oldest part of the hair and in so they require more attention. In addition my hair is coloured so I need to make sure I keep them as healthy as possible.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: Always deep condition and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!!

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: Never skip moisturizing and always seal with an oil.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: http://www.shairstyl3.blogspot.co.uk/ Instagram: @sashabasha2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrodrico/