Amma // 4C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Amma and I am from Ghana. I reside in Maryland.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I have been natural for four years. I did the big chop on October 11, 2009. I remember it like it was yesterday. I went natural because I missed my thick hair. I also missed my edges. Relaxers over time caused thinning in both areas.

How would you describe your texture?
A: I would describe my texture as 4c. My strands are thick, coarse and tightly coiled, however my kinks and coils are a tad bit looser in the front. The front of my hair is easier to comb than the rest of my hair.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: Over the course of the month, my hair is in Celie Twists (two big flat twists around my head, similar to Milkmaid Braids). That’s the only style I can do. It’s quick, easy and convenient. It also keeps my hair somewhat stretched while I work out at the gym. I can sleep with the twists too, minus the bobby pins in the back. While my hair is in Celie Twists, I use Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine to refresh my hair and add moisture. I use Hicks Edges to smooth down my edges.

What does wash day look like for you?
A: I wash my hair with Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and I condition with the Deep Treatment Hair Masque for about 30 minutes to 1 hour with a conditioner cap while underneath my hooded hair dryer. I rinse the hair masque out and use a wide tooth comb to detangle my hair using the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler. I then twist my hair into big individual twists and let it air dry in the twists for a little bit. I then unravel the twists (individually) and apply grapeseed oil (as a heat protectant) on each section of hair from root to tip. Then I blow-dry my hair. Once my hair is dry I apply some Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil or Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine to my hair for moisture. I then twist my hair into Celie Twists.

How do you combat shrinkage?
A: I combat shrinkage by blow-drying my hair. If I don’t want to use heat, I stretch my hair out with the Celie Twists after it has air-dried.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: My problem areas would be my edges. I used to have thick and juicy edges. However, years of relaxers and a terribly tight weave in 2009 left them thin. They’re not as strong or as full as they used to be. I try not to do styles that put a lot of pressure on them or pull on them. When I get styles that do such, I always end up with bald spots because that area is so sensitive.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Do wear protective styles. My hair has always liked protective styles, even in my relaxed days. It flourishes while in them. Do sleep with a satin cap or satin scarf.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Don’t do an at home dye job. I had one done in 2011 and my hair was a dry and over processed mess. It felt like hay! Don’t comb my hair too much when it is dry because that equals breakage for me.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: Allthingsammamama.com or http://ammamama.tumblr.com/
Instagram: allthingsammamama