*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Adina and I’m a Knitwear Designer from Teaneck, New Jersey. I’m originally from The Bronx, New York Baby!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I came to a point in my life where I really wanted a change. I wanted to explore who I was on a holistic level, and that included my hair. I always believed that if I didn’t get a touch-up every 4-6 weeks my hair would break off, which kept me from exploring my natural texture. And I was never too handy with the flat-irons, curling irons and such. I wanted to focus my creative energies elsewhere; I’m a Designer and have my own Accessory line (http://www.etsy.com/shop/tightknitaccessories).
With the help of my beautician, I transitioned successfully for 8 months: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V1RAXdZndQ. I truly LOVED my journey! I was inspired by Sistas on the web, and encouragement all around me. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I would not change a thing. You can see more of my journey on fotki: http://public.fotki.com/Phatgrlslym/.
How would you describe your texture?
A: My hair is tightly-coiled, THICK with a capital T. I would describe my hair as 4b and very sponge-like. I’ve been told I have a lot of hair per square inch lol. It loves moisture. Shea butter and coconut oil are the key to sealing my ends. I trim my hair often and maintain a healthy diet. I believe it is essential to nourish your hair from the inside-out as well. Becoming natural definitely made me more aware of my nutrition and has made me a healthier/happier person. Finger detangling my hair and combing my hair in the shower with warm running water made a huge difference and cut back on breakage and time.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I set my hair with big braids or twists and seal the moisture in with raw shea butter and coconut oil. Until my hair dries, I usually wear my hair loose in the front and the rest under a snood, hairnet or headwrap. Once my hair is dry, I wear a braidout or twistout, then after a few days the shape starts to lose definition and I either wear a puff, bun or I’ll pick out the braidout and wear a fro. Throughout the week I spritz my hair with rosewater and seal with the shea butter/coconut oil mix. At night, I sleep with a satin bonnet or I’ll make big loose twists and “pineapple” my hair, depending on my mood or schedule.
What does wash day look like for you?
A: I start off my wash regimen by finger detangling my hair, placing the hair in sections and then washing my hair with Raw Shea Butter Organic Body Wash http://www.sheamoisture.com/products/productid/142/organic-body-wash-raw-shea-butter. Also available at Target and Duane Reade ($9.99). Or I may do an ACV preepoo if I have been using a lot of heavy creams or butters. The ACV helps to remove any product buildup and makes my hair feel really soft and detangled. After, I condition my hair with Esencia by Samy White Lotus Hydrating Conditioner http://www.e-sen-cia.com/hyd-conditioner.htm ($6.99).
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
A: I love using accessories for days when I need a quick style solution. A quick headwrap, headband, or snood definitely gives me the freedom to have fun with my hair and not get bogged down with lengthy styling sessions. I love hair accessories soo much that I started making my own. Aside from that, the puff is my signature style. It’s fast, easy and always looks good. I always use the “ouchless” bands to create my puff, because they don’t snag the hair.
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: Honestly, I don’t really try to combat shrinkage anymore. The only time I ever stretch my hair is after I wash it. I try to work with the shrinkage and let my hair do what it wants. I remember preparing to attend a natural hair event and I had done a beautiful braid out. It was shiny and my hair had great definition. As soon as I left the house I realized it was very misty outside and that I would arrive with a very different look. As I traveled to the meetup, I had no idea what my hair looked like. When I got there of course I rushed to the bathroom to see what had become of my braidout. It turned into a chunky, shrunken fro and at first I was a little annoyed, because I had spent so much time on my “perfect braidout”, but you know what? I received soo many compliments on my hair that night because what I hadn’t realized was my hair took on this really cool pattern, so from that point on, I just let nature take its course.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
A: Because I wear my hair out a lot, I have to be diligent with moisturizing my hair. I don’t keep my hair in protective styles very long so I am careful to detangle my hair at least twice a week, as I don’t comb my hair daily.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: I believe that moisture is the key for my tightly-coiled 4b texture. Also, maintaining a healthy diet and taking supplements (which I’m sure any texture of hair can benefit from).
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Don’t go to sleep with loose, wet hair. And don’t compare your hair journey/growth to anyone else’s. My motto to all my new natural friends is enjoy the stage at which your hair is now. I loved my whole process and I love my hair as much now as I did when it was short. There are unique things you can do with your hair at each length, don’t miss out by focusing too much on what your hair can’t do yet.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: For fun handmade accessories that won’t snag your hair or your wallet, visit me at http://www.etsy.com/shop/tightknitaccessories or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tightknit-Accessories/350896334923549. For more about my hair check me out at http://public.fotki.com/Phatgrlslym/.
36 Responses
Oh my Lord!!! Her hair! Look at her hair!! It is absolutely gorgeous!! *picks up jaw*
Her hair is fabulous!
Hey Adina,
I enjoyed reading your article and the picture of you with your hair up wearing the blue earrings is lovely. I 100% identify with how you describe your hair as a sponge. I know my hair is in great condition when it has a spongy like texture, full of moisture and looking good.
I’m always getting my brother to touch my hair and when he says it feels moist I know it’s in great shape.
Another great choice for the website.
gorgeous hair and after seeing your shrinkage i wont complain about mine anymore.
Yay, Adina! Congrats on the feature!
Hair is on point…congrats
In love with her hair!!!! Going to Etsy now to holla at some of those accessories.
Absolutely beautiful!!!
O.M.G…..wow!The thickness…the texture…..Green-eyed monster get back, ha!=D
go team 4b!
woot woot!
Yeeeah, Maan!
Fantastic, healthy head of hair!
Thank you so much Ladies!!! @Beth I started my journey with my stylist for many years her name is Jeline. She is awesome!! All of the styles that are in my Transition album are by her. She is patient and really cares for the health of her clients hair. Her salon is called House of Bleue: http://public.fotki.com/Phatgrlslym/hair-photos-/nu-beginnings-my-tr/card.html
Thank you so much for the info. Be blessed.
Oh. My. Gosh. Becky. Look. At. HER HAIR! It’s so big, its so lush, it’s so….exactly like my own. I think your hair is beautiful, and i feel a sense of pride in looking at it. And I am +1 on your advice to let hair do what it wants. Just let it do what it do! Gorgeous.
LMAO!!!!!!! Totally agree too w/ your entire comment =)
Oops-agree in reference to the style icon as I certainly lack a dense head of hair!
Love your hair !Hair like wool !Very thick indeed.
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Great interview, love her hair.
Great interview and beautiful hair. I like all the styles that were featured.
It looks so soft and so plush! You must be so full of yourself with all that beautiful hair, Lol!
It’s nice having more people express nonchalance about ‘shrinkage’, our hair preferences and attitudes are so diverse despite those who like to characterize us as one monotonous group. Also great seeing more knitwear designers!
I SO agree with you about the shrinkage! The longer my hair gets, the less I like a super defined style. My hair is very similar to Adina’s hair, and the big, full, healthy look that she has is what I’m aiming for.
LOVED the article! My hair is similar to Adina’s so it was interesting to see the various styles she created. Next week makes 1.5 yrs *turns cartwheels*. I too have major shrinkage, but, I am learning to let my hair do its thing instead of fighting it. I love my fluffy “undefined” hair as much or even more as I love my twist outs.
IN LOVE with her hair! It’s so thick ^.^
I love your hair. Great advice. Your hair looks healthy and well maintained. I also live in Teaneck and would love to know where you go for trims and shape ups.
BTW, you have awesome skin. It just glows.
I love your hair! So happy to see 4b hair featured. I have very similar hair and I need to learn to appreciate it in all it’s different states. Love how your hair compliments your style- I feel like natural girls who do that find it easier to maintain the hair! I’m going to try your advice on finger detangling in the shower.
Marvelous! You radiate joy and you wear your style well. BTW, do you have ppl in NC?
Thank you so much!! Yes, I have a few Sorority Sisters who live in Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh:)
HOLY LUSHNESS BATMAN!!!!!
Yes. This is giving me life, my hair wants to be like yours when it grows up. Beautiful, beautiful and I loved the interview. God bless!
=D …lol!
+1!
I love your hair and the variety of styles shown. I found the advice you give to other naturals, to be pratical and simple. Your knitted accessories are a great accent to your gorgeous mane.
I love it her buns are super cute and thick..I heart thick hair!!!
I’m a Jersey girl, too! Woohoo! Love her style and her absolutely gorgeous hair. I’m going to try a few of these styles.
Loved the interview.Her hair regimen and styling tips are pretty simple and relatable…and OMG that hair is gorgeous,luscious and thick.There are so many style options from these pics that I’m going to try!!