*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally
Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Ashanti and I’m from Mississippi.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: Well, for many reasons actually. I was inspired by many newly-naturals and wanted to try something new. Also, I wanted to show my younger sister who was going through a tough time with her hair that hair doesn’t define who we are. That’s why I did the BC.
How would you describe your texture?
A: I would describe my hair as being mostly coarse and dense. The majority of my hair falls under the 4b category.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: Well, I wore a puff for about 2 and a half weeks. I did this because it’s very hot where I’m living right now and I didn’t feel like being bothered with my hair. Every day I will slick back my puff with water, a shea butter and oil mixture, apply a leave-in conditioner (Shea Moisture’s Curl and Style Milk) and then seal with an oil (Mega Care’s Vitamin E Oil mixed with some coconut oil). I tie my hair down with a scarf so that my hair will set. After a few minutes, I remove the scarf and I’m ready to go.
I’ve recently flat ironed my hair (It’s my 2nd time!). I washed, conditioned, blow dried, and flat ironed my hair using (Burt’s Bees Güd Shampoo / Pantene Pro V’s Relaxed and Natural Conditioner / Gold Bird Blow Dryer with comb attachment / FHI Flat Iron / Hair Oil and Tresemme’s Heat Tamer spray).
What does wash day look like for you?
A: I use the same shampoo and conditioner. I shampoo my hair twice. I detangle with a wide tooth comb underneath the water as I rinse the shampoo out. Then I apply conditioner and a plastic cap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. After, I’ll remove the cap, detangle with a Denman or paddle brush, twist hair and rinse while the hair is twisted. Once my hair is rinsed, I’ll style (usually twists) and let air dry during the day or overnight.
Products I use:
– Burt’s Bees Güd shampoo
– Pantene Pro V’s Relaxed and Natural Conditioner
– Shea Moisture’s Curl and Style Milk
– Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie
– Shea Moisture’s Deep Treatment Masque
– Kinky Curly Curling Custard
– Mega Care Vitamin E oil
– Shea butter and oil mixture
– Water
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style?
A: A puff, or bunny tail as I would call it! You really can’t go wrong with it.
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: I wear twist-outs or braid-outs. When I want even more length, I’ll use the tension method on a twist- or braid-out.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
A: I have to avoid styles that encourage the formation of single strand knots. They are a hassle to get rid of.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
A: Do wash my hair at least every 1 and a half weeks. Do protective style (twist or braid) nightly to maintain and retain moisture.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
A: Don’t stress over the many textures of hair on my head. At the end of the day, it’s just hair. Don’t sleep without a satin bonnet. I will regret it every time.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: You can find me along with my best friend at: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePolkaDotLounge. I’m also on tumblr at: http://therapeuticrain.tumblr.com.
33 Responses
Her strong soulful voice caught the notice of industry insiders and she immediately signed on with a organization team and began showcasing her talent with performances at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline’s Comedy Club and Greek Fest 2000 at Jones Beach to name a few.;
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will love a tutorial on the photo with her in the cylinder…it looks like a chunky twist out
You are gorgeous!
I’ve been wondering who this person is. Seen her face on my tumblr dash a few times!
Beautiful hair and beautiful girl! I imagine that it is hot in Mississippi lol 🙂
I love the hair under the cap, I would love to do that style myself when i graduate =)
ur hair is inspirational!!!! I just love ur twist outs!!!
Beautiful! You remind me of a young Lauryn hill.
Lovely girl and lovely hair, and she represents the SIPP!! U go girl!
love it! just a doll!
Another beautiful type 4 sister…love it
So, I need a tutorial for that graduation cap ASAP!!! My graduation is this weekend, and I’ve been trying to figure this out, because I will NOT conform my hair to fit nobody’s cap. the cap will find a way to fit me lol
Can we get a tutorial for Monzi? With a quickness!! Congratulations Graduates!
Woot woot! Mississippi G.R.I.T.S. You go girl. Lovely hair and story. Natural beauty.
GORGEOUS HAIR!Cant wait till mine grows out this much…. great inspiration
I really enjoyed your article very helpful. I love the Shea Moisture products.
Her hair is fierce. And, wow! She is such a Cutie Patootie!
My hair twin. YAYAYYA!!!
Go Mississippi! I’m from Jackson…
Ashanti your hair is FABULOUS and you’re just the cutest ever! Love your pics. Best wishes.
How cute! And she’s a Mississippian, like me 🙂
Love this graduation hair! Love all the hair. Go You!
she purdy.
lol. ‘shol iz.
:))))
and f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s hair!
go team 4b! 🙂
Kinda weird (and cool) to check out the site today and see someone with my name and my hair type!! Rock on BGLH!!
I loved how she did twist outs with her graduation cap. Such a beautiful girl
I AGREE, IT WAS A COOL IDEA
Gorgeous hair!
She is a doll! What a cutie. Beautiful hair.
I second that :)!
You took the words right out of my mouth. She is an absolute doll! And how sweet to set an example for her sister–love it!