Natural Hair Blog Feature – Ms. Maiya

!!!!!!!!!!!!WELCOME TO ISLANDKYNKS POST!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OCTOBER EXCLUSIVE FEATURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!Welcome our Lovely Naturalista whose tresses are Absolutely Gorgeous!!!

Here is her Natural Hair Story, do enjoy My Girls,

1) Please introduce your amazing self.

A: Hey! I’m Maiya but people call me Mai. I’m 22 years old. I live in New Haven, CT.

2) Did you Transition, Big Chop, Both, or Natural from Birth?

A: I did the big chop on September 12th, 2014.

3) How long have you been natural?

A: It’ll be 3 years this month.

4) What made you return naturally?

A: Growing up my mother took care of my hair until I turned 12. At that age, I started taking care of my hair, and honestly, that was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. I didn’t know the proper ways to care for my hair. Not that I was natural; my mother used to put perms in my hair as well. But around a certain time, my hair began to break off and I mean really bad. Between the ages of 13-15, I didn’t have that much hair since most of it was gone due to major breakage. Around the time I got to high school, I had a majority of my hair back. I kept my hair short. In bobs and pixie cuts because I was obsessed with cutting my hair and I didn’t like hair on my head. I used a lot of heat too. Curling and straightening my hair caused breakage and split ends. I didn’t know what to do with my hair throughout most of my high school experience and it was frustrating. I experimented with highlights and coloring, different styles and cuts, braids, buns, etc. but nothing satisfied me. Two years after high school I decided I wanted to do the big chop. At the time a lot of women of color were stepping into the natural hair journey and my reasoning wasn’t because I wanted to do the same but because I truly wanted all of my hair back. Length, volume, thickness, and all. So one day I told my mother about how I wanted to cut all of my hair off to start over. She didn’t take me seriously but my persistence proved otherwise. I asked my older sister to come with me to a barber shop up the street from my house. That day changed my life and me as a person. It was like having a fresh start. Like hitting a reset button. Now, 3 years into my natural hair journey with my hair a little past shoulder length plus mega volume and thickness, I’m more in love with my hair than I’ve ever been.

5) How hard or easy was your first year of being natural?

A: My first year being natural was the hardest only because the first stage is the awkward stage. I didn’t have length and major curls. My hair was wavy when I first started out. It was aggravating to see beautiful women on social media with long hair and luscious curls. Mad at myself, because I’m impatient as impatient gets, I wanted my hair to be the same as soon as possible. Knowing that this process definitely doesn’t happen overnight I made my first year harder than it needed to be. I would have to say six months into my first year of being natural and seeing how much and how fast my hair has grown, I became happy with my results and I’m still happy with the way my hair is growing.

6) What helped you the most, to remain natural?

A: I think what helped me remain natural the most was just realizing that this is a goal I really wanted to stick with and seeing that people love my hair just as much as I do. I don’t stick with many plans or goals that I create so to see myself be so dedicated to growing my hair out has made me and others happy. I get asked a lot of questions about my hair care, what products I use, how to wear certain styles, and tips and tricks for maintaining and growing hair. It all makes me so happy because people see how seriously I take my natural hair journey and I’m so glad all of my hard work shows.

7) Your 3 favorite products and why? 

A: My top 3 favorite products would have to be:

1.  Shea Moisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: which defines curls reduces frizz and makes hair smooth giving it a soft, silky feel. 2.
2. As I Am Coco Shea Whip: which enhances shine. It’s a great product for twist-outs and braid-outs. It smells amazing and it’ll have your curls extremely defined. 3.
3. Eco Styler Gel (yellow jar with red top): I cannot live without it. It’s my finishing product for any hairstyle I decide to do. It’s non-flaking and has maximum hold, and deep conditions add shine plus incredible body, shine, and volume.

I have many other products that I adore but those three I cannot go on without LOL.

8) What do you love about your unique tresses?

A: I love my curl pattern. I have 3c/4a, 4b, and 4c curls. My pattern differs in different parts of my hair. I think it’s so cool.

9) What is your least favorite task when dealing with your natural hair?

A: MY LEAST FAVORITE TASK IS DETANGLING. I put that sentence in all caps because I seriously dislike it. It’s such a hassle especially when I have knots and crazy tangles in my hair. So annoying sometimes. Other times I don’t have that much of a problem with it. That definitely depends on how pumped I am to do my hair.

10) How do you inspire other girls to return naturally?

A: I don’t intentionally mean to inspire others, you know? I’ve always been one to do my own thing and be in my own little world. So when people, women especially tell me that I inspire them to big chop or go natural it makes my heart warm because in a way people look up to me. My best friends, for instance, both went natural because I inspired them. Which I think is amazing and a major form of appreciation and support on both ends. My guy best friend Jonny said it was too much work and cut all of his beautiful curls off LOL. I wonder how long and curly his hair would be today. My girl best friend Nicy big chopped twice because her first time didn’t really work out for her but now her hair is growing and at a good rate. I’m so proud of her. I hope everyone decides to try something new and find ways to love their hair and themselves.

         

 11) So far in your journey, what is your favorite hairstyle? 

A: My favorite hairstyle is a twist out or a messy bun.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my fro but sometimes it’s cool to switch things up.

   

Natural Beauty  – Styling

 

 

Natural Beauty 

 

 

Social Media Links:

If anyone has any questions or comments you can find me on social media or email me:

jacksonmaiya@live.com and/or jacksonmaiy@gmail.com

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😀This post shows us the importance of caring and loving our Own Individual Natural Tresses, Unique & Beautiful in Every Way 😀

❤Thank you My Loves for reading, many thank yous Gorgeous Maiya and you all have an amazing day ❤