Name: Sasha-Shae aka Shae
Age: 24
From: Jamaica, now residing in NYC
Natural Since: 2007
Last Big Chop: well I did a second big chop last Nov 2011, my first was June 2007
KiK: How long have you been natural and what inspired the transition?
Shae: I've been natural most of my life and then I had a random impromptu relaxer, mainly because I was curious and wanted that "straight hair flow." My hair was long and thick but, after 2 years, I just couldn't take it anymore. The scalp burns, my headaches, hair felt a little dry and brittle and besides it was a challenge to upkeep. I didn't transition successfully. I started to transition (without even knowing), then in the summer of 2007, I went to the barbershop and had it all cut off. Never looked back!
KiK: So, a lot of your followers want to know - Why on earth did you cut off all that beautiful hair to go to a teeny weeny afro again?
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| Sasha Shae after she did her second big chop |
Shae: Lol, I still get that question everyday, but honestly I am the kind of person that believes, hair is just hair. You cut it, it will grow! I wasn't too happy about my ends and the fact that my hair wasn't feeling like it should. It stopped responding to treatments and TLC. It was just dry and weird. Also, because I suffered some damage from heat use and never fully recovered and because thanks to a friend braiding my hair wayyy too tight in 2008, my edges weren't up to par. So I decided to start over! Start fresh! I'm really happy I did, because now my hair is back to being healthy and I have learned even more on how to care for it.
KiK: So I have to ask the question that everyone desires. -Wat is your hair regimen?
Shae: My regimen is really really simple, if not in fact LAZY! Depending on the week, I either do a mid-week co-wash then my regular wash. If my hair is in protective styles like twists and mini plaits that I am trying to keep up, then I avoid washing each week and make it every two weeks.
To wash I simply detangle out the shower, apply some sort of oil to my hair and do a light pre-poo. I co-wash using my fav conditioners or if my hair needs to be clarified I use Bentonite clay to wash. Then, I proceed to deep condition. I rinse that out (I actually rinse out with warm-almost hot water, because it helps my hair not feel dry and frizzy). After rinsing, I dry it till damp, then moisturize and seal and then style it. That's it! During the week if I need some moisture I moisturize it and seal again. If I find that I need protein, I implement a protein treatment on one of the wash days.
KiK: Was it easier to maintain your hair when it was relaxed?
Shae: I'd say for me it was almost too easy natural. With my relaxed hair I didn't do anything, but with my natural hair I was always creative with styles... something I've been doing since I was 7 (combing my own hair) so I got the hang of it.
KiK: Will you ever flat-iron or relax your hair?Shae: Relax? NO! Never again! I can take flat-ironing once a year, and a straight hair wig any day, but that relaxer, no thank you!
KiK: What do you wish you knew when you just started to go natural?
KiK: Will you ever flat-iron or relax your hair?Shae: Relax? NO! Never again! I can take flat-ironing once a year, and a straight hair wig any day, but that relaxer, no thank you!
KiK: What do you wish you knew when you just started to go natural?
Shae:
- What techniques and products work for me.
- Heat might be great for others, not so for me. My hair though it is thick (densely packed), the strands are fine and they do not like high heat!!!
- Every rule in the book just doesn't have to apply to me. Just know my hair and wear it well!
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| A picture collage of Shae's natural hair journey |
KiK: Before you go, what are your three favourite natural products?
Shae: Right now I am really really loving these:
- Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee and Amla & Olive Heavy Cream!!! {Like they are amazing!!!}
- Reve Essentials Hair and Body Moisturizer {works awesome as a mid-week pick me up!}
- Isoke Oil by BeautifulBrownBabyDol
- err..I'm cheating here, but my top 4th! Water mixed with aloe vera juice and some olive oil!! :)
KiK: Thanks for this interview Shae and for sharing your journey with the KiK Readers. Is there anywhere online that we can keep up with your hair or life journey?
Shae: Keep in touch with me here:
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