Name: Maya Newsome
Classification: Junior
Major: Early Childhood Education
HC: How long have you been natural?
MN: It will be four years in May!
HC: How would you describe your hair texture?
MN: I have 4B hair type and 4C in my crown! My hair is incredibly THICK but I can pretty much manipulate it to do what I want, just takes some time. I have to be really patient with my hair but I love it!
HC: What is your favorite or most convenient hair style?
MN: I love a good high bun! I am often in the classroom teaching so I like having it up. Nothing compares to having BIG HAIR. I feel free when I wear it like that.
HC: Name some of your staple products. Shampoo, conditioner (deep), leave-in, etc.
MN: She Moisture is everything! I absolutely love their company. I love the mind behind the business which benefits struggling families – specifically mothers. Their products are whole, natural and organic and I like knowing what I’m putting in my hair and how it will benefit me. I use the Black Soap Shampoo to cleanse, the Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Milk to style, the Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner and the coconut oil to seal!
HC: What is a wash day like for you?
MN: If I can have the night before, I will detox my hair with an Apple Cider Vinegar solution. I twist my hair into big twists and saturate the sections with the mixture. This detoxes my hair shaft and the roots and removes product buildup. I put on a plastic cap and head to bed. The next morning, I rinse my hair of the solution and finger detangle. Then, I wash my hair with the Black Soap Shampoo. My hair feels so clean! Then I style how I want depending on how I’m feeling!
HC: What are some of the most common problems you face when styling your hair? How do you combat these issues?
MN: My most common problem is time. I work a part time job that requires me to travel bimonthly, I student teach, volunteer, president of an organization, performer and I’m taking 17 hours of class. Time is something I don’t have a lot of. I have to find time to nourish my hair in between activities. I have deep conditioned on the go before. You just have to find time to love your locs!
HC: What are two do’s and don’ts when it comes to your hair?
MN:
Do: Let your styles be carefree, natural hair is supposed to be fun!
Don’t: Style your hair when you’re angry, frustrated, or busy. You ended up getting frustrated and hurting your hair.
Do: Give it plenty of moisture because it needs it.
Don’t: Comb through dry hair. At least make it damp–lightly spritz!
HC: Is there anything you want to try on your hair that is out of your comfort zone?
MN: I have been thinking about cutting my hair into a pixie like style which would definitely take me out of my comfort zone! It would be really fun to try something new!
HC: How does your hair make you feel?
MN: My hair is really important to me. I got relaxers for 12 years of my life because neither I nor my mother knew how to style my hair. During those years, I never felt a time when I loved my hair. My hair now makes me feel confident, beautiful, and strong.
HC: Any words of advice to ladies with the same hair type as you?
MN: Hair envy is a dangerous thing ladies! Unfortunately, we will never have the smooth ringlets and that’s okay. Twist it out, Bantu knot it, and rock it! It’s your hair so love it!
HCXO!