Naturalista Series™ Presents: Sanai


What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Sanai and I am from Philadelphia.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I wasn't always natural. I got my first relaxer when I was 10 and had my last one when I was 20! I decided to go natural in February of 2008 because my hair couldn't take the damage I was enduring from the relaxers anymore. I literally woke up one morning and said...."I'm going natural!" I transitioned for 6 months with kinky twists and then did the big chop. It took some time getting used to the short hair, but I got used to it.


What is your hair type?

I am a 4a b.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love the versatility of my hair. I can wear it straight, curly or however! I also love the compliments I get for my hair.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

By the end of 2010 I plan to be mid back length...that might be asking for too much LOL, but I believe I can achieve it with dedication and patience!

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?


My hair has been a little dry lately...olive oil and regular deep conditioners helps me with this issue.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love to wear my hair in twists, twists, and more twists!! Sometimes I do them myself, but my hair dresser does it for me most of the times.


List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

I use:
  • Oyin handmade- Burnt Sugar Pomade...its very nourishing to the scalp.
  • Jane Carter- Revitalizing Leave in Conditioner....I use this after I wash my hair and it also works for de-tangling the hair.
  • Jamila Henna- Helps to stretch my hair and also deposited some auburn coloring to my hair...also helps with split ends.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Hot oil treatment. Also helps with dryness.
  • Aubrey Organics- Honey suckle Rose Conditioner- I use this as a deep conditioner every month and also for my co-washes.
  • Qhemet Biologics- Karkady Tea Replenishing Mist- Good for braids and dryness.
  • Alaffia Black Soap Shampoo- Good sulfate free shampoo.
What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I use my Jane carter solution leave in to provide some curl definition, but I am currently looking for a new curl defining product for my hair.

How do you detangle your hair?

I use my Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree detangling Ghee to detangle. I Always detangle from ends to roots to avoid breakage.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

The best technique that has helped me is less manipulation. The less you manipulate your hair, the more it will thank you. When I first went natural, I could not leave my hair alone. As my hair grew longer I've learned to prolong my styles and apply less manipulation to avoid breakage.


Do you have any advice for other naturals?

No matter what other people think always do what you feel is best for your hair. Being natural is beautiful....embrace your natural hair!

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Google, Google, Google...of course!
Motowngirl.com
Nappturality.com


Thank you Sanai for sharing all that information with us!