Older Natural Feature – Amena

Ms. Amena

1. How long have you been Natural? 
I’ve been a full Naturalista since 6/2011 so that makes 18 months now since my big chop.


2. Why did you become Natural? 
Choosing to learn my natural hair was the culmination of a whole health decision for me. About a year prior to liberating my hair from relaxer and heat tools, I’d changed my diet to more raw and organic foods, along with my household cleaning products and personal care products to toxicant free. I even increased my physical activity. Maintaining a straight style with a toxic, caustic chemical soon seemed like the ultimate contradiction knowing all that I now knew on my journey to improved health, so I let it go and will never look back!   


3. Was it a hard transition? How did you transition? 
I attempted transitioning for two months. I stopped relaxing in April 2011. I didn’t like the increased styling time and need to avoid water during my styling so I cut it off in June 2011 with maybe an inch to inch and a half all the way around of hair on my head. My daughter had heat damage and wanted to wear more natural styles so to support her I chopped sooner than I had planned but I was certainly ready because transitioning was not for me. My philosophy with most things in life is: Don’t delay the inevitable. So letting that relaxed hair go sooner rather than later was right in line with it. 

4. Did your age aid in your decision to go Natural? 
I’d say my stage in life, more so than my age played a factor. I love hair and have chopped mine off three times to switch up my style, gain more time to live and in this case go healthy hair via natural hair and natural products.


5. Does your age make it easier or harder to be Natural? 
Not a factor really 🙂


6. Do you see many Older Naturals in your area? If so, what styles are they sporting? 
I actually do see more women of mature age rocking natural hair. Generally Locs or TWA’s by choice. Both are very low maintenance. So I suspect that is why.

7. How do you primarily wear your Natural hair? 
My hair is type 4a and thick so it is stretched via braiding or twisting and styled “out” or pinned up from there. I braid too so I have the luxury of throwing in some extensions at will and do that perhaps twice a year so far.  


8. Favorite products and/or product line? 
My favorite products are those that are all natural ,that can provide maximum benefit to the hair and contain no synthetics with the exception of eco styler gel. Brands I love and use most are Shea Moisture, Eden Body Works, Aubrey Organics, Afroveda, and Oyin Handmade. When I do want a sulfate (they are synthetic cleansers and are excellent at clarifying, use sparingly) I turn to Lush Cosmetics.


9. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for other Older Naturals already Natural or thinking about it? 
Just go with what feels right and is the highest honor to your ancestral heritage and true beauty. Your overall health- mental, spiritual, mental and physical- will thrive because of it.

Ms. Amena is a natural hair care specialist and stylist, colorist, braider etc with an equal passion for all things hair, health, beauty and wellness. She is a regular contributor to www. kisforkinky.com and can be found focusing on reaching her personal best next level in all areas of life. Visit her online at Torrid Tresses by Ms.Amena on Facebook and Instragram.    

I have to thank Amena for taking out the time to share her Natural hair journey as well as her journey into a more natural and eco-friendly lifestyle.  She is beautiful and she actually glows as she treats her hair and body well!  Going Natural is not just for hair and I am sure many of you have already realized that.  

I am always looking for lovely Naturals (30 and older) to share so check out my Contact page for more info.

Take care Naturals,

Sabrina