Naturally Fierce Feature: Ihsan

Hey, hey hey!!! I’m Ihsan Mujahid, and I currently reside in Delaware.

How long have you been natural?

Since birth, actually. My mom started my locs when I was 5 years old and I had them for 27 years. After doing everything I could with them it was time for something new and two years ago, I combed them out. They were only about shoulder length from the most recent cut, but it still took a week.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?

I guess in my case, the transition would be from locs to simply wear my hair out naturally. My motivation was big fluffy curly hair that I’d often see. For years, I wanted something different, but locs was all I knew so I was scared. I knew I couldn’t cut the locs out because I’d always had hair and short hair wasn’t an option. I thought I’d be devastated not being able to style my hair. My line sister (T’ana) sent me a link to Youtube one day with someone combing their locs out and I started that afternoon.

How would you describe your hair?

I don’t get into hair typing, especially since I have several textures. I have a thick curly pattern for the most part. My roots tend to have a wavy texture in the middle of my scalp, but thicker in other areas.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of it. It can be curly or straight and still be natural. I can blow it out to be big or wear it in twists and let it shrink up. I can wash and go at any point.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?

Has it been easy or difficult or both?! The most memorable part of my transition from locs to wearing my hair out was the first time I got it pressed. It was about a month after I’d combed the locs out. I was nervous about losing my curl pattern but I knew so many people who went to one particular salon (Bliss Elements) and never had issues, so I tried. Giiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl. When the stylist (LaRee) was done, I was floored. Having had locs since I was 5, I’d never had my hair straightened. I loooooooved it!!! She did such a great job, I almost didn’t recognize myself. I was still a bit nervous about getting my curls back after straightening it, but I had a step show that night and when the night was over, my ‘fro was on its way back from all the sweating. So, no worries on the curl pattern returning, lol. That was my most memorable experience.

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?

My favorite current dos are twist outs and bantu knot outs. I love the curly fullness they give.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?

Since I’ve always been natural, there have been reactions all my life. Perhaps the most memorable was when I showed my mom that I’d combed my hair out. She always said she hoped I’d at least keep my locs till I got married. I opted not to wait for that miracle, lol. She didn’t react as I thought she would and it made me even more secure and happy with my choice.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I cowash once or twice a week. I shampoo when I feel like it, but it’s rare. Instead I use cleansing cowashes like Ouidad and As I Am, and I’ve recently introduced Bentonite Clay into my regimen. If you have never cleansed with this, OMG, you have no idea what you’re missing. Not only does it strip your hair of all the buildup from products and dirt, but it leaves an amazing shine and activates curls. I love Miss Jessie’s Leave-In Condish and anything from Shea Moisture. I’m working on being less of a product junkie since I am finally settling into the things that I know work for my hair. For sleekness and smooth updos, I love Curls Curl Control Paste.

 What are some of your favorite natural hair web9sites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

Some of my favorite naturalistas/social media pages/bloggers to follow on social media are Yolanda Renee (etcblogmag), Imperfect_Kurls, JenellBStewart (blackizbeautiful), The Mane Choice, NaturallyJael, NaturalMetra (SumetraReed), to name a few.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

At the end of the day, you only live once. Do what you want with your hair. It’s an outward expression of your inner self. You can cut, color, straighten, curl, whatever…and still be natural. Don’t get caught up with natural Nazis who proclaim you’re not natural if you color or straighten your hair and if you wear a weave. Answer to yourself and what your hair needs. Enjoy the journey.

Where can people find you for more information?

You can follow me on the ‘gram @itaintezbnfebrezey and twitter @suitelaydee33