Naturally Fierce Feature: Hayat

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. (Name, where you’re from, etc)

My name is Hayat Magan. I am of East African – Somali ethnic descent.  I am a resident of Toronto, Canada.

2. How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?

I have always been natural in the sense that I have never relaxed my hair or worn a weave. However, I was uncomfortable with the curly texture of my hair, and only have truly learned to embrace and appreciate the beauty of my curls in the last 8 years of my life. The last 4 years keeping my hair completely heat free and in its curly texture.

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

I would say a mixture of both. I’ve had a number of big chops over the past 10 years. The last big chop happened 5 months ago this summer, when a very vivid birthday dream lead me to chopping all my curls off and dying my hair a vibrant shade of magenta.

4. How would you describe your hair?

The texture of my hair is soft, defined curls, with lots of volume when left to dry naturally.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of my hair. My hair can go from stick straight to curly with just the use of a blow dryer. In my younger days, I was a huge fan of straight hair, often straightening and pressing my hair. But over years, I have developed a deep appreciation for my curls. Nowadays, you will almost never see my hair straight.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult, both?!

The most memorable part of my journey is when I made a conscious decision to stop straightening my hair and fully embracing the beauty of my curls. I stopped seeing my curly hair as unprofessional and stopped blowing it out straight during job interviews and professional sittings. Today, I rock my curls big and proud; regardless of the type of event I am attending i.e. work function, wedding etc. Once I made the decision, I can’t tell you how easy it was to embrace so many facets of myself that went beyond just hair.

 

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

My hair journey and styles have been as colourful and as bold as I am. I’ve honestly had every cut and colour combination you can imagine. I’ve shaved off my hair completely before. I’ve had blue bangs and a buzz cut. I’ve had a red Mohawk. I’ve had jet black curly hair that reach down to my pelvis bone. I’ve even bleach my hair blonde, once. A look you couldn’t pay me to return to. You name it, I’ve done it.

My favorite by far has to be my current hair cut and colour. I am currently rocking a cotton candy like pink hair. And it just so happens to be a short, hassle-free, curly Mohawk. I absolutely adore everything about my hair and think the world of my hairdresser Michele at Atlanta Hair Design in Toronto, Canada. Michele has propelled my hair to the next level of dopeness.

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

I came from a culture that places a lot of emphasis on hair, especially length. I’ve heard all the comments before. “You’ve destroyed your mane and glory”, “You look like a Boy”, “Who Will Marry You?” Honestly, I couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks about my hair or their reactions. I’ve long ago drowned out the negative voices and stopped answering the question “why did you cut your hair?”

9. What is your hair regimen (including favorite products)?

My hair regimen is very simple. Wash, leave-in conditioner, mainly ‘Giovanni’ or ‘As I am’, and letting it air dry. Then using an afro pick to volumize it.

In order to try to keep my colour more vibrant, I cowash and cleanse my hair more often. I am a BIG fan of deep conditioning my hair with pure coconut oil and peppermint at least once a week. I’ve seen such a healthy change in my hair since I am now using fewer products.  I am hoping to transition into using only organic natural hair products in the coming months when I re-dye my hair back to its natural colour. Also, I keep my hair completely heat free.

10. What are some of your favorite naturalists, websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

Honestly, although there are so many talented naturalists. I don’t follow any natural hair websites, blogs or youtuber’s. Reason being, I think we all have different opinions, hair regimens, views, products, textures and I’ve always been someone who learns best through my own mistrials and experiments.

11. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

Be true to who you are. If that means cutting off all your hair and dyeing your hair pink, like I have, so be it. I truly believe that when you are true to who you are, your visions, your creativity, you stop leaking energy in different directions, and let go of the thoughts, people and activities that aren’t truly in alignment with who you are and what you want in your life. Our thoughts, dreams, visions, words are real and carry a great deal of energy. Our vibrations matter. Follow your heart and intuition and live your best life. Allow yourself to be the best version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to journeying into your authentic self and passions. Life is simple, don’t complicate it. Eat well, travel often, love deep, and give back. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and others.

12.   Where can people find you for more information?

I can be reached at Hayat@houstofhayat.com. Or on twitter, face book or instagram under @HouseofHayat. I also have a travel and lifestyle blog launching in a few days at www.HouseofHayat.ca. Please stay tuned.