Ambi from USF

Meet Ambi, a grad student at the University of South Florida studying College Student Affairs.

In her own words... My mother always put kiddy perms in my hair to make it more manageable.  I have been natural since I was a sophomore in undergrad where I wrote a research paper on the history of African American hair and its role in pop culture. I started the transition without doing the big chop and after 6-8 months of going without a perm her hair passed shoulder length.   At that point I grew frustrated with the two textures.  As a turning point in my life, after a bad break-up, I decided to do the big chop and rock a low-boy cut.  Cutting my hair symbolized my maturity in making a conscious decision to preserve my African American culture through my roots.  It was that day that I made a promise to myself to share my hair-story with others.  Now 3 years later, I have been growing my hair out and is working to reach my maximum length. I vowed never to perm my hair again as a visual reminder that God don’t make no junk and He created me just how He wanted me to be… NATURAL!

On her hair care regimen... I usually wash my hair every three days and co-wash in between with a diluted bottle of shampoo (currently using Miss Jessie’s Cleansing Crème every three days and Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery as leave-in conditioner.  Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum and RoundTrip for daily moisture in the mornings and a Satin On cap at night.

Favorite hair products... Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery as a leave-in Conditioner, Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum and RoundTrip to define my curls after a wash and go.

Favorite salon and place to buy hair products... Paul Mitchell School where I can maintain my hair at a low cost.

Favorite hairstyle... I love straw sets because it is inexpensive and I can do it myself.

Her stylist/colorist... Currently, my stylist in Tampa, Daton Haywood is a student at Paul Mitchell School and he was the first to color my hair and has since maintained my look. 

Hair Secrets... For perfect natural curls, keep straightening with heated tools to a minimum.  Drink lots of water.  It not only helps your hair grow, but it helps your nails grow and keeps your skin looking brighter so you’ll need less make-up.

Personal style... I often rock a wash and go puff, a collared shirt with a cardigan over it, some jean shorts and my favorite pair of high-top Nikes.

Favorite places to shop for clothes... Marshalls, Urban Outfitters, DSW, Orlando’s Premium Outlet Mall

Wardrobe must-haves... tank tops, polos, cardigans, blazers, and a fresh pair of high-top Nikes

Ambi’s Links... http://modelmayhem.com/ambi or MM#712265

Photo1 by Studio 126 – www.modelplacementcenter.com.