Amina “Amhara” Hassan

Meet Amina “Amhara” Hassan, a student, currently completing her Arts & Science degree at the University of Toronto.

On going natural...
I’ve kept the natural look my whole life, so I’ve never experienced a relaxer or any other chemical products in my hair. The most drastic change I’ve ever put my curls through was chopping them all off last year in August and sporting the short look. Not only was it liberating, but it gave me a real sense of what I looked like without using my hair as my safety blanket, which is something I find a lot of us women do.

Hair care regimen...
I wash my curls almost every other day, but I try to limit my use of shampoos and conditioners to two or three times a week, to avoid damage of course.

On trimming...
I try to trim my hair every month and a half, but this really means… anytime my hair stylist tells me to.

Heat usage...
I try to keep my use of flat irons as limited as possible. But during weeks of stress (for instance, full work schedules or exam season) I’ll straighten my hair to avoid the hassle of my curls in the mornings. However, I make use of my blow dryer almost everyday.

On colour or color...
My hair is at its natural colour. I’ve never had the opportunity of colouring my hair simply because I find no other colour more suiting for me. Au naturale, baby.

Hair Secrets... 
I wish I had secrets regarding my hair, but it’s all quite simple: shampoo, wash, condition, wash, repeat, blow dry, and I’m out the door. However, I suggest to anyone with curls to avoid use of gels, mousse, or hairspray – if you make serum, leave-in-conditioner or carrot oil your best friend, you’ll find your hair looking it’s healthiest, softest, and easiest to deal with.

Favorite hair products...
Faith in Nature Shampoo and Conditioner or Giovanni is a must for me – it consists of organic products for us Vegans and Vegetarians. Once in a while, I’ll try Essential Care… if I have the money to upgrade. I also use carrot hair oil as I blow dry my hair.

Favorite style...
My hair is currently going through a growing phase, so I make use of hair clips and bobby pins a lot, as displayed in my photo. But there is nothing I miss more then a simple bun. After I wash and condition my hair, I usually blow dry and go.

Most prized hair tool...
My blow dryer is my other half – I simply couldn’t survive a day without it.

More Amina...
I'm a blogger, visit me at http://aamhara.com.