Category: Japan

Queen Mimi ~ Queen Of Kinks, Curls & Coils® (Neno Natural)

15/2/2016

1. What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Mimi Irvin “aka” Corporate Chic. I am a wife, mother of two handsome boys, daughter, friend, and have been told a fashionista. My day job consists of a career as a Project Engineer working in Corporate America with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I was born in Yokosuka Japan, from a military background and traveled every three years of my life. So for me home is where I make it and currently that is in Houston Texas.

2. What is your hair type?

I believe I am in between a 3B and 3C

3. When did you go natural and what made you do it?

I contemplated the idea of going natural in early 2011 and although I loved the relaxed looked and didn’t suffer from breakage, but I wanted something different. I was set forth to go on assignment in the Netherlands with my company in January 2012, so I decided December 2011 would be my last relaxer. I wouldn’t have to worry about the Texas humidity and I felt the transition would be easier to deal with in cooler temperatures. As I tried many styles as I could during my transition, 8 months would be the end of that road. I decided to do my BC August 2012. As I sat in the mirror cutting each section it was very hard to get through. I had about 3 inches of new growth but after completing that hard effort, I looked in the mirror and said yes this is ME and I will ROCK it.

4. What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The challenging part about going natural is that its trial and era with hair products. With relaxed hair, you have setting lotion, oil sheen and your wrap cap for the most part. With Natural hair and depending on your curl pattern, not every product will work for you. So it takes patience and interacting with other naturals to help find your staple.

5. What is your weekly regimen?

If my hair is not twisted, I typically I will pin it up at night and sleep in satin bonnet. In the mornings I will spritz with water, add Coconut oil or shea butter and style in an up-do or wear loose.

6. What is your daily morning regimen?

In the mornings I will spritz with water, add Coconut oil or shea butter and style in an up-do or wear loose.

7. What is your daily night time regimen?

If my hair is not twisted, I typically I will pin it up at night and sleep in satin bonnet.

8. Do you use heat on your hair at all?

I use minimal heat on my hair. I have only had my hair flat ironed twice since I’ve been natural. From time to time I will do a roller set and sit under the dryer. Other than that I use heatless styles such as twists, bantu knots, twist outs and wash and go’s.

9. Do you braid your hair? If so, how often do you do so in a year?

I twist my hair and typically wear for a week or so. I’ve never work braids that calls for extensions. I like to change my hair to much, so that is one reason I haven’t gotten braids in my hair.

10. Wide-tooth comb or Denman brush?

Yes to the Wide-Tooth Comb. I love it and it work best for my hair. I finger detangle my hair when its wet and then I use the Wide-Tooth Comb. I use the Denman brush from time to time, but to get through my hair I need a comb.

11. Is your hair normally loose or in a protective-do?

I typically wear my hair loose either in a wash-n-go or twist out.

12. Have you ever had a hair tragedy? What was it? How did you recover from it?

I honestly have not had a hair tragedy since I’ve been natural. The two times I had my hair flat ironed, it loosened my curls a little, but that was it. That is why I use minimal heat and dyes on my hair.

13. What's your biggest tip for maintaining healthy or long hair?

My biggest TIP for maintaining healthy hair is keeping your hair moisturized and your ends trimmed. I know that is easier said than done. The key if finding the RIGHT product that moisturizes your hair texture. For those women that are thinking about going natural, I say embraces it. It’s a journey, and with every journey newness is born. It’s a lifestyle change. It takes confidence, and as women we must have self-confidence no matter the circumstance.

14. Where can we find you online? (blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc).