Transitioning Beauty of the Week

Aja Butler-Burns
Miami, FL

How long have you been transitioning?

For about 5 months. I went for about 6 months last year but gave in and got a perm.

If your hair had its own personality, how would you describe it?

My hair likes to be it's own boss. If I try and wrestle with my hair I just end up breaking it- instead I've learned to gently style it but let it do it's own thing- right now I'm rocking a curly fro so it's got a mind of it's own.

What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

I got a blonde weave and dyed the ends green, turquoise and purple (at different times, then all at once like tie-dye). To match it I bleached my natural hair blonde (mistake.) I just dyed my natural hair grey- a color most women run from! I’m 25

Who is your style or hair icon and why?

My two sisters and my mother- my mom's hair is big, wild and very black (she's in her 60's) and just beautiful in its natural state. My oldest sister is half Cuban and her very long; shiny curls inspire me because when she would wrestle with her hair and fight it was puffy and stress inducing. Now that she has babies to take her attention, she just treats her hair well and it responds by looking healthy. My other sister rocks a big fro which I love because she isn't afraid to be natural and have the biggest hair in the room. I don't try to make my hair like any of theirs; I just see what my hair needs- the love and appreciation for what it is and how it looks naturally.


What song or album makes you feel most beautiful and empowered?

I LOVE Earth Wind and Fire- singing it in the car makes me feel empowered. You can just feel the soul and sincerity in the love songs.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR ONE OF OUR EXPERTS? ASK IT HERE.