Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, long or short, keeping your mane tamed can break the bank and eat up your free time! But for some, the price and effort to ensure your tresses stay in check is worth it. That’s why we’re introducing this brand new series to spotlight our readers’ coolest ‘dos. Do you pay a pretty penny or do you know how to handle your hair with frugality? Send your submissions to [email protected] for a chance to break down the cost of your coif.

NAME: Stephanie Siaw

SIGNATURE STYLE: Relaxed, shoulder-length looks worn up or down

PRICE TAG: $175 every three months

OCCUPATION/PASSION PROJECT: Attorney with an unhealthy interest in fashion

WHAT PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES DO YOU USE TO MAINTAIN YOUR HAIR STYLE ESPECIALLY AS HAT WEATHER APPROACHES? 

I generally get my hair relaxed with Affirm Sensitive Scalp Relaxer every three months, and I try to ensure that my hair is moisturized. I do that by getting deep moisture-infusing conditioners every time I wash my hair and by applying oils or creams to my hair, especially my ends, almost daily. Currently, I alternate between Nexxus Emergencée and Creme of Nature Moisturizing Milk Masque Repairing Deep Treatment.

I often wear protective styles like a bun or a wig in between touch-ups, or when I don’t feel like dealing with my hair. When wearing my own hair loose, I often set it at night using satin covered sponge rollers.

WHAT CRITERIA DO YOU USE TO CHOOSE YOUR BUN OR WIG?

I like my wigs to look as natural as possible, so my pieces usually are not very long, and the color is generally dark brown or black to mimic my hair.

DO YOU USE ANY PRODUCTS OR PROCESSES TO PROTECT YOUR BUNS OR WIGS?

I store my wigs in the box they were purchased in and ensure that I brush them out before returning them to the wig box.

BETWEEN YOUR RELAXER, THE BUNS, AND WIGS, HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND ON YOUR HAIR, ON AVERAGE? 

I pay about $50 dollars to relax my hair and $20-25 for wash-and-sets. My current favorite wig cost $100.

Follow Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on Instagram @nanaekuawriter.