On Going Natural
I had my first relaxer at the age of 8 or 9. It was left in for too long and ruined my hair and I had to go to a barber and shave off what was left! Somehow, the trama of looking like a boy for half a year didn't keep me from relaxers. About three years ago I finally stopped. I decided I was curious to see what my hair really looked like. I was convinced my hair genes could not take much more damage for long.I stopped during a summer stateside. Dropping in at Nigerian weddings, no one cared if I was transitioning or not. By the time I got to Nigeria, the story changed. Now, if I go out with my natural hair, men, women and children of all ages stare and I can't walk through without getting 'Auntie do you want to make your hair appointment?' calls from hairdressers.
Hair Care RegimenI'm low key. I keep my hair in 'protective styles'. This translates to twists under a wig, in extensions or in a scarf. I'm a stickler for cowashing with one flavor or another of Suave conditioner once a week, I use shea butter when I twist and a bar of Dudu Osun soap instead of shampoo. When I style my hair in twists, I like to faux-hawk it up. Otherwise, I'd have to say I'm a fro-girl.
Sauve conditioner and shampoo, Dudu Osun soap – Its not specifically made for hair, but it works so well, it might as well be. Natural (local) shea butter, olive oil and water. Once I get back stateside, I'm sure I'll blossom into a full-fledged product junkie.
More Bee...
www.yungbe.blogspot.com
www.fotki.com/whoiamisme
love your hair bee...am also a Nigerian natural, live in the capital city and work in a bank. you need to see the looks i get on a daily basis but i love being natural, that all that matters...
ReplyDeleteThis is a great feature, nice picture too. It's true that not many people wear their hairs without relaxing in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteGo 'head girl... You strong pass me. Although I am a stretcher, I still get my relaxers. But like you, I no longer use shampoo.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the fro, even though it might seem strange to most Nigerians, I am sure there are others who will dare to be different for the sake of their hair-health just like you.
i guess it's short sightedness that makes some people say crap about leavin out the relaxer from hair...sometimes it can only be convenient...is shampoo not so good anymore? i don't change mine often tho
ReplyDeleteNice to know that dudu osunis great on hair! Ill use it and see how it goes:) On the way to natural hair to, actually im there! Hope i continue the commitment and not break down midway!
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