Teyonah Parris of Mad Men Rocks Pompadour At SAG



Source: www.blackgirllonghair.com

 Too cute and too cool! Here is hoping that we will see waaaaay more celebrities rock their natural hair publicly on the red carpets of the world. I am looking to see what will happen here in Nigeria. Hmmmm . . . Check out more pictures on BGLH.



Source: www.blackgirllonghair.com




Keep it natural!

Omozo

Halle Berry on the cover of Interview Mag

So here is Halle Berry with an afro looking delish on the cover of Interview Magazine. Can she ever look yama yama? Even when she cried while receiving her Oscar, she looked cute! Loving the BIG AFRO. Maybe I'll rock a BIG Afro this weekend. #justthinking




We see you Ms Berry



The Shoes? The Dress? The Chair? The Sunglasses? All cool!

Keep it natural!

Omozo

Thanks for that TWA Jill!

Jill Scott is on the cover of the October issue of Essence Magazine. She has a TWA and it is cuuute! For a second, I felt the urge to cut my hair and rock a TWA (for a second). She talks about her hair in the interview and here is an excerpt of what she said:

“ Tomorrow I may want a wig down to my butt and I’m gonna rock it, and the next day I may want a big Afro and I’m gonna rock that too…” (Read the full quote on Huffington Post here)

Source: Beyond Gossip

Keep it natural (and rocking)!

Omozo

Nse Again!

This month's edition of Complete Fashion Nigeria has Nse Ikpe-Etim on the cover rocking a twist-out fro hawk!
See our interview of her here and see her rocking the AMAAs here.

Love it! Love it!

Kudos and well done to Complete Fashion and the Stylist for keeping Nse's hair as is and not putting her in a weave or whatever else. And snaps to Nse too because I am guessing she would have asked to use her natural hair. And Nse, your hair looks GREAT!

Keep it natural!

Omozo

Naturals on TV

I was watching cable TV and noticed that the ladies in the non-Nigerian soap operas were most likely to wear their natural hair than the ladies in the Nigerian soap operas. More specifically I think these soap operas are Eastern or Southern African soap operas. I saw afros, afro puffs, twist outs, and locs.

Hmmmm... 

Then I watched Tinsel. Tinsel is probably the most popular Nigerian soap opera on TV right now. The episode I watched did not have any women wearing their natural hair, not even a natural hair weave. Why do you think this is the case? If you guys on Tinsel are looking for someone to style natural hair for your show come and talk to me o! I can hook you up! #justsaying

Here are pictures of some of the ladies with natural hair in the soap operas I watched. Pardon the quality *sheepish grin*

Keep it natural!

Omozo

AMAA 2012 - Nse! Nse! Nse!

I was at AMAA 2012 (Africa Movie Academy Awards) and saw some natural haired ladies there. Read our blog posts on AMMA 2012 here and here. I did not see Nse Ikpe Etim. It was after the event that I was told that she showed up and SHOWED OFF her natural hair! I am so proud of her! It is the Didi hairstyle and her stance in the pictures that just make you go "Wow! She did it." And she did it very well I will add.

Source: www.bellanaija.com

Of course there are the "Detractors" (I used big grammar there) who have said her hairstyle was not "red carpet hair". What does that mean? American actress Viola Davis wore her TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) for the Oscars in March. Talk show host Wendy Williams' comment? She said she does not want to see it on the red carpet. (You can read an article about this on Madame Noire) *Sigh* "They" do not want to see natural hair on the red carpet, "they" do not want to see it at the office etc. So I ask, where do "they" think is the appropriate place for natural hair to be worn or shown? Oh sorry I know the answer! Hide natural hair under something ... anything but not out in the open and "they" will be happy. Newsflash: You will be seeing more and more women wearing their natural / un-relaxed hair in various hairstyles. So here's a tip: Get used to it!

O'Naturals interviewed Nse in January (read the interview here). In response to the question: are you looking forward to wearing your natural hair out? Nse answered "I can't wait to finish the film, take off my hair and walk the red carpet with natural hair." She did just that on Sunday 22nd of April 2012 and she did it very, very well. Here's to you Nse.

Source: www.nollywoodmindspace.com

Keep it natural!


Omozo

"Don't try to be a cheap imitation. Be original" - Actress Lydia Forson's interview (Part 2)

This is the concluding part of O'Natural's  interview with Lydia Forson

You talked about the fans recognizing you. But what are the reactions of the directors, the producers, the costumers, when they see you?

I will give an example. On this set [Phone Swap], the plan was for me to have a weave. Now in my heart, I wanted to do something with my hair. But I understood where the character was coming from and I respected the director's point of view. But then I took out my hair and I have to thank Nse. (See our interview of Nse here) She said, “You know what? Do you, let's see what you look like". I had twisted my hair, I took it out and I put it up like how I do it.  And everyone looked at me different. Like okay this is what she really looks like. So on several occasions I get on a set and people see my natural hair and the assumption is, what can we do with natural hair? And I am forced to teach them how to treat my hair, because they are so used to doing the weave. So I become my own stylist at that point, when I'm given permission. I try not to impose that [natural hair] on any director or producer. When I'm given the freedom, I ask what is my character? I will be able to do something amazing with my hair.

So every time I get on any set, they want to force the hair to go in a certain direction, because the assumption is if you are playing this character you are in a long weave or with a curly weave. And I love this story [Phone Swap] because Nse's character has dreadlocks, and the only reason why they did not want me to use my hair was because they did not want the characters to clash. After I did my hair, they realized that you can have ten people with natural hair in a movie and they will all look different and will suite their character. So I don't blame the world, they just don't know. So when I go anywhere, it's my job to educate them, that listen, I can do this. I can play a mom with my hair. All I have to do is dye it back to black. I can be a feisty woman, up it up. Even if I want, I can use a curling thong and it will be like the perm that they want…

And I'm very humble when it comes to working with people, because you don't want to tell them to do it like this. So I let them do their own thing, then I say let me do it my way and it almost always works.

What's so amazing about what you are saying now is that there are different types of characters and natural hair is versatile enough to be interpreted for that character. That's an amazing thing to say.

Because when people say natural hair, all they see is Afro and I've never worn an Afro with my hair: it's always a punk or I've dyed it or I've twisted it. And these are stuff I do on my own... if you are not creative, you can't work the hair. Creativity is a big thing. Most women do not even know how to treat their own hair. That's why they would run to do a weave because when they put it on, all you have to do is comb it. I like to take care of my own hair. So I dye my own hair. I twist my own hair. I wash my own hair. I have my own hair products. So it's easy for me. But the major issue we were talking about is the stereotype of natural hair that you can't do anything with it. And when you have natural hair, the only character she can play is that she is a house girl or good girl then she has the natural hair but they never see you do anything feisty with the natural hair, but you can. But it is not entirely the crew, its lack of knowledge. And then some people with natural hair have no clue on how to take care of their hair. I like to read, I like to experiment.

Picture Courtesy of news1ghana.com

Do you have a regimen? What’s your routine?

Weekly shampoo, conditioner... Because I put so much colour in my hair, I always try to moisturize. Again, I don’t like grease; I always like moisturizers that are not too greasy. And then occasionally, once in a while, I will treat my hair. I will buy maybe a cholesterol treatment or I can even crack two eggs and put it in my hair. It will smell for a bit but then when I finish, I will wash my hair. That’s protein for my hair. So that’s all I do, I don’t do anything fussy.

I have a very simple approach to life. I don’t believe in rules you know, do this a certain way. Everyone wants to hear "Okay Lydia Forson does this to her hair, she wakes up and she does this". Then you think to yourself: when I do the same thing I will get the same result. Find what suites you.

Would you like to see more natural hair in our African movies?

It’s not even a matter of hair. I think I would like to see people be more original. People try desperately to look like certain people. Be yourself. I’m not one to preach. I am not a hypocrite, I don’t go about saying everyone should do natural hair. But I would like to see more originality. People wear weaves up to their butts… I really have a big problem with those weaves… and I will tell you without any fear.

We can’t compete with America or the U.K by trying to be like them, they are already there. We can compete with them by trying to be like us, because there’s something new. It’s like African print and then silk. There’s a contrast. Some people will have a taste for African print or a taste for silk. But you have silk and then there’s imitation silk. What do you think people will go for? So don’t try to be a cheap imitation. Be original… I’m not saying go natural, I’m just saying be original.

Actress Lydia Forson talks to O'Naturals about natural hair.

This is a two part interview with Lydia Forson. Tomorrow, we'll post the concluding part of the interview. Do enjoy.

Lydia Forson is a top Ghanaian actress but it doesn’t mean that she’s only seen in Ghanaian movies. She was in Nigeria, last year, filming Kunle Afolayan’s Phone Swap, which is currently in theatres across Nigeria and Ghana. Lydia who started acting professionally in 2008, won an AMAA in 2010, for her role in the Perfect Picture.

Was it the Perfect Picture that gave you your first AMAA nomination?

No it was called Scorned. It gave me my first AMAA nomination. I think I was nominated for best upcoming actress. Yes, I've been around for a while. But I think because I am very selective about what I do. I wouldn't say its unfortunate, because there are people I know people who got into the industry years after me and they are a lot more popular than I am. Well In Ghana, I would say almost every body knows who I am. Not everybody, but almost everybody. When I come to Nigeria, it takes a while. People will be wondering who's she? Until maybe they go and google me up and say, “oh wow.” I think  it’s because I am very selective about my productions.

Courtesy of Bella Naija.com

So how long have you been natural?

I've been natural for I think, four years now.

Why did you decide to go natural?

Actually it wasn't a decision. It was a very funny story. I was dating a very interesting guy. I never talk about any relationship in any interview, but this is relevant to the story. It was my birthday and he was coming into town. And for about three months, I had not done a retouch…[my hair] was half natural, half permed and I said, I want to do a perm and a cut. I just really wanted to look good.

I went to a very popular salon in Ghana. And they gave me a lot of nonsense about the time and appointments. So I went to three different salons and nobody was prepared to do my hair. So I went home and my cousin and I cut my hair together with scissors and that was it.

So I enjoyed the look, because I had wanted to go natural. And you know going natural is a tough decision. You have to be prepared. It's like the whole world is going to see you naked. You know, you are cutting your hair short. You have nothing to hide who you are. This is the real you. This is how God brought you into this earth. So it was a huge decision. So I just cut my hair and I loved my hair. I felt like I had just taken a weight off my shoulder and I haven't looked back since. I actually cut it and I cut more and more. My hair was so short…But I came to love it.

I came to really understand that most African women don't go natural because they think they won't look good in it and it’s sad…I have no problem with people wearing weaves. I mean, I colour my hair. But wear it [weaves] because it is a way of enhancing yourself. Don’t wear a weave because you think without it you are less beautiful. That means you are really insulting God, because you think God doesn't know what He is doing. So I think wear a weave, braid your hair just because you [want] a change. I know women who have never let anybody see their hair before. From one weave to another to another braid to another weave. The insecurity.  And it's sad.

I think it was a process for me. I didn't go natural because: O yes, power to the African people. But then I came to learn more about myself. That really all my life, how many times have I worn a weave, how many times have I braided my hair? That was just not me. And I was living up to this image of beauty. But for once I feel this is me and this is how I'm comfortable. And I'm happy. And I came to discover myself.

For all the years I was in the industry, yes, people knew me,[but] when I went natural, all of a sudden people recognized me. And yet people still don't remember some of my early works, because I was with permed hair. So it made me stand out. I don't know if that makes any sense. So I’m not saying everyone should go and do their natural hair. I think, you have to get to a point where we don't do things to please the world, we do things to please us and what makes us comfortable. I'm not just that kind of person with a weave up to my butt. And being honest with myself helped me with my career and helped me in my personal life. I just became a totally different person. Power to the people..!(Lydia laughs)

Lydia Forson with Kunle Afolayan. Courtesy Nollywoodmindspace.com

Do people ask you about your hair?

This is the first interview [about my hair]. I know people have talked about my hair before but not to me. But this is the first interview that has asked in depth and I have actually spoken about it. And I'm really excited because, it's a totally different angle. I'm enjoying it because I'm passionate about it. It's not just about the fact that I am natural. It is who I am. Like I'm not trying too hard to live up to this expectation. People have told me, " Okay you know what? You are too African, so then if you are able to make it to Hollywood then all they will give you is African roles.” And I said, first of all, Dani Devito is not cute, he's short but he does as many movies as even some so called handsome people in Hollywood. Do not let the world define who you are. Tell the world who you are. And they will accommodate you. So it’s not just hair. It goes beyond the hair. It's me telling people this is me. Take me as I am or leave. And people will be forced to like you.

The second part of this two part interview will be posted tomorrow. 

"Natural hair is freedom you cannot buy" - Interview with Actress Kate Henshaw

I met Kate Henshaw at the Kinky Apothecary's birthday event (Check out the blog posts here and here) and she graciously agreed to chat about her natural hair journey. Kate Henshaw is a popular Nigerian actress who has featured in many successful Nigerian movies. She won an AMAA (Africa Movie Academy Award) for best actress in 2008 and she also writes a weekend column for the Vanguard Newspaper. I enjoyed Kate's humour, honesty and her excitement through out our chat. Enjoy!

When and how did you go natural? I stopped retouching my hair on the 10th of September 2010. I cut off the last relaxed bit of hair about a year later and started doing this (points to her twists). I decided to go natural because I was tired and I wanted my hair back. I had really healthy hair before I ever started using Ultra Sheen relaxer which was the very first relaxer I used. I remember it very well because my mom was a hairdresser.

My hair was long, full and, healthy and then I started relaxing, which made it look nice, but then I started loosing my hairline. Then they said retouch every 2 weeks; retouch every 6 weeks; retouch every 8 weeks. It was crazy and my hair was falling off even with all the advanced products I was using. It was getting limp. My hair stylist and I tried everything. And then I decided that I would just cut everything off and have a change when I turned 40 even if it had to be a low cut: I was prepared to do it.

Wow! So what was the reaction of your family and friends? One of my friends said "Ah you are a celebrity, you cannot be carrying this type of hair"  I asked "Why?" Why can't I carry this kind of hair? It is my hair. I am tired of all this Oyinbo culture. We are black people! We should be proud of how our hair is: kinky, fun, healthy, rough. We like it like that! You know, I was just tired of trying to make it look like their's because that's basically it: for me to fry my hair to look like Oyinbo hair. It is not Oyinbo hair. The kinky will always come out you know?

So since your mom is a hairdresser what did she say? My mom. (Kate smiles widely) Oh when she saw it she said " It suits you. It makes you look younger". I said "Yeah, I know right?"

It is just so much fun! Oh! I cannot explain the feeling I had when I went to the gym and came back for the first time and I put my hair under the shower and the water just hit my head and I was like "Oh!" It felt amazing! Amazing!

I always hated the hair dryer. Each time I had to fix a weave-on, I needed to sit under the dryer for maybe an hour and the heat made me angry. It is just so exhilarating having this hair. And it is not for anybody. It is for me! I have chosen it for me. If I need to style it into something else, I will wear a wig, at least then I have the freedom of taking off the wig.

So it sounds like it is freedom for you. It is freedom you cannot buy! You cannot pay for it! Everybody should go natural o!

(I start laughing)

I know it is hard. Some people say it makes them look like a house girl. Trust me that is who you are: Natural. Not a house girl but Natural. Having your own hair and making it work. You have to make it work. You have to try. I am one that always looks forward to challenges. I want to try out new things and I do not care what anybody thinks. It is for me. You can never please the world so you do what makes you happy.

So how did you learn? I took part in a stage play alongside Tosin Otudeko and she had natural hair and it was long hair. I thought she was a girl of 20 only to find out that she is married with 2 boys! I asked her a few questions and she introduced me to Kinky Apothecary and to Nibi (owner of Kinky Apothecary. See Nibi's interview here). I went to her house and asked her what products I should be using. She told me that she cannot tell me what products to use but that I should try various products  to see which works. She said look out for products that do not have silicone in them and this and that. I was like "Just tell me what to use! That is too much work!"  Then I went to her blog and learned about co-washing and so many other things.

Do you twist your hair yourself? No, no my hand cannot reach there! I go to the salon and pay them for that.

Do you find anything frustrating about having natural hair? Styling can be frustrating. This (she points to her twists) is about the only style I have been doing since I went natural. I am loving it but I would like to do different styles.

As an actress, how have the directors, producers and film makers approached you having natural hair? Funny enough, I have used this hairstyle in a movie which is yet to be released. I played a high powered executive. The producer said "Oh I think you will have to use a weave-on" and I said "No! A high powered executive can carry this type of hair" And I was looking slamming in my suit!

The movie Kate mentioned is titled "The Meeting". Check out the trailer below.

Keep it natural!

Omozo

20 Widows Get Makeovers courtesy of Omotola's Foundation OYEP

I got this story from Bella Naija.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is one of Nigeria's most talented actresses and has starred in many successful movies. She has now shown us that she also has a BIG heart. In honour of her Mother, who passed away 10 years ago, She gave 20 Widows amazing makeovers through her OYEP Foundation (Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme).

The businesses that donated resources to this are:  Fresh Look Spa, H and H Spa, House of Tara,  Every Woman, Civita and Mossy Ella Bakers. Hair was done by Ugo Igbokwe of Make Me Beauty and pictures were taken by pioneer photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi. Check out some pictures below and see more on Bella Naija. 

Picture Source: Bella Naija

Picture Source: Bella Naija

Keep it natural (and inspired)!

Omozo

Oh, Baby! An Interview with J'odie

How long have you had your hair natural?
~I don't have accurate records as to exactly how long I've been natural, because at the time, it was an emotional decision of "out with the old and in with the new"...but I think it should be about three years now. Plus, this is the second, but permanent kinky journey I'm going through. I went kinky around 2005, jerhi curls in 2007 and back to kinky after a while! I turned back to jerhi curls, because I didn't know how to care for my kinky hair (as I do now) and because someone told me my hair would bounce back to being kinky once I stopped...that's a lie!!! I had to cut my hair and start afresh!

Who or what inspired you to go natural?
~ I believe it was a soul search. I was in Unilag then, and no one around me, apart from certain religious sects (which I wasn't part of) had their original natural hair. Everyone in my family that I knew permed their hair, fixed weave-on, no one influenced me or dropped the idea, so it really was from "within". Here are some questions I was trying to answer: Do I have to perm my hair to be termed "beautiful"? Is something wrong with African hair? If nothing is wrong with it, why does it seem we are being programmed to change the texture? If something is wrong with it, nature/God must have made a major error, but I doubt - is there something we are missing? What are we missing here? How can I find out?..... So, one of the ways I chose to find out was to go on a kinky pilgrim.
Here I am...each phase, making discoveries. It's been interesting, yet I believe I haven't even started yet!

What inspired the song, Kuchi Kuchi(Oh Baby)?
~ After my producer laid a zouk beat, on one of our sessions, he gave me to write a love song or something. He wanted us to try a different procedure and style, because we had been working, from other angles. For about a month, I couldn't write to it, because I wasn't in love :) I actually write best when I "feel" what I'm writing about. Love for one's baby was the only kind I could relate with, even tho I'm not a mother yet. But God just did it for me! It all starts, flows and ends with God! So, inspiration for the love of one's baby came at about 2am one morning and for that period, I almost could see through the eyes of a mother. The picture will be clearer when I become one.




I really like your music video for the song Kuchi kuchi (Oh Baby).
~ Oh, thank you ;)

I noticed that even your singers in the video are wearing traditionally inspired hairstyles (thread). What inspired that video?
~ I don't take credit for that one... My video director actually thought that up. At the time I even did the video, there were so many challenges, I couldn't even think. Didn't even think I would have a video then. Didn't think it was possible. God!!!

What type of freedom has natural hair given you?
~ though I'm still searching, natural hair has given me the freedom to be more innovative and expressive in the most organic way. Like I said, it's not just a surface thing - that is "hair style" in itself. I believe there's an energy behind it. I used to care too much for my own good. Now, I still care, but I'm more at ease. Apart from some basic privileges of not having to buy expensive hair extensions, or going under the heat (at the salon); I've come to realise that I'm more in touch with my Africanness.



What do you enjoy most about being natural?
~ Uniqueness! It's strange how "fellow Africans" say "wow...is this your hair? It's lovely!!" And I'm like "thank you, but you'd have something like this if you don't perm"

Do you feel like your natural hair makes you stand out in the entertainment industry?
~ it sure does. How many females in the entertainment terrain can dare not-fixing? It may look "ordinary", but it takes guts!

What is your hair regimen?
~nothing yet so special.
I wash with a hair conditioner (just a normal conditioner - not the expensive type)
Dab my hair, then apply a little leave-in conditioner, some coconut oil and castor oil - I do all these while it's damp.
I comb my hair damp, as well - it's softer.
I usually pack in a bun, or pin it up or plait "calabar"...
When I want to give it a break, and one should, I either make a wool-inspired style or really chunky braids to avoid breakage.
I have a fanpage on facebook (I Love My Kinky Hair) with some pictures, as well as hair care systems.

Do you have a hairdresser or do you do it yourself?
~I know how to style my hair. I only employ the services of a professional when it's something I can't do.





What are the hair products you cannot live without?
~ I can live without all of them :)
Honestly, haven't found that "magic product" yet...maybe it's out there though!
The most important things to my hair, right now, aren't hair products (company-made - if that's what you mean), they are natural substances. Like I said, I use coconut oil, sometimes, shear butter. I don't have a particular conditioner that I can't do without. If one isn't available, I buy another that I can use to wash my hair - instead of a shampoo, which is said to be harsher on kinky hair.

What are some of the projects you are working on right now?
~working on new songs that I believe are from my soul. The album isn't coming right now, because I'm not satisfied with the present result, meanwhile, will be releasing more singles, God being my strength!
U can check on progress from time to time on www.jodie.com.ng

What can we expect to see from you in the near future?   
~ expect evergreen music...
Also expect more accurate kinky hair care systems that will make kinky more manageable than even perms. Nothing is Impossible!

Interview with J'odie (Oh Baby!) Coming soon

We are sooooo excited! We will be featuring our interview with Jodie. The singer of the popular "Kuchi Kuchi" (Oh Baby!) song. This song has been topping the Nigerian pop charts. Jodie also won Best Highlife Video and Video of the Year at the 2011 Nigerian Music Video Awards. My 3 year old niece loves this song and even has a dance for it!

 Jodie has natural hair and we were able to catch up with her ... You'll learn more from the interview. Till then, enjoy the video. 

Keep it natural!

Omozo

"I just love all kinds of natural hair|" - Interview with Nibi (Kinky Apothecary)

Nibi is the founder and owner of Kinky Apothecary - Lagos' first one-stop kinky hair shop. Nibi was interviewed on BGLH in 2010. She is gracious, approachable and excited about the growth of "natural hair awareness" in Nigeria. Meet Nibi.

Name? Nibi.

Where are you from and where do you live? Born in Lagos, raised in London, live somewhere between the two.

What do you do? By day, I am the Head of Corporate Finance for a large West African property development group specialising in low and middle income housing projects. By night, I run The Kinky Apothecary, Lagos's first one-stop natural hair products shop! Hence why my blogging has had to take a back seat over the past few months.

Where can we find you online? My blog: http://thekinkyapothecary.blogspot.com/ or my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kinky-Apothecary/120837131266405

How long have you been natural? 12 years with a wobble about 4 years ago where I texturized and immediately started transitioning back.

Tell us about Kinky Apothecary. What made you decide to do this? How has the journey been so far? Location? Hours of operation? Well, just to clear something up, the Kinky Apothecary has not, up until now, had a physical store. What the Kinky Apothecary is, is a supplier of natural hair products, and natural hair consultancy. We sell brands such as Aubrey Organics, Giovanni and Taliah Waajid by delivery. We have just entered into a few more deals with some well-known brands, so our product range is expanding rapidly in the next few months.

We are also in the process of developing our own line, and have a couple of items already on sale, and we supply a variety of carrier and essential oils. Customers call or email for a price list, and we deliver all over Lagos and we've even had some deliveries to other states too (as far as Maiduguri). But now after 18 months of this, we now finally have our own shop, which we will be launching at our December 18th event, and from early next year we will also have a concession at another shop on the mainland. We're just working out the finer details.

I started The Kinky Apothecary because after the texturizer blip, I was on a real healthy hair crusade, and would read all these websites like Curly Nikki and BGLH, but could never find the recommended products in any shop in Lagos and when I looked for alternatives, everything I could find contained mineral oil, silicones and sulphates which I wanted to avoid. I realised there was obviously a demand, and so decided to build my own company selling only products which are free of ingredients I feel are undesirable for a variety of reasons. I also wanted to develop a platform where we were not only reliant on these imported products, but to encourage locally made products as well. We have so many amazing ingredients growing right here in Nigeria. It was when I bought a tub of Shea Butter from the UK and thought 'hang on a minute...' that it clicked. Yes, I am a little slow! So I am always on the look out for natural hair and skin mixologists who have products they would like me to stock.

Also I would get people stopping me ALL the time, asking me about my hair, wasn't it hard to take care of, saying that they loved it and that they would really like to go natural but didn't know where to start or that their hair was "hard", and so I realised there was a real need for a consultancy and developed that side of things by organising our Champagne, Cupcakes and Curltalk workshops (featuring my 3 favourite things!) which we started 18 months ago! Since we started I have encouraged a lot of people to go natural, or wear their natural hair out, and I can't help feeling a little proud of that somehow.

We're actually having another one of those events (and 1st birthday bash) in Lagos on December 18th in conjunction with the ladies from Leave In The Kinks.

The journey has been extremely tough. The business grew so quickly, which I am only grateful for, but considering I also have an extremely demanding full-time job, at times it has felt like I was doing too much. A lot of the time, I just have to remind myself every day of what my goals are, and try not to get sidetracked or disheartened the odd time things have gone wrong. But I have to say it has been an incredible learning experience, and I have met so many wonderful people as a result of setting up.

What's next for Kinky Apothecary? Well we are opening our first store, actually. And we do have LOADS of exciting things coming up, which I can't really divulge at this stage. For example, I just agreed to a deal with one of my favourite product manufacturers of all time, and I really can't wait until we start stocking them!!

From your perspective, what is the natural hair scene like in Lagos / Nigeria? The natural hair scene has changed a lot from when I first came back. It is still not the norm, but I have started to see more and more naturals coming out. Even people who were natural before under their weaves have started wearing their own hair out more. However, we still have a LONG way to go!

At one time you had your hair relaxed. Tell us why you decided to go natural. I get asked this question a lot, but because it was so long ago, I actually can't really remember. I know there was a trend with people chopping their hair off and texturising at the time. I chopped, and liked my hair as it was without the chemicals, so kept it as it was. I also remember a friend of mine had really damaged relaxed hair and had gone natural and I LOVED her twists and wanted them too. I also hated relaxing. I have a really sensitive scalp and would get burned every single time. I also liked the way my hair looked for about a week after relaxing, but then it wouldn't be so great after that, and I just hated the whole maintenance thing. Having to do something to it every 6 weeks, I just could not be bothered.

It was nothing political, and nothing really I thought deeply about. I just felt like being natural, so I didn't have a touch up for 3 months and then chopped. I have nothing against relaxers on anyone else. It was just that for me I just could not be bothered, and now I am more aware, I just would never put chemicals on or near my scalp again.

Do you have a “hair mentor” or “hair crush”? I actually have loads of different mentors and crushes, because I just love all kinds of natural hair. Of course there are all the usual like Shinghai Shoniwa from The Noisettes, Janelle Monae, because she is just so funky, Yaya from America's Next Top Model, Corinne Bailey Rae. But I also frequently have hair crushes on people I see on the street. Big curls, small crinkles, inch long TWA's, huge afros. Love it all. And whenever I see another natural rocking her hair with pride, I usually can't help but smile.

It was quite funny actually, the other day I walked past this girl with really lovely natural hair. I tried to pretend I wasn't staring and calmly walked by, but when she had passed I turned round to admire it in its full glory, and realised that she had stopped and turned round to do exactly the same to me. We both laughed and struck up a conversation and hair tips, and ended up swapping email addresses.

What’s your hair regimen? Although I always tell my customers the importance of having a hair regimen, I am embarrassed to say I don't really have one as such *slaps wrists for not practising what she preaches*. But I guess what I am always trying to tell them is that different things work for different people, so they have to find their own groove!

I wash once a week, usually. Definitely no less frequently than every 2 weeks and that is a struggle- I only do that if my hair is in twists. But what I wash with changes all the time. I make sure I deep condition my hair at least 9 times out of every 10 I wash, because I have very porous hair that craves moisture, and despite this new trend of scientists saying there is no real benefit to leaving conditioner on for longer, I can ALWAYS tell the difference. My staple is Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, sometimes with Olive Oil and Honey added in to give it an extra punch. I try loads of different conditioners, because I always make sure I try out products before I sell them. However, I always come back to my old love: Aubreys! As I said, my hair is really porous, so I can have moisture retention issues. To counter this, I give myself a mild protein treatment every few weeks with the Aubreys GPB. This is a really mild treatment, so if I ever feel I need more of a protein boost, I do a treatment with eggs, mayonnaise and olive oil.

I always wash my hair in sections now- cowash or shampoo each section, apply my conditioner, detangle with my fingers or a seamless wide-toothed comb (I alternate hand and comb every other wash), then I twist, cover with a plastic cap to deep condition, and rinse in twists. I haven't washed loose in a bout a year now, and this has really cut down on tangles.

For my go-to braidouts and twistouts, I untwist each section to apply my leave-in, and twist it back up to dry partially. Then I go through each section to make smaller twists or braids with my Kinky Apothecary Whipped Shea Batter, which is a souped up Shealoe- it is water based, and contains a variety of oils in addition to the Shea and Aloe. It looks and smells just like coconut cake batter, so I am changing the name to that. I do experiment with different things sometimes, but this is my standard 'I don't have time for anything else' regimen

I also sometimes play around with Ayurvedic clays when I have the time, and have just perfected a shampoo bar and a clay-based conditioning mask which are going to form part of the Kinky Apothecary line. They are being debuted at the December event. A few months ago, I also started using the line that we are about to start stocking. It is actually torture that I can't say what it is.

Products you would wait in line for? *wink* Ooh, I can't answer that without giving away the big secret of which products we are about to start stocking! Ask me again in 2 months, but let me just say, I LOVE every single product they have ever made!!!

How do people react to your natural hair? Positive, or negative or just odd? Usually positive, even people who think they don't "like" natural hair, mainly because people like big hair, I guess. I do get the odd snide comment, but because I can honestly say I actually am totally in love with my hair, those comments tend to irritate me for a second and then roll off my back. Some statements have been made, however, that I find so amusing that I still repeat them years later. Not because I am upset by them, but because I am just astounded and actually amused by the ignorance. But I can safely say my hair is definitely always a topic of conversation- good or bad!

If you get negative comments about your natural hair who are they from and how do you deal with them? When I first moved back to Lagos 5 years ago, I would get unwelcome comments from colleagues all the time. Now I'm the boss, those comments have stopped suddenly... to my face anyway! Lol!! I do have the weave brigade dropping snide comments once in a while, but hey. Really doesn't bother me that much

What hairstyles do you usually wear? Braidouts and twistouts because I like to keep my hair stretched. Pulled back or in an updo for work (I also sometimes wear my chunky twists and braids to work. Don't judge me!). And out in its full glory at night or at weekends.

What do you like best about being natural? It's so versatile. I still get amazed at what it can do. I derive pleasure from playing around with it. I just think it looks best on me. I feel like I have a bit of a healthier lifestyle because once I started choosing healthier options for my hair, it filtered down to all other aspects of my life, down to what I eat (although you will pry cheesy wotsits from my cold dead orange fingers!)

What do you hate most about being natural? It's all just a part of who I am. Yes sometimes I get frustrated when detangling. I have to say shrinkage does my head in, especially in this Lagos humidity! You get ready for a night out and within 30 minutes it is a completely different hair style. But I would still take that over anything else! Apart from that, there is absolutely nothing I hate about my hair.

Have you ever had an “Ooops!” or “OMG!” moment with your hair? Tell us about it and how you resolved it. So many, I don't even know where to start. Now they really only tend to be failed twistouts or braidouts, so I just pull my hair back and sort it out the next day. But I have had some disasters in the past.

Oh, I just remembered one! When I tried to dye my hair myself, in the first year I went natural. I bought a permanent box dye from the chemist, rushed home and, barely glancing over the instructions, proceeded to haphazardly slather it on to my afro (I didn't really know much about sectioning or shingling, even though looking back, that's just common sense). The colour was totally wrong for my skin tone, so much so that I almost gave myself a heart attack whenever I passed a mirror! And, gasping for breath between fits of hysterical laughter, my cousin pointed out that I had completely missed a patch and was walking around with a dark circle on the back of my head. I booked an emergency hairdressers appointment for the next day where they managed to tone the colour down a bit, and then pretty much just twisted my hair for months until it grew out. The two-toned twists looked quite cool though, almost as if I had done that on purpose.

What do you say to people like you about going natural? I always tell my customers that it can be tough, it can be frustrating, but don't give up before you've tried all the options. Look at the products you are using and the ingredients in them, and that might be what's causing issues (my hair does things now with certain products that I never thought it would). Also NEVER compare your hair to other people, everyone's hair is totally different, and fabulous in its own way. And finally, if it doesn't work out, and you know you've really tried, then really don't beat yourself up about it. We are all individuals with choices for a reason. If you find that the creamy crack is the best way for you after all, then do you!

What's next for you on your natural hair journey? I'm actually thinking of going for the chop (I'm at mid-back length now). I look at people with short hair starting their journeys and I do feel a bit jealous remembering the journey, and getting excited comparing lengths to a few months before and talking about how much it had grown (I know, its weird when I think about that awkward stage where I couldn't do anything with it). I think I may start with an inverted bob first (cut the back and keep the front long, as I have already started trimming more off the back so the front catches up) and then if I am still feeling scissors happy, I may chop it all off. But whatever I do, I will definitely continue to embrace all that is fabulous about being natural!

Keep it natural!

Omozo

"Natural Hair is H-O-T and it makes me unique" - Interview with Natmane

Natmane got us revved up during her presentation at the natural hair meet-up last Saturday. She made us laugh and reflect on how we and other people see our natural hair. Meet Natmane: enthusiastic, confident and 'no-nonsense'. Enjoy!

Name? Natmane.

Where are you from and where do you live? I am an Edo girl from Benin City. Oba Otokpeye! I am based in Abuja, the Federal Capital City of Nigeria.

What do you do? I'm currently a National Youth Corp member.

Where can we find you online? You can hail me at http://www.deepbrownkinks.blogspot.com/ and recently, http://www.iheartmyhair.com/.

How long have you been natural? I've being natural for 2years and some months.

You write a blog on natural hair. How long have you had your blog? What made you decide to do this? My blog was created in December 2010. I had to blog on natural hair because my friends (and strangers) would see my hair and go "ooh I love your hair what did you do... can you do it for me?" And I would tell them that their hair could look huge if they had natural hair. The next sentence would be"Eya! I can't go natural o. The wahala is too much. You must have good hair. My story different". So I created DBK to let Nigerian Ladies know that with patience you can be beautiful, funky, professional and Natural!

From your perspective, what is the natural hair scene like in Lagos / Nigeria? I'm not so sure about Lagos since I've been to Lagos twice. But I can tell you that most of the fierce naturals reside in Lagos. I'm sorry but Nigerian girls really enjoy following trends even though it costs them their lives (you know what I mean shey?). So yes the natural hair scene in Nigeria can be a bit boring since na only you dey waka for road with big hair. But from the feed back I've been getting, a lot of ladies are willing to try something new and some don't want their daughters to get hooked on relaxers. Hopefully we will get more naturals on board in the years to come.

At one time you had your hair relaxed. Tell us why you decided to go natural. I went natural because my hair was limp and sad. My permed hair would just hang down and I loved my hair at ATTENTION!! I had lost my edges and after reading sites like BGLH online and CurlyNikki there was no other way to go than natural!!

How did you go natural? Did you transition or did you do the big chop? Did anyone help you or encourage you? When my hair was relaxed, I had a touch up every 4 or 5 months. So when I decided to go natural I did what is known as a mini chop.

To answer your third question: I had no encouragement and I cut off my hair myself using normal scissors. Everyone refused to help me cut my hair even the Barber. Funny shey? Well that comes with living in the North. The barber told me he was scared because a Muslim lady had cut off her hair in rebellion to her husband and the Oga (husband) dealt with the innocent Barber. So if my father could "come and give permission" he would willingly do it for me...Ehn!! I wan craze...I vex red....walked into my bathroom and cut off the hair!. Shey na just hair?!

Do you have a “hair mentor” or “hair crush”? I just Love the way Siraj Nuri wears her hair. Erykah Badu is too much and when I newly went natural, Natural belle was the best hair blog on the Planet :)

What’s your hair regimen? Hmm...I change regimens as the weather changes. For now sha I wash my hair weekly or biweekly, deep-condition after each wash , thread my hair and style. I tend to take better care of my edges and ends in the harmattan months. So I apply my fav. oil or butter to my ends in the mornings and before I sleep. Moderation is the word. By sleep time I braid or thread my hair. That's after applying the oil or butter.

Products you would wait in line for? Screwy Haired Girl's Butter.

Where in Nigeria do you get the hair products you use? I get most of my products from markets, village markets and Sahad Stores.

How do people react to your natural hair? Positive, or negative or just odd? I believe that people will react to you based on the image you have of your self. When I newly went natural and had to deal with the "should-I-really-be-doing- this" stage. I used to get hateful comments. The reason, I felt, was because I was not truly feeling my new look. But then I watched Jill scott's live performance on T.V one time like that and noticed that she was all smiles. She wore her fro with pride. And I thought to myself: that is what I should be doing. This might sound odd but I got more positive than negative comments after that decision.

If you get negative comments about your natural hair who are they from and how do you deal with them? He! He! ...negative comments come from just about anybody; family, friends, strangers (who should be minding their business by the way). What do I do? He! He! ... I can be a thick Benin girl at times so when that Edo moment comes I have a serious reply for them. Like this one time this obviously bleached girl was just horrible to me so I went "you dey bleach o you dey bleah...yellow fever" in public (That's Fela by the way). If she had a gun she might have shot me...lol! But seriously, I advice that ladies just Ignore those negative people. You are a gem. Don't waste your time and energy replying those ignorant of your beauty (this also applies to me lol).

Comment about natural hair in your place of work. Do you feel awkward about wearing your natural hair to work? No I don't feel awkward. I've spent some time in the corporate Nigerian scene so I've developed this "either accept me or live me alone: attitude. I get complements and I get negativity. But who cares na me get my hair. No be so?

Courtesy: Natmane



Courtesy: Natmane


What hairstyles do you usually wear? Why? Hmm! Question...I wear a fro, curly fro, updo's, fake dreads, single braids(one-one ^_^), Ghana braids....anything I feel like doing. Why? Because natural hair allows for versatility so I will try every style that inspires me.

What do you like best about being natural? Versatility.

What do you hate most about being natural? Nothing...hate is a strong word.

Have you ever had an “Ooops!” or “OMG!” moment with your hair? Tell us about it and how you resolved it. Yes I've had plenty of that. Like I tried to do a roller set in rainy season and my hair was a MESS!!. Anyways time was not on my side so I went out with my crazy fro:). But most times I solve that with a head wrap!!




Courtesy: Natmane



Courtesy: Natmane


Why are you still keeping your hair natural? Because it's HOT. It's me and it makes me unique.

What do you say to people like you about going natural? Naija babes!. Natural hair can be an interesting journey. Enjoy each phase of your journey and work what God gave you. Sometimes you might be tempted to perm it again.But that is quite normal. Stay strong and keep on trying to get information and inspiration. Most importantly wear your fro with pride and a smile.

What's next for you on your natural hair journey? My sister I no know o. I've being thinking about cutting my hair recently but hey...I love this length too. I'm currently working on finding ways to wear my hair in it's shrunken state. That way when it gets hot all I need to do is pour water and waka!

Favourite dessert place in Nigeria? My favorite Lagos spot is the Life house....yes I'm hooked. I love Africa and anything that represents my Continent to the fullest has my vote.


Thanks so much Natmane.

Keep it natural!

Omozo