Chigozie shares her pictures

Chigozie has been following O'Naturals blog for the three years she has been natural and she has been gracious enough to answer some questions and share her pictures with us.For that we say "Thank you Chigozie and keep loving your natural hair!".

Thanks O'Naturals! Your blog is what has helped me stay the course, so it is an honor to share my routine on the blog.
 

 I wash my hair with  shampoo and conditioner biweekly or more. I use the Forever living Aloe-Jojoba shampoo and Aloe-Jojoba conditioning rinse. I'm just beginning to use leave in conditioners as well. Right now I'm trying out Olive Miracle by African Pride as I already use Organics Olive Oil as my hair moisturizer.

I go to the salon for my twists. I get my sister to do my cornrows and for anything afro, that I do myself. For most styles I use gels mainly olive oil based. I find I'm falling  in love with olive oil  for my hair.

I'm still natural because I love the fact I can do more with it. Your blog has also helped as mentioned earlier and I've always loved the idea of standing out from the crowd. Well standing out from the crowd didn't last for long, since more people are discovering the joy of going natural :)  

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

"Being natural: for me it means freedom" - Interview with Kofo

I met Kofo last year. What intrigued me about her is that she has 2 grown up daughters who have never relaxed their hair but Kofo has been natural for about 2 years! We asked for an interview and she obliged. Enjoy!

My name is Kofo and I live in Lagos and I am an environmentalist. My hair has been natural for the past two years. After having relaxed my hair for many many years I found that it had become so damaged that I could wait no longer and decided to cut it all off. It was entirely my decision and I took my daughters’ when I had the big chop.

I did consider buying a wig but decided against it as it would just be too much bother. People were very surprised and it took a lot of people time to get used to my new look. Some said it made me look younger, which in African terms is not always a compliment as women are supposed to have a ‘mature’ look about them.

Even though my hair was relaxed, I refused to allow my daughters to relax their hair when they were young. This is because I feel that putting hair relaxer on a small child is almost like some form of child abuse or mutilation. And the same goes for over elaborate hair dos which take hours on very small children, unless its for a very special occasion like a wedding.

It was difficult keeping my daughters' hair natural because they seemed to be the only ones and there was a lot of pressure from people and hairdressers to let them relax their hair. I told them that when they became adults they could relax their hair if they wish to. But now, they realise that having natural hair is the best thing.

I wash my hair myself weekly and condition it but after attending the natural hair event at The Life House I think that there is a lot more that I can do to look after it. I love products that contain Olive oil, Shea butter and Cocoa butter.

I do not feel awkward at work because the atmosphere in the office is very ‘relaxed’ and we are also promoting an environmentally friendly green style of living and natural hair supports that kind of ethos. It is great not having to waste hours at the hair salon every week and being forced to befriend salon staff so that your hair gets done on time. There is nothing at all I dislike about being natural, for me it means freedom.

I would encourage anybody contemplating it to take the big leap. It is immensely liberating and there will be no regrets about not having to shop around for those awful boxes of relaxers and all of the paraphernalia that goes with it. I would encourage mothers with young girls to persevere and not allow themselves to be influenced by what other people are doing or saying. I would love to see a natural hair salon open in Lagos, it would be momentous.

My ideal weekend would be spent quietly at home with my family, with as little time spent in the kitchen as possible, trying to get through some of the many things on my “things to do” list, reading and watching television.          

Keep it natural!

Omozo

"I felt I just needed something that would be me" - Interview with Olapo

I had noticed this lovely lady about a year ago as she went about her work filming the service going on. A year later, I saw that her locs had grown longer and were looking great. After the service, I ran to find her and was able to get a brief interview. Enjoy.

 

My name is Olapo and I have had my locs for like a year and 5 months. Okay before I had the liver* to start locs I used to really admire it on people. It is natural and I like being natural: I like being myself. And I felt I just needed something that would be me and be my signature so that is the reason why I started locs. 

When I started, they were very very tiny popping up on my head. Initially when I started, I was ashamed and so I wore wigs to hide them. After a few months I said what the heck. I work in a bank so I could not go to work with the little tiny locs. So after 3 or 4 months, when the locs were a little longer, I stopped wearing the wigs and started going out with the locs like that and now here we are (points to hair)!

So what did they say at the bank about your locs? No they admire it now.

Really?

When I started the locs at first, it was very tough. But afterwards they started admiring it. In fact, one of my colleagues just went to cut her hair to get dreds. Anytime she sees me she says “I wish my dreds can be like yours”. I tell her that what she wishes now, is what I was wishing some months ago: so you are free to wish and don’t worry you will definitely get there.

Were there times you found it frustrating? No I have always loved my dreds. Because I have very soft hair I can fix a weave if I get bored. Anytime I feel like having my hair touching my back, I just fix a weave. The only disadvantage is I cannot fix a weave that will leave my hair out so I fix a style that covers my whole head.

 

What did your family say? My husband, who was my fiance at the time, loves natural hair. He kept asking me to go natural. In fact, he was the one who gave me the money to cut my hair so that I could start my locs. (She looks over at him and smiles). He loves my hair!

Do you have children? No not yet.

So if you have a daughter will you allow her (she interrupts me) ... No way! She will not relax her hair no way! I see these little girls with hair damage from relaxers. No way! Until she finishes secondary school and she is 18 ... even then I will discourage it!

So what is next for your hair journey? I just want it to grow. I am really enjoying it now. It moves and it is growing longer and it is healthy. I am enjoying it.

Keep it natural!

Omozo

*To have "liver" in Nigerian slang means to be bold.

 

Tammy's interview - Mommies & Babies Series

Name?

-My name is Tammy Huggins.

 

 Where are you from and where do you live?

-I'm from Lethbridge, in southern Alberta [Canada].  My dad was Nigerian and my mom is Ukrainian/Hungarian.

What do you do?

-I am a social worker but for now I am home full time raising my 3 kids.

How long have you kept your hair natural?

-I'm a newbie to natural hair. It's been just over a month. 

At one time you had your hair relaxed. Tell us why you decided to go natural?

 -I've been relaxing my hair or wearing extensions since I was 14. I am now 33. I just got so sick of always hating my hair and having to spend so much time and money on it. I just want to be really authentic inside and out. I was never really happy with my hair anyway, so I decided, "what the heck what's there to loose."

How did you go natural? Did you transition or did you do the big chop?

-The BIG CHOP! I just went for it. Go big or go home! 

What’s your natural hair regimen?

-I'm still learning a lot about my natural hair. I'm watching lots of videos on Youtube and experimenting with product. I usually just wash'n go. Lately I've been co-washing, then a bit of leave in conditioner and gel. I use a sponge in a circular motion to define my curls (learnt that on Youtube).

Products you cannot live without?

 -So far, Gel and leave-in conditioner. (I'm not totally committed to a brand yet b/c I'm still experimenting.

You have two daughters whose hair you are keeping natural too?

 -Yes, I have beautiful little girls. They are strikingly different from each other. My 7 year old, Eden looks like me and has tons of thick, curly hair. My little Anna (20 months) has brilliant orange hair. No that wasn't a misprint, I said ORANGE hair. She is fair like her dad and although her hair is curly, it's more like her dads.

Why have you decided to keep their hair natural?

-I spent my whole life trying to change my hair. It took me 33 years to finally appreciate the beauty in my natural curls and hair texture. I would be ashamed of myself if I encouraged Eden to relax her hair.   I want her to spend as much time as possible with her natural hair and teach her to appreciate how beautiful it is . God knows, when she's a teen, she'll go through hair experimentation all on her own. It's so much more beautiful natural. Girls today already have so many pressures to change how they look to fit someone else's idea of beauty. No way am I going to contribute to that by changing their hair.

Did you ever relax their hair?

 -No. I used a Chi to straiten Eden's hair once for fun. It was weird. We went back to curly the next day.

Do you and your daughters use the same hair products? If not, what products do you use for them?

 -We use the same leave-in conditioner. The more I've been learning about my own hair, the more I'm starting to do with Eden's hair. She's just starting to pay a little more attention to doing her hair and trying things herself. Anna's still just a baby so I don't do much with hers other then piggy tails.

What hair regimen and techniques do you use for them?

 -Like I said, with the baby its mostly piggy tails for now. With Eden, during the school week we mostly keep it braided up. Sometimes cornrows. This makes our mornings much more enjoyable and minimizes the drama.

Do you make their hair or do you take them to the salon?

-I started taking Eden to the salon for hair cuts when she started school. It's tricky here in Lethbridge because there is hardly anyone trained to work on African hair. Sometimes I just do it myself.

Challenges in caring for their hair – Do they cry / do they dread "hair days" or is it a great time all around/ do people pass negative comments?

-Eden hates getting her hair combed out. She usually cries and yells at me. I try to saturate it very good with leave-in conditioner. Someday's are worse then others. If I let her "do her own hair" one day, then the next day is a bit of a nightmare to get untangled because she doesn't really comb through it all the way. Today while I was combing her hair, she said to me with clenched teeth, "It's not that I want strait hair and it's not like I don't like my hair, but sometimes I wish I had it so it wouldn't be so annoying to brush."

Are you teaching them about their hair?

Mostly that it is beautiful and a part of her. We talk about how lucky she is to have such curly hair and how many great things she can do with it. Because she is 7, I try to let her do her own hair every couple days so that she can learn to manage it herself. Like I said, it usually means more work for me the following morning but what can ya do? She's 7.

 Right now were working on keeping moisture in her hair. Teaching her to keep her cap on at night and introducing her to Shea Butter.

What are you learning as you care for your hair and your daughters' hair?

I'm really learning to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of my own hair. I hope I can pass on the pride and confidence that I now have to both of my girls.

What do you say to other mothers about caring for their daughters’ natural hair?

 -Youtube. There are hundreds of videos on all aspects of caring for and styling natural hair. I've learnt a ton and I'm still learning.

What do you prefer for mother – daughters time: crafts or manicures and pedicures?

-I would prefer mani/pedis for sure! But for now, we do a lot of crafts. I'll give the girls a few years to appreciate being pampered rather then gluing and painting ;-)

Uwa's interview - Mommies & Babies Series

Meet Uwa and her lovely daughter Etse. Enjoy!

 Name: Uwa Imhagwe.

 Where are you from and where do you live: I am a Nigerian currently living in Australia.

 What do you do: I am a working mum.

 You have a daughter whose hair you are keeping natural: Yes.

How old is she: Etse is 3 ½ years old.

Why have you decided to keep her hair natural: Well, it is two things really. First, I am not a big fan of using relaxer on young children. Second, Etse turns ‘hair making’ days into such a big production, I figured why put myself through that twice, with relaxer and then plaiting? As it turns out, I absolutely love her hair as is.

Did you ever relax her hair: No, she has been natural since birth.

Do you and your daughter use the same hair products? If not, what products do you use for your daughter: No we don’t use the same hair products. Etse’s hair is natural, mine is not. For Etse’s hair, I keep it very simple. I use shampoo; rinse out conditioner, olive oil moisturizer and detangler (which I absolutely love).

What hair regimen and techniques do you use for her: I wash out Etse’s hair once in two weeks (just as it starts to look not-so-neat); usually during a bath. Rub in some conditioner and try to comb through (I figure the conditioner starts the detangling process); I rinse out, then towel dry. While her hair is still damp, I section her hair into smaller parts, rub in the olive oil moisturizer (I like this one coz it does not leave any residue). Spray on the detangler, comb, and style into big braids or twists. Sometimes, I use rubber bands/ribbons at the base of her hair, other times not. I have found that when I use the bands/ribbons, her hair gathers dust around it.

 Do you make her hair or do you take her to the salon: I make her hair myself.

How do you come up with the styles? They are very creative. I just go with it. Sometimes, I think of it first, and how I want it (her hair) to look. Sometimes, it comes out the way I imagined, other times not exactly. And it also depends on how receptive, or not, she is that day. If we are having a good day, I am able to make the style smaller and add a little extra touch. If not, then they come out big and not very fancy.

Challenges in caring for her hair – Does she cry / does she dread "hair days" or is it a great time all around/ do people pass negative comments: Oh my! She cries!! So much so that I used to dread hair days, but not any more. I have developed thicker skin or blocked ears – whichever. Now I no longer tell her what is about to happen: thinking preparing her mind would be easier didn’t help. So now I just do it. One minute we are drawing, the next there’s a comb in my hand. Another thing is that there are not that many salons in our neck of the woods, and since it’s nothing too complicated I do it myself. As a result, Etse’s hair styles are usually very simple. Big braids, twists or the occasional cornrows and she always loves the finished result as do I.
So far, we get great comments from people, and she has a great time showing off her latest ‘do’ at daycare.

Are you teaching her about her hair: I tell her she has beautiful hair. Teaching ... mmhh not so sure. I feel she is still young. However, I do explain to her why I have to wash her hair, why I have to comb it, and why it’s not such a good idea to put sand in our hair. So far, I think she gets it.

What are you learning as you care for your hair and your daughter’s hair: Oh lots, and I am still learning. Most important thing I have learnt so far is that just because hair is natural, does not mean it requires less care or attention or even less products! For a long time, I only used Johnson’s baby oil!!. Thank God for the versatility of natural hair.

What do you say to other mothers about caring for their daughters’ natural hair: Dear mums, keep it simple: you can hardly go wrong that way. Keep it neat: your daughter will love her hair and so will others. It doesn’t hurt: really it doesn't hurt. And there is so much to do with natural hair; it can be styled to look amazing.

What do you prefer for mother – daughter outings: ice cream or the movies: The movies; where everything and anything goes …. Including ice cream ;-)


Keep it natural (and simple)!

Omozo