Maxine sent us this email after reading yesterday's interview of Amen. Read interview here. Little did we know that she was a silent follower of the blog! Thank you for following and for contributing Maxine. Please keep us updated on your journey and remember that we are here to help and support you.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
My name is Maxine Thompson & I am on my natural hair jouney like my sister Amen. I finally made a decision to go completely natural when I found myself becoming more & more frustrated with the same style everyday. I have texturized my hair in the past & was scared that I could never maintain my own hair in it's natural state. Boy, was I surprised!
A good friend of mine started wearing her hair natural & encouraged me to go on Youtube & research some videos that taught how to wear & maintain my natural hair. I was afraid at first because all I thought I could do was simple plats.
Well, I'm officially a fan of Toni Daley who is from Toronto & I dare to say that I am also keeping a video blog tracking my successes & failures in the world of "Nappiness" as my friend so passionately calls it. I"ve posted 1 video so far on O'Naturals Facebook page (see Maxine's Facebook post here) & would love to send you some footage in the near future.
I'm enjoying this journey so much & I am inspired by other women of colour who have joined the revolution of embracing our natural beauty; from the nap of our heads to the souls of our feet!
Love & Blessings & Happy Nappiness!
Maxine Thompson
Our mission is to feed your hair and spice up your life with nourishing goodness
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
"I love being natural" - Interview with Amen
We are happy to introduce Amen to you. A young lady who is enthusiastic about life and her hair of course. Enjoy!
Name: Amen Ogbeifun.
Where are you from and where do you live: I am from Nigeria and I reside in Canada.
What do you do: I am a student, business woman, hair encourager, hair counselor (haha).
At one time you had your hair relaxed. Tell us why you decided to go natural: Yes my hair was relaxed. I decided to go natural when I was fed up with how thin my hair looked. My hair was not as full as it was when I was young. I also noticed that I was shedding a lot of hair and my tips looked so weak and fragile. I was on YouTube researching ways to grow healthy relaxed hair but instead I came across several video blogs of natural hair. I loved how versatile natural hair was and I was happy to get rid of my absolute straight hair. After three days of watching videos I was so excited, got my scissors and cut it all off! :) I have to admit that ever since I was in secondary school I was always fascinated by people with natural hair just because I never knew what having natural hair was like.
How did you go natural? Did you transition or did you do the big chop? Did anyone help you or encourage you: I had not relaxed my hair in like five months because I wanted to stretch out my relaxer use hoping to get full hair when I relaxed my hair again. So at the time I saw the videos I was at the crossroads of relaxing or big chop. I was not excited about having short hair to deal with but I was tired of the two textures so I cut off my relaxed ends and left my newly grown natural hair. So umm ... technically I “transition-big chopped” lol. Those around me were not helpful when I was trying to decide whether to go natural or not because they loved their relaxers. They were much more supportive after I made my decision. :)
Do you have a “hair mentor": Oh yeah I have several hair mentors. I have Aunty O form O’Naturals and I have Ehizogie from Natureal and there is Kim Love which I 'love' to follow so faithfully.
What’s your natural hair regimen: I like to wash my hair on Fridays or Saturdays because those are my free days. I wash my hair weekly. First I spend Thursday night running my hand through my hair detangling tiny bits and trimming tied up hair. Then I put my hair in sections for the night. On my wash days I put olive oil and water in my shampoo because my hair does not like to be stripped clean so I use that mix. I condition and detangle again with my detangler comb and tangle teezer. I rinse with lukewarm water and dab my hair slightly dry. I make big single braids while adding homemade leave-in-conditioner and then I add my Shea mixture. I allow it to set overnight and then next day I take out the stretched hair and style it for the week. My weekly style is usually my hair up with a banana clip.
What are the products you cannot live without:
o Live clean shampoo/Giovanni shampoo
o Live clean conditioner
o Jojoba oil and Castor oil
o Shea butter mix
How did your family react to your natural hair? Positive or negative: It was negative at first because cutting my hair seemed random so it was a total shock for them. It later became positive when they saw how well my new hair was doing.
How do you deal with the comments about your natural hair: I say “thank you” to the nice comments. Other comments like “do you know going natural is like going back to slavery?” well I ignore comments like those. Or I just tell them a brief history of where the discourse of that comment is coming from. I just try to educate people hoping to create an open mind. Besides I was once like that ;)
Comment about natural hair in school since you are a student. Do you feel awkward about wearing your natural hair to school: Natural hair in school is AWESOME!!! I am happy to say I started a natural hair trend at the University of Toronto in Mississauga. I do not feel awkward wearing my natural hair in school because I love it. It makes me absolutely different and unique and well ... NOTICEABLE which I love!!! Haha.
Because I embrace my hair and curls, it has given other girls the courage to let theirs out and love their hair also. And OH MY you would not believe the number of girls who are natural and hide behind the weave! From what I have seen, it is not because they do not love their natural hair, but rather they feel their hair classifies them as different, a word a lot of them are learning to embrace. Thank God for education.
What do you like best about being natural: I Love my CURLS. I can do several things with my hair and not be bored being stuck with a non versatile texture. I love that it makes me, ME!! I love that the way I do my hair can express how I feel, I love that being natural means embracing more than just my curls, I also embrace my roots, who I want to be and I use that to overcome stereotypes and discrimination.
What do you hate most about being natural: My knots. OMG I get lots of knots when I am not careful enough and it drives me on a trimming rage! Sometimes it vexes me so much that I am on the verge of shaving my head bald, but then I know I would regret it after. Also my hair is really full and washing it when I am so tired could take forever. I think the longer it gets the easier to wash.
Have you ever had an "Ooops!" or "OMG!" moment with your hair: Oops moment: not knowing what to do quickly enough when my hair came in contact with chlorine (bad bad experience).
OMG moment: realizing that the texture at the back of my hair is ... veeeeery different. Believe it or not my back hair is about 2 -3 inches longer than other areas of my hair and in addition to that my back hair cannot even be considered a type 4 curl it’s so lose and when I braid my back hair you would think I relaxed my hair because it comes out straight but when you add water and conditioner it curls up... It is fun though. Haha!
Tell us about your “oops!” moment and how did you deal with it: It was when chlorine got in my hair. I had braids in and did not wash my hair until 2 days after the incident. BIG MISTAKE! When you get chlorine in your hair it’s best to stay away from shampoo and stick to conditioning wash for a while. It is also best to take out your braids and have a good wash. If you are like me who didn’t know on time and got lots of split ends in the middle of your hair, then get your trusted scissors, some Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner, tangle teezer (see picture below) and wash every other day for like two weeks.
What do you say to students / young girls like you about being natural: Girls: embrace and love your curls. Always remember why you are going natural and stick to it. It is ok to go natural because you want long hair. It is ok to go natural because you are embracing healthy living. It is ok to go natural because you love your curls like I do. And it is definitely ok to go natural because you wish to embrace your roots like me. So have fun, do not be afraid to experiment with your hair and make mistakes with it.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
Name: Amen Ogbeifun.
Where are you from and where do you live: I am from Nigeria and I reside in Canada.
What do you do: I am a student, business woman, hair encourager, hair counselor (haha).
At one time you had your hair relaxed. Tell us why you decided to go natural: Yes my hair was relaxed. I decided to go natural when I was fed up with how thin my hair looked. My hair was not as full as it was when I was young. I also noticed that I was shedding a lot of hair and my tips looked so weak and fragile. I was on YouTube researching ways to grow healthy relaxed hair but instead I came across several video blogs of natural hair. I loved how versatile natural hair was and I was happy to get rid of my absolute straight hair. After three days of watching videos I was so excited, got my scissors and cut it all off! :) I have to admit that ever since I was in secondary school I was always fascinated by people with natural hair just because I never knew what having natural hair was like.
How did you go natural? Did you transition or did you do the big chop? Did anyone help you or encourage you: I had not relaxed my hair in like five months because I wanted to stretch out my relaxer use hoping to get full hair when I relaxed my hair again. So at the time I saw the videos I was at the crossroads of relaxing or big chop. I was not excited about having short hair to deal with but I was tired of the two textures so I cut off my relaxed ends and left my newly grown natural hair. So umm ... technically I “transition-big chopped” lol. Those around me were not helpful when I was trying to decide whether to go natural or not because they loved their relaxers. They were much more supportive after I made my decision. :)
Do you have a “hair mentor": Oh yeah I have several hair mentors. I have Aunty O form O’Naturals and I have Ehizogie from Natureal and there is Kim Love which I 'love' to follow so faithfully.
What’s your natural hair regimen: I like to wash my hair on Fridays or Saturdays because those are my free days. I wash my hair weekly. First I spend Thursday night running my hand through my hair detangling tiny bits and trimming tied up hair. Then I put my hair in sections for the night. On my wash days I put olive oil and water in my shampoo because my hair does not like to be stripped clean so I use that mix. I condition and detangle again with my detangler comb and tangle teezer. I rinse with lukewarm water and dab my hair slightly dry. I make big single braids while adding homemade leave-in-conditioner and then I add my Shea mixture. I allow it to set overnight and then next day I take out the stretched hair and style it for the week. My weekly style is usually my hair up with a banana clip.
What are the products you cannot live without:
o Live clean shampoo/Giovanni shampoo
o Live clean conditioner
o Jojoba oil and Castor oil
o Shea butter mix
How did your family react to your natural hair? Positive or negative: It was negative at first because cutting my hair seemed random so it was a total shock for them. It later became positive when they saw how well my new hair was doing.
How do you deal with the comments about your natural hair: I say “thank you” to the nice comments. Other comments like “do you know going natural is like going back to slavery?” well I ignore comments like those. Or I just tell them a brief history of where the discourse of that comment is coming from. I just try to educate people hoping to create an open mind. Besides I was once like that ;)
Comment about natural hair in school since you are a student. Do you feel awkward about wearing your natural hair to school: Natural hair in school is AWESOME!!! I am happy to say I started a natural hair trend at the University of Toronto in Mississauga. I do not feel awkward wearing my natural hair in school because I love it. It makes me absolutely different and unique and well ... NOTICEABLE which I love!!! Haha.
Because I embrace my hair and curls, it has given other girls the courage to let theirs out and love their hair also. And OH MY you would not believe the number of girls who are natural and hide behind the weave! From what I have seen, it is not because they do not love their natural hair, but rather they feel their hair classifies them as different, a word a lot of them are learning to embrace. Thank God for education.
What do you hate most about being natural: My knots. OMG I get lots of knots when I am not careful enough and it drives me on a trimming rage! Sometimes it vexes me so much that I am on the verge of shaving my head bald, but then I know I would regret it after. Also my hair is really full and washing it when I am so tired could take forever. I think the longer it gets the easier to wash.
Have you ever had an "Ooops!" or "OMG!" moment with your hair: Oops moment: not knowing what to do quickly enough when my hair came in contact with chlorine (bad bad experience).
OMG moment: realizing that the texture at the back of my hair is ... veeeeery different. Believe it or not my back hair is about 2 -3 inches longer than other areas of my hair and in addition to that my back hair cannot even be considered a type 4 curl it’s so lose and when I braid my back hair you would think I relaxed my hair because it comes out straight but when you add water and conditioner it curls up... It is fun though. Haha!
Tell us about your “oops!” moment and how did you deal with it: It was when chlorine got in my hair. I had braids in and did not wash my hair until 2 days after the incident. BIG MISTAKE! When you get chlorine in your hair it’s best to stay away from shampoo and stick to conditioning wash for a while. It is also best to take out your braids and have a good wash. If you are like me who didn’t know on time and got lots of split ends in the middle of your hair, then get your trusted scissors, some Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner, tangle teezer (see picture below) and wash every other day for like two weeks.
What do you say to students / young girls like you about being natural: Girls: embrace and love your curls. Always remember why you are going natural and stick to it. It is ok to go natural because you want long hair. It is ok to go natural because you are embracing healthy living. It is ok to go natural because you love your curls like I do. And it is definitely ok to go natural because you wish to embrace your roots like me. So have fun, do not be afraid to experiment with your hair and make mistakes with it.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Grandpa dearest - By Cabella
I did not talk to my Grandpa much because he did not talk much. You know, the usual greetings and respectful pleasantries and not much more. When my folks informed me that Grandpa was going to live with us, I sort of freaked out in my mind! Since I really did not have much rapport with the Old Champion, I decided to prepare myself by making a list of possible topics of discussion. My parents said I was taking it too seriously. I thought that being prepared was a smarter strategy.
Grandpa came and it was awkward. Anytime I talked to him, he looked at me intently and nodded. He nodded at everyone. I was convinced that he was deaf.
I had been natural for about a year when Grandpa came to live with us and one day he called me. I did not respond. He called again and much louder than the first time. I peeped out of the kitchen. He motioned with his hand for me to come. I was hesitant at first, afterall wasn't he deaf. Then I reasoned that he may be deaf but not necessarily dumb.
My Grandpa wasn't deaf. He was crazy!
"Oh Grandpa! That is the style. It is a twist-out. Shebi you people carried your hair like that in those days?" I responded to him.
Grandpa told me that they wore "combed" afros in his time and not this scattered hair that I was carrying all over the place. I was amused. "Okay sir, I will adjust" I promised him and I did adjust. I knew that I was not going to win this one so I went out and bought myself a few combs. What's a Grand-daughter to do? Whenever I carried an afro, I made sure it was combed for the Old Champion and things went right back to normal. I talked to him, he looked at me intently and nodded. Although I think he now nodded with a small smile in his eyes.
Cabella
Grandpa came and it was awkward. Anytime I talked to him, he looked at me intently and nodded. He nodded at everyone. I was convinced that he was deaf.
I had been natural for about a year when Grandpa came to live with us and one day he called me. I did not respond. He called again and much louder than the first time. I peeped out of the kitchen. He motioned with his hand for me to come. I was hesitant at first, afterall wasn't he deaf. Then I reasoned that he may be deaf but not necessarily dumb.
I moved out of the kitchen cautiously and sat in the chair next to him. I stared at him inquisitively and then at the clock over his head. He leaned forward and whispered "You are the most beautiful grand-daughter I have you know?" I bet he says that to all his grand-daughters! I grinned my cutest grand-daughter grin. "Thank you Grandpa" I responded in a bit of a loud voice just in case. He looked at me quizically. I guess I was not loud enough. "It is true" he continued. I nodded my head. "So you don't have to dress like a boy!" he finished by leaning back in his chair.
Okaaay? What just happened? I thought this was leading up to a tender Grandpa and Grand-daughter moment. "Ehn?" I asked. "I know you are the only girl in this house but you don't have to look like your brothers" he argued. "I am the only girl child of my parents Grandpa, Mommy is a girl ... woman too" was my response. "I know! I know! But you don't have to look like a boy" he countered.
"How do I look like a boy?" I asked because I was not sure what he was talking about.
"Your hair. Your hair is like a boy's own and you don't comb it. It is jagga jagga and that is not the way girls should dress." he answered. Gbosai!
"Oh Grandpa! That is the style. It is a twist-out. Shebi you people carried your hair like that in those days?" I responded to him.
Grandpa told me that they wore "combed" afros in his time and not this scattered hair that I was carrying all over the place. I was amused. "Okay sir, I will adjust" I promised him and I did adjust. I knew that I was not going to win this one so I went out and bought myself a few combs. What's a Grand-daughter to do? Whenever I carried an afro, I made sure it was combed for the Old Champion and things went right back to normal. I talked to him, he looked at me intently and nodded. Although I think he now nodded with a small smile in his eyes.
Cabella
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pre-shampoo oil treatment - via BGLH via Hair Liberty
Keep it natural!
Omozo
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Longer and healthier hair - some thoughts and suggestions (Part 2: Conclusion)
Long Hair!
Long Hair!
My Kingdom for long hair!
Before I continue I will say the following: consult your doctor before you carry out any new hair regimens that have to do with vitamin intake or any other medicinal intake. I am not a medical doctor, dermatologist or Trichologist so this is not medical advice. If you have alopecia, see your doctor. If you have dandruff, see your doctor. If you have unusual hair loss or balding, see your doctor. It is not a bad idea to talk to your doctor about growing longer hair. Remember that genes (and hormones) play a significant role in hair length and speed of hair growth. So be patient and stop comparing your hair with other people's hair. Finally, let your goal be healthy hair instead of long hair, it will reduce the stress you put on yourself.
Suggestions: Please note that the suggestions below do not make up a definitive list
1) Increasing your protein intake is helpful because hair consists primarily of protein. Taking more protein helps to stimulate healthy hair and hair growth. Plus get into the habit of eating a balanced meal while you are at it. Sources of protein include meat, chicken, fish, dairy like yogurt, nuts, soy.
2) Massage your head as often as you can, especially problem areas. It stimulates blood flow and thus hair growth. You can massage itchy spots instead of digging your nails in and scratching. To massage, apply pressure and use the ball of your fingers to make circular motions on your scalp. You can massage while watching TV or just before you go to bed. Try asking your hair dresser to do this before they wash the conditioner off your hair. 2 minutes is sufficient. If your hair dresser looks at you strangely after you make the request, just smile and lean back.
3) Be disciplined in your hair care routine. Wash and condition regularly with products that add extra moisture to your hair. Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin or silk pillowcase while sleeping to retain moisture. Dry hair is more likely to break so moisture is very important especially for natural hair. Deep condition your hair (I deep condition and steam every 2 weeks). Do not underestimate the power of regular and intentional hair care routines. Water is your best source of mositure - it is also inexpensive and very accessible.
4) Take care of the ends of your hair. They are the oldest part of your hair and thus can be drier than any other part of your hair. Dry ends can lead to split ends which leads to damaged hair that needs to be cut. When conditioning and styling your hair, pay attention to your ends. Add a little more Shea butter or Coconut oil or Castor oil (or whatever oil you use) to your ends and encourage your hair stylist to do the same when using conditoners and styling your hair.
5) Take a second and third look ... in fact be weary of "miracle" products that promise longer hair. I am not sure how well they work and they can be expensive. Instead spend your money on ...
6) Simple home made recipes like:
Rosemary spritz: Put 2 tablespoons of Rosemary herb leaves in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow the rosemary leaves to steep (i.e. sit in the hot water for about 5 minutes, or longer, to extract the juice). Remove the rosemary from the water (rosemary leaves should be soft after being steeped) then allow the water to cool. Pour into a spray bottle. After washing and conditioning your hair, spray the rosemary water on your hair, especially the root of your hair and scalp then massage well into the hair.You can also use the spray in between washes. Rosemary helps with hair growth because it stimulates the follicles. Do not use heavily concentrated rosemary because it has side effects. You should be able to find rosemary herbs at your grocery store because it is commonly used for spicing food.
Eucalyptus hot oil treatment: Add 9-10 drops of eucalyptus oil to half a cup of olive oil or Shea butter (or any other base oil of your choice). Heat up the mixture. Let it cool but not get cold. It is a "hot" oil mix. Apply to your hair and scalp carefully. Coat your hair completely with it and massage your scalp well. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap a towel over your head. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash normally with shampoo and conditioner. Some people leave the oil treatment on their hair overnight and then wash off.
Eucalyptus oil helps improve blood circulation, improves hair shine, stimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff and increases elasticity of hair. Better hair elasticity reduces hair breakage enabling better hair growth. Some people add eucalyptus oil to their shampoo. Do not buy aromatherapy oil o! Buy eucalyptus essential oil. You should be able to find eucalyptus oil at health food stores. For those in Lagos Nigeria, you can get eucalyptus oil in Ojota. There is a street where people sell various oils, chemicals and plastics. A litre costs around N500. Or you can email us at onaturals@gmail.com.
Finally, be patient and try things out to see what works for you and stick to it. Be inspired by the collage below - you too can grow healthy and long hiar.
We would love to hear your stories and comments.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
Long Hair!
My Kingdom for long hair!
Before I continue I will say the following: consult your doctor before you carry out any new hair regimens that have to do with vitamin intake or any other medicinal intake. I am not a medical doctor, dermatologist or Trichologist so this is not medical advice. If you have alopecia, see your doctor. If you have dandruff, see your doctor. If you have unusual hair loss or balding, see your doctor. It is not a bad idea to talk to your doctor about growing longer hair. Remember that genes (and hormones) play a significant role in hair length and speed of hair growth. So be patient and stop comparing your hair with other people's hair. Finally, let your goal be healthy hair instead of long hair, it will reduce the stress you put on yourself.
Suggestions: Please note that the suggestions below do not make up a definitive list
1) Increasing your protein intake is helpful because hair consists primarily of protein. Taking more protein helps to stimulate healthy hair and hair growth. Plus get into the habit of eating a balanced meal while you are at it. Sources of protein include meat, chicken, fish, dairy like yogurt, nuts, soy.
2) Massage your head as often as you can, especially problem areas. It stimulates blood flow and thus hair growth. You can massage itchy spots instead of digging your nails in and scratching. To massage, apply pressure and use the ball of your fingers to make circular motions on your scalp. You can massage while watching TV or just before you go to bed. Try asking your hair dresser to do this before they wash the conditioner off your hair. 2 minutes is sufficient. If your hair dresser looks at you strangely after you make the request, just smile and lean back.
3) Be disciplined in your hair care routine. Wash and condition regularly with products that add extra moisture to your hair. Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin or silk pillowcase while sleeping to retain moisture. Dry hair is more likely to break so moisture is very important especially for natural hair. Deep condition your hair (I deep condition and steam every 2 weeks). Do not underestimate the power of regular and intentional hair care routines. Water is your best source of mositure - it is also inexpensive and very accessible.
5) Take a second and third look ... in fact be weary of "miracle" products that promise longer hair. I am not sure how well they work and they can be expensive. Instead spend your money on ...
6) Simple home made recipes like:
Eucalyptus oil helps improve blood circulation, improves hair shine, stimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff and increases elasticity of hair. Better hair elasticity reduces hair breakage enabling better hair growth. Some people add eucalyptus oil to their shampoo. Do not buy aromatherapy oil o! Buy eucalyptus essential oil. You should be able to find eucalyptus oil at health food stores. For those in Lagos Nigeria, you can get eucalyptus oil in Ojota. There is a street where people sell various oils, chemicals and plastics. A litre costs around N500. Or you can email us at onaturals@gmail.com.
Finally, be patient and try things out to see what works for you and stick to it. Be inspired by the collage below - you too can grow healthy and long hiar.
We would love to hear your stories and comments.
Keep it natural!
Omozo
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