Ndumi

Origins and current location?

I’ve spent most of my life in KZN with a few bouts in Krugersdorp and Klerksdorp (don’t ask). I was born in Newcastle, but later moved to Melmoth in Zululand and did my tertiary studies in Durban. Currently, I reside in Centurion, Pretoria.

What do you do for a living?

I work as an intern at an academic publishing house.

How long have you been natural? Briefly take us through your natural hair journey.

I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with my natural hair. This is the third time I’ve gone natural in the past 7 years or so. On the past two occasions, I’ve ended up relaxing my hair due to pressures of attending certain events, which had absolutely nothing to do with me. I started growing my afro back in February this year and I’m blessed with fast growing, thick hair which means I don’t always have to have it braided now. This mane and I are going to be together for a while.

Why did you decide to go natural?

At first, it was a matter of change and cutting down on ridiculous hair salon costs (and gossip). But with time, wisdom and growth, it evolved from merely natural hair to being a black consciousness look, as I would like to call it. I’m brave enough to confess that I am my hair. My afro is simply an extension of the young, black, and socially conscious woman that I am.

What are the challenges and advantages since you went natural?

This being the third time around I’ve gone natural, it’s a breeze. The nocturnal ritual of twisting ‘thy locks’ before hitting the sack, which was my biggest challenge at first, is now like second nature to me. It’s a very simple formula in fact: Generations time = Twisting time LOL.

What is your regimen and what products do you use?

I have a very simple regimen. I wash my hair every Sunday with Head and Shoulders Damage Rescue for both dandruff and hair breakage. I then towel dry it and base my scalp with Virgin root stimulator. To keep it soft, moisturized and smelling good, I use coconut oil hair food. Every second Sunday, I use Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise for treatment. When I have braids on, I use fertilizing temple balm to keep my hair line in check.

Where do you buy your hair products?

Clicks.

Do you do treat and style your own hair or leave it to the professionals?

DIY through and through.

What’s your favourite natural hair salon?

At the moment, none. I used to frequent Urban Zulu in Durban for cornrows. I’m not looking around though.

What natural hairstyle(s) do you like to rock?

I usually just have it spiked/combed and tied up or clipped. But my best accessory is confidence. I’m better at maintenance than styling, that’s for sure. Maybe one day, when I’ve trained myself to get up a bit earlier, I could experiment with different styles. One day.