Origins & current location?
I’m from Malawi but moved to Botswana with my family 8 years ago.
What are you currently up to?
I’m currently a student at the University of Botswana; did my degree here and I’m now completing my Masters this year. I also learn Chinese in my spare time; blog/write like a mad woman for other blogs as well as my own and sort of model, lol.
Why did you decide to go natural?
My relaxed hair was very lifeless, never grew and thin. It just wasn’t working. So after seeing my cousin go natural and live to tell the tale, I figured I could do it too.
Briefly take us through your natural hair journey.
I tiptoed into it by first putting away the relaxer, then braiding my hair and cutting a bit off everytime I took down the braids. Eventually my cousin convinced me to just do the big chop and I did! It was scary but exhilarating at the same time. I rarely cut my hair so it was a big deal for me, haha! I felt like a weirdo so I braided it after a week or two.
What do you love/ dislike about your hair?
Dislike: I don’t like its lack of thickness, my sensitive edges and its different lengths (the hair on my crown grows much faster than the rest of my hair for whatever reason).
Love: Despite all this, I love it and I make it work, gotta embrace what you have! Good thing about natural hair is it’s easy to fake some thickness thanks to the volume shrinkage gives. I love it’s texture – I have hand in hair syndrome – and the way it morphs depending on products, the weather and manipulation.
What are some of the challenges and advantages you’ve experienced?
Challenges: Goodness products! The products hustle is tough! The stores only tend to stock products for relaxed hair and a lot of mineral oil laden stuff. Thanks to YouTube and blogs though I’ve learnt how to find some budget natural products.
Advantages: Learning how to look after your own hair. I rarely go to salons anymore, I control my look and it’s more cost effective.
What is your hair care regimen?
Shampoo & condition (currently rotating between Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth shampoo and conditioner, Earthsapp tea tree conditioner and Dove shampoo (for damaged hair) once a week.
Deep condition with a treatment (currently using ORS hair mayonnaise) twice a month. I use Apple Cider Vinegar in all my washes, either add it to my conditioner or use it as a rinse. When my hair is damp I moisturize (currently using ORS HAIRepair intense moisture cream but I plan to switch to something else), seal (currently using a homemade shea butter and coconut oil mix), detangle with a wide toothed comb and then put in twists again. I let it air dry and style usually in a twist out or updo. I don’t oil my scalp unless I’m in braids of some sort.
I also have an oil mix I sometimes use as a prepoo if I remember to or if I have time. I spray daily with a homemade spray made of water, JO’M grapeseed oil dreadlock cream, aloe vera juice and some of my oil mix. I also apply castor oil to my hair line daily. I get my products from pharmacies, health shops and Clicks. Every now and then I do find some good stuff in supermarkets (the Earthsapp line for example is found in Spar). It may seem like a lot but I really don’t do much.
What results do you expect from a hair product when you purchase it?
Short term wise I want softness but long term wise I expect health. I gravitate towards products with tons of nutrients for my hair. I also like moiturizing products because Botswana has a very dry climate.
Is it a struggle finding products that work for your hair type or are you happy with the ones you’re currently using?
Finding a great moisturizer is my current concern. However, overall I am happy with my products and honestly they do enough BUT A girl can never have too many! I’m a bit of a product junkie so I’m always ready to try something new. But I force myself to finish one before I buy another. At the end of the day method is more important than product.
Are you planning on locking in the future?
When I’m probably 50 or so and I’m too tired to keep up with the demands of natural hair. Right now though I want to see how far I can take it.
Which type of natural hairstyle(s) do you like to rock?
Twist outs are my go to hair style but as my hair grows I’m starting to experiment with up do’s more. I also love quick simple braided styles that incorporate cornrows of my own hair. I also love doing head wraps for lazy days.
Do you have a favourite hair salon?
I had a great experience at Lady Vanessa hair salon but I generally tend to avoid salons. Luckily my cousin does all my braiding.
Any hair care tips you’d like to share with our readers?
Have a ton of patience, a great simple routine, MOISTURIZE and pick up some castor oil! Oh and most importantly, read! There’s lots of advice online.
What’s your (fashion) style generally?
I love Rihanna so my life revolves around me trying to imitate her, hahaha! I guess I wanna be a sexy tom boy though I’m not sure if that’s what I end up looking like. I love sneakers but I love heels too (the sneaker wedge is the best invention ever!), long cotton skirts with chucks, shorts, jeans, cute dresses, anything with a skull/spike on it and I’m a white vest fanatic. My fro fits in perfectly with my style!
Where can I readers get hold of you?
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfB15v0tWV4vZJFrXY HvkZA
Blogs
General: http://funkyforyou.wordpress.com/
Hair: http://hairinsights.wordpress.com/
Food: http://ahungryafrican.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soul-Canvas/167506859950299