Natural Me: "Sabirah"

What is your name and where are you from?

Sabirah Oniyangi, Lagos, Nigeria

How long have you been natural or transitioned?

Since October 2009 J no transition

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are in your life

I’m currently an English teacher at a high school in Lagos Nigeria which I absolutely love! I love to read, cook, entertain, travel, explore and craft. I’m a lover of many forms of Art so any opportunity to appreciate or create Art is always welcome.

Why did you decide to go natural?

As cheesy as this sounds I felt like I wasn’t being myself, I was at a point in my life where I was asking myself important questions about who I was, and why I did the things I did. It never occurred to me that being natural was an option so when I realized I went for it. I love curly/coily/kinky hair!

What are some of your favorite Hair products?

I keep it very simple, homemade hair butters and oil mixes. I have my own product line in the works too J

What is your current hair regimen?

I used to wash my hair every 2weeks, but since I moved to Nigeria, I’ve had to do every week because it gets dirty so quickly. I wear my hair many different ways. Twists and cornrows being my favorite. Since coming to Nigeria I’ve had the luxury of getting weaves, braids etc for very cheap so I went crazy at first, but I’ve realized I enjoy natural styles a lot more.

What is the toughest challenge you have had to face with your natural hair?

Hmmm challenge… single strand knots. I hate those!

Do you foresee any changes to your hair?

I can confidently say I will never relax my hair again. I’ve been thinking about color a lot, looking for natural options that will actually show on my jet black hair.

Words of advice for natural out there.

Learn your hair, spend time doing it yourself, find what works and enjoy it in every stage, TWA to BSL. Also, since I went natural my hair has become a big part of my personal style, I love that I’m the girl with the afro/interesting hair :)

Where can we find you?

Twitter - @sabirah0 and my blog http://www.labellaimperfezione.com/

 Thanks to Sabirah!!!!!

XOXO

Bella Joya

How Should I celebrate My 2 Year Natural Hair Aniversary?

Hey Guys,

My natural hair will be 2 years on April 17, 2012. I am soo excited and I can't figure out how I want to celebrate it. So I have decided to have a poll and get suggestions from my lovely followers. You can pick as many choices as you want and if you have an idea not in the poll please feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks Guys

XOXO
Bella Joya

Natural Hair Inspiration!!!

Hey Guys,

My friend just did her big chop and I thought to inspire her with some TWA pictures. And hopefully sometime soon she will be inspired enough to share her natural hair picture with us.

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I hope you enjoyed

XOXO

Bella Joya

 

 

Natural Me "Nkechi"

 

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Nkechi Esiaba, and I’m from Nigeria.

How long have you been natural or transitioned ?

I stopped relaxing my hair September 2009, then cut off the relaxed ends in February 2010. So I’ve been natural for about 2 years now.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are in your life

Erm, well currently I’m a business student at Drexel University, and I finish school in 2 months (YAY!).  I work at a small tax firm in the city currently. I like to read (for pleasure of course, never school stuff), I love to travel, I’m a very random person and weird too. I don’t know what else to say.

Why did you decide to go natural?

Frankly, I was tired of relaxing my hair. Plus my hair had started to get scanty in the front, as a result of the constant treatment with chemicals mixed with harsh weather. I also wanted to try something new (or rather go back to something I had before but not really ‘owned’ if you know what I mean). I had my first perm when I was 8 or 9, and before that, I was in constant braids because my hair was just too coarse and too full for anything else.

What are some of your favorite Hair products

WATER AND SHEA BUTTER! I’m not really big on hair products, but I’m currently using some Shea moisture products including;  

What is your current hair regimen ?

When I have my hair out (of braids) I usually wash twice or 3 times a week if I have time. I just love running water through my hair. After washing, I condition, then detangle and wash it out after an hour or so. Then I put Constance into twists, size depending on how lazy or tired I’m feeling.

I usually have my hair in yarn braids for the most part. It takes a while to do, but once is done, I don’t have to worry about my hair for a verrrry long time. They also look like dreads, which attracts attention.

When I don’t have braids, I usually have an afro or my faux-hawk. I haven’t really done anything special in a while.

What is the toughest challenge you have had to face with your natural hair?

Combing it! Headache headache headache. I kid….not really. Let’s just say, my arm muscles are getting more defined as my natural years increase. Also, I have THE toughest and fullest hair ever! So it can be tough to maintain sometimes, which is why I prefer braids. But there have been GREAT hair days that remind me why I stay natural, so it’s all good.

Do you foresee any changes to your hair ?

I want to color! But I don’t know which color, and everyone I’ve asked for an opinion likes black (my natural color) on me best. I’m thinking maybe a deep blue, but not anytime soon.  I’m still a bit on the short/medium side, so until I see more growth, I’m not cutting or doing anything drastic. As for relaxing, I don’t think I’ll go back to relaxing ever. Ok that’s extreme, sha not anytime soon.

Words of advice for naturals out there.

Patience is key! My hair texture, although tough, is much easier to manage than it was when I was much younger. It takes time and a lot of effort (for some) to care for your natural hair. I would say try to limit the products you use, you don’t want too much gunk in your hair. And the best thing you can do for your hair is to stay hydrated (advice I need to take too), both drinking a lot of water and spritzing your hair (wetting it every now and then). Water is your best friend!

Where can we find you (facebook, website, blog, twitter, MySpace)

Haha ok. I do have a tumblr (Constantconstance.tumblr.com ), but it’s very random. And le twitter handle is @nnkybaby J.

NB: If you are interested in a natural hair interview please send an email to rootsdontlie@gmail.com.

Hope you Enjoyed

XOXO

Bella Joya