Nappy Baby!

Nappy Baby

I have never really had voluminous hair but I do have a nice texture. As long back as I can remember I’ve had relaxed hair. My hair can grow quite long but it doesn’t grow full, I maintained a short hairstyles for the longest time and in June 2011 I decided that I no more relaxer for me.  Will this be forever? I don’t know but what I do know is I want to have natural healthy hair. 

I transitioned to natural hair for six months then in January 2012 I deceived to go for the big chop. I didn’t want my hair to be very low that’s why I waited for the natural hair to grow out a little. 

 

  

That my cousin and I, we both decided to go on the natural hair journey together, we both have different textures and styles when it comes to how we carry our hair but like many other nappy hair divas out there we rock and love the look. 

The word “nappy hair” used to be a derogatory term and only certain type of people from a church (in Nigeria) used to have natural nappy hair. But that’s a thing of the past. More and more African women and women of African ancestry across the globe are now moving towards nappy hair. So the negative stereotype of back then is gone …. Out the window…. I think.    

I’ve had this new look for all of three months and I love it. I still have sew –in weaves and braids but that’s so I don’t get bored, which I do often. Also it protects my hair.

If you are considering going natural here are a few tips to ease your transition: 

•   Do a lot of research. You have to know what you are getting into; there is a lot of information from youtube and other websites. It is important to know the basics and as much as possible

•   Natural hair needs more care than relaxed hair. But once you get a hang of it , it becomes routine and normal

• You don’t have to do the big chop, you can grow your hair out. This may be a little annoying when the differences in textures are obvious. But it’s still do- able and many ladies have transitioned this way. Work with what best suites you

•    You will need a lot of natural oils such as Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil etc and even more conditioner. It’s important to keep your hair moisturised and soft

• Get into make-up and accessories. Most of us end up looking like young boys ( if you go the big chop route) so to keep our feminine look we need to wear a little more make- up and accessories. It’s a trial and error thing  

• Love your hair no matter what, treat it well and it will look fabulous

If you decide to go through with this you also have to consider your eating habits. Eating healthy helps improve the condition of your hair and skill, so eat healthy and drink lots of water. Nappy hair is not for everyone but it is just as wonderful as any other hair type or texture out there.