"I have learned that shrinkage means I have healthy hair" Mane matters with Theodora Olumekor

Hello Naturalistas,

On this episode of Mane matters we bring you the beautiful Dora. Enjoy. 

AN:Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Theodora Olumekor. I am a final year law student at Obafemi Awolowo University.

AN: What's your thoughts about natural hair?

My thoughts about natural hair are that it's beautiful, it's a wonderful experience worth exploring.

Relaxed Hair

AN: Why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural around June 2013, after I saw a picture of @Naptural85’s hair on Instagram. Her hair was so beautiful and I just decided not to relax my hair because my last retouch was January 2013. I did my research, asked questions and my hair is naturally soft so that made my decision easier. 

AN: Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I did both. I transitioned for 15 months and cut off all the relaxed ends April 2014. 

While transitioning...

AN: What was your transitioning experience like?

Transitioning was difficult because the relaxed ends just tangle up into knots when I wash and it took a whole lot of patience not to just cut it off. Let's just say my natural hair journey has taught me a lot about patience. 

AN: Any fears about the BC?

No, I had no fears about BC. I have cut my hair several times before so I had no fears at all.

BC

AN: What has your experience been?

The experience so far has been AMAZING. I learn something about my hair everyday. What it likes, what products it likes, what oils it likes. My hair shrinks a lot. The shrinkage is so much one would think my hair is trying to hide from something when water touches it but I have learned that it means I have healthy hair. It has been an amazing experience and I am enjoying it.

AN: What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

My biggest fear about going natural was that I would not have the patience or the time to take care of my hair.

AN: Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?

I am definitely in this for the long haul

Twist-fro hawk

AN: Do you have any hair regimen you stick to?

Yes I do. I wash 3 times a month. Once with shampoo and twice with conditioner I.e co washing. I pre-poo before I shampoo. An ACV rinse once a month and a protein treatment twice a month. I also do a moisture treatment of water, glycerin and coconut oil everyday. This is mixed in my spray bottle.

AN: Whats your go-to protective style? 

Braids: Box braids or marley braids

Protective style

AN: There are people that definitely have negative comments about you hair, how do you deal with that?

That used to happen a lot but I just tell them it's my hair and I love it

AN: Whats your must have product and accessory?

My must have product is the Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner and accessory has to be my Bobbi pins and hair band. 

Wash and go

AN: Whats you advice to anyone planning to ditch relaxers?

My advice is if you want to go natural, do it for you, do it because you want to not because you think everybody is doing it. Do your research and be ready to accept most importantly your natural curls. Your hair cannot be bone straight again so don't treat your hair like its bone straight. Be ready to embrace your curls because they are beautiful. 

defined curls 

Thank you for your time.

P.S: If you want to get featured kindly read this post and email to manematters@africanaturalistas.com with the the subject as ''Mane Matters" and you will be gotten back to. Thank you!