Hello Naturalistas,
AN: Can you tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Chika and I am KiniKinks. I am a sociology graduate exploring my options in life. Right now, I manage a natural hair page on Instagram to encourage and inspire other Nigerian ladies to love their natural hair.
AN: What are your thoughts about natural hair?
I really don’t know how to describe it. To some it’s a trend. To others, it’s a struggle. To me it’s none of that. To me, the decision of going natural is just like every other decision we make every day. It can be demanding, has its benefits but also has its disappointments. Once you can accept to live with that, that’s all that matters.
AN: Why did you decide to go natural?
I went natural because I needed fuller, healthier hair. My hair is really thin and soft. Having it bone straight (relaxed) made it to always look frail. Now it looks as if it has life.
AN: Did you do a BC or you transitioned?
I big-chopped because I didn’t want to procrastinate cutting my hair.
AN: Any fears about the BC?
Initially I was afraid that chopping my hair really low would make me look awkward but it was nothing like that when I actually cut it. It was a librating feeling.
AN: What has your experience been?
So far, there have been ups and downs. Bad hair days and days that I make that perfect protective style/puff and just go out for the world to see that natural hair is beautiful too. All in all, no regrets.
AN: What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?
My biggest fear is that when my hair grows much longer I might not be able to care for it as I should.
AN: Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?
I’m in it for the long haul even though I’m very scissors friendly. My hair is just a year and eight months and I’ve already had about four trims. LOL! Whether long or short, I’m staying natural.
AN: Do you have any hair regimen you stick to?
I co-wash mid-week, wash and deep-condition weekly and steam monthly.
AN: What’s your go-to protective style?
Marley twists or afro-puff
AN: There are people that definitely have negative comments about your hair, how do you deal with that?
Well the questions I usually get are “Are you deeper life?” (Because I don’t really wear earrings) or “why don’t you make your hair?” I just smile and answer them politely and if they keep talking I simply ask them, ‘Is it your hair?’ lol. I think the worst comment I’ve ever gotten is, “maybe if you make your hair more often, you’d get a man. I was so speechless that I just walked away.
AN: What’s your must have product and accessory?
The only staple products I use are Triremes shampoo and Herbal Essence hello hydration conditioner. I CANNOT do without my hello hydration.
AN: What’s your advice to anyone planning to ditch relaxers?
I simply tell them to just do it if they really want to. It’s not always an easy decision for people but as far as I’m concerned, it’s like any other life-changing decision. Life-changing? Yes! To some it’s just hair and to others it’s not just hair. It’s a source of confidence to people and a way of life.
P.S: If you want to get featured kindly read this post and send an email to manematters@africanaturalistas.com with the the subject as ''Mane Matters" and you will be gotten back to. Thank you!
Lol, someone's scissor happy! Your hair looks good dear!
ReplyDeleteOh my! your hair looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI think my hair needs a trim. I have never had one before.