'Going Natural was exciting...' Mane matters with Nafisat

Hey Naturalistas,

Long time no mane matters feature. Meet today's naturalista on mane matters is Nafisat of Coily head of Hair.

Enjoy!

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

My name is Nafisat. I’m a student of Architecture in the University of Lagos. I love listening to calming music, meeting new people, reading and blogging.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I think natural hair is cool, beautiful and versatile. It’s unique in its own way.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I wanted to grow healthy relaxed hair in September 2012 because I was experiencing a lot of breakage at my nape region and stagnant growth. All my research proved futile until I researched again in April 2013. Then I discovered the natural hair community the first which was Black Girl Long Hair. I started reading the blog and seeing pictures of other natural women sharing their hair journey and growth progress and routine. Then came May 2013 and I was sure that I wanted to go natural to grow my hair out.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I sort of did both. I wanted to transition for 8 months then big chop, but I could only wait till the fourth month. My last relaxer was in April 2013, I big chopped August 10 2013.

What was the experience like?

It felt great, scary, exciting that I was cutting my hair. I had all these feelings all at the same time but I was sure I wanted change. After my sister was done chopping off my relaxed hair. I felt so happy and liberated. I got a lot of compliments from family and friends.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I’m not really sure I had any fears about going natural because it was something I wanted to do so badly after tons of research.

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?

As far as I’m concerned, Simplicity is key in my regimen ( routine-wise). I hate doing a lot of things to my hair. The basic routine is detangle with a cheap conditioner, shampoo with duduosun, and deep condition for an hour or 2 without heat. Moisturize and seal my hair in twists or braids. Then do a low manipulation style for 2 weeks. I moisturize and seal based on how my hair feels. Then I repeat! Simple.

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?

I won’t really call it an emotional struggle. But I remember one time like that while my hair was shorter, I would moisturize and seal properly and then the next couple of hours, my hair would be dry again! I thought I was doing something wrong or using the wrong products. I was really frustrated with the whole situation because It went on and on for a couple of weeks. I was even contemplating whether or not to relax the hair.

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

Just a what?! No way. I’m in it for a long haul!! Natural hair rocks!

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

Yes, I used to get some negative looks and gestures when my hair was shorter and a few negative comments. I basically try to educate the person in the nicest way possible without losing my cool because it can be annoying when someone suddenly makes rude comments about your hair. As for the gestures, I ignore them.

What's your must have product and accessory?

I’m so hooked on Shea butter, my sealant. That stuff is life!! I’m also hooked on Shea moisture’s restorative conditioner, the best leave in conditioner my hair has met. It keeps my hair moisturized for 7 days straight! And I love my N350 1 litre Petal’s conditioner. It has such an amazing slip for detangling! Way better than these expensive big brand conditoners.

What is your go-to style?

If anyone here knows me or reads my blog, they’d know my go to style is the high puff!! It’s so easy to create, itrequires little manipulation, looks so chic and takes less time to touch up. I also love chunky twists outs, bantu knot outs, and side bangs. I just recently started digging flat twists.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

The most important thing is to allow the decision come willingly and freely form you heart. Don’t go natural because Miss A and Miss B went natural or because it’s the latest trend going on now. Go natural because you want it.

Also do tons of research and have realistic expectations of your hair journey; because google says average hair grows 6 inches a year doesn’t automatically guarantee you 6 inches. You’ll work hard for those 6 inches to get them.

Also don’t go natural because you want a quick fix to your hair problems. That’s quick fix that’s never going to happen. Being natural requires patience. Hair growth requires patience, commitment and consistency.