'I have an ever changing Natural hair regimen' Mane matters with Jennifer

Hi Naturals

Meet Jennifer of Nigerian and Natural

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

Hi everyone. My name is Jennifer and I'm a customer service personnel by day and a superhero by night.(Just kidding! Or maybe not).
What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I think natural hair is beautiful in all its many forms and curl patterns(or lack thereof). It is different; definitely different enough to be a conversation starter. It is the perfect accessory and it adds a cool and interesting vibe to your look.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural in 2013 and it was mainly because I wanted to try something new and I wanted a fresh start with my hair.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I initially tried to transition but decided to go for it instead and big chop.

What was the experience like?

It was a bit scary especially since my family didn't like the idea and kept trying to get me to change my mind but in the end it was my decision to make and I'm glad I made it. It took a while to adjust to short hair and caring for my hair but things got easier.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

My biggest fears were that it wouldn't look good on me, I'd look like a boy, I'd cut off my hair and regret it and there would be no turning back and that it would never grow.

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

I have an ever changing regimen but it always includes detangling, washing/cowashing, deep conditioning, moisturizing and sealing. With detangling, (co)washing and deep conditioning, I try not to go a maximum of 3 weeks without doing them. With moisturizing and sealing, I do them when my hair needs them. I do other things every now and then but these are the basics.

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

There's sometimes that small voice that whispers "do I look good enough?" when I get all dressed up and then there are people's occasional negative comments. Although this may sound cliché, I have to keep reminding myself that I am enough and I am beautiful inside and out, all day every day irrespective of what I have on or what I do with my hair.

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

I am in it for the long haul. Otherwise how will I get that butt length, massive hair that I can use as a shade when the Lagos sun is too hot and as a hiding place for money and other valuables.

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

I remind myself that it is my hair, not theirs at the end of the day so if I like it then they can shove their negative comments 'where the sun don't shine'. It is beautiful no matter what they say (words can't bring it down; maybe that's why it defies gravity, LOL).

What's your must have product and accessory?

Must have products would be water, whipped shea butter and a multipurpose conditioner ( For cowashing, detangling, deep conditioning and even as a leave in when broke times strike or I'm going somewhere and have to pack light). Must have accessory would be a hair band/ shoe lace (to easily put any failed style in a puff).

What is your go-to style?

Puuuuffff! In fact the puff is tired of me.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

If you are lazy like I am, it is best to keep it simple so you don't get frustrated with a complex and flamboyant regimen that has too many steps and products. You can make your own rules and figure out what your hair likes; don't make it a must to follow all the many rules and regulations you hear about in the natural hair community. Your hair will survive without them.