'I was afraid my hair wouldn't turn out as beautiful as I wanted' Mane Matters with Chidera

Hi Naturalistas,
How is the week going?

Meet Chidera

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

I am Chidera Hopewell Stephen. I'm 20 and a student at the University of Cape coast. I study Communication Studies. I am also a pencil artist and a person who is into fitness and makeup.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I know natural hair is sometimes stressful to manage when a person is not vast in the knowledge of caring for it. Natural hair is also beautiful and versatile therefore one can style it in different ways to suit the occasion. Natural hair represents strength, boldness and confidence. Women should be aware that they are beautiful naturally.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural about 2 years and 6 months ago. I decided to embrace my natural hair as it is a part of me and I loved how beautiful natural hair can be. Another reason is that natural hair is a friend to water and I love water. I also stopped perm because of the good health, I decided to take charge of my life and health. I want to be healthy and there are so many dangers that relaxers pose to the health of a person and I didn't want to fall a victim of any of these. I also couldn't keep up with salon visits and decided to do more to my hair all by myself.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned for about 4 months then I big chopped

What was the experience like?

It was great. I felt free and better. My self confidence increased but some of my friends didn't buy the idea. I took the decision by myself and I didn't regret it.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

My biggest fear was my hair not being able to grow. I was afraid that my hair wouldn't turn out as beautiful as I wanted. I was also scared that my hair would be difficult to manage.

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

I keep it very simple usually I wash and condition by myself then I apply a leave in conditioner with my whipped Shea butter to seal

When I have time I do deep conditioning once a month. Most times I braid it or twist it up due to my schedule.

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

None

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

It isn't a phase to me. I have decided not to go back to relaxers

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

I ignore them. Sometimes I remind them that their hair is just like mine except for the relaxers.

What's your must have product and accessory?

Scarf, Water, Shea butter and small bands

What is your go-to style?

Usually an afro or a puff

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

I advice that the person that's it slow and shouldn't mind the hype of products around. Keeping it simple is the key. Natural hair grows but shrinkage makes it look otherwise. Patience and care is key. You can braid or twist your hair to protect it and keep it away from manipulation for sometime