Mane Matters with Ronke Lawal

Hello Naturalistas, 

This week on Mane matters we bring to you Ronke Lawal. She is a beautiful lady with an equally beautiful soul, and even with the last minute notice for the interview, she didn't mind at all. Thanks alot :) I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

2008

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

RL: My name is Ronke Lawal. Half the time, I'm a mom, the other half I split into being a make-up artist, a dressmaker & an analyst with a human capital management company. 

2010

AN: What are your thoughts about natural hair?

RL: Natural hair rocks. Its says you are comfortable with who your are. I love to go natural in as many areas of my life as I can. 

AN: Why did you decide to go natural?

RL: My hair is tough, stubborn and unruly. All my attempts to curb all that proved abortive. I'd relax and my hair will still need retouching at the end of the same week. I got tired and decided to 'leave the hair alone'.

2010

AN: What made you decide dreadlocks?

RL: Combing my hair was tough even with relaxers involved. Now, imagine me trying to comb the same hair, in its 'crude' form! *shudders*

I needed a natural hair option that doesn't involve owning a comb. The rest, as they say is history. 

2009

AN: How long have you had the dreads? 

RL: 2009 till date (4 years)

AN: What has your experience been?

RL: Bitter-sweet. Mostly sweet though. Its been awesome. I've got more compliments than (out-loud) criticisms! 

AN: What was/is your biggest fear about dreadlocks?

RL: Was. I started when I was about to go for a compulsory one-year internship (required for my Bachelor's degree) and I feared it might not be acceptable in a work environment. So I invested in a wig. I have no fears anymore. If someone doesn't employ me because of my hair, its their loss.

2011

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

RL: In the early days it will sting for up to 10 minutes at times! It helps that I'm a confident woman with pretty good self-esteem: I deal with issues quickly. These days, I dwell on negative comments even less. Before I myself can say 'ouch!', I've discarded the comments & moved on. 

2010

AN: What's your must have product and accessory?

RL: Product: Natural Hair Care (organic root stimulator) Lock & Twist Gel

Accessories: Scarves and hair bands.

2012

2011

AN: What's your hair regimen like?

RL: I wash the hair when it gets dirty. I use a hair dryer or leave it to dry naturally if there's no rush. I visit my stylist to re-lock every 3 months.

2013

AN: What's most challenging for you in taking care of/keeping the dreads?

RL: I'd say, its living in a place where most hair salons are not familiar with dreadlocks care and its products. ( I live in Oyo Town).

2013

AN: What's your advice to anyone planning to take the dreadlocks lane?

RL: Make sure it's what you really want. Be confident and know that even though a woman's hair is an important part of her, 'you are not your hair'. Lastly, make sure your hair is locked by a professional (especially in the initial stage). You want a really good foundation.

Have yourself a lovely Wednesday.