10 African Natural Hair bloggers you should know for more hairspiration

In response to a comment made on an earlier post on here from a reader, I have put together some of the major African hair bloggers that I am aware of. These bloggers post haircare and styling tips which they've personally put to practice on their own hair. Since they are Africans, they also have similar hair textures that the majority of us have and they have been able to retain great lengths through healthy haircare practices.
You can also follow some of these bloggers on other social media sites for more inspiration. A lot of them also have a youtube channel where they share many styling and haircare videos. So in no particular order, here are my list. Please do include other bloggers which I might have forgotten to mention

1.Latifatunmi - Nigerian


2. DiscoveringNatural - Nigerian

4. Nappily Nigerian - Nigerian

5. Klassy Kinks - Nigerian


6. Ghanacuty - Ghanaian


7. Kenyan Mystic - Kenyan

8. Ammamama - Ghanaian


9. MyfroandI - South African


10. The Mane Captain. ME :) Nigerian


There are certain bloggers which I purposely didn't mention because they've chosen to remain anonymous and they rarely post pictures of their hair and hair progress. Since this is a response post to a reader's request for Africans with a "realistic" length retention and hair journey, I feel it's best to only include bloggers they can actually follow for more hairspiration, especially when it comes to styling tips and ideas.

Also, if you have instagram, I started a page @africannaturals, hashtag your pictures #africannaturals so I can share them on the main page if you'd like to share your latest style or hair tips with other African Naturals.

The Mane Captain

Which other Natural African hair bloggers am I missing? Please leave them in the comment box below

I love my wigs but...

This is a personal rant, so forgive me in advance. As you all know by now, I like to wear wigs. I have 2 in particular that I had custom made for me - a long one with kinky-ish hair, and a short bob. I wear them when I feel like my hair needs a break from the elements - the elements include environmental forces like the sun and dust; additional elements include hand-in-hair, packing-and-repacking-of-bun, etc. Suffice it to say, out of 30 days a month, I wig it maybe 15 to 20 days.

Now, what is getting my goat is that some unfortunate human beings see me on my wig days, and are often taken aback when they see my own hair. I've gotten comments like

"Where's your weave? You should put it back on"
"Are you having a bad hair day?"

Or the one I literally just got now: "Oh, but you look so beautiful with that your long hair."

I called them unfortunate human beings, because I don't know how to keep my mouth shut a lot of times. To this last person, I answered with my mouth, "That was a wig. This is my hair." Meanwhile, my eyes were asking, "What are you trying to say? Are you trying to tell me that you think I'm ugly with my real un-long natural hair? I dare you to say anything!"

To his credit, Mr. Man said, "This is nice too."

*hissing while rolling my eyes*

In retaliation, I could decide that I will leave my hair out forever and ever. But even I know that I get bored, and sometimes I want a new look, and I want to give my hair a break. So, I shall continue on as I have - wig when I feel like, hair out when I feel like, yarn threads one day, tree braids/fishbone one other day, and blah blah blah.

It is MY HAIR! MINE!

#RantOver

Do you ever just want to rip into someone for commenting about your hair? Let's let it all out here in the comment box!

Berry Dakara

Natural hairspiration

Hi ladies.
         One of the commonest misconceptions is that natural hair does not grow.Well, i think that has been proved wrong. I'm gonna be sharing some pictures of ladies that have been consistent enough to grow their kinks out.


Enjoy!

 

It should be noted that these are as a result of healthy hair care practices and maximum length retention.

Till next time.

Strut your stuff and stay beautiful.
@eBunite

source

Mane matters Archives

Hello Naturalistas,

As the Mane matters column is growing, I had this idea to do the archives so it will be easy for anyone looking for a post. I have categorised them into

• Transition
• Big Chop
• Dreadlocks 

Since that's all that we have now, I hope this is a welcome idea? 

Transition;

Ebun Oluwole

Chioma

Queen Banor

Osemhen Akhibi

Big chop: 

Alice

Anna-kovie Parker

'Denike Adegboye

Ibukun Akinnawo

Ekene Chucks-Okeke

Akibo Tobiloba

Dreadlocks:

Oluyombo Adebambo

Alawode-James Olajumoke

Ronke Lawal

Fola Afolayan

Just click on the picture to take you to the Interview that you're interested in.

P.S: Its safe to say we have more BC Naturalistas. 

Bollywood inspired Natural Hair Updo!

  Happy Tuesday Ladies!With todays hairstyle,we are testing the waters in Bollywood!This is a cute look that you can also try out for the impending Festive Season.Enjoy Ladies and have an awesome Tuesday!

Diary of an Honest Naturalista: Week 25

If you ask around in camp, you will find out that I am actually one of the few people who are enjoying camp, or at least brave enough to admit it. No I am not jumping from place to place or gathering to gathering, but I am enjoying the camp experience in general.

I was almost signed up to represent my platoon for the Miss NYSC beauty pageant, but dropped when I insisted I wasn't going to wear a weave. I even decided to compromise for them, and said I would do a twist out. My platoon organisers and Richard, the military man that was heading my platoon did not understand what I meant by twist out. So I went as far as showing them pictures on my blackberry. I even borrowed Tonya's iPad to show them a video of how it is achieved and how fabulous it can look. They did not agree, because they felt it would not be beautiful enough to compete with ladies from other platoons who would be wearing weaves. In my mind, I was like "see these ones o. I am even agreeing to loose these corn rows for you, considering the fact that I said I wasn't going to touch this hair while in camp, and you are not seeing it as a favour I am doing for you guys." So, I told them to find another person, since they not ready to meet me half way. Too bad for them, cos in my opinion, they are the losers. As for me, I don't need a competition to validate my looks.

Many girls in camp felt I was nuts to turn down such an opportunity, and some even told me to my face. I told them being considered for the pageant amongst so many ladies, without me having make up and flowing hair, was privilege enough for me. And in my mind, I was already a winner, lol.

They actually came back to 'accept me', saying I could use a wig instead. Maybe if they had given me that option before, I would have considered, but as at then, I was already put off, and told them "Hell No. Don't bother."

Source

The girl that eventually won has her room wing directly opposite mine, and made her hair in my room on the morning of the competition. And so, as I watched her strut her stuff on stage on the night of the pageant, I could tell you for sure, there was nothing beautiful about the hair underneath her weave.

I am leaving camp tomorrow. It was fun while I was here, but what would be more fun would be getting to embrace Dimeji after three weeks of forced separation?

Naturals in the City 7 (NITC 7) is here.

It is here once again. The biggest gathering of naturals in Nigeria, Naturals in the City. Yay! And it is the 7th edition. Wow, it was just like a dream, when I started attending from the very first edition in 2011. Big thumbs up to NN and her crew. It aint easy at all.

Anyway, the theme for this edition is Protective Styling. They will be focusing on length retention. There will be a make up tips session, screening of a hair documentary, Ayuverdic treatments and herbs for your hair, interactive session, and so much more. Amongst many other packed sessions, there will also be a product swap segment. So if you have a product you no longer need, you can take it there and swap.

What more? African Naturalistas products will be on sale! Yay! You don't have to bother about delivery costs, lol. Just get all your favourite African Naturlistas products from our stand.

It is this saturday, 30th of November, by 1.30pm at Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi crescent.. Click the picture below for more details.

Protect your natural hair while sleeping

Hi Naturalistas

I used to make the mistake of sleeping with my hair unprotected. Do you have those days when you are so tired and you could care less about hair rules? All that is on your mind is how to hit the bed and even trying to reach for a satin scarf could be a lot of work.

Letting your hair loose on the regular beddings contributes greatly to dryness and breakage. Try as much as you can to prevent it.

Here are some easy steps that can help you fix that:

1. Satin/silk scarfs: Leave your scarf very close to your bed.

If it is very much within reach, you can quickly manage to wrap it around your head just before you dash into bed.  

2. Satin/scarf bonnets: Cut out the time it takes to tie your scarf well by trying a nice silk/satin bonnet. Do you know that sometimes that is where the laziness comes from? Just finding the strength and time to tie it lol

Make sure you find one that says 'breathable band'. It simply means that the elastic band isn't too tight to start messing up your edges. And make sure it is not too lose to fall off at night either.

3. Head wraps: Just be sure to get a silk one or at least one layered underneath with silk. 

4. Satin/ silk pillow cases: Since I discovered the silk/satin pillow cases, it's been so worth it. But you'll still have to worry about your hair being all over the place, if you get what I mean. But for the assurance of protection against harmful beddings, you are sure this one will go no where all day, all night, unlike when you have to worry about your scarf, bonnet, wraps slipping off.

Not using the right kind of protection for your hair could retard hair growth.

Invest in the one that works for you.

Remember to keep your heads high and rock your kinks with pride

JB

Twitter: @janylbenyl

Photo credit: Source

Quick Tip: Reusing empty product tubs

old hair product tubs which I always keep and reuse 

Last week, I shared a whipped shea butter recipe, but one thing I left out is where and how to store them. So if you're a mixtress like myself, I'm sure you're always in need of a fancy container to store your concoctions in, instead of using the same bowl you use to store your food.

So why waste money purchasing extra containers when you already have a few empty tubs which you already paid for when you bought your gel, deep conditioning mask, styling creams, butters and other hair products? Rather than tossing your empty containers in the garbage, you can instead wash them with warm soapy water and use them to store your latest "mane" product or you can use it to mix a deep treatment masque.
Using an old hair product container will also prevent family members and the people you live with from mistaking the product for something else as I'm sure you don't want your child eating your avocado hair mask, not like its inedible.

An old coconut oil tub which I now use for my concoctions

How do you store your concotions?

The Mane Captain

African Natural Hair on Instagram!!!

Hello ladies!

I know I promised I would continue the Oil Series today, but nah, I changed my mind. What I want to talk about is Natural Hair on Instagram!!! Instagram is the new Google for finding pictures and all you need to do is search for tags like #teamnatural, #naturalhair, #protectivestyles, and more and voila! Pictures galore!!! I wanted to share some naturalistas I think everyone should follow, and I'm limiting my list to ONLY Africans. We're not discriminating here, but it's more uplifting to see people whose hair most looks like ours, right? Without further ado, and in no particular order, I present - AFRICAN NATURALS ON INSTAGRAM!!!

@TheManeCaptain

@Gerimua

@Discovering Natural

@_Eki

@Xodvf

@Klassykinks

@NappilyNigerianGirl

@Yomi_Campbell

@ShirlzBellz

I know I'm missing a whole lot, so please help me out. E.g. 99% of the posters above are Nigerian *shame on me for not knowing other African countries representing Team Natural on Instagram*

Oh, and here's what I looked like during my bridal hair trial at O'Naturals Salon last weekend...

@BerryDakara

Have a nice weekend!

Berry Dakara

*All pictures taken from users Instagram*

How To Make Your Natural Hair Twist Out Last Longer

source

Hi Ladies!
          Today I'm gonna be sharing tips on how to make your twist out which is one of the simplest natural hair styles last longer.

1. Make smaller twists

This is a sure fine way to help make curl definition and also help make sure your twist out last longer.

2. Oils or Butters

Use a natural oil or butter to your twists to cut down on frizz while unraveling.

3. Refreshing the twist out

If you're too lazy to take down or re-twist,apply a light leave-in and twist your hair into larger sections at night and unravel your hair in the morning.

4. Silk Bonnet or Silk Scarf

Sleep with a silk bonnet/scarf/pillow with a silk pillow case to help minimize frizz and breakage.

5. Wet Hair

Twist with a cream-based product so it can seal in moisture if your hair is wet. By doing this, it will also help you to lock in definition for a longer period of time.

6. Dry Hair

Make sure your hair is completely dry before taking out your twists for a more defined look that will last longer.

If everything else fails, the African Naturalistas Twist and Curl Pudding is here to the rescue

 Till next time

Stay Beautiful
eBuniteHair

Source

Mane matters with Alice

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

My Name is Alice I work as a front desk officer 

AN: Have you heard about African Naturalistas?

Yes I have, and I'm excited to be one now

AN: How long have you had your natural hair?

I've been natural for 2 months now I transitioned for 4 months 

AN: Why did you decide to go natural?

I wanted to grow my hair well I suffered from a lot of breakages

AN: Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned for 4 months before my BC

AN: What was your BC experience like?

 I was scared and excited at the same time, and I thought I would become so ugly but I came out looking younger and more attractive

AN: What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

That I would become ugly


AN: Whats your must have product and accessory? 

Ori(Shea butter) , Indian hemp conditioner, Eco styling gel

AN: What would you say about your hair journey over-all?

Its been fun and and interesting journey

AN: What's you advice to anyone planning to ditch relaxers?

Yes leave the cream addiction black hair is so dynamic. Grow your hair. I'm so excited when I see fellow naturalistas, its like I'm related some how to them. My boss at work says I look so confident and sure about myself I've never been this excited 

Pin and Tuck on medium sized two strand twists!

  Happy Tuesday Ladies! The cold has descended hard upon us on this end! In this video,I would like to share with you a Pin and Tuck hairstyle on medium sized two strand twists. I am able to retain moisture on my strands with this hairstyle as the twists are pinned together and tucked away from harmful fabrics, and the harsh weather.Enjoy Ladies and a Blessed Tuesday to all!

Diary of an Honest Naturalista: Week 24

You want to know how camp has been for me? Well, so far, so good. I have had to soak my hair in moisture. Thanks to the fact that I was kidnapped by the military head of my platoon to participate in the parade, whether I wanted or not. To be honest, I actually enjoy matching, I have always enjoyed it right from when I was in primary school. But mehhnnn, the sun in this camp is not the business at all. If it could burn us all up like that, my hair must be wailing "Anna, hellllpppp. I need moisture." like every single second.

Why did I give in to the fine boyish looks of my platoon commandant, Richard, and fall for his cajoles to match? Somebody tell me why.

One time, I wanted to run away from the parade ground when it got too much. I just heard...

"Anna, where do you think you are going?"

I was almost tempted to say "Richard, can't you see my natural hair is getting dry, and crying for help. This sun is not allowing it to get the moisture it deserves. Matching is absolutely not for ladies with natural hair."

And then he would go "Anna, are you in sane. What the hell are you talking about?"

And then, I would say "Oh well, you don't know. Well then, let me educate you. According to Curly Nikki and Black Girl with Long Hair, the Natural Hair 101 course tells us that natural hair is very thirsty. We must always prepare it for hot weather by properly moisturising and sealing with a oils and butters, not forgetting to use leave-in conditioners, and taking advantage of the humid weather by adding a little glycerine to our daily spritz, so it could attract moisture. Not too much glycerine, Richard, just a little. But you see, the thing is I forgot many of these goodies at home, because I did not know I would fall for your fine boy looks, and allow you to cajole me to join the parade."

And then after my lecture, he would be speechless, and the look on his face would be like all these.

Source

Instead, I just smiled sheepishly and returned to where others were standing at ease. Gosh, my hair is so going to melt before this camp is over. Who sent me message?