Mane Matters with Nwamaka Ifionu

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

I am Nwamaka (Amaka) Ifionu, a 20-something year old God, music and life lover. I am a Public Health Consultant

AN: What’s your thoughts about natural hair?

Love it, Love it Love it…..I just love it….its versatility et al….Love it

Why did you decide to go natural?

I love pouring water on my hair…so for the larger part of my life I wore a short hair cut. Tried out relaxers for a few years, didn’t hate it…but I didn’t love it either…but I missed pouring water on my hair at will…and so I decided to go back to my short/boyish hair cut. When I finally decided to grow it out…I decided I’d do it without the creamy crack

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I tried both, transitioned for a few months, but got tired of the two textures. I eventually I did a proper big chop.

What has your experience been?

Fabulous! I have loved getting to know my hair, what it loves, and what it absolutely can’t stand…There have been trying times though, when I simply run out of styling options…on such days, a good ol’ fashioned bun or a scarf does the trick. It does take patience, open mindedness, TLC, and healthy living habits to achieve a full head of luscious nappiness.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I didn’t have any major fears…it was an adventure I was ready to embark on, but I did worry about ease of styling on lazy days. These days, that is a worry of the past. Even bad hair days are opportunities for a quick, creative yet funky look…the wonders of wigs, hats, scarves, or plain hair gone wild J. Elements

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

I am not bound to any one hair culture…I love rich, healthy looking hair…and I’m loving my hair today

Do you have any hair regimen you stick to?

My busy lifestyle dictates that I keep it simple. A good wash deep conditioning biweekly, daily moisturizing when I wear my hair out, jumbo twists at night, and protective styling occasionally.

What’s your go-to protective style?

With my own hair, any type of twist (flat twists, jumbo twists, mini twists), and then occasionally extensions…. braids, corn rows, and twists are my preferred styling options

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

I tell them that someday they’ll catch on to the trend I’m setting…and sure enough, they are falling in tow. I get more positive hair attention though. I love it when my hair speaks when I walk into a room. I really don’t get too bugged down by what language it decides to speak…its all part of the fun.

What’s your must have product and accessory?

Water, any hair butter or oil, and my stocking bunny tail holder for pulling back my hair, and hair pins/bobby pins. They can fix anything.

What’s your advice to anyone planning to ditch relaxers?

Be sure it is a ride you want to take, read up, be willing to put in the work, and exercise patience…. Hair miracles don’t happen overnight when you are watching… Do your bit, relax and more importantly, enjoy the journey…it can be addictive. There’s no fun to it if you do not love it, or discover new things about yourself and your hair along the way.