Mane matters with Tomiloba Ajayi

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Hello Naturalistas,

Today I bring you my namesake and friend, Tomi. Enjoy her hair journey. 

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

My name is Tomi Ajayi and I'm a field engineer.

AN: What are your thoughts about natural hair?

It’s hair. I like the fact that it’s versatile but at the same time, I’m aware of the fact that not everyone would be comfortable with it so my philosophy is “to each their own”.

 

Relaxed Hair

AN: Why did you decide to go natural?

A Russian friend once asked what the difference was between our hair and I tried to explain but she remarked “they look the same” and that got me thinking. Plus, I’d always wanted to see what I would look like with short hair so it started off as a bit of an experiment for me.

AN: Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

 I transitioned for about six months so I’d at least have a bit of growth and then chop chop.

 

Transitioning 

AN: Any fears about the BC?

I worried that I would look a lot like a boy and that was scary but then I compensated with make-up and accessories.

 

first BC with relaxed ends

AN: What has your experience been?

It’s been fun so far, I enjoy messing around with products, experimenting with my hair. I’m not a natural nazi in the sense that I’d be anti-chemicals and all, just know the risk and plan for it. After several failed attempts, first with temporary color, then with henna, I dyed my hair a shade of red in October 2013.

 

The BC

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

Haha, my biggest fear was looking like a village girl. I had natural hair all through secondary school and got teased endlessly so I was worried about the ease and availability of styling especially for fancy occasions.

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

I'm definitely in it for the long haul.

AN: Do you have any hair regimen you stick to?

Yeah, my daily routine is pretty fixed. I have a spritz with either water/aloe vera juice and a variety of oils depending on my mood when I mixed it. There’s always glycerin and olive oil in the spritz, the variables are avocado, almond and coconut oil with a dash of eucalyptus/peppermint oil. I seal in after with shea butter, my hair has a high porosity so I seal in almost immediately.

Wash day is iffy, I pre-poo with whatever oil/moisturiser is at hand and wash with black soap then DC as I feel is needed.

 

Shake and spray

AN: What's your go-to protective style? 

Cornrows/twists, they are so amazingly easy and low-maintenance, I take them out every two weeks.

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

First salon twists

When I initially cut my hair and had a few disastrous styling attempts, I got hit with comments like ‘are you broke? I can give you money to go to the salon if you need some” and “oh, you’ll get tired of it soon, it doesn't make any sense” but at the end of the day, it’s my hair and I was comfortable with it so they all slid off my back. Now though, I have people using me as an example, showing my photos to others and asking for tips so I believe my persistence and not abusing my haters paid off in the end.

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

Olive oil, shea butter, and a hair band for rocking an afro.

 

Red Hair 

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

It’s not easy, it’s not fun. Natural hair isn’t a sure-fire recipe to having long hair, or regaining your edges, you’re still going to have to work at it. Sometimes I think it takes even more effort at the beginning, but once you find what works for your hair and learn to love the curls that grow out of your head, everything else will fall in place

P:S: If you are interested in getting featured, kindly send a mail to tomi.akibo@gmail.com with the subject "Mane Matters" and you will be responded to. Thanks