"I did the Biggest Big chop" Mane Matters with Cynthia

Hi Natural Beauties, 
How is the week going?
Today I bring to you a new natural whose big chop is just as low as mine was. Meet Cynthia

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Esedebe Nkechi Cynthia, from Delta State, Nigeria. I'm a graduate of Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Port Harcourt. Presently, I'm into selling of baby clothes.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?
I feel having natural hair is a wonderful experience (though I'm just starting), the natural state is the best state the hair ought to be,especially as an African. One gets to appreciate black hair more and learn that there are so much more ways you can make your hair look nice apart from relaxing or texturizing it.

Before bc

When/why did you decide to go natural?
I got tired of my relaxed hair, it was not growing and I didn't have front hair(edges). It was a spontaneous decision and after that, I found out there were several natural hair groups on Facebook, I joined them, African naturalistas inclusive and I was more inspired. I started transitioning in April 2014, that was the last time I relaxed my hair. However I didn't adapt to any regimen so didn't see any change so I finally decided to do the 'biggest' chop this year in February. I woke up one day cut my hair, then I further went to use a clipper to scrape everything off all by myself! (Lol)..

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?
Both, I transitioned but eventually decided to scrape it all off, so I guess it's more of a big chop ('biggest chop' like I call it).

Biggest chop...lol

What was the experience like?

It was a great experience, I went out with my 'gorimapa' like that and most people I encountered liked it,I felt like a super star.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?
My greatest fear is that I have a very hard/tough hair texture so the combing aspect is always tough but that won't deter me. Also there's the fear of me not achieving the length I want, I know natural hair is not necessary about the length but how healthy it is but still, I wish to have a long hair if possible.

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

Since I'm still on a very teeny weeny afro, my hair's just a month plus though it's growing, I spritz every other day with ACV, wash it, use my shea mix and brush. I've also started doing DCs occasionally using mayonnaise and oils and also honey and oils alternatively. I also use JBCO (Jamaican Black castor oil) at night before I sleep.

Hair now

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

No emotional struggle for me, loved it,went for it! Just did it NIKE style.

Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?
I know I'm in for the long haul because I love everything about being natural.

There are people that definitely have negative comments about you hair, how do you deal with that?
I really don't think much about what people have to say about my hair, it is my hair and was my decision to go natural so I don't owe anyone any explanation. When I cut my hair for the first time and put it on my group's page, 95 percent of the people liked it and that alone was okay for me. People judge not knowing why people make their decisions, the world is a big place so I can't go about explaining the reasons I went natural to everyone that's against it. I believe in live and let live,with that the world would be a better place. Do you and I'll do me. (Wow... go girl)

What's your must have product and accessory?
For now my shea mix, ACV, hair bands and scarves. (I tried wigs but didn't work for me,who knows? Maybe in the future

What is your go-to style?
Since I'm still on TWA,I cream and brush it and if I want shine I apply Jack five moisturising gel.

Protective styling

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

Going natural is the best decision you can make and not regret, like I said earlier 'Just Do It'!

Just do it

Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…

 Twitter- ceewhy11
 Instagram- ceewhy11
 
So what do you all think about Cynthia's big chop? Just do it she says...lol

If you missed last week's mane matters. Please read here
Also if you'd like to be featured on Mane Matters, kindly send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com

Till next time
Leeznijis