"I won't go back to the creamy crack" Mane Matters with Paula Kekai

Hi Natural beauties

It's a new month. How are you all doing? Yes, Mane Matters is back... and better!

Today, I'm excited to share with you guys, Paula's hair journey. I really enjoy following her journey on Instagram. She has a fierce sense of style. I hope you all enjoy reading

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

My name is Paula Kekai, I'm from delta State but I currently reside in Benin, I'm a community facilitator for Delta Fadama Project. 

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I absolutely love natural hair, It makes me happy when I see people embracing and loving their natural hair, it's so unique and beautiful. It's amazing how different people can have different kind of curls and kinks yet we are all black people. It's amazing how your hair can look so short but you know how long it truly is. 

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I returned natural in November 2013, I did my big chop by myself after doing a shaved cut. I always loved the fro while growing up and I would try to comb my relaxed hair to look full and big, I didn't know my hair could naturally do that until I grew up and started seeing people with natural hair. So I guess I went back to Natural because of the fro. 

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I did a BC, chopped everything right off. I'm spontaneous. 

What was the experience like?

Wonderful, I felt so free and happy, I was ready to try everything out, I downloaded Youtube videos and took care of my hair, I inspired so many to cut theirs cos of the way I loved mine and styled it. It was great and I sometimes wish to do another big chop but...

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

To be honest, I had no fear, I had Youtube to guide me, so dryness and toughness didn't disturb me. I was comfortable with short hair so that didn't either.

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

Yes I do, I moisturise and seal everyday using my leave in and castor oil and at night I spray my hair with my water/conditioner mix before I put on my bonnet. I co-wash and deep condition every weekend and at the end of the month I prepoo with a hot oil treatment and shampoo. I do protein treatments when I feel my hair is limp and weak so no specific time. 

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

My mum didn't like it, society didn't like it, my school didn't like it, I had to cover my hair up before I could present my post graduate seminar. I got laughed at, they'll be like Paula, what is this again? Did you comb your hair? Go and fix your hair, my mum was like, how will you find a man with this hair? Lols.

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

Definitely for the long haul, no more going back to the creamy crack, I don't even have the desire to straighten my hair or stretch it. I just love my hair as it is. 

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

Smile and keep moving. A stranger actually told me she didn't like my hair and I smiled and told her thank you, she thought I didn't hear her and repeated it, I told her thanks again. These people have been brainwashed for years, it won't be so easy to change their opinions. If I have the time, I do try to educate them but if I don't, I smile and keep moving. 

What's your must have product and accessory?

Shea butter, because I can always moisturise with water if I dnt have moisturiser.

Accessory would be a hair band for my puff on my lazy and bad hair days. 

What is your go-to style?

Wash and go. Since I discovered I could rock them on my 4C hair, there has been no turning back. 

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

Don't underestimate the power of deep conditioning, moisturising and sealing. This will help you manage your hair. Don't compare your curls with other people's own, don't compare your growth with theirs either. Don't be a product junkie, it will drain your pocket. Think if health and length will follow. 

Where can we find you?

BBMC: All Things Natural C003E537C

IG: Yintare

Thank you for your time

Thank you too. :* 

What do you guys think? Isn't Paula's hair gorgeous?

Till next time 

Leeznijis