How are you all doing Naturalistas? Today's Natural on Mane matters is Edidiong
I love her personality and I'm sure you would too.
Meet Edi...
Can you tell us who you are and what you do?
I am
Edidiong Akpanette, a graduate of Communication arts, a Public Relations Practitioner with a Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa state of Nigeria,
a wife and a mother from Akwa Ibom state.
What are your thoughts about natural hair?
Natural hair movement is a trend that really intrigues me. I like things that
stand out from whats seen and obtainable everywhere and wearing my natural hair
gives me that platform.
When/why did
you decide to go natural?
I went natural in July of 2013, because the cream cracker(relaxer) was ruining
my hair, turning my hair from black to brown with serious breakage, especially
my edges.
I didn't have the guts to big chopped so I transitioned for six months and was
cutting the relaxed ends off gradually. In December, I cut off the remaining
ends and started growing and caring for my hair.
What was the experience like?
The
experience so far was wonderful on good hair days n sometimes frustrating when
the hair decides not to co-operate. Managing two hair textures was a bit
challenging, I discovered Bantu knot out and it became my saving grace. Then I
was still trying to figure out how to flat twist. To avoid most of the
struggles, I did wear my hair in long term protective styles most times(braids).
What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?
My biggest fear about going natural then was my hubby's acceptance, but
fortunately for me he likes and accepts it and is even trying to help me establish
a natural hair salon presently in Keffi.
Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?
I don't really know if i have a specific hair regimens. But i do co-wash
my hair every two weeks, deep conditions( both protein n moisture) before n
after a long term protective styling, do tea/ACV rinse once or twice in a
month. I use shampoo once in 5 to 6 weeks
What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?
I haven't faced any emotional struggles so far 'cause my hubby is very ok with it,
he's the only person whose comments matters to me.
Do you think you are
in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?
I am definitely in it for life, no going back. The more time passes, the more I discover the many awesomeness of my hair and the more I regret not knowing
about it earlier. My ultimate goal is to loc my hair when it reaches a certain
length. For now, I style my hair and my daughter's myself and for some of my
friends and colleagues. I'm planning to open a natural hair salon soonest.
There are people that definitely have negative comments about you hair, how do you deal with that?
As with every other thing in life, you cant expect a 100% positive comments
from people, there will always be fault finders. My work environment is quite
friendly and I keep/have this personality of “I don't care about what you have to
say about my hair, u aint my hubby". But generally I don't get negative
comments often, I have been able to convince some of my colleagues to go natural.
What's your must
have product and accessory?
My favourite products are Shea butter, JBCO, coconut oil and my AN moisturising
butter cream, which have been mincing so it won't finish, I love it, it keeps my
daughter's hair moisturized all day, no matter how she may rough handle it. I cant do without my hair/head bands, they really help on bad hair days.
What is your go-to style?
When I
was transitioning, Bantu knot out was my go to style, now its twist/twist-out. I don't really like wearing Afro styles cause it will end up like a TWA by d end of
the day. Shrinkage is so so 95%.
What advice do you
have for anyone just going natural?
When you are about giving up on your hair or surrounded with people full of negative
comments, go online and Google up natural hairstyles and you will be amazed at what
you can do to your hair to make them jealous( lol). But seriously, once you
decide to go natural, leave room for negative comments and label that room
“springer board" that'll push you to your destination, so you won't be thrown off
your balance when people start saying stuffs about your hair, because they will definitely
talk. Let determination and patience be your Watchword and you will be amazed at the
outcome. Find out what works for your hair and stick to it, (don't be a
product/conditioner junkie like me).
Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…
You can find me on instagram @eddyluv_2007. Bbm channel - Dings natural hair
C003B48CC, email - eddyluv_2007@yahoo.ca
or edidiong73@gmail.com or whatsapp -
07085354280.
Thank you
Thanks for having me here.
To feature on Mane matters, send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com
Edidiong, this is you??? I know your husband would be one very supportive man.
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