'Relaxers made me cry' Mane Matters with Mokut

Hi Naturalistas,

Happy New month.

Meet Mokut.

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

My name is Mokut and I am a Lawyer.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I stopped using relaxers in 2012. I stopped not because my hair wasn't healthy. My hair was rather long and full but relaxers made me cry even as an adult. I usually had to wait for an hour or more after applying the relaxer so as to get the sleek look but it was always at the expense of my very sensitive scalp. In 2012, I decided that love/hate relationship had to end.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned for about 5 months and then decided to do the big chop myself in August 2012.

What was the experience like?

At first it was just pure bliss! Being able to run water through my hair everyday was heaven until I got to that awkward stage where I wasn't sure what to do with the hair. Then I began to do a lot of research and experimenting. Sometimes when I am mixing or blending ingredients, my brothers ask if it is to be consumed by the people in the house or by my hair. Now I can say I am my own stylist. I have learnt to love my hair, shrinkage, thickness and all.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I fear that one day one of my cousins would apply relaxer to my hair while I sleep. Lol! To be honest, I have never had any fear about going natural. It has become a lifestyle and identity for me. I only wished my mum let me do it earlier.

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

Well, I shampoo once a month, co-wash, hot oil treatment and deep condition every week. I moisturise every other day as my hair demands.

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

The struggle or should I say the blessing of having full natural hair; Twisting my hair before bed can be war sometimes. I usually have to psyche myself. The hair products I use don’t last for more than 2 or 3 applications coz my hair swallows it up. And…. oh! How can I forget the struggle with bobby pins…I am constantly buying bobby pins! Sigh!

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

Oh yes! I’m in it till the end. There is no going back for me. When I went natural, my mum kept asking me what I would do with my hair for my wedding, as she didn’t think it would look nice. I didn’t waste any time showing her pictures of natural hair brides. Over the years she has seen how I treat my hair, now she is a fan of my hair and recently ’threatened’ to go natural. She even taught me how to make coconut oil.

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

The negative comment I get sometimes is how unprofessional it is for a lawyer to wear her hair in an Afro. Really??? Watch me rock it to court LOL!

What's your must have product and accessory?

My must have products are Dudu Osun, Kinky Curly leave in conditioner, Anu Essentials Golden Blossom hair oil and Shea Butter (Ori). I use Dudu Osun as my shampoo coz my hair loves it. My must have accessory would be a piece of my panty hose which I use as my hair band when I do a puff style. Lol!

What is your go-to style?

My go to style is a puff or two-strand twist. Those styles are loyal to me.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

I always say going natural is a ministry, so be patient and you’ll be amazed at the results. There might be some awkward days or times when you feel your hair isn’t growing but remember that “Hair is the crowning Glory of a woman” therefore it is imperative to focus on having a healthy hair before a lengthy hair. Embrace your natural hair it for it is comely and beautiful.