'I think we overhype Natural hair' Mane Matters with Ikeoluwa

Hi Naturalistas,

Enjoying the week?

Meet Ike.

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

My name is Ikeoluwa Adesina. I am a first generation Nigerian American. I am a twin and an engineer who is pursuing her Masters Degree in Material Science Engineering.

I am not a natural hair enthusiast, but I love my hair, and when people ask, I like to share what I have learned for the past four years, that I have been natural 

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

Honestly, I think we overhype natural hair. It is your hair in natural state, that's how it is always meant to be. The journey and how you enjoy it is a personal experience, different for everyone.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural not because my hair was not healthy, I had long, and healthy permed hair. I went natural because, I felt like permed hair was not me. I felt like I was lying to myself what my own hair looked like, and not accepting the real me, and if I don't accept the real me, who will? 

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

Yes I did the big chop. The reason I did the big chop is because I tried transitioning once, the two hair texture led me back into the hands of perms. I wasn't patient enough to wait it out. Chopping it off of easier and less tempting to go back, you know, you are far gone at that time.

What was the experience like?

When I did the big chop, it was exhilarating. It was a new experience. Growing up, I was only exposed to the idea that permed straight hair was the ish. I didn't spend a lot of time exploring my hair. 

Going natural, I had to educate myself to find what works for my hair and what doesn't. I was in charge of what came out of my roots. That was fun. The disappointments, and the victory  of when an over night hair style turned out right or when it didn't. The stares  of love or confusion from a mixed opinionated community. some people love the new you, and some people just think you are straight out crazy. All was an experience from my end. 

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

That it would be hard for me to find what works for me, it will be a big fail and I would eventually give up and fail. But it's a journey for not just your hair, but of finding yourself as well. 

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

I honestly am very open and loose with my regimen. I listen to my hair. If it needs moisture, it gets it. If it need oil for lack of shine, it gets it. After being 4 years natural, and cultivating your mane, you tend to understand the language it speaks. All in all the method I always seem to come back L.O.C method. It works every time and seems to lock the moisture and nutrients in my hair the longest.

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural? Letting people get to me.

When I first started, I let other people’s negative comment get to me. It took me a while to accept it proudly. Its mine to be proud of. 

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

Oh yes. This is me. Its part of what I am. My children will learn to love their hair proudly from how I will continue to cultivate my mane. I am and will be ‘manely’ proud forever.

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

I educate them. its my God given hair. I am proud of it. If you dint like it or accept it, at least you will understand it.

What's your must have product and accessory?

Must have product, will be Shea Moisture leave in conditioner. It's a miracle worker. And, for accessories, every girl, needs a heat cap. I am too cheap and I always end up using plastic bags for my treatments. They serve the same purpose in the end.

What is your go-to style?

My go to hairstyle, when all fails, top of the head high bun never fails. Lol. Keep it loose and stylish. There are billions of ways to swing that simple effortless style. It depends on how creative you are.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

Don't do it for the hype, because you will get frustrated. Don't do it because you don't have a choice, because you will always find a reason to go back to what it was before. Do it because you understand that it is who you are. And live to enjoy the process everyday.

Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…

I always have hair tips on my snapchat: MissIke and also on my instagream page: itsmeike

Thank you for your time

Would you like to get featured on the blog too or know anyone who would like to share their hair story? Then send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Leeznijis