'I’m this confident, driven and tolerant person today because of my hair journey' Mane Matters with Sheila

Hi Naturals,

Meet Sheila

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

Hey! I am Sheila Willima Kalito and I’m a Zambian natural. A nurse by profession and an Entrepreneur. I am also a wife and a mother of 3 gorgeous kids.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I love natural hair and the fact that most of us are going back to our roots and embracing our God given hair in its natural state is really amazing. I also love the versatility that comes with natural hair.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I started my natural hair journey in December 2012. After cutting my dreadlocks in October 2011, I decided to go back to relaxed hair but no relaxer seemed to work for me. My hair would still look natural and was difficult to comb. So I decided to just cut it off and keep short natural hair. During this period I accidentally came across Toyaboo tresses on Youtube and I fell in love with her hair. I figured if she can grow her hair that long and have fun while doing it, I can also do it. Before her, I didn’t know natural hair could grow that long. Long story short, I decided to learn all I can about natural hair care and apply it to my journey. I’m still learning.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I big chopped.

What was the experience like?

Overall, the experience was great.
Most people would ask why I cut my hair and if I cared I would explain that am just tired of using chemicals and that it's just hair it would grow back . If I didn't I would just smile and change topic. I loved the fact I could wash my hair whenever I felt like. Cutting my hair as simple as that sounds really grew me as a person; I’m this confident, driven and tolerant person today because of my hair journey.

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I honestly didn't have any fears what so ever going into this.

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

Yes, I do have a regimen I stick to.I shampoo,deep condition,moisturise and seal in moisture once a week.If my hair feels dry in between wash-days I spritz with plain water,apply conditioner/cream then seal with an oil or butter. I love clay treatments or washes so I do them once a month. I will also do an Amla or henna treatment once in a while. That’s pretty much it.

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

I wouldn't really call it an emotional struggle, but sometimes people's comments can kinda get to you. Fortunately, that was at the beginning of my journey. Now that my hair is somewhat long, people just want to know how I did it and am more than happy to share.

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

I’m definitely in it for the long haul.

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

I am very comfortable in who I am now that negative comments enter from one ear and leave through the other.

What's your must have product and accessory?

Must have products for me is my DIY shea butter mix and must have accessory are Bobbi pins.

What is your go-to style?

My go to style is a high puff. It’s super easy and you can never go wrong with this style.

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

To any one going natural my biggest advice is just stick with it. It might be hard at first but just like anything else in life it gets better.

Water is your hair's best friend sweetie. Drink it, spritz with it, and wash your hair with it.
Learn all you can about hair from anyone, I learnt some of my most useful tips from texlaxed and relaxed girls. Most importantly, learn your own hair and its needs.
Lastly, just be patient.