How to Get Out of a Toxic Relationship With Your Hair

One thing about our natural kinky hair is that it has a history - a strong history of slavery, abuse, and negativity. We were made to believe that our hair wasn't good enough and that it should always be a certain way otherwise, it would be unaccepted. 

5 romantic Natural Hairstyles for your valentine date

Hello Naturalistas,

Who is excited about February? I am excited because it's the month of Love but too many things are happening in this country for us to be focused on Love at the moment but next week is Valentine's day and the least we can do is take out time to forget all the mayhem and spend with the one you love.

Here are 5 Romantic Hairstyles you can do for the special date.

Try out this Faux Bun in 2 ways  (Click the links for instructions)

                                                                           Faux Bun

 Loose chunky twist after straightening it

Half Updo with Clip-ins

Halo Bun (I made up the name myself)

What you need:

• Bobby Pins 
• Head band

How to: 

• Section a small portion of your hair giving a U shape
• Pull the rest of the hair with the headband into a pineapple bun 
• Tuck in the rest of the pineapple with bobby pins
• The U shaped section you have, Divide it into 2 and do a chunky twist. (As you can see mine couldn't manage to get chunky) 
• Do a crisscross with the 2 twists. Pin the left twist under the right one and the right one under the left one. It gives it the halo shape

Halo

Are you ready for valentine? Which style do you think is the most romantic? 

ONE natural hair goal you should have 2017

Hello Naturalistas,

Happy New Year to all of you!!!

A photo posted by African Naturalistas (@africanaturalistas) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:02am PST

The new year brings newness and a feeling of a fresh start. We make plans in the hopes to correct some of the mistakes that we made in the previous year and our natural hair should not be left out. In the past we have shared various goals on this blog which might have inspired some of you to create your own goals too. This year I think we should all just have one natural hair goal.

Healthier Hair.

Our goal should be that by the end of the year we want healthier hair. Whatever it would mean to you through out the year and whatever stage you are in your hair journey. Knowing that different people go on this natural hair journey for different reasons, I met a woman today who had to cut her locs after she moved back to Nigeria because no one could do it as well as she was used to, now she just maintains a permanent BC and that works for her. So, whatever you have decided to do to your hair this year let's just make sure that our priority is healthy hair.

Here's to a healthier natural hair journey in 2017!!!

When to visit a stylist and when to DIY

Hello Naturlistas, 

How are you all doing? Kinks and all?

There are DIY Queens and others. I fall into the "other" category, although there are a few times I've dabbled into doing things myself with sone success and failures. And I guess that is why we have stylists for those of us in the other category. 

I know there are some people who can practically do everything themselves and a huge kudos to you'll out there. Living the DIY lifestyle involves a lot of research, hard work, trial and error and loads of patience and frankly not everyone has time for that. Which is why we are grateful for natural hair salons and stylists.

Here are times to know when to go to the stylist and when to do it yourself.

Chemical Application: This is adding any form of chemical to your hair Dye, texturizer etc.  it can be easy to say you would do this yourself since its just to follow instructions and you get your result. When you do go to a stylist to get it done they are armed with information and experience to help you make an informed decision about what you want to do.

Hair Regimen & Maintenance: This is forming a routine for your natural hair and you don't have to visit a stylist for this. However, you should be ready to do the necessary research, trial and error to see what works best for your hair and stick to it or you can  visit a stylist for a hair consultation and get advice on what you can do with your hair and do it yourself henceforth.

Hair treatments: This can be done yourself when you have the right products.

Anything that requires a Scissors: my first ever big chop, I did it poorly by myself, the 3rd time I also tried to cut my hair, I also cut a portion lower than it was supposed to be so I had to even It out. Imagine the horror. Which is why I would advice that whatever requires a scissors should be done by a stylist to save you the stress or mistake that could have been avoided. 

P.S: This is all on the premise that your stylist knows how to care for natural hair.

When do you know it's time to go to a stylist? and when do you know you need to do it yourself?

Nibi Lawson Of Kinky Apothecary Has Been Slaying Her Natural Hair Even Before We Knew What It Was.

Hello, everyone.

Nibi Lawson is one of the 'veterans' of the natural hair community here in Nigeria simply because she has been wearing her hair for so long we don't even know what she looks like without it. Also, her store/blog was the first official natural hair shop in Nigeria. She has been here since 2010.

The first time I met Nibi was at Social Media Week 2014 at the first and last natural hair event. Then, I thought her hair was the most gorgeous mane I had ever seen plus it was super defined and I resolved right there and then that I was going to grow my hair long.

Nibi's hair somewhat became a source of inspiration until I learned that she had been growing her hair for almost 10 years. Naturally, I backpedaled. I did not want to set myself up just yet. Notwithstanding, I still admire from afar and believe she's a perfect example of #NaijaHairCanGrow.

Let's feast our eyes, shall we?

Have you seen anything this stunning?

Not a single one of my braidouts has stood up to Louisiana humidity this weekend, but I'm rocking them anyway! #KinkyInNOLA #naturalhair #braidoutfail #afro #braidout #kinks #nigeriannaturals #naturalnigerians #NOLA #NewOrleans #JulyFourth #blueskies #teamnatural #teamkinky #kinkyapothecary

A photo posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on Jul 4, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

That time she teamed up with Naptural85 and gave us all kinds of goals!

#flashback: got to meet this lovely lady the other day! As gorgeous in person as she is on YouTube! Trying to get her to come to Lagos...@naptural85 #essencefest #KinkyInNOLA #naturalhair #kinkspiration #Naptural85 #teamnatural #teamkinky #kinkyapothecary

A video posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:35am PDT

 The beauty of long hair is that you can pin up any style and it would come out nice.

Plan: take a few hours out on Saturday to put hair into long term protective style. Reality: spend Friday night preparing marley hair. Receive call at 9am on Saturday morning committing me to something on Monday requiring hair out. Abandon marley hair. Throw in some chunky twists. Pin up. Call it a day. #naturalhair #updo #ofsorts #twists #protectivestyles #kinks #nigeriannaturals #naturalnigerians #4chairchicks #nigerianhair #duckface #teamnatural #teamkinky #kinkyapothecary #sundayselfie #Sunday

A photo posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on May 15, 2016 at 9:37am PDT

Are you seeing this? 

Happy hair! The weekend's braidout...while it lasted! #naturalhair #secretnaturalhairbrunch #selfie #nigeriannaturals #naturalnigerians #afro #braidout #kinks #kinkspiration #teamkinky #kinkyapothecary

A photo posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on May 9, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Her twists looks so yum! 

Today was one of those days where you plan for a chilled one and end up having a crazy few hours culminating in an almost impromptu trip to @classicfm973 to discuss #naturalhair with @alalaflo and play the "Soundtrack to your life" Phone battery died along the way so couldn't alert you guys, but if you didn't happen to catch it, you can search the hashtags #SoundtrackToYourLife and #SaturdayFiesta on Twitter for my song picks. #naturalnigerians #nigeriannaturals #twists #protectivestyles #classicfm973 #radio #lagos #Nigeria #teamkinky #kinkyapothecary

A photo posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on Apr 30, 2016 at 11:44am PDT

It's all ova Jackie! 

#FBF The last time I allowed #Lagos humidity free reign in my hair. #flashbackfriday #naturalhair #shrinkage #frizz #naturalnigerians #nigeriannaturals #afro #kinks #teamkinky #kinkspiration #kinkyapothecary

A photo posted by The Kinky Apothecary (@kinkyapothecary) on Apr 1, 2016 at 5:23am PDT

Unlike her fellow counterparts who still hide their hair ( side-eye Atilola), Nibi still blesses us with her glorious mane occasionally.


Cheers to length, volume and edges!
eBunite

Natural Hair Brides on Instagram

I've been crushing on photos of natural hair brides I've seen on Instagram. I'm so happy that I chose to wear my natural hair for my wedding see some flashback photos below.

I'm also glad that so many more women are choosing to do the same. Check out three of the Natural Hair Brides that have captured my attention recently.

NIFESIMI AKA SKINNY HIPSTER

To God Be The Glory Great Things He has Done, Thanks To Him Olu And I Became One On Saturday. Thanks For Everything @femiosinowo AKA Our Favorite Photographer| #SkinnyHipster #IntroducingTheKundys #NaturalHair

A photo posted by Nifesimi (@skinnyhipster) on May 9, 2016 at 5:46am PDT

I loved her afro

@specialkays88 Showing Us Our Personalized Filter On SnapChat, Thanks FAM😍| #SkinnyHipster #IntroducingTheKundys

A video posted by Nifesimi (@skinnyhipster) on May 9, 2016 at 8:44am PDT

Their couple swag and her second outfit are HAWT!

I've Always Wanted My Wedding Dress To Be Made Out Of Aso Oke And #EgbonMiTailor @leahvictoriah Made My Dream Come Through With My 2nd Outfit. Also Loving Olu's 2nd Look😍😍 Thanks For My Hair @peakmilll Nails by @vanityjanelle Makeup by @lonicely 📸 by @femiosinowo Jumpsuit By @leahvictoriah #SheDidThat #IntroducingTheKundys #SkinnyHipster

A photo posted by Nifesimi (@skinnyhipster) on May 9, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

MIKKISOXTRA

One dress.. Two looks. So In love... Thank you to everybody that made me look and feel beautiful 💄 @lonicely 📸 @femiosinowo 💐 @designsbyoochay 👰🏾 @mikkisoxtra 👗 @misshayleypaige #londyngown #HPBride #munaluchibride #naturalhairbride #Fingercomber #Mikkisoxtra #MouseGettingMarried #WhenAyoMetMikki #youtuber #dmvblogger

A photo posted by Mikki A. (@mikkisoxtra) on Jun 2, 2016 at 8:55am PDT

Gazing lovingly at her groom

When @misshayleypaige approves, you are officially a Unicorn/HP bride 😍 🦄 Thank you to everybody that made me look and feel beautiful 💄 @lonicely 📸 @femiosinowo 💐 @designsbyoochay 👰🏾 @misshayleypaige

A photo posted by Mikki A. (@mikkisoxtra) on Jun 2, 2016 at 6:10am PDT

MORAYO

So we actually did Morayos wedding look twice yesterday. Yup, Morayo is special like that. This was the 2nd time round. And still super gorgeous. Morayos skin is like smooth chocolate butter and her smile lights up a room. So pretty😍😍😍 All her hair too, no added hair 👌🏾 #bridalhair by @tasalahq / makeup by @beautyandthebeholdermakeovers / wedding planning by @bidazeldevents #africanqueen #beautifulbride #naturalhairbride #lagosweddings #mj2016 @simplymorayo @thevoicephotography @jideodukoya @jopstudios

A photo posted by TasalaHQ Salon💆🏽💇🏾🙆🏼💁🏻 (@tasalahq) on May 22, 2016 at 10:33am PDT

If you're married, did you wear your hair in its natural state? If you're not married, would you be a natural hair bride?

Berry Dakara.

3 Lesser Known Instagram Naturals You Should Be Following

Happy Easter ladies!

I want to share 3 beautiful ladies you need to follow on IG

First up is @pureestrogen. Her actual name is Luyando and she hails from my native Zambia, but is based in the US currently. From diy wig tutorials to creative hairstyles and make up looks, Lulu is a wonderful inspiration to follow.

she made and slayed this wig!

@bbksupernatural 

Fifi is a South African natural with waist length hair. She features simple protective styles without the use of extensions. Tailor made for mummys, she also showcases styles of her daughter who she calls her "mini me". If you need some inspiration for length goals or styles  her page is the go-to. #droolcity

@curlybola is certainly not the least on this list. I picked her because her hair is relatable. It's not "IG" or "Youtuber hair" you know, super perfect, extremely defined,  thick for days. Those standards of perfect hair that we can't always seem to achieve. She is creative with her styling  and has a gorgeous mane. She just finds marverlous ways to work with the texture from braid and twist outs to create beautiful looks. She works with what she's got, and has fabulous locks to show for it. Here's to #teamrelatable. 

What do you think ladies?

'My major challenge going natural is not having enough money to buy products' Mane Matters with Ann

Hi Naturalistas,

Meet Ann

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Aiyenimelo Ann and I'm a student

What are your thoughts about natural hair?
Just splendid

When/why did you decide to go natural?
I went natural February 16, 2015

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?
I did the BC

What was the experience like?
It was amazing. I felt free

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?
That would be not having enough money to buy my hair care products.

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?
Not really but I always moisturize,which makes my hair feel loose

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?
I almost gave up on my hair because it shrinks most times I wash it

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

There are people that definitely have negative comments about your hair, how do you deal with that?
Just overlook and never mind

What's your must have product and accessory?
Products-coconut oil and Shea butter..accessory-hair bows and bobby pins

What is your go-to style?
Twists!

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?
Stay strong and never give up

Where can we find you?
Instagram-@iam_anniebae

Thank you for your time


Till then
Leeznijis