My Natural Hair Journey

Many black women have a huge problem in their hands — their hair. News? Well, depending on where you stand. I have called the decision to like natural hair or hate it the Hair War. Sometimes, I call it the Hair Politics, I use this term more of the time. What it really is for me, is the decision to not have chemical on my hair, as much as possible.

I grew up in Nigeria where the hair culture has evolved over the centuries. Prior to the advent of colonialism most African women plaited their hair in different patterns and with diverse threads and ropes. Some of them allowed it to mat in different ways. But as people began to associate with one another to trade and engage in other activities, they began to try hairdos from other tribes and nations. Today, most black women weave, braid, plait and fix extensions to their hair. The hairstyles are varied as the hair companies are having a hay day of activities, manufacturing and selling hair care products.

I love locked hair; it’s more like I enjoy watching reggae musicians run around in their locks while performing. But as time goes on, I began to see the freedom that came with having natural hair. Besides, with many lock patterns available especially in the United States and the West Indies, it’s become easier to transition to natural hair. For me, it was only a question of time till I abandoned the hair relaxers and other such chemicals. I rarely apply colour to my hair, anyway. So for the most part, I’ve had to boycott lye relaxers and texturizer. 

It’s commonplace to find Nigerian schoolgirls who wear their hair low, many in different patterns and styles. We had to do the punk, the Anita Baker, drawback, back and front, and whatever. After college/high school/secondary school, we began exploring the world of hair adventures. Really, students in private schools were allowed to wear their hair long and in braids. But not public schools in South East, Nigeria. We didn’t apply make up and wear earrings. Today, it’s about the hair, though.

When I got to the USA in 2007, I was wearing my hair in wool hairdo. I let it stay in for over four months until I had undergrowth and since then, I have enjoyed one locks pattern or the other. I started with the DIY of just letting my hair grow out on its own, until I got to learn of Sisterlocks on a train in Boston, Massachusetts in 2008, I believe. I even got trained to install Sisterlocks in Boston, in late 2010. It was a rather expensive feat.

Since I returned to Nigeria in 2011 — I had wanted it a recuperating visit but it has since elapsed longer than I anticipated — I’ve had issues with maintaining my hair. I brought back my Sisterlocks that were installed in Beantown but my poor health wouldn’t allow me to take good care of it. I had it removed but recently, I tried my hands on having my locks back again. I put in what I term Freestyle Afrilocks.