Welcome to our new feature! The “Beauty of the Week” recognizes and showcases curlies who are doing the damn thing on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! You can learn from beautiful naturals like yourselves. We’re kicking things off with the wonderful Taiwo Kafilat and her long 4c natural hair (Kinky texture).
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I big chopped in December of 2011, so it’s been three years now since I’ve returned to natural. The reason I decided to make this change was after realizing how low my self-esteem was throughout my high school and middle school years. I constantly envied those who were perceived as having “pretty hair” and I remembered always being incredibly self-conscious when it came to the look of my hair.
I became very ashamed at my own thinking, and I wanted to begin feeling better about myself and my perception of my hair. So embracing my natural hair became a resolution of mine for the year 2011! And what an inspiring and incredible journey it’s been so far!
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I try to keep my regimen as simple as possible. I clarify my scalp biweekly with a teaspoon of ACV & Shea Moisture Moisture Retention shampoo diluted in water. I also apply a hot oil treatment to my scalp biweekly with Jamaican Black Castor oil, and rosemary essential oil. I typically do them on the weeks I have to clarify my scalp and hair if needed.
I also deep condition weekly, focusing on moisturising treatments with oils and honey, and I lay off the protein (my hair is too coarse for that). Before deep conditioning though, I like to detangle on damp hair first and for that I’m using Trader Joe’s Tea Tingle conditioner at the moment. Afterwards, I will use my DIY shea butter mixture and twist or braid on freshly washed, damp hair.
3. What are your staple hair products?
I have a couple of staple hair products that I use almost religiously, and I am honestly very glad that these products are in consistent use in my hair care regimen. They would have to be my homemade shea butter mixture, my jojoba oil + water spritz, the Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner, and the Yes to Carrots conditioner. They each do great job at providing moisture to my hair. I wish that I could say I’ve a staple detangling conditioner, but I just recently started using Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle and so far so good! It’s proving itself to become another staple in my hair care regimen :-)
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
My favourite hairstyle is the braidout, especially on the second and third days. I absolutely love how stretched my hair becomes at the point, and how voluminous it is as well. I also enjoy two strand twists! It’s my favourite protective style, and they are so simple to do. They are also incredibly versatile.
5. For many naturals it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trial and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment (the moment you felt like, “I’ve got this!” or any essential advice you wish you had known at the beginning of your hair journey)?
I would honestly say to other naturals that it’s important to understand that hair health is much more important than achieving length. Sooo important! Sometimes, it’s easy to get discouraged when your hair isn’t at the length you’d like or wish to be and to become envious of others who have the length you want, and that can result in complete frustration!
I remember when I did my second chop in June of 2012 and length was all I cared about for the entire summer. It wasn’t until I realised that healthy hair is growing hair, and not all growing hair is healthy. This is my personal hair mantra! When I took that into consideration, my perspective on my natural hair journey changed, and from then on I’ve focused on giving my hair the best care that it needs so that it can reach its fullest potential. All things require patience, and this is no different. So enjoy your hair journey for what is, and try not to obsess over length!
See more from Taiwo…
Blog: naijacurls.tumblr.com – where I document my healthy hair journey!
Instagram: Taikafilat
If you’d like to be featured as a Beauty of the Week, email us at [email protected].
