Natural Hair in the Nigerian Diaspora...Temilola

Hi everyone, hope you're having a great week. 

As I collected responses for the "Natural in Nigeria" series, I thought it would also be interesting to hear the views of Nigerian naturals all over the world, and what they experience being natural compared to us back home, i.e. if it is easier due to the lack of constant harsh criticism that we sometimes face at home, access to a wider range of products, etc. 

I also felt that hearing from people who have a handle on their hair would be a source of encouragement to people who might be struggling with their hair journeys, and reading about other people's regimens might take them one step closer to developing one of their own.

Finally, I hope this series illustrates that Nigerian curls and kinks come in all sizes and textures, and they are all beautiful!

First up we have Temilola, who I met as I spent countless hours on the hair forums. Yet another natural hair-obsessed Nigerian? Say it aint so!

This is what she had to say about her journey so far:

Photo courtesy of subject

My name is Temilola, I am a law and business graduate from University of Buckingham. I am Nigerian and I just moved to Lagos last month, but I really don't know if its permanent.

My natural hair journey

Photo courtesy of subject

My last relaxer was 17th June 2009. I started transitioning in September and big chopped in march, So it has been almost 3 years since my last relaxer (I think its easier that way)

I had always wanted to go since I was about 14, but was discouraged by mum; she said it would break and I was so scared of having short hair.

I just made up my mind to stop relaxing it towards the end of 2009. I used to relax my hair twice or thrice a year before so it wasn't difficult to just stop.

Before moving back, I had been to Nigeria once since going natural. I came in December 2011 for Christmas.
The humidity, my goodness! At times it got up to 91%. Everything shrunk to my ears even with flat twist outs LOL. So I just stick to buns and updos now.

As for the experiences with Nigerians, it has been pleasant. My mum started transitioning in Dec and big chopped last month.

A few times people have stopped me in the street to ask what I do to my hair. 
They ask if I'm Fulani, mixed, have a weave of if I have dreadlocks depending on the level of moisture in my hair . They all say they want to 'try' it. I hope they do!

Challenges encountered since going natural

My biggest challenges have been detangling and maintaining moisture, but the women on Naturally Curly were really knowledgeable and I was able to find remedies for those issues.

I didn't have a problem with accepting my hair nor did I experience negative reactions from other people.

My natural hair idol

There is a lady on YouTube called Mahogany Curls. Her hair is absolutely gorgeous.

My regimen

Photo courtesy of subject

I wash my hair every 7 days in 2 sections with diluted Dr. Bronner's castile soap focusing on my scalp.

I condition with Tresemme Naturals conditioner. I detangle in 4 sections, using my fingers first then following up with a wide tooth comb or a paddle brush. All this takes about 20 minutes.

I usually rinse my hair mid-week and just condition with Paul Mitchel Great Hair conditioner and lightly finger detangle.

For leave in, I use any of the Naturigin conditioners, it is natural, thick and moisturizing (sold at TKmaxx)

To style I use Ecostyler gel (blue) for Wash n Go's and for buns I use Sof n Free styling gel (clear).

I use a protein conditioner as needed.

Photo courtesy of subject

Thank you so much for your responses, Temilola. And congratulations to your mum for her BC. Glad to see all the mums are joining in as well!