LAGOS HERE I COME!

Yes you read right! On the 9th of May, 2015 Natural Nigerian, Dr.Purejoie Austine Ihesie and I would be organising the first healthy hair workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. And "We're taking haircare in Nigeria to the next level, with ACCURATE SCIENTIFIC, EVIDENCE-BASED, AND MEDICAL INFORMATION about everything hair."

This workshop came from the need to educate the Nigerian woman on the need for her to take responsibility for her hair and know that having healthy hair IS normal. Over the years, no thanks to a lot of myths and bad hair care practices, Nigerian women have come to believe that healthy hair can only be found on the heads of people from outside our borders. 

As African women we spend so much money on our scalps but almost always end up with very disappointing results. For instance, scaring alopecias have almost become the norm that we are beginning to see nothing wrong with hair loss. The truth is that healthy hair does not begin with how many products you use or how often you use them but from understanding exactly what your hair needs and aiming for the best results with whatever is available to you.

Furthermore, I have always said on here that if you don't understand your hair and products used you can not know when you are getting bad services from your stylists. Even the best of stylists who do their best can still make mistakes. We all know that not every product responds well with every head of hair and that leaves the hair stylist with the onerous job of studying each and every clients hair separately, searching for  which product works best for each client. You would agree with me that is nearly impossible. So the best person to alert the stylist on a practice about to go wrong is no one but you.

AIM

Our hope is that after you attend this workshop you should be able to:

• Understand your hair better and be able to tell when something is not right.

• Know what products will give your hair type the best results.
• Understand when your hair (or scalp) is revolting against a particular product or practise.
• And best of all, pass on the information to your friends and hopefully the next generation.

This workshop is open to any and every hair type (texlaxed, relaxed, natural).  For information on how you can be a part of this please send an email to nn@naturalnigerian.com or eskinks@gmail.com.

See you soon :)

Lagos on Saturday the 30th of November 2013(NITC7)

Yes, you read right! NITC7 is here and the team is ready to bring some more kink-education to you my Lagos people. Apart from demos and hair talk, there promises to be a product swap segment just for you product junkies! Na true o...bring em all out ladies. For more information click here and here.
As usual, this event is for everyone.

Time:1:30pm-5:30pm
Date: 30-NOV-2013
Venue: OMENKA GALLERY 24 IKOYI CRESCENT OFF OSBORNE ROAD, IKOYI, LAGOS.
You know I wish I could see you there :)

Felicia Leatherwood, celebrity hair stylist is coming to Lagos!!

 

Yes, you read right, Felicia Leatherwood is bringing it to Lasgidi this Saturday the 12th of October 2013. For more information, visit thekinkyapothecary.

O'NATURALS SALON OPENS THIS SATURDAY

If you are based in Lagos and have attended any of our meetups you would remember our girl Omozo of O'Naturals. Yes, Omozo has opened a natural hair salon in Lagos!! No more "aunty when you go put relaxer for your hair na?" Lagos ladies, I jealous una o.

Words from Omozo...

"Finally, a place where women with natural hair can come in and not feel conscious or anxious. We are very excited about natural hair and are always updating and learning new skills and techniques. Women with relaxed hair are welcome. However, we will not be retouching or texturizing or tex-laxing or silkening or relaxing hair. Our new website is www.onaturalsbeauty.com. Make an appointment and get 20% off your bill." - Omozo Owner of O'Natural Hair Salon

Product Review: Natural Nigerian's Leave in Conditioner

 

Hi People,
I was totally excited when Natural Nigerian's leave-in conditioner was launched into the Nigerian market. NN's leave-in has been able to solve two big hair problems for me:

1. I don't have to wait for my friends/family to travel before I can get an affordable leave in conditioner that works for my natural hair and
2. I don't have to pay double for a leave in conditioner. Most of the leave-in conditioners that find their way into Nigeria are hard to find and can be very expensive.

To the review....

CLAIMS

• Nourishes, fortifies and moisturizes hair.
• "Natural Nigerian Moisture and Shine detangling leave in conditioner is a light weight , pH balnaced conditioner which can be used to detangle as well as improve the general manageability of your hair."
• It contains plant derived active ingredients.
• Contains high performance moisturizers.
• Protects hair from heat .

INGREDIENTS

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, coconut oil, glycerine, hydrogenated olive oil, shea butter, olea europaea (olive oil), citrus aurantium dulcis(orange peel oil) e.t.c

 

FIRST IMPRESSION

After reading the ingredients and recognising some as being suitable for my hair, I opened the bottle and the first thing that hit me was the yummy citrusy fragrance. The smell reminded me one of my favourites; citrus cake. I poured a bit on my palm and noticed that the consistency was light...hmmm....this girl is used to thick conditioners oh. Well, there's always a first time.

THE INTRODUCTION: NN LEAVE-IN & MY MANE

To get the best results, I washed my hair and did a deep conditioning treatment. After rinsing off the deep conditioner, I was too tired to do the usual detangle, smooth and layer products on my hair. So I applied some leave in, detangled, smoothed my hair and then braided it for the night. By the next morning, my hair was dry and felt very soft after take down. Okay:).
Since my hair felt soft and moisturised I decided to do without olive or coconut oil. After day 3, I took down the braids and noticed that my hair had begun to feel dry so I applied some more NN leave-in conditioner in place of  water and immediately I felt a difference. (see pic. below)

MY DIRECTIONS FOR USE

•  Apply the product immediately after washing. smooth product on hair strands and apply very little coconut oil or shea butter afterwards. Or

• Apply the product immediately after  washing and braid. The next day, apply very little coconut oil or shea butter for added shine and manageability.

Dry Hair?

•  Put some water in a spritz bottle, pour in some of the product and shake.
• Working in section, spray on some of your mix, smooth hair, apply some butter or light oil (sealant) and braid.

 My hair after moisturising using NN leave-in condish

 After carrying those braids for 3 weeks (covers face), I used the leave-in to detangle hair. I couldn't wash the hair immediately because my scalp felt sore so I braided hair and let it be for 2 days (pic to the right)

Styling?

...this.
Frizzlove

• Put hair in a bun, smooth very little amount of the product on your hair, and tie with a satin scarf. Proceed to do prepare for the day. After some minutes take down scarf and rock your smooth , curly fro.

NOTE: If you have tight curls like mine and do not like frizzy hair, you might want to follow up that with a gel. I like the frizzy look so I go without. Hair ends up looking something like....

PROS

After using NN Moisturising detangling leave-in conditioner I found that:

• The leave-in's consistency is light: I don't think anyone (at least I know I don't) enjoys the hours and days it takes to air dry natural hair so this product should be great for naturals with long/full hair. The lighter the product the less time it takes to dry your hair.
• The fragrance is awesome: I just love how the leave in leaves my hair smelling fruity.
• The product can be used without using oils: If you are one of those lazy naturals (like myself) who gets tired of layering product after product just to get soft manageable natural hair, then this product is for you.
• Because the product contains oils and butters like shea butter, a little goes a long way. Too much and your hair would feel slippery and oily. Applying too much oils after using the leave in to seal in mositure would give you the same oily result. This is a plus as you would be able to save your oils and butters.
• Detangling: The leave in was also able to deliver on this promise. Dry hair? Apply some of the leave in to your hair (in sections) and detangle using a comb or your fingers and the tangles would come apart. 

CONS

I haven't found anything I dont like about the product. Its been more than 2 months but I think we are still in early days. If you are a frequent Dbk visitor you would have noticed that I use different products in different weather conditions (weather change = regimen/product change). Given the pros, I am  hoping that I can use this product all year round.

Let's talk money.... 
Although I did not pay for mine, I gats recognise that the leave-in is slightly pricey.Trust me when I say I understand how difficult it might be for some of us students, job seekers and frugal people to pay N2500 for a bottle of conditioner. But I think that if one uses the product in moderation, a bottle can last for a whole semester. I got mine in July and between my 2 sisters and I, that leave-in has survived more than 3 wash days (each). And guess what, I still have more than a quarter of the bottle left. Remember moderation is KEY.

On the left is the amount of coconut oil I use to NN leave- in conditioner per section. 
Please note that I use very little product because I can't stand oily hair. If this is too little  find the quantity that works for you.

 Have you used the Natural Nigerian leave-in conditioner? If yes, please share your experience below.

NITC 6 IS HERE AGAIN!!

NITC5 - Omenka Gallery is the place to be this Saturday!!

Its not too late....

SAVE THE DATE- SUN 12th AUG, 2012: SPECIAL ZEBRALIVING SUMMER EVENT!!!

 For more information click on  The Life House page above.
 This event is sponsored by The Life House, Rosalita's Desserts, and  supported by Bella Naija, Plug Media, Bolaji Animashaun, and Pot of Gold

NATURAL HAIR MEET-UP LAGOS (NITC3): THE VENUE

The team has done it again!Natural Nigerian, Screwy Haired Girl, and  Sherese Ijewere have come up with another exciting package for all Lagos based Naturals. This event promises to be more exciting than the last! Come with your friends, a little note book, and camera to take beautiful pictures as the venue is nothing but beautiful! So we look forward to seeing you beautiful people at the Omenka Gallery No. 24, Ikoyi Cresent, Ikoyi Lagos. Time: 13:00hrs-18:00hrs

Source

Peace Heart Natural!

NATURAL HAIR MEET-UP LAGOS(NITC3): THIS SATRDAY!!!!

Make I no too talk...the flyer says it all! Sadly, I can't be with you lovely ladies. So please take fine-fine pictures and share with me o.

THE LIFESTYLE & FOOD SOUK IS BACK @ THE LIFE HOUSE

"Our Food and Lifestyle Souk is back and featuring an array of amazing products that are handmade, sourced with love, inspired by Africa, ethically procured, and produced by and for lovers of life.
The boutique indoor market will feature a variety of vendors as that present a glorious medley of delicious wines; gourmet breads and pastries, premium traditionally processed wild foods; hand dyed fabrics; organic beauty products; unique home accents and lots more."

Admission is FREE so see you at The Life House this weekend!

The Zebra 3 day sale starts today!!

"Dedicated to giving you the very best of affordable African fashion; extreme value for money and pure retail treats, Zebra Living will treat customers to a 3-day sale. There will be limited discounts on the new collection and massive clearance reductions on old collections". 

For more visit www.zebraliving.com

You need to be at The Life House tomorrow!!

Get your SOUK ON this Saturday at The Life House!!The market is FREE plus the first 10 shoppers get a free welcome juice cocktail courtesy Abule Cafe.For those of you wondering where you can get Screwyhairedgirls butter....here's your chance

Click here for more information.

Natural hair Meet-Up Lagos: The Venue

Picture of Lagos taken by a very sleepy head

Last week I was invited to Lagos by Natural Nigerian to attend a meeting concerning the natural hair meet-up. I was really excited!! I haven't being to Lagos in a very long time. So I packed  an overnight bag and headed over to Lag. sharp-sharp.
Contrary to my expectations, no one snatched my bag, no one even acted like I existed. People were using their Blackberries and pod's on the street without anyone snatching it. If you are like me who has heard horrible Lagos stories; this will be a surprise to you.The downside of the journey was that I got to Lagos very late because of the traffic and had to wake up by 4:00am to beat early morning traffic (na wa o).
By 7:00am I met with the beautiful Natural Nigerian  who gave me a mini tour of the Island. By 9:00 we met with Screwyhairgirl  and the Natural Nutritionist to begin planning.
Typical of Natural Ladies; the meeting was interrupted by hair-talk :) I learnt a lot from these lovely ladies and would never forget how easy it was to go on and on about  hair experiences with ladies I  had never met before...is that normal?
After the meeting Natural Nigerian and I went to the venue which is called The Life House. It was designed by the by the founder of Zebraliving.com . The place is BEAUTIFUL!! From the stone well to the bar... everything is beautiful!! Stepping into the building I could feel the love and effort she put into the decor.
 Fortunately, before we left, we had the rare opportunity of meeting the designer. Oh boy....I was blown away!! I've never  met anyone who is as passionate about Nigeria-and the Continent as a whole- like Ugoma Adegoke. Almost everything in and outside the building  was made/designed in Nigeria or in Africa.

...doesn't this remind you of a Nigerian masquerade?

Coconut oil...packaged and ready for sale

Bangles,bags, pillows, Coconut oil, dresses, beads,chairs, beaded bowls.... designed by Ugoma Adegoke.

 I just had to take pictures of the bathroom... The mirror was made from the sea shells that the designer and her husband (who has a real fro by the way) picked during one of their travels. LOVE, LOVE IT!!

I wish I could have those beautiful beads hanging on the bathroom wall....

mirror and basket...handmade with love from Africa...

...admiring the wood work while waiting for my drink 

...guess what's for lunch...OFADA RICE...chai...I fit pack live here forever!!

Sadly, I had to leave Lagos that same day....I won't go into too much detail but I can tell you that when I got home I asked myself the same question I ask my self after every new experience: what have you learned girl?. And the first words that came to mind were: Selfless Service, Patience and Humility.Thanks  Ladies for being so inspiring.

Back To Business....

So the Meet-up will be on the 19th of November at The Life House, No 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, off Younis Bashorun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos (the brown gate directly opposite Suzy Q club).

Speakers:
 -The lovely nutritionist; Sherese Ijewre of CaribbeanHealth&Nutrition will be talking to us about how our diet affects our hair,skin and general living

-The motivational speaker; Mrs. Ifeoma Williams   will also be at the event to boost our SELF-LOVE.
- Natural Nigerian, Screwyhairedgirl of Screwyhair and yours sincerely will also be at the meet- up.

There will be hard to find natural hair products on sale, a GIVEAWAY and...The Zebra boutique will be having SALES!! He^he...you would love that one, Shebi?
I hope to see you lovely Ladies at this event. Don't just bring yourselves...bring your friends, family and a little book to take down notes.
Much Love!!