#BNFroFriday: “I’m a Naturalista that Rocks!” Gorgeous Ghanaian, Sika Osei of 53 Extra shares her Hair Journey with BN Beauty

It’s time for another edition of the #BNFroFriday interview.

Today we have gorgeous Ghanaian TV presenter from 53 Extra, Sika Osei. She is also a film producer and in her words “above all I’m a Naturalista that Rocks! I’ve always wanted to say that lol.” Sika is  our first Ghanaian natural to be featured on #BNFroFriday and in this interview she tell us about her journey from relaxing her hair as a teen to getting a big chop after 5 years! Today, she’s even more in love with her hair!

We have started this series with celebrities, but if you’re reading this and would like to talk about your real hair journey – natural or relaxed, long or short, do email us – [email protected]! 

Here’s Sika’s Hair Story

BellaNaija: Tell us about your hair
Sika Osei: My hair was kept natural from childhood till I was in my early teens when I snuck behind my mum’s back to relax it after my friend convinced me to do it! HUGE MISTAKE! Lol. It thinned out my hair and it started falling out. Mum was not pleased. I stayed relaxed till 2011 when I decided to grow out the perm and become natural. My hair colour is 1B and is a mix of a 4B and 4C texture leaning more to the latter. It grows quite thick but inwardly and I have to stretch it out to see the length. It’s also quite challenging to comb out so in the past I have tried texture altering treatments that are natural hair friendly, but it never really worked long term.

BN: Why did you decide to go natural?
SO: My decision to go natural was simply because the chemicals were ruining the thickness of my hair and causing lots of breakage and split ends.

BN: You were once relaxed, how did you make the change?
SO: I’ve had to transition twice. My first transition was gradual allowing the relaxed hair to grow out and eventually cutting the split ends. My second transition however was a few months ago after an unfortunate encounter with a bad texturiser that ended up half way relaxing my hair. This time I went for the Big Chop.

It was one of the saddest moments in my natural hair journey having to cut all my hair off after 5 years of growth. But ironically it’s ended being a blessing in disguise; empowering and a learning process. Almost everyone freaked out especially those who’ve known me since I started. Some even encouraged me to fix weaves till I grow it out as it made me look too much like a tomboy! Fast forward a few months later, the critics have been won over and this gives me even more reason to rock my locks confidently.

BN: Are you tempted to go back to having relaxed hair?
SO: I have NO temptation to relax my hair again. With the options of weaves and wigs, there is really no need to relax my hair ever again.

BN: Ever hidden your natural hair?
SO: Yeah. Initially the intention was to just grow it out and give relaxing another try. So it was weaves, wigs and protective styles for the first 2 years. When I started to wear it out it was extremely hard to manage and style and I had no real understanding of it. It didn’t look like It did in the magazines or on the celebs on TV which was disappointing so It was just easier to just hide it.

BN: How long have you kept your natural hair?
SO: 6 years now from when I first transitioned

BN: How does climate where you live affect your hair?
SO: Well the heat and humidity dries out my hair and doesn’t help with shrinkage. I’m constantly having to wash it because of sweat and dirt, I also apply oils to help keep the hair moist.

BN: How do you cope with this dryness and effects of climate?
SO: You work with what you have and once you begin to understand your hair; ie how it reacts to climate, certain products and how to achieve the looks you want despite everything, the negative effects become a non-factor.

BN: What’s your stance on natural vs chemical products?
SO: Just like how I feel about everything else in life: To each their own. Each has its pros and cons and gives you a different look. I think it’s always about what one is confident and comfortable with and feels most beautiful in. Because at the end of the day, for you to really feel beautiful when your hair is in its natural state (especially in this day and age), that’s the height of confidence.

BN: What’s your daily, weekly and/or monthly hair routine?
SO: I wash as often as I need to depending on how dirty my hair is. Interestingly I wash with a Shea Butter based conditioner and I hardly shampoo. Yes guys, you can wash your hair with just conditioner. I live for Coconut Oil and Castor Oil also, those are my go to oils to keep moisture in and I apply this when the hair is wet. I am all about my home made treatments with Avocado, Eggs and Mayo. This I do once or twice a month. Lastly I keep my hair in twists to stretch it out and maintain length.

BN: What advice would you give to people thinking of going natural?
SO: Two things. Firstly, don’t be swayed by those who constantly complain about how hard and expensive maintaining natural hair is! Nothing good starts easy but it gets easier and well worth it. Secondly, don’t compare your natural hair to others. It’s completely different textures that behave and look different. It’s really comes down to getting to know your hair and what it likes.

BN: What do you like best about your hair and being natural?
SO: I love that my natural hair brings out my face and all its features. It makes me look younger which is a plus and it’s awfully liberating and freeing to not have to always succumb to societal standards of what beautiful hair is. The growth process is fun as each stage allows you to explore new styles and also gives you a new look. But the best thing about my hair is that it makes me stand out and I like standing out!

BN: What are your favourite styles to rock?
SO: My hair is short now so I’m enjoying rocking twist outs and straw curls

See more Photos

Photo Credits: Chini from Studio Wellbrook @chini_studiowellbrook, Bernard Okulaja | @bernardokulaja