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#BNFroFriday: “No relaxer ever relaxed my hair” Omolade Ibikunle shares Natural Hair Journey on BN Beauty

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Today for #BNFroFriday we chat with beauty and lifestyle blogger Omolade Ibikunle of www.ladesblog.com. Lade is a foodie who loves to explore new places and she says her dream job is to be paid to travel the world.

She has been on the natural hair journey for almost two years now and she’s loving it!

Read her interview below


BellaNaija: Tell us about your hair
Omolade Ibikunle: My hair is as nappiest as it can get. 4c does not even begin to describe my hair texture. My hair is a veteran in breaking combs and is very stubborn just like me.

BN: Why did you decide to go natural?
OI: Up until January 2016, I had relaxed hair. I decided to go natural because no relaxer in this world ever relaxed my hair. I would spend hours in pain with relaxer on my head in the hopes that I would get that sleek, shiny, soft hair, but no! By the time the relaxer is washed off my hair, it reverses back to status quo (hard as a rock) with severe burns all over my scalp.

BN: Ever hidden your natural hair? 
OI: Oh yes! I hide my hair from time to time, especially when it’s a mess. I hide it under a wig, scarf, cap, turban, etc. Maintaining natural hair takes a lot of tender love and care. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Lagos leaves you no time to even give yourself TLC not to talk about your hair so it’s important to cover it up sometimes.

BN: How long have you had your natural hair?
OI: I have had my hair for 1 year and 7 months now and I have never cut it. To be honest, I trim as the spirit leads but experts say you should trim at least once a month but I say do you boo. If you feel your hair needs a trim, then give it one.

Teeny Weeny Afro

BN: How does the Nigerian climate affect your hair?
OI: Negative, Negative, Negative! I know friends who started their natural hair journey in Nigeria with a not-so-great-texture but by the time they travel abroad, their hair begins to flourish as if there’s natural hair manure in their air. Their hair starts to look like oyinbo hair, all curly and stuff. Our climate here is not so great for natural hair that is why we must take extra care of our hair whether natural or relaxed.

BN: Do you have any other hair problems?
OI: We do not have enough salons that cater to natural hair and the few we have are quite expensive.

Protective weave

Rocking fulani inspired braids

BN: What’s your stance on natural vs chemical products?
OI: Natural products will always win anytime. I feel like with chemical products, you have to be more careful as to what is in the product because you never know what will irritate your skin or your hair.

BN: What’s your daily, weekly and/or monthly hair routine?
OI: I make sure to wash my hair every two weeks and deep condition once a month. Lately, I have been loving Nature’s Gentle Touch Herbal Herbal blend Deep Conditioning Cholesterol Treatment (*whew* such a long name). Then my spray bottle is my best friend. It consists of water, a small amount of leave-in-conditioner and olive oil. I wash my hair with VO5 shampoo and conditioner.

A little trick I have for my fellow naturalistas, If you do not have a hooded dryer or heating cap at home, what you can do is to heat up your deep conditioner before applying it in your hair then cover your hair with a plastic bag and towel. This will give your hair a very nice steam.

BN: What advice would you give to people thinking of going natural?
OI: Just do it. It might not be easy at the beginning but you will get the hang of it soon enough and you’ll be better for it.

BN: What do you like best about your hair and being natural?
OI: You see that nice, round puff you get when you pull your hair in, I love it! And there’s this edginess natural hair gives your entire look. Am I the only one who thinks this?

BN: What is your favorite style to rock? 
OI: I love to rock the ‘Fro Puff’ look just because my hair is longest in front.

BN: Do you have any hair crushes?
OI: I love Naturally Temi’s hair. It’s so long and full. I also love Lade of Hairducation’s hair (major hair goals).

BN: Are you particular about sleek edges?
OI: No o. My edges NEVER get sleek no matter how hard I try. My hair just has a mind of its own, you can never force it to do what it doesn’t like and I have learned not to argue with my hair otherwise it will embarrass me. Another lesson, when your hair speaks, Listen!

BN: What hair accessories can you NOT live without?
OI: Just my black elastic band to create the puff!

BN: If you were stuck on an island, what 3 hair products would you take with you?
OI: My shampoo, My conditioner, and my spray bottle

BN: What’s your remedy for a bad hair day?
OI: Wig, Cap, or Turban

See more photos of Lade

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Thanks for sharing your story with us Lade!

Your hair doesn’t have to be extra long – if you’d like to be featured, please send an email to [email protected].

Mary Edoro is the Chief of Staff/Head of Strategy at BellaNaija. Formally the Head of Content at BellaNaija Style, her passion for the promotion of Africa's creative industry solidified her place in editorial and through strategic partnerships and successful campaigns with leading international brands, Mary is fast becoming a key figure in the innovation and growth of Africa's media and creative industries. Follow her on Instagram @themaryedoro

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