Frospiration! | Afoma Umesi

August 25, 2016 Uloaku Enyingwa 4 Comments

Let’s get to know you.

Hi! My name is Afoma. I currently live in St Vincent & the Grenadines in the Caribbean and I’m a medical student, occasional writer, and constant photographer. I also run a lifestyle blog where I talk about books, fashion and med-school stuff (ihundasmusings.com).

How long have you been a natural?

Two and half years. Since November of 2013.

Big chop or transition?

I transitioned for about 7 months and then big chopped in November of 2013.

What’s the story behind you going back to your natural roots?

I had been seeing a lot of nappy haired sisters, especially Ekene of thekinkandi figuring out the whole natural hair thing and I really was curious as to why black women didn’t try harder to understand their own curls and work with them instead of trying so hard, even to the point of enduring chemical burns just for straight hair. I loved the feel of my curls whenever I left my hair unrelaxed for extended periods and I wondered what it would feel like to have a head of just curls. All the times I’d had natural hair, they’d been threaded constantly just to get them to a length for relaxing, so I’d never really worked with my natural hair.

Do you have an idea what your hair type and porosity is?

Porosity, no. But I’ve been told I’ve got a mix of 4B and 4C. My hair is definitely more loosely curled in front whereas the back of my head has tightly coiled strands.

What’s your regimen like?

I honestly don’t have much of a regimen. I try to wash at least once every two weeks. I hardly ever co-wash because my hair seems to like being shampooed. I try to minimize manipulation though and heat treatments. Probably used a blow dryer once since I’ve been natural. I love leave in conditioners too.

Any hair products you can’t do without?

LOVE the shea moisture hair souffle. Makes my curls pop and keeps my hair super soft. Can't-do without my oils too: coconut oil especially.

What’s your go-to hairstyle? Any fave hairstyle?

Lately, I’ve been loving the two puffs instead of one huge afro puff. Mini twists are also a great way to reduce manipulation.

Challenges you face as a natural.

Sigh. Those days when you really just want to get out of bed and go without fussing over your hair for twenty minutes and still not having it ever look ‘right’. Or having to fix up your hair before bed; putting it in twists of wrapping it nicely or putting it in a puff so it doesn’t get all tangled. I rarely get away with going to bed with messy hair unless I have a late start the next day and I can just take my time. Oh, and WASH DAY is like 500x harder than with relaxed hair.

Do you have any hair/styling secret? *wink*

I really advocate for keeping your hair moisturized all of the time. Dry hair just makes your life so much more difficult. Drinking lots of water is great for your hair and skin. Do it.

Has going natural changed anything about you?

I’ve learned to redefine my previous standards of beauty. To see me, regardless of what hairstyle I had on: TWA, twist outs, fro, braids, weave, relaxed hair. Being natural has made me more flexible with hairstyling and more accepting of ‘messy’. Natural hair definitely has its own aesthetic and while it can be prim and proper- buns, puffs etc- it mostly sticks out of the ‘proper’ box. I’m embracing that and letting my hair do its thing, especially outside of work ;)

Do you think you’ll ever return back to the creamy crack?

I think not. But you never know. If I ever did, I’d be getting a cropped cut. I feel like if I really wanted the straight look, I could always flat iron or silk press, you know? It’s the best of both worlds.

Any advice for your natural sisters out there?

Focus on having good, healthy hair. I think that’s really what counts and you don’t need too many hair products for that.

How do we keep in touch with you?

I’ve already mentioned my blog ihundasmusings.com . I’m @miszjeanie on Instagram & Twitter!