Frospiration! | Chinazom

September 23, 2016 Uloaku Enyingwa 0 Comments

Let’s get to know you

My name is Chinazom Izuora. I’m from Anambra State.  I currently live and work in Abuja, Nigeria. I am a freelance Business Consultant and Entrepreneur.

How long have you been a natural?

I unwittingly became natural towards the end of 2009, which was when I started growing out my hair which I had on a low-cut for years. I spent almost 4 years in the Philippines and I felt because our hair textures are very different,  Asian hair products may damage my hair. At that time my goal was just to manage it until I got back to Nigeria and could do the reliable relaxer I know.

Big chop or transition?

Growing out my hair from a low-cut was definitely a big chop. I had to cut my hair in 2006 or 2007 for the second time,  after I cut it in 2003 because of secondary school.

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

With my natural hair journey, I find it has always been me trying to do what I feet is best for my hair. So I wouldn’t texturize or relax it all the years I was in the Philippines because I didn’t want to damage my hair but by the time I got back to Nigeria in 2013, I started reading literature on natural hair and then I couldn’t do it because my hair was so healthy and full that the thought of relaxer damage just scared me. My relaxed hair isn’t full at all.

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

I’ve done a lot of natural hair research and the hair type thing still confuses me. I think my hair has a combination of different textures but I reference 4C when looking for what works for my hair in terms of care and styling.

What’s your regimen like?

I wash my hair at least once a month if I’m protective styling but when I have my hair out I wash it every two weeks with just conditioner. I deep condition at least once a month but if I’m going to have a protective style (like braids) on for a long time, I deep condition before I make my hair and once I take it off.  I use shampoo but just when I feel my hair is really dirty, like if I’ve been in a very dusty place.

Any hair products you can’t do without?

A lot of naturals are product junkies but I keep it very simple and DIY. I can’t do without shea butter, coconut oil and honey…I love them.  I also love detangling my hair with yoghurt before I wash it.

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

Double strand twists are my all-time favourite, I just twist my hair and carry it for weeks, it even looks like dreadlocks, then when I take it out I have a twist out. But my go-to hairstyle for busy times when I have my hair out is an upward bun with a flat twist in front.

Challenges you face as a natural.

Up until you learn how to manage your natural hair and have some go-to styles, it can be time consuming to tame a fro, especially if you work a 9-5 and need to be out of the house by 7am but I’m way past that now. For me the most vexing thing with being natural is the attitude of some salon owners and some stylists. It’s hard for me to have my hair done in a salon because some stylists don’t listen and do all the things naturals know not to do to African hair…like comb it from the roots instead of from the tips and use tiny/ narrow toothed combs to comb natural hair.

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

There’s no secret, the information is online somewhere or several places. It’s important to keep learning.

Has going natural changed anything about you? 

Any hair that grows out of your head -relaxed or not is natural hair. People forget that, the natural hair movement is all about us appreciating the hair that grows out of our head no matter how we choose to wear it and not constantly hiding it behind weaves.  That I choose to wear mine unrelaxed is because that’s when my hair is at its healthiest and best texture.

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

I love my natural hair so I doubt it very much.

Any advice for your natural sisters out there?

I would just say, don’t treat wearing your hair natural or unrelaxed as a fad or the in-thing. Learn as much as you can about African hair, what works and what doesn’t work for it. Find ways to simplify and learn styles that can be your go-to styles so that you don’t get overwhelmed or feel sticking to your decision to go natural is a burden.

How do we keep in touch with you? 

My blog isn’t up right now but you can follow me on Instagram @Chizbeth and on twitter @ chizzyizzy