FRO SISTER

Hey Dolls,

This has been an exciting week for me, the Afro came out to play and I had some fun with Sephora face and lips masks (previous post). Beauty isn’t my forte and I usually stir clear but I thought it would be cool to share my natural hair journey with you.

At the end of 2015, I wanted to shake things up and I decided to cut my hair. I was moving to a new continent and starting a new job, why not? Like a lot of people, I spent hours on the net looking for hair inspiration. Equipped with a ‘few’ pictures of gorgeous short hairstyles, I made my way to the barber. I was literally trying to talk myself out of it the whole ride there but a decision had already been made. I put my big girl pants on and took the leap.

I had cut my hair before but not so drastically. I shaved the sides and the back off completely. It was so out of character; my poor mum was stunned into silence and I loved it! The decision to cut my hair was just the beginning of all my hair adventures.

Growing up, I always had relaxed hair and this wasn’t because I thought my natural hair was ugly or because I was taught to think it wasn’t desirable. It was simply because it was easier, I didn’t have to go back and forth with mum and her pesky comb. No lie, the struggle was the realest! Listen, I have no tolerance for pain and I wasn’t about to have it if there was an alternative ready to go. Yes, am that girl. Unfortunately, when I moved to Dubai and started growing out my hair, some tough decisions had to be made because I couldn’t find my beloved Dark and Lovely (DL). The time had come, natural it was.

Honestly, 2016 was the year of hair adventures for me. I had tonnes of fun playing with different textures, colors and hair types. You name it, I had it in my head. Weaves on weaves on weaves, it was one big experiment after the other. My natural hair and I kept a good, respectful distance so the transition wasn’t traumatic as I thought it would be. It barely made a significant mark. Head over to my Instagram @stylesquadzim to check out all my 2016 fun hair experiments.

A month ago, I made another drastic decision, I would do my own hair! No questions, my mind was made up. What’s funny is I didn’t make this decision based on my amazing hair skills, I merely dabble but I honestly want to see if I can pull it off. The School of YouTube has inspired me and given me ‘a can do spirit’. I’m currently between hairstyles right now, hence the Afro. Let me say this, natural hair is awesome, I’ve had the best week!

Now, I will be the first to admit that I loved DL with all my heart but the breakage and constant up keep was killing me. I have experienced none of this with my cute Afro. It was super easy, I literally used my hands, a few hair products and bobby pins and I was good to go. I felt cute AF in these streets, walking around with my fro was so empowering and freeing. It really felt like was truly accessing and embracing who I am in a way that I haven’t before. I was shocked to learn that my natural hair is just as versatile as relaxed hair in terms of hairstyles. The options are limitless, it’s all on you doll.

If you are considering THE BIG CHANGE, my advice is go for it, you lose nothing. I didn’t intentionally make the decision but I have no regrets. My hair feels healthier and stronger. My hair has grown tremendously, considering most of it was shaved off at the beginning of last year.