Join the journey of individuals who have embraced the beauty of their natural hair in “Roots Revealed”, as we explore the motivations, challenges, and triumphs as they transition from chemically treated hair to proudly showcasing their authentic textures.

Transitioned from chemically treated hair
ESTHER
I had spent years admiring what I thought was the ease of relaxed hair textures and wanted to experience that ease as well. In my mind, having relaxed hair meant going for a touch-up every month and wearing my hair coiffed for most of the part. While my natural hair was not tough or overly kinky, I was tired of having to plait it every month. However, immediately after I relaxed my hair, I experienced instant regret and wanted to go back to my natural hair. Yes, my hair was long, and yes I could coil it all I wanted but I missed my natural curls. I didn’t feel authentic at all. So, I started growing out the relaxed part so I could get to my natural state.

I did a lot of research and watched videos on YouTube about how to transition. I learned the hairstyles to make, to protect my ends and keep my hair growing and learned to buy products that would keep my hair moisturized and healthy as I transitioned. I wore a lot of protective hairstyles because I didn’t want to do the “big chop”.

When my natural hair started growing out, I saw the stark difference between my relaxed hair and my natural hair. My natural hair was curly and springy, and my relaxed ends looked split and straggly. At that moment, I realised that my hair in its natural state was quite beautiful.

Be patient with the process. It may look like it is taking forever to grow your hair back, but it is growing. Wear a lot of protective styles and keep your hair as moisturised as you possibly can.

OMOLOLA
Growing up, I had what most Nigerian hairstylists call “stubborn hair”. As a kid, I hated using hair chemicals (relaxers) for my hair because I ended up having injuries on my scalp, but I had to use it EVERY MONTH because my hair was hard to handle with the new growth. So, one day during my final year in University, I discovered that the price of the relaxer I used had increased, so I just decided to stop wasting my money on a product that only worked for just a month and allow my hair to grow the way it was meant to. I decided to have a “big chop” 6 months later during my NYSC.

I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. I had to watch so many videos and try so many hair care methods and DIY concoctions to “tame my hair”; but then I discovered I only need to be patient with my hair, know my hair type, and know how it relates with water. That way, I was able to know the products and techniques that befit my hair type, promote healthy hair and retain length.
Another challenge is that I had to learn to embrace and love my hair because we were taught while growing up that natural hair isn’t pretty but straight hair is. I had to study my hair and my “unruly” edges and love it for its volume, and especially my unique curl pattern. That way I was able to defend myself (my hair) when people came for my hair and said I should stop wasting my time and go relax. Even close family members questioned my reason for going natural but I had to remind them that “my hair, my rules” until they gave up and let me be.

My mom never understood why I chopped off my “long” relaxed hair and went full natural. She always complained about my hair especially when I wear my Afro without taming it. One day we went to the Trade fare market. I was in my full Afro (she didn’t approve but then she had to let me be since I was not going to listen anyway). While we were walking around the market, we had about three ladies stop us and tell me how much they loved my hair and asked what my hair regimen was. Even the guys who were selling extensions kept telling my mom that they liked my hair and I was pretty in my Afro. My mom was super proud, she couldn’t stop smiling. That was the day my mom accepted my natural hair and since then, she has been my biggest hype-woman and defends me whenever her friends try to tell me what to do with my hair.

Be patient with your hair. Try everything and notice how your hair reacts to any new technique or product. Don’t just go with everything social media influencers recommend. If it worked for their hair, it doesn’t mean it has to work for your hair; besides, they are only trying to make their money. Love your hair, and do not let anyone dictate how you should feel about YOUR HAIR. Remember, your hair, your rules. Shalom✌

Never chemically treated

THERESA
My journey with natural hair began with my mother. She was not sold on the idea of adding chemical and even synthetic hair. She would say “When you get to the university, you can decide what you want”. Fast forward to my university days, I loved the length, volume and curl of my hair, three qualities I felt I would compromise by relaxing it so, what started as my mother’s choice became mine.

Stepping out daily with my natural hair is always an adventure, especially with the new wave of natural hair. However, there was one time in 2018 when I worked at a recreational centre in Lagos. I wore my hair in a high bun, customers would come in and when they saw my hair, it sparked an interesting conversation. Perfect conversation starter.
I have a relatively simple hair regimen. Wash with black soap and then apply the LOC method after parting it. (Lotion, Oil -I prefer olive oil- and Cream).
I mostly go with loss twist, occasionally applying water and conditioner to keep it soft, moist and healthy.

Maintaining natural hair requires deliberate attention and time. While it can be a bit challenging and I dare say time-consuming, finding the right products in line with your hair type would make it easier to maintain and manage.

IJEOMA
Right from when I kept low-cut hair, I loved the natural curls of my strands at that short length, this fascination led me to envision how they would look when I grew them out and that could only be achieved if I’d maintained it naturally, without the addition of chemical treatments. I definitely do not regret that decision, the volume, texture and length are all so beautiful to see.

There was a particular occasion when I had a cocktail party to attend and I wasn’t exactly financially buoyant to make the hair I wanted at the time so I opted to style my natural hair for the event and I truly loved how it looked. I got loads of compliments that night and it truly made me happy and proud that I had my natural hair on.

I typically keep my hair in protective hairstyles and I use natural hair products along with essential oils to care for my hair. While I haven’t been as consistent lately, I do plan to resume my hair care routine.

First, you’ll need patience, taking care of your natural hair is almost like nurturing a baby, pampering it, feeding it, and caring for it. Any slight change can cause an imbalance in either its texture, length or overall health. So do your very best to care for it and you’ll definitely experience the joy that comes with doing so.

Chemically treated hair
SOPHIA
It’s easier to work with and I can comfortably do cornrow styles without worrying about pain or it getting old fast. Plus my hairstyles come out neater.

Products packed with protein work well for me and deep conditioner is a must, also I always ensure my hair is well hydrated.

Hair breakage. But handling my hair strands with utmost care has helped a lot and I’ve minimized its breakage by doing so.

⁠I’ve had natural hair and chemically treated hair and I’ve been confident in all. I’m learning more about my hair and just enjoying the process.