I was featured on: African Naturalistas

Posted in Feature, hair journey by Jen

Hi y’all,

I’m super excited to let you know that I’ve been featured on African Naturalistas!

This is a blog that I’ve been reading since… since!

So I feel ‘appy, I feel fulfilled because I never experredit.(Just kidding)

So yeah, go check it out here.

Don’t forget to show some love!

23Jun2015

NITC 11

Posted in events by Jen

Hi beautiful people!

The eleventh NITC was on Saturday.

In case you don’t know what NITC is, *gasps* where have you been?!

It’s a hair meetup that holds a few times a year organized by Natural Nigerian, The Kink and I and Carib Health.

As always, it was an opportunity to mingle, learn, shop and feed your eyes with beautiful hair.

It seems Mother Nature didn’t get the memo though because it was raining for the better part of the day. As a result, the turnout wasn’t as good as it usually is but there was still a good number of people.

The theme of the event was Keeping It Real.

There were four talks and I have the scoop.

Talk 1: By Kelechi Koko- @yellowsisi

Main points:

Some things that dry your hair out-

Products- Not all products work for everyone. Some things might be moisturizing for some and drying for others e.g. aloe vera, shea butter, ACV.
Not moisturizing properly.
Build up.

Natural hair is for everyone; it grows out of your scalp; but not everyone is patient enough to handle it.
Don’t confuse breakage with shedding. It’s normal for your hair to shed daily; don’t think it’s breaking when it isn’t.

Talk 2: By Esther Morenikeji (a weight loss professional)- @estamorenikeji

She was so so so funny, relatable and fun to listen to!

Main points:

Fitfam and naturalistas have things in common. They like sharp sharp things. (LOL! So true!)
The purpose of exercise is beyond body beautiful.
Being thin doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fit.
Not every time fry fry. Sometimes, toast, roast and grill.
For a healthier stew, boil the tomatoes and pepper till almost dry and add a little oil followed by your spices. (As opposed to the original method of frying the tomatoes in oil)
Do a maintainable diet so it doesn’t seem like a punishment. Don’t go for expensive food stuff that you can’t maintain.
Exercise doesn’t have to be anything major. Walk, jump rope.
Bulk your meals with veggies and proteins as opposed to carbohydrates.
Nigerian foods are not unhealthy. They can be healthy when you choose healthier methods of preparing them and eat the correct portions.

Talk 3: By Cherise (Not sure)- Carib Health.

Main points:

Don’t overdo weight loss. 4kg per month is acceptable weight loss.
Drink water before you eat; like 30 mins before. This helps you eat less and digest better.
Eat slower and savour your meal; it helps you eat less.
Mixing fruit and meat can cause bloating. Eat fruits first and then food like 30 mins later.
Don’t eat high in sugar fruits at night e.g mangoes and pineapples.

Carib Health also has a wellness show every Sunday at 1pm on 92.3

Talk 4: By Geraldine- Intimate Pleasures

To be extremely honest, I did not write anything in this segment. I was too busy listening and oohing and giggling.

But to summarize, it was an interactive sex talk with topics ranging from tampons versus menstrual cups to perceptions about sexually liberated women in our society to vibrators.

It was quite interesting.

Side note: During the talk, someone mentioned ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for infections ‘down there’. Diluted with water and used to rinse (alternatively you can sit in a bowl of it for a short while), it helps to alleviate itching and cure the infection.

So here’s what we really came for, pictures!

Linda of Lily’s Natural Hair

Ife

She has clip ins in her hair which she made herself

Kanyinsola

Ekene of The Kink And I

Ify of Ify’s Musings

Ekene and Isioma

Can you believe this is a weave?

The hall with vendors

Shopping and chatting

Berry of Berry Dakara and Nicole

Atilola of African Naturalistas

Here’s what I bought (even though I said I wouldn’t buy anything at all)

Island Shea Butter Cup from Savvy & Chic

A floral headband from Fashion Strings (I was apprehensive about buying it because the last time I bought stuff from them, everything spoilt in no time but let’s see)

I also got a Henna Tattoo from The Henna Place

Outfit of the day

I scored this Eve and Tribe skirt on sale for less than 2000 Naira some time ago.

And that’s a wrap on NITC 11!

Shoutout to Anita, a lovely blog reader who said hi!

How was NITC 11 for you if you attended? If you didn’t attend, tell me whyyyyyy? How’s your week going?

21Mar2015

Jumia Haul

Posted in product review, Product store, products, Spotlight by Jen

Hi guys!

I’m only using the word ‘haul’ because, you know, that’s what people do on other blogs. #BloggerLingo

So I was on my own jejely browsing through Jumia when I saw Aunt Jackie’s products.

I had read reviews of some of the products previously and planned that one day when I was feeling rich I would try them out.

I had seen them at Casa Bella and knew they generally retailed at around N2,500 upwards.

So imagine my surprise when I saw them on Jumia all below N2,000! I had to have them, whether or not I already had enough products! (Does someone need to sign up for Product Junkies Anonymous?)

I also bought some Aloe Vera gel because… ummm… product junkism.

DEETS:

Where to buy- Jumia

Prices-

1) Aunt Jackie’s Knot on my watch- N1,895 (Currently out of stock)

2) Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean– N1,795

3) Aunt Jackie’s In Control– N1,795

4) Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel– N1,475

Also available on Jumia is Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La for N1,895.

Jumia also sells some Cantu, Namaste Organics, Tropical Isle, Eco styler, Elasta Qp, Shea Moisture, Beautiful Textures and African Naturalistas products, essential and carrier oils, shea butter and even Hairfinity.

Note that not all of them are as cheap in comparison.

Delivery info-

-Nationwide delivery (note that you might have to prepay either through your master/visa/verve card or a bank deposit/transfer for some states as not all states qualify for cash on delivery).

-You can opt to have it delivered to you or pick it up at the closest pickup station to you(which attracts little or no shipping charge)

-Free shipping within Lagos for orders above N10,000

Aunt Jackie’s Product Reviews-

1) Knot On My Watch by Igbo Curls

2) Curl La La by The Kink and I

3) In Control by The Kink and I

4) Curl La La by Sizzelle

5) Oh So Clean and Knot On My Watch by 1 Blessed Natural

6) In Control and Oh So Clean by Nappy Headed Black Girl

Have you ever shopped on Jumia? How was your experience? Have you ever tried any of these products? How did you feel about them? What do you have planned for the weekend? You know I wanna hear!

5Feb2015

My Hair Stash (Feb 2015)

Posted in hair practices, products by Jen

Salut, hello, howdy!

I am not a product junkie! I really am not. However I seem to have a lot of stuff for someone who basically uses mostly shampoo, conditioner, leave in and shea butter 95% of the time! I did not realize until I was taking pictures for this post that I had so much stuff that I don't use often! I had to dust some of them before taking pictures sef

(Photo Cred: @thecreamycrackrehab on Instagram)

Without further ado,behold my stash

CLEANSERS/SHAMPOOS

-Bobeam shampoo bar in Shealoe (purchased from The Kinky Apothecary ). I have had it for over a year y'all)
-Dudu Osun- melted down and mixed with water and olive oil (Can be purchased from your local grocery/beauty store)

My staple: Dudu Osun

CONDITIONERS

-Shea Moisture restorative conditioner (a gift from someone who went abroad but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)
-V05 herbal escapes conditioner (purchased at NITC but can be bought at many local grocery/beauty stores. I mostly buy it at Bruno's Place opposite Silverbird at Ikeja City Mall)
-V05 tea therapy conditioner (purchased at Bruno's Place)
-Herbal Essences ignite my color conditioner (purchased at Maxmart in Accra but can be found at Casa Bella or Goodies)

My staple: V05 conditioners(any kind but I like the Moisture Milks line the most I think). Haven't had a chance to use the Shea Moisture much yet.

DEEP CONDITIONERS

-Vitale hair mayonnaise (purchased at Spar but can be found at many local grocery/beauty stores)
-Coconut milk (purchased at Spar and can be found in most big grocery stores. You can also make yours)
-Shea Moisture purification masque (purchased at NITC but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)

My staple: None. I haven't used them long enough but I like the purification masque. Still not sold on the Vitale. Coconut milk is something I've used a number of times and I like but I don't use it very often(I mix it with other stuff e.g conditioner before use). Usually I deep condition with my regular conditioner and don't use a store bought deep conditioner so these are relatively new(except coconut milk as I explained)

LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS/MOISTURIZERS

-Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream-2 tubs. (One was a gift while the other was purchased on Olori)
-Elasta QP olive oil and mango butter moisturizer (Purchased at Casa Bella but can also be bought on Olori)
-Water in a spray bottle (purchased at… Just kidding)

My staple: Cantu and water

STYLING PRODUCTS

-Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (won in a giveaway but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)
-Eco Styler olive oil gel (purchased from The Kinky Apothecary at the same time as the Bobeam)

My staple: None. I don't really use styling products. Eco styler works well when I want a laid down sleek look.

OILS

-Olive oil (Can be found at your local grocery store)
-Silverbird Eucalyptus oil (Can be found at your local pharmacy)
-Canola oil (Can be found at your local grocery store)
-Castor oil (can be found at your local pharmacy)

My staple: None. I'm using oils less and less. If you had asked me in the past I would say Olive oil but ever since I realized that it does nothing for me when it comes to sealing, I now only use it for occasional oil rinses, prepooing and deep conditioning mixes. Silverbird I use because it is so affordable compared to other essential oils and I like the menthol feel and smell. Castor oil I use mostly when I have a protective style on or if I see my edges vanishing. Canola oil I used out of curiosity and only use for oil rinses and prepooing occasionally.

BUTTERS

-Nasheaba Shea body butter (purchased at Shoprite Accra)
-African Naturalistas hair butter in Sweet Rosie (won in a giveaway but I believe the formula has been revised. Can be purchased on African Naturalistas or Jumia)
-Shea butter (purchased at Game Accra but can be found at your local market)

My staple: Nasheaba or any Shea butter mix/whipped Shea butter really.

MISCELLANEOUS

-Apple Cider Vinegar (purchased at Spar. Can also be found at Shoprite. The organic version can be found at Health Plus)
-Neem powder (purchased on Olori)
-Shikakai powder (purchased on Olori)
-Bhringraj powder (purchased on Olori)

My staple: Apple cider vinegar. I use it as a final rinse most times when I wash my hair(don't know if it makes a difference but I do it) and I use it to clean my scalp when I have a protective style on. Still haven't gotten the hang of Ayurveda though.

C'est fini.

What are your staple products? Is your stash less, similar to or bigger than mine? What products do you recommend I try? Please share!

14Nov2013

So what’s been going on since my last post?

Posted in products by Jen

Hey guys, it’s been a minute. I changed the blog address from naturalnappynigeriangirl.wordpress to nigerianandnatural.wordpress. The former was just too long. So what really has been going on with my hair since my last post? Well, not much as far as I’m concerned(I’m so boring).

I’ve been getting a lot of “why did you cut your hair?”, even from people who never met me while I had longer hair. The other day some dude asked why I cut my hair and I said “I want to regrow it”. He said “that’s a weird reason. I thought you lost someone in your family and you were mourning”. The one I get a lot and HATE is “did you comb your hair?” or “do you comb your hair?”. But I do get a lot of compliments too! So I’m not complaining too much! The other day, a salon owner said “I wish all ladies would cut their hair like you so we could see their natural beauty”. I replied “then how would you make money?” And he laughed.

Still getting to know my hair.

I don’t know what hair type I have but most of the strands that fall off are circular.

My dandruff has also significantly reduced, hallelujah! I don’t know what exactly made this happen(maybe more frequent washing and oiling) but thank you hair gods. I’m looking to get some tea tree oil though.

On another note, getting products in Nigeria can be such a pain in the behind. I wonder how I’m going to cope in the long run. I’m trying to find suitable products that can be readily available to me that is, products I can easily find/buy with no stress. Products you read reviews about are either impossible to buy here or overpriced. *sigh*.

I’ve tried a couple of new products so let me briefly talk about them

(NB: Remember that I’m a newbie so my advice isn’t professional or based on much experience; it’s based on how I/my hair felt after using said products)

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut conditioner

I ran out of Giovanni(which I really like by the way)and I decided to try something new

(I got the white one at Casa Bella in Ikeja mall for about N3000 and my mum got the green one at Ulta in the US for about $8)

So I decided to try African Naturalistas’ conditioner since it was pretty affordable(N1500). So cheapskate me found out that konga had it and their delivery was cheaper than that of the African naturalistas store so I ordered it from Konga. After waiting for my delivery for some days, I got an email from Konga saying that it was unavailable. I’m just confused, like ummm it said it was in stock when I ordered it?! Anyways, they said my money had been refunded into my “Konga wallet” and I could use it for another purchase(been trying to use it since and I’m never able to checkout. What a beautiful first impression of Konga).

After this, I decided to try Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut(one of their silicone free conditioners). I got it off Sizelle,whose customer service is good by the way. One major deciding factor was that it was cheaper than Giovanni(N2450 then an additional N500 for delivery) and over 2x bigger than Giovanni.

The first thing I noticed was the smelllll! So coconutty. Smelt it before I even got to the package(it was a delivery so it came in a sealed package. The bottle was also wrapped in nylon and placed in a Sizzelle bag. So basically I smelt it through 3 layers of nylon). I love the smell. I think it’s pretty great for cowashes. I also use it to deep condition mixed with oils,honey etc. I use it as a leave in sometimes and I put it in my spray bottle mix too.
I think it doesn’t have(or is it “give”? I don’t know the natural lingo well) as much slip as Giovanni does but it’s still pretty okay.

I would definitely repurchase especially if I find it in a supermarket.

Bobeam Shealoe shampoo bar
Still cant wrap my head around how people use Dudu Osun to wash their hair. Even Americans are ordering it online? Nah! I can’t. That soap makes my face itch like crazy. I can just imagine my hair as dry as the desert if I use it.

Anyways, I’d read nothing but good reviews about Bobeam shampoo bars and the lady who makes them and her awesome customer service. They weren’t lying. I emailed her asking about delivery costs to Nigeria and she was so pleasant. (You can find her here) Unfortunately the delivery prices were a bit steep since I was only buying 1 or 2 bars(buying in bulk would be more sensible I think). So I decided to buy it from The Kinky Apotheacry (it costs N1400 but there’s an N800 delivery charge. U can also pick up if u want).
I must say, I like this shampoo bar! My hair feels clean when I use it. The bar has a light lemony smell. The bar will last long as far as you don’t leave it in water or you don’t go scrubbing it into your head excessively; it lathers well, in fact a little too well, so there’s no need to be excessively rubbing the bar on your head.

I would repurchase. Although I think this one might last a while + I still have some Giovanni shampoo.

(I cut the bar in two. This is one half)

African Naturalistas leave in conditioner

Got this off Jumia because they were doing a free delivery promo #TeamCheapskate. It was N1295 but now it’s N1595. (Quick rant: the Jumia delivery guy refused to leave it with my gateman so the gateman got angry and told him to come and look for me at work which is very close to my house. He actually did! The receptionist at work had to sign for my delivery. Since he ended up not giving me in person, I didn’t see his point. He could have just dropped it at my house)

I’d never bought a leave in so this was my first try.
It was rather watery; I expected something thicker but it makes sense that it would be watery.
I have likes and dislikes about this product.

LIKES
1. It offers me the opportunity to not have to wet/dampen my hair everyday. I can just slap this on and comb as easily as when I spray with water.

2. It’s affordable, silicone free and Nigerian made(Yay Nigeria!).

DISLIKES

1. The smell! I’m a bit used to it now but I absolutely dislike the smell. It smells like air freshener to me.

2. Doesn’t last so long. It’s 300ml and watery so… And this is from someone who has short hair. (However, I do use it fairly often and I put some in my spray bottle).

3. It can be sticky on hands and I noticed some sort of build up in my hair when I used it for 3 or more days in a row. It also takes some rubbing in for the whiteness/white residue to go.

I don’t know if my hair is any softer with it than it is when I use my spray bottle mix.

I would repurchase mostly because of the price but I’m on the look out for something better.

Ecostyler olive oil gel

Got this from The Kinky Apothecary with the Bobeam and a satin bonnet(yes guys, I’d been sleeping with my hair out on cotton pillowcases *weeps*).

I am not a fan at all! I don’t know if it’s that I’m using it the wrong way or something but it makes my hair stiff and white. Someone asked me why my hair was white and I said “it is gel oh! I don’t know who sent me to go and rub gel”. Funny thing is, I was messing around one day and I put some on my baby cousin’s hair and his curls were popping!

Anyways, the tub of gel is sitting pretty on my table, very full.

I’ve also started taking multivitamins as I hear vitamins and minerals are good for your hair and skin.

(Stolen from my mum)

I hear Biotin especially makes hair grow! Read some reviews and went to ask for the price of the 5000mcg Biotin pills in a pharmacy and they said N4500! My inner cheapskate soul died. I don’t know if I’m ready to commit like that and drop N4500. What if it doesn’t work for me(some people in the reviews said they broke out and The Lord knows I already have skin that is very acne prone- see picture below for evidence). I think I’ll just put the Biotin idea on the back burner for now. (My multivitamin tablet has some Biotin in it but it’s just 30mcg)

As far as progress goes,

(August 11th 2013)