Health over length with Christine

NaHaZo is a community that believes in sharing hair knowledge & what better way to do this than in our regular natural hair feature. 

Every month we highlight natural heads all over the world and get to know more about their hair journey and how they care for their hair. 

Q & A session with Christine

Our April 24′ hair feature comes to us all the way from the Uganda, the pearl of Africa. 

Christine shares some of the lessons learnt during her natural hair journey. 

Profile: Christine

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a mother to two gorgeous children, who keep me motivated and grounded.

I love life, people, good food, books, music, and exercise (in no particular order). 

2. How long have you been natural?

About 9 years now.

3. What prompted you to go natural?

I couldn’t stand sitting under the dryer for hours on end just to get my hair to a somewhat decent state. Every time I had to go to the salon for my chemically relaxed hair, it felt like such a chore.

Worse still, there was zero creativity in styling my then “limp” hair. I always wondered what the point was in having a burnt scalp, with only an inexcusably bad hairstyle to show for all the pain.

4. What hair type are you and how long is your hair?

My hair type is 4C and its shoulder length when not straightened.

5. Do you have a hair regime? If yes, please share with us.

Oh yes!

Before I wash my hair, I lather my hair in a mixture of flaxseed and avocado oil. I then sit under the dryer (low heat) for 30 minutes, before washing it off with what feels like below zero COLD water.

Thereafter, it is conditioned and detangled.

And then I apply warm oil to my hair and scalp, before plaiting it to whatever protective style I choose.

Honestly, this is my go-to hair regime. My hair thrives, looks vibrant and has a natural shine to it whenever it gets this TLC.

6. What are the top 3 hair products you cannot live without?

🌺Life without Shea butter is no life at all.

🌺Followed very closely by African Black soap; and 

🌺A mixture of Rosewater and Extra-virgin oil (Now this, keeps the hair well moisturized throughout the day and protects my hair from the harsh vagaries of the weather)

Catch up on our DIY Rose Water for hair and How to make Rose Oil for hair. 

7. Go-to protective style?

In between braids, it has to be two twists and two line cornrows– these last up to a week (2 weeks if I am ambitious).

For protective style for a longer duration, I am a sucker for soft kinky braids that mimic the texture of my own hair.

I always make sure that the braids enhance and blend in with my hair – so that it is not heavy on my head!

Heading into winter and want to protect your hair? Our Top 10 Protective Styling Tips for Winter has got you covered. 

8. What is the biggest lesson you have learnt on your hair journey?

Everybody’s hair journey is different.

Learn what works for you.

For me, it’s ensuring that my hair is well hydrated and I feed my hair from the inside out.

I eat lots of avocado and drink at least 1,5l of water daily. That’s when my hair shows me how much love I have put into it.

Also, one thing that I have learnt with 9 years of being natural, is that the journey is very personal. Previously I chased length over health and I practiced unhealthy hair habits such as applying heat to check the length of my hair.

I also kept my hair in protective styling too long and this caused my edges to suffer. I have had to cut/trim my hair a couple of times during my hair journey. 

I now feel I am at a good place with my hair and I understand what my hair needs and wants. I have also stopped chasing length goals.

Right now I prioritise healthy hair practices and I am loving where my hair is at currently. 

9. How do you deal with hair envy?

I don’t really have any hair envy, but I have hair appreciation. 

Thankfully my circle of friends has girls with past bra strap, healthy afro-textured hair and seeing this keeps me motivated to care for my own hair. 

I also feel that allowing yourself to feel envious about another person’s hair does not allow you to appreciate your own texture and hair journey. 

Green only looks good on dollar bills! Just embrace your own hair!

10. Bonus question – what is your dream hair like?

The kind of hair that says, “You better step aside!” hahahahaha.

Anyway most definitely lusciously luscious, vibrantly vibrant and healthily healthy! 😊

And that’s a hair wrap from our gorgeous Ugandan hair feature. 

*Psst – Wanna catch up on the experiences of other naturals? Get the 411 on Venecia and how she learnt to let go of influencer hair expectations.