FEATURE FRIDAY: ZEINAB
Hey guys!!
I hope all is well with you guys! I am up to my neck in deadlines and stuff *cries*!! Anyway, something to take the pressure off: a feature from the gorge Zeinab!
Tell us your name, where you’re from and where you live
Hi, my name’s Zeinab but every calls me Zeze. In the natural hair blogging community, I’m known as Naturally Zeze. It’s rather cool having more than one name haha!
How long have you been natural? And why did you decide to go natural?
I will have been natural for 2 years in May 2015 (yay!). I transitioned for 1 year from May 2012. I cut off all my heat damaged hair and became completely natural from May 15th2013. Prior to going natural, I dyed and straightened my hair frequently which left it dry and brittle. My hair started breaking and, within 18 months, my hair length went from mid-back to collarbone. I decided to do something and came across a YouTube video talking about natural hair. After doing more and more research, I finally made the decision to go natural.
What’s the best and worst thing about being natural?
Best – The best thing about being natural is the self-confidence I have gained. I no longer feel I have to change something about myself – embracing my natural hair has led me to embrace other parts of myself. I now have the confidence to be myself and understand not everyone is going to like it and that’s fine. However, it won’t stop me being me.
Worst – I think the most frustrating part is when I have a great hairstyle I want to recreate and it just does not happen. I can style my hair using the same products, following the same method and still my hair can come out a complete disaster! Confusing right?!
Give us a brief summary of your wash day regimen
- I use a hot oil treatment (a mixture of oils which I warm and massage into my scalp and hair)
- I follow this with a shampoo wash
- I deep condition using a DIY recipe mixture
- I then style my hair using products with natural ingredients (leave in conditioner, styler and a little oil on the ends)
- I mainly do wash & go’s so I diffuse my hair on cool air and then sleep with my hair in a pineapple (high ponytail), not forgetting to sleep on a sill/satin pillowcase or scarf
- To make styling easier, I style my wash & go’s at night because I don’t like leaving home with wet/damp hair in the morning
If you were stuck on a desert island and you could only have ONE hair product, what would you choose?
Ohhh I would choose Texture My Way Keep it Curly Styling Foam Set. I can use it for pretty much any style on wet hair (since it’s an island I’m sure there will be plenty of water lol). A close runner-up would an oil to help nourish and seal the moisture in.
Tell us two DOs and two DON’Ts for your natural hair
DOs: Sleep with a satin scarf or pillowcase. You will notice the difference – your hair can retain moisture and your hair becomes less tangled. Deep Condition (DC) once a week. This prevents your hair from losing moisture and becoming dry as you will be adding moisture frequently.
DON’Ts: Detangle your hair when you are tired or in a hurry. Just put your hair in a bun – you will only end up pulling and breaking your hair. Trust me it’s not worth it. Don’t compare your hair journey to anyone else’s. It can be so disheartening when you see someone else having more growth, able to recreate styles or having the curl pattern you wanted. We all go through it, but don’t let this get you down. Your hair is unique to you and believe me your hair will grow, you just have to keep at it and be patient.
Give us one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to go natural
Do your research, try to get the basics (wide tooth comb, satin scarf/pillowcase, spray bottle, conditioner, styler etc…) create a regimen to follow and just go for it. Nothing can prepare you 100%, it’s a lifestyle change. Don’t expect your hair to come out looking like anybody else’s hair. Going natural is to find out about YOUR hair and embracing YOUR natural beauty.
A huge thank you to Zeinab for sharing with us!! You can find her on Instagram (@naturally_zeze), YouTube (Naturally Zeze), Facebook (naturallyzeze) and her blog (naturallyzeze.weebly.com)!
SIDENOTE: If you’re in Nigeria right now, go pick up the March issue of TW Magazine because I have written an article in there!!!! It’s called Natural Hair – Unveiled!!
Well that’s all for today guys! Follow on Instagram and Twitter. Like on Facebook. Share this post on social media.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Tara xXx
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