Introduce yourself!
F: Hello everyone. My name is Fifi also known as Blackbeauty Kween. I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. I now reside in London, United Kingdom.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
F: I made my five-year mark in February 2014, how amazing is that? It’s been one of the most incredible and liberating things I’ve ever done in my life.
I decided to go natural in 2009 when I became pregnant, keeping away from harsh chemicals to protect my unborn baby just seemed like the right thing to do, but I must admit I was a little unhappy at the thought of not relaxing my hair for the entire nine months. After a few frustrations during my transitioning stage I began to search for information online on how to grow and care for natural hair — I was pleasantly surprised at the huge amount of information there was online. Little did I know that going natural would be a life changing decision.
How would you describe your texture?
F: I am not really keen on “hair typing” but if I had to describe my texture I would say my hair texture is predominantly 4b. My hair is quite kinky with very little curl definition. I know my strands look coarse, but they are actually fine and my hair is highly dense. Styling it can be a challenge at times and I use a huge amount of product.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
F: My styling regimen is very simple. I mostly do twist/ braid outs or buns because they are low manipulation, quick, easy to achieve and make detangling a breeze. I always use my homemade leave in to style (TRESemme Naturals Conditioner diluted, extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar). I apply that to my hair and seal with my hair butter cream, detangle with a wide tooth comb, twist (14–18 two strand twists) and wear it that way until I unravel for a twist out hairstyle.
What does wash day look like for you?
F: Gosh!!!!! Big sigh! Wash day can take up to eight long hours! I have long, thick kinky hair, which requires me to be very gentle and extremely patient. I start by parting my hair dry hair into 4–6 sections to deep condition with my homemade deep conditioning treatment, which consists of TRESemme Naturals Conditioner, plain yogurt, honey and extra virgin olive oil. I mix all the ingredients together, apply it to my hair, and wear a plastic cap for an hour then wash it off. Afterwards I co-wash with TRESemme Naturals Conditioner and also do a final rinse with apple cider vinegar. In the last step I apply my leave in conditioner (diluted conditioner, extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar) and seal with my homemade hair butter cream then twist my hair to stretch it and leave it to air dry overnight.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
F: I never have time to style. Hence why I absolutely love wearing twist/braids outs either hanging loose or tied back with a banana clip accessorised or even a simple high bun. In my opinion both these styles are classy and stylish and can be wore in any occasion.
How do you combat shrinkage?
F: I do not experience much shrinkage. My curls aren’t tight so that helps a lot, and the little shrinkage I do get I embrace it since my hair is shoulder length shrunken. I twist my hair after every wash to stretch it out for more length and less tangles.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
F: The edges, the crown and lower back of my hair. These areas get very dry also. When I experience any breakage it’s usually on those problem areas, so I always make sure I thoroughly moisturise and protect them.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
F: Hmmmmmm, moisturising! I have very dry hair, so the more moisture my hair receives the more manageable it becomes. I love silicone free conditioner. My hair can’t survive without it. Also keeping my hair stretched is a must. My hair tangles very easily so keeping it stretched keeps tangles to a minimum.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
F: I do not do wash n go. My hair tangles like crazy once it’s completely dry and I avoid products that contain silicones because they cause my hair to become dry, brittle and crunchy.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
F: Yes. I have a Facebook hair page called BBK super natural and you can also find me on Instagram: bbksupernatural.
Wow! She has so much hair, nicely styled too.
Beautiful, thick, lush hair!
Kick-ass-kinks! Luv it! Repping from the UK over here too!
The thickness…I love thick hair! Good job.
Beautiful hair and an adorable daughter on instagram
Lurrrvveee her hair–so healthy looking, thick, and gorgeous! #inspired
Beautiful hair! I started my natural journey in 2009 as well. I had some set backs so I’m looking forward to getting to that length.
I freaking LOVE your hair! It’s sooo THICK! I hope my hair gets that full and long.
amaaaazing hair!!!
That’s a lotta glorious hair! She looks so happy in every pic — I found myself smiling too 🙂
Its amazing how different two naturals are…my 4a hair needs silicones if not tangles and knots galore.…btw great hair sis.
Beautiful hair and I love your eyebrows!
Your hair texture is really similar to mine!
Tyler
onelittleblackdress.com
“Blackbeauty Kween” aptly named indeed! Wow!! Enjoyed your narrative immensely=) Congrats on the lil one =)
I saw your instagram and I like how much time you do on your hair.
OMGGG Beautiful, beautiful beautiful hair!!!!! She has hair like mine and it gives me something to look forward to!! I’m at my 3 year mark…only 2 years left.
Your hair has left me speechless!!!! Beautiful. How are you able to get away with using apple cider vinegar as part of your staple products without its drying effects? I will try out you leave-in conditioner mix. Thanks for sharing.
I always smile when I see fellow Southern Africans represented on this page coz we RARELY feature lol… I’m having a serious hair crush right now…Beautiful hair!!!
Fifi May you please kindly tell us what does your hair butter contain? maybe its where the magic portion is kkkkkk 🙂
The “magic potion” is called T L C
Yes fifi love you and your hair.… amazing amazing, When my hair grows up I want it to be like yours lol????… Great feature.
Fifi…
I am so so proud of you…this is awesome 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile
Its so exciting to see names like bo Fifi and Sibongile, and Kitso. Yazi I was starting to be convinced that such lenghths aren’t possible in South Africa.
As I am motivated to solja on!
One word… Impresse
Fifs
Me too gal, it’s really exciting and motivating to see these ladies here.
I agree. I thought such length and thickness is not typical to us Southern Africans. Both my daughter and I are natural. She is 7. I want her to see how beautiful for natural African hair is. She loves wearing twists. I just wish more of our sisters on our continent would embrace their natural hair. I don’t mind the relaxers so much (hey you have to start somewhere) but the constant braiding and hair weaves is causing so many to have alopecia.
And by the way I forgot to say that not only is your hair gorgeous Fifi, you are as well. Be blessed.
Can someone give me the name of a good silicone free conditioner and shampoo? My hair is very similar to the young lady featured here.
My hair is very similar as well. Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus shampoo & conditioner are amazing on my hair. I use the African Black Soap Purification masque for deep conditioning. Hope this helps!
Nature’s gate Conditioners (Aloe vera one is my fave). I use Black soap as a shampoo. Great combo with clarifying and deep moisturizing with the conditioner.
Creme of Nature makes a good one also, sulfate free.
Such beautiful hair…ahhh sigh!
Beautiful in every aspect. Zanhle ke inwele zakho sisi. I too am proud to see fellow southern africans here
Are those two strand twists with your own hair or braids? (in 2nd pic). I m really loving your hair.
Gorgeous hair! I love it!
she has some big fluffy hair
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oookay so your hair sounds EXACTLY like my hair ! lol
awesome hair and curl definition 🙂
Girl you got some hair on your head!!! LOL Beautiful!!!
I loooove your hair lady!! The ponytail looks like mine when my hair is stretched, hope to be at that size of hair in two years 🙂
You live in the UK? How does your hair not get destroyed by this cold weather lool?? Like really lol I always have my hair in twists and am so surprised whenever I take out my twists for a twist out and see the length lool :p
What gorgeous head of hair you have, Fifi! My new hairspiration!
Your hair is gorgeous. I love the various styles you rock. I especially love the big hair pics.
Wow that length and thickness…gorgeous!!
Need a regime for overall dry hair that natural!
Absolutely beautiful! Loved the article.
I am so proud to see a south african with long natural black hair. You are my inspiration girlfriend. I started about a year ago and cut my hair as I did not know how to handle my natural hair, but now I am full steam going ahead again. My natural hair is about 6 cm, they grow quite fast, I went bc in december 2013, but they are fine and break easily. If you can give me few tips on how to decrease breakage, will appreciate it.
Go South Africa Go!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lol. I dunno, maybe I don’t go out much (really) but you’re the first South African I see with hair that long ah. But kudos to you. Ek’s trots. Jou hare sê dankie ^^
You must not. I see a lot of South African Black Women with long hair.
Fifi omw.…. you hair is amazing. Inwele zam ziyaphela cz I tie it up all the time. Need advice. Proudly from East London,South Africa
Lol Mihlali, zingade ziphele. Maybe you should try wearing it in flat twists/cornrows and lay off kwimibopho.
Its really good see homegals on this site. Let’s keep it lekker growing South Africans.
Natasha I have the same problem, I’ve been transitioning for few months now and I chopped off most of my relaxed hair off last week, still crazy wasps of hair when I detangle. I’m trying to incorporate more protein into my hair, good luck with your head 🙂
Fifi’s hair is so similar to mine, I hope mine will grow that long too.
Proudly Mzansi.
Nangamso I have no idea how to do flat twists.….i need help
Holy hair crush!!
Beautiful!!
You are my hairspiration
my hair goal…
I will be following. My hair is also thick and fine. The struggle for us ladies is real bc I hair seems like it’s tough but it is extremely fragile and it DOES tangle (and break) easily. I feel like I struggle most with retaining length and my edges thinning also. Both attributes of having 4b fine hair. Thank you for this article. I love my hair routine that I have but it’s nice to bond with my fellow “hair twins” so I can see just how long is it possible for our hair type to grow and get awesome… Read more »