by
Meosha
Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Sandra (Sandeey) and I’m from Nigeria.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I decided to stop using relaxers because a friend of mine told me to. I was complaining about my hairless edges, which refused to grow back at the time. She suggested that I leave my natural hair to grow out so that my hairline would get back to normal. I refused at first because I had memories of how it hurt when my natural hair was combed as a child. She directed me to this blog to do some research about natural hair. She said, “If you don’t like it, then all you have to do is start using relaxers again”. I agreed, and 3 years later I know I will never use relaxers again. I am obsessed with natural hair! I had my last relaxer in June 2010. However, I cut off my relaxed hair in February 2011.
How would you describe your texture?
S: Well I think I have 4a and 4b textures. I’ve seen ladies with my texture and they say they are 4a and 4b so…I have adopted that. I know I have thick, coarse strands and my hair is definitely dense.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: Work is definitely the rationale behind my styling decisions. I prefer my hair in a bun, with or without a pompadour. However, I let my hair choose what it wants to look like. Since I leave my hair to dry in twists, I always have a twist-out to work with. I either leave it be if the twist-out looks great, or bun it if it looks frizzy. Also, I try to avoid leaving my hair out when the weather is humid because my hair swells up!
What does wash day look like for you?
S: I wash my hair every weekend and sometimes in the middle of the week if I have time or if my scalp gets extra itchy or flaky. I have Seborrheic Dermatitis so I use Selsun Blue Shampoo to wash my scalp (co-washing doesn’t work out for me). This shampoo keeps the flakes away for at least a week and I love it. At first I hated it due to the way my hair felt afterwards, but I learned a new technique. I use a warm bucket of water to wash my hair. I put some almond oil or coconut oil in the water and wash off the shampoo. This keeps my hair extra soft throughout the washing process. I usually use my Nature’s Gentle Touch Herbalblend Deep Conditioning Cholesterol Treatment afterwards and wash off with cold water. Next, I detangle and twist my hair in sections after applying my Nature’s Gentle Touch Herbalblend Leave in Conditioner (I use this most of the time) and raw shea butter whipped with almond or coconut oil. That’s it! I’m still a product junkie however, so I try new products from time to time.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: My favorite hairstyle for days when time hates me is definitely a bun! I love high buns, but when my hair becomes too big to handle because of humidity, I take out a section in front and create a pompadour. I knew it was my favorite when people at my office asked me why I never did anything else!
How do you combat shrinkage?
S: I combat shrinkage by keeping my hair in twists after washing. Also, I twist and moisturize my hair in big sections before I sleep to keep it stretched. That’s about it.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: My edges! They give me problems or maybe it’s the other way round. I have been trying to figure out how to make them ‘sleep’. No amount of gel seems to work for me. I guess there is something I am doing wrong. I am still trying to solve that problem.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: Use shea butter to seal in moisture or end up with dry hair! Also, use oil in warm water to keep hair soft during the washing process, especially if you shampoo often.
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: Never ever comb when dry and if you are not an expert, do not attempt a wash and go because only tangles and knots would be your friends.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: Yes there is!
Blog: hairoflife.wordpress.com
Instagram: @hairoflife
57 Responses
Thank you all so much!!!!
Love your hair – it looks so healthy and thick!
Please please PLEASE tell me how to bun my hair like your pic in the purple work shirt! I am a fellow thick haired medium length lady trying to move past the puff and figure out buns. YouTube links, whatevs, hugely appreciated.
Hi, I just had an old twist out and carelessly bunned it. for some reason it came out well. i really applied no method. I wish i could help more. i have no videos. You can send me an email at ha********@***il.com and i’ll try and take step by step pics for you. thanks 🙂
I love the updo style with the orange dress. Just lovely. Also your two strand twist or perfection. Also your edges or loving being natural too! Nice hair journey.
Some of the commenters are so petty … Your hair, define it how you like. I’ll never understand why so many people put tons of trust in a system devised by a man that DOES NOT LIKE kinky, natural hair. Andre’s system isn’t the end-all, be-all. Please don’t police how others define their hair. Kinky, coily, curly hair does what it wants, and you can define it however you like.
omg you and your hair is beautiful! my hair is similar to yours, and i also love buns. sometimes i let my hair down, but buns are so convenient. in the 5th photo, is your hair in a twist out or are those twists pulled into a bun? it looks so nice.
Thanks! its a twist out I put in a bun 🙂
Thinking like that is really imrspesive
I keep looking at her pictures! I think it is because I feel like she looks like me! I love her hair and her journey. Thank you for sharing your story!
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Wow people really came for her just because she claimed 4a curls. Is it really that deep, its her hair!
I know while at the same time claiming that it really doesn’t matter how she categorizes her hair. Like it is that serious. Love the hair whatever “type” it is.
That’s unfair, no one came for her. What’s wrong with what was said? It clearly wasn’t said with malice or in a negative way? Hair type is just that – a hair type. It doesn’t mean anything negative until people make it that. Sandra did not seem offended at all? Hair type doesn’t matter, yet some people are over sensitive to the mere mention of it.
Thank you all! Hugs
Skin like butter! Gorgeous hair too
Thanks!!
Hair twin!
Very pretty hair, regardless of type! Although, looking at the latest photo you posted and one of the original pics, I can see coils and little curls. I would have typed you as 4a/4b, based on Andre Walker’s original definition. I thought 4c hair (which is not an Andre Walker designation) had no definition.
Nap85 is 4a… this lovely lady Sandeey is doesnt have 4a hair its not 4b KinkyCoilyMe is… she is classic 4c like Joulzy you tuber.
Ok. I see it differently, and folks can disagree. However, generally speaking, I do not think that any of the Youtubers you mention define the totality of the hair types designated to them. Not all 4a, 4b or 4c types look alike. Plus, many naturals have multiple hair types. The numbered typing system is too divisive in my opinion, and too many naturals are way too wedded to it.
Hey guys. Thanks. I’m really ready to learn. I have a texture shot and would really like to know my hair type! I washed a part of my hair and let it dry…which i never do! knots! I thought 4c had no definition at all so I stuck with the a and b options. Maybe I’m 4s for Sandeey 🙂
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/image-17.jpg[/img]
More pics on my blog!
4a has coils/curls that clump to form ramen noodle or S shape coils….your hair looks like 4b/4c.
I have 4a hair and the curls look like a package of oodle of noodles with just water, hope that helps.
4s, that’s cute lol. I like that
Guess Sandeey is abt to inspire someone to go natural!!! Lovely and beautiful pix dearie.
Thank you all so much for your kind words! I love this site because I learn from it everyday. As I said, I “think” I’m 4a/ 4b. I don’t have any texture shots up there. I keep my hair stretched and devoid of coils because its difficult to detangle if I let them be. I will take a texture shot when I can because I’d love to be sure about what category my hair falls under. This is a picture of the only time I let my coils be at the ends but it isn’t clear. You can see that I had to keep the rest stretched to avoid tangles.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/image-16.jpg[/img]
Okay it’s upside down…:-)
Your hair is beautiful. My first thought was that I would put you in the 4C category – then again it’s all relative anyway.
4c, Sis…
Yeah, I don’t know about b or c, but for sure your hair is type ‘thick and beautiful’.
Check out Style Icon Felicia who is a self describe 4c your hair is just like hers.
Love your different styles and especially love the way your friend introduced you to being a natural. Nice and steady but gave you just enough to know what to do and how to proceed. Congrats!
vertmoot.blogspot.com
i’m nigerian! too cool and i have the same hair texture as this…can’t wait until it finally grows and that it stays healthy.
you’re beautiful with amazing styles!
She’s pretty, and nice hair.
Thanks everyone!
Very nice and well said! HHJ to you too!
Beautiful…
Why do ppl say I’m a product junkie in that manner. Is it something to be proud of?
Agreed looks more like a 4c. Great defination on ur twist outs tho
The bun style where you are wearing a white shirt with a red lip looks so cute! You’re very pretty 🙂
Thank you all so much! 🙂
The heck? it’s that skin that makes you gorgeous! Such lovely,dazzling, natural skin! I’m in awe!
I would have said you’re a 4c, but as we’ve said many times, you define your own hair. Doesn’t matter anyway, LOVE your hair! 🙂
Agreed, that looks like gorgeous 4c hair to me! I love all of the styles!
Agreed, her hair is 4c maybe 4b not certainly not 4a (which I am) our hair looks nothing alike, I have coils and curls…..but if she says 4a, 4b so be it!
Love the hair but based on the photos your hair looks more like 4b/4c to me but hey, whatever floats your boat.
Many people stop the categories at 4B (like it was originally – 4c wasn’t included in Andre Walker’s descriptions), in which case she could be right to call herself 4a/4b. If she believes 4c exists, then yes, her hair seems more 4c-ish.
Lovely
Its always nice to know Nigerians are on the natural hair train too. Your hair is really nice. The bun suits you. 🙂
Maybe it’s me…but in some of your photos you remind me of Regina from The Steve Harvey show
Nope, it’s not just you. I caught myself thinking the same thing, especially the one where she has twists and her face is kind of tilted to the side.
I think you mean “Lovita Alize Jenkins” lol. Cuz she has dimples as well, and yes, I can c a slight resemblance 🙂
I am so sorry. Wanted to give you a thumbs up but I gave you a thumbs down by mistake.
Haha. I’ve been googling to see if its true. 🙂
love your hair and dimples! Both are like mine lol…. btw I think I’m gona try your oil-in-water method for wash day… sounds interesting!
And I gota say I love the african reppin on BGLH…. two thumbs up!
I love see my fellow African sisters representing the Natural Hair community!!
DiscoveringNatural
http://youtube.com/DiscoveringNatural
http://discoveringnatural.com
Thanks so much!