by
Meosha
Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Sibongile and I am a Zambian currently living in Kansas.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: My daughter was the main reason I decided to go natural. In late January 2010, she saw me doing a relaxer re-touch on my hair and asked if I’d do that for her hair too. From that moment on I decided to be her hair role model so she could say without hesitation, that her natural, tightly kinked hair was beautiful…as is…just like mommy’s.
How would you describe your texture?
S: Medium density of mostly fine, tightly kinked hair (4C) and I absolutely love it.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
S: Every week after I wash my hair I two strand twist it and wear them in a loose ponytail until a day before washday, when I style it however I wish. I spritz my hair lightly every two days with a moisture spritz consisting of jojoba oil, aloe vera juice and distilled water.
What does wash day look like for you?
S: For my weekly wash day, I start with sectioning off my hair into 6-8 sections. I apply Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil as my pre-poo to each section, twist, and baggy overnight. The next morning, I finger detangle as much as possible with Tresemme Naturals Conditioner if necessary. I cleanse my hair with a Bentonite or Ghassoul/Rhassoul Clay paste, which I rinse out after 15 minutes or so. I follow this up with Naptural85’s DIY Greek Yogurt Deep Conditioner for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. My final rinse is a kimmaytube ACV rinse (Quarter teaspoon of ACV for every 120ml/4oz of distilled water for a pH of around 4-5) to close my cuticles, as well as a final cleanse of my scalp. I moisturize with a leave in mix and seal with Naptural85’s shea butter mix.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
S: Any Roll Tuck Pin (RTP) hairstyle. They save bad hair days, hairstyle fails and anything in-between.
How do you combat shrinkage?
S: I keep my hair stretched as much as possible. In twists, braids, etc., otherwise it would be knots and tangles galore. Every once in while though, I do wear my hair in a semi shrunken afro puff which shows some of its true shrinkage. It is very empowering to wear my hair as close to as-is with reduced risk of getting tangles. It encompasses my personal hair natural motto to accept it, embrace it, love it and work it. Once I achieve my goal length, I plan on wearing the semi shrunken afro puff more often.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
S: The hair on my crown is the finest and most susceptible to dryness, knots and breakage. I take a little extra time when detangling this area as well as moisturizing it more often.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
S: Sectioning once you get the length. Finger detangling first before the use of a seamless wide tooth comb (if necessary).
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
S: Wash and Go’s and excessive manipulation.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: I am a contributor to ZedHair.com and I have a YouTube channel called ZedianChicChannel where I plan on uploading videos in the near future. I also started a natural hair support group known as Zedian Naturals on Facebook.
120 Responses
Shout out to my fellow Zambian!!! 😉
Thank you Tasila,
😉
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Hey Sibongile! You’re such an inspiration! I love what you do with your hair. Am still learning. I’ve been natural for a year and three months now and am loving it! trying to figure it out but loving it! am from zambia too and i’ve been trying to find your group on facebook but i can’t find it. is it still there? I’d really like to join
Lovely hair. Sibongile means we are thankful. I’m South African. Its a very lovely name. Thankful indeed. Lol. Good seeing this.
Thank you,
Indeed we are thankful 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
beautiful hair
Thank you Wanda,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile
Hey namesake 🙂 I love the pics of your hair. It is full, healthy, well styled and I’d like mine to be similar in time (im 10 months into my transition). I’m also Zambian.
Just really wanted to thank you for being a great example for naturals everywhere. I began transitioning in another country and im now back home and continue to get mixed reactions to my changing hair. It is interesting but im focused on embracing myself as I was created to look. Thanks for showcasing what is possible for Zambian hair too.
God bless
Hey Sibongile *waves*
I love this 🙂 Thank you for the compliments, I am humbled. If you are on Facebook and would like some more support from fellow Zambians (most living in Zambia) and others, inbox me at ze***********@***oo.com for more details.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Thank you very much for taking your time to respond and offer your advice, much appreciated.
Kitso,
You are very welcome,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
I am so happy to have found someone who has the same hair texture as mine. I am struggling to keep my hair healthy and to lengthen it. Thank you so much for showing your pictures and giving hair tips.
Hey Jessica,
I am thrilled I am of some form of help. All the best with your hair goals.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Thank you for your response. My hair doesnt move an inch, its about shoulder length stretched, can produce nice flat twist outs but they dont move or should i say can’t move. Same with twists, they only move first day of twisting, 2nd day they start to kinda ‘hold hands’, i think its from frizz. It used to bother me but have accepted it. If you have any tips il appreciate.
kitso,
Sometimes products can weigh down hair and affect movement. My movement is not exactly “swang” but light and fluffy with body.
What products do you use when doing twist outs?
Thank you Bongi, i dont use much products, i dont like products in my hair much. I use Cantu shear butter leave in as my staple with either coconut oil (started using it recently) or olive oil. Iv tried Ecosteler gel olive oil and the ORS lock & twist but i really dont like how my hair feels or look when i have them on. With Cantu it looks really nice and feels great but just doestn move. BTW i never bothered about ‘movement’ till i started watching the YT ladies and saw their hair well. The good and the bad of social media.
Thanks for taking time to respond.
Thanks Bongi, i dont use much products, i dont like products in my hair much. I use Cantu shear butter leave in as my staple with either coconut oil (started using it recently) or olive oil. Iv tried Ecosteler gel olive oil and the ORS lock & twist but i really dont like how my hair feels or look when i have them on. With Cantu it looks really nice and feels great but just doestn move. BTW i never bothered about ‘movement’ till i started watching the YT ladies and saw their hair well. The good and the bad of social media.
Thanks for taking time to respond.
Hey kitso,
I tried the Cantu shea butter some time ago and it was too heavy for my hair’s mostly fine texture. I swore off shea butter for a bit and then tried Nap85’s shea butter mix using unrefined shea butter. I use this mix very lightly when doing my twists and/or bantu knots and get great movement.
Try using the Cantu Shea butter sparingly when you use it and see if that works.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
i love your hair im also a natural n mostly i platt mine coz after washing it becomes so kinky
Hey Getrude,
Thank you, I think you are referring the kinks shrinking up, if so I manage it by doing medium braids (ifikutis) immediately after moisturising and sealing so that it can dry in a mostly stretched state.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
wow beautiful hair. it has the distinct look of velvet to it. classy!
Hey cacey,
Thank you.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Nice hair, nice styles. And good to see Southern African lady here. I’m curious about a few things; 1. does your hair move, does it have movement when its loose? or when in twists or both.
2. do you have an idea of timeframe when you l have the hairstyles video up? Would love to see them but I don’t check these things often and am afraid I may forget about it and miss your tutorials. for representing and inspiring.
thank you once more
Hey kitso,
Thank you for the compliments, now to answer your questions;
1. It has movement both when twisted and in a twist out, bantu knot out etc
2. The time frame is largely determined by my youngest toddler daughter transitioning to a less hands on stage which will allow me more time. To be sure you get the notification once I upload my first video and go live, you can subscribe to my Youtube channel.
You are very welcome and thank you.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Lovely hair Sibongile. You share the same name with my mum who’s Zim. You’re also the 2nd Zambian I’ve met with a Ndebele/Zulu name which isn’t surprising considering we’re neighbours.
I’m a Zimbabwean UK based naturalista. I love your reasons for going natural. I haven’t got any children YET but chose to go natural for the same reason,”what would my daughter say?” Love the hair styles and you have amazing skin.
nyaM,
Thank you…for all the compliments and sharing a tid bit about my namesake (your mother), Zimbabwe and Zambia share so much, history and landmarks so you are right on our cultures spilling over and mixing past the borders 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
The way you describe your texture is exactly like mine down to the issues you described on the crown. I love love my hair and I only recently started taking more care when detangling and reducing manipulation. I also started keeping it stretched at all times and washing it in large two strand twists. I have already begun to see a difference with less breakage. It is great to read your story. Thank you
I think Sibongile might be a Nguni name in general, because there are Xhosa Sibongiles out there
Lol, case closed. We r fabulous people with hair to die for!
I think Sibongile might be a Nguni name in general, because there are Xhosa Sibongiles out there.
Siyabonga for your beautiful hair
Bless the Lord! I finally found a Zambian! Now my friends can stop thinking only Americans get long hair! My natural sister! My Zambian sister!
Lol…there are plenty more I know too who have gorgeous natural hair.
Thank you Waza,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Very beautiful! The bantu knot out fail pic looks awesome to me. Didn’t realize it was a fail until I read the caption. Awesome styles overall. You do better than I do. Give me simple all day. 😉 God bless!
Thank you Alwina,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Can you PUHLEEEEEAAASE do a totourial on that fabulous “Mz. Tammy” updo?!
Lo,
Thank you…I will as soon as my schedule allows it.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
You have the prettiest blue-black hair.
Hey stephie,
It is actually more of off black, brownish color. Most of the pictures I shared were taken indoors…thank you though 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Your hair is beautiful and thick, Sibongile.
Thank you Shell,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
You and your hair are giving me LIFE right now! My goodness, I am so inspired by you I am going to copy everything you mentioned in your post about your regimen, in hopes that my hair will look even marginally like yours. You are absolutely, positively stunning.
Thank you Viv,
I hope my regimen works for you, remember to tweak it if necessary to suit your hair needs and lifestyle.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Beautiful woman, beautiful hair!
Thank you Bobbye,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
This is one of the best 4c Natural Hair Icon’s I’ve seen, yet! I can tell that she takes really good care of her hair! It looks well moisturized and beautiful! Represent for the ladies! Also, you are gorgeous! 🙂
Aww…thank you Rou,
I am truly humbled.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
You look amazing. I absolutely love your fro the make up and the different hairstyles you look lovely.
Thank you Lovisa,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
very pretty.
Thank you merry,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Wow your hair is beautiful. at first when i saw your name I thought you were South African or possibly Zimbabwean because Sibongile is a Zulu/ndebele name. First time hearing a Zambian Sibongile
Thank you Stephanie,
My grandmother and mother named me Sibongile 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
LOVE your hair sister girl! It’s nice seeing a natural who’s hair is comparable to mine except mines a bit denser, lol.
Your hair looks great and it’s beautiful to set such a good example for our little girls!
Thank you Tracy,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile
yes! REPPING ZAMBIA!!! By the way, I love your hair.
Thank you Thelly,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
You and your hair are gorgeous!
Thank you Caramelcurls,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Beautiful
Thank you Wanda,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Beautiful hair! I need to get my Bantu knot outs down like that lol!
Jj Thank you,
The two key tips to the successful BKO was twisting them all in one direction and keeping them in for 24 hours.
Hope that helps,
Loads of Hair Love.
Sibongile.
Yay! Repping Zambia. You make us proud. Love the versatility of your hairstyles.
Mwanabibi…yay!
Thank you so much.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
These are some of the most beautiful updos. How creative. Love the hair.
Thank you Smallfro,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Tamara,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Job well done Sibongile, done us proud!Love your hair, your regimen and your sweet self. Work it!!!
Aww Chibu…
Thank you so much.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Your hair and hairstyles are really pretty. I am going to attempt this updo with the ends tucked tomorrow for work. Such a great style! Keep rocking:)
Hey Fabiola,
Thank you so much, I modified it from MzTammy’s updo…
Rock it 🙂
http://pinterest.com/pin/92957179781822107/
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Gorgeous
Thank you Sassy24,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Am soooo late lol… But we love you and your hair Sibo. So proud of you…
Thank you Monde,
For that and more 😉
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile
Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous! you do us proud. 🙂
Mutale
Aww…thank you so much.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Aaaaaaawww this is great!! So much hair inspiration..so proud to be Zambian right now,love your hair,love your styles. Am a proud member of the Zedian Naturals hair group..keep up the inspiration Sibo. Much love
Maureen,
Much love to you too and thank you 😉
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Zambia stand up!! Beautiful hair. So great to see a fellow country mate 🙂
mercy,
*Stands up* Thank you for sharing and seeing a fellow Zambian.
Loads of Hair Love.
Sibongile.
As a Zambian naturalista, this is a deeply proud and emotional moment because Sibongile you are the first from our country to be featured here and one of the few from Southern Africa. You have boldly gone where others will follow. Love your hair, love your styles and your smile. I am already subscribed to your YouTube channel in anticipation of your soon coming videos.
Masuka,
I am truly and deeply humbled by your comments. I love being a Zambian natural and I am so proud to share my natural hair while representing our beautiful country.
Thank you so much.
Loads of Hair Love.
Sibongile.
Love it!!! Your hair and styles are gorgeous. You favor Indie Arie!
Thank you CC,
India Aire is so beautiful so thank you for the compliment.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Wow, you are amazing. You better hurry up with that YouTube channel. I will be looking forward to seeing your videos! I love your styles. 😀
CJ,
Thank you, I will start working on them soon 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Such pretty twist outs! Lookin’ good.
vertmoot.blogspot.com
Thank you D.K.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
DAMN YOU DO A LOT ON WASH DAY AND EVERY WEEK. COULDN’T BE ME
Tina, it works for me and my lifestyle 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
OH YOU MUST HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO LOL
OMG, I LOVE to see this…beautiful hair..the pic with the side braid…how to style tut please?
Nappy4C,
Thank you…is it the one with the bun and flat twist fringe?
I will work on a video How to for it in the near future.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
i love it
koleta,
Thank you.
Loads of Hair Love.
Sibongile.
Your hair is beautiful and so is your smile : )
Thank you Lizzie,
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
So pretty!!! And bantu knot outs are everything. Beautiful all around.
Thank you Camilla 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
I got SO excited when I saw your name and was like “I have to check out this South African girl” lol, especially since my name is the direct translation of yours in SeTswana. Alas I was put in my place quick- beautiful hair Zambian lady Sibongile!
Lol…I get that a lot…people assume I am South African due to the name, no worries…loads of love for my South African ladies too 😉
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Hahaha Sibo funny how I thought you are Zimbabwean cause here its a common Ndebele name, well u still my neighbour with good hair…I’m from Kariba neighbouring Siavonga.
…and thank you for the compliments 🙂
Beautiful hair! It’s nice to see a fellow Zambian with natural hair 🙂
Thank you Teyla 🙂
I love “meeting” other Zedian Naturals…
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Love the flat twist with a bun, really lovely. Have you been natural since 2010? Did you transition or big chop?Nice to see Southern African gals here.
Thank you SP, I went completely natural (BC’d) in November of 2010 after transitioning for about 10 months.
Loads Of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
She has one of the most Lovely hair I have seen, great to see Southern African sisters here….Zim representing here.<3
Thank you Khanyi,
I am so proud to rep Southern African Natural heads.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Love it! Your hair is so nice
Thank you treece12 🙂
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Absolutely lovely hair! I am another 4bac who uses a modified nap85 method and my routine is very similar to yours. I love your low tension up dos.
Nap85 has good video’s yet i never see her own 4a/b texture…Just saying
Lovely to see 4c typers on BGLH im….all for embracing your texture.
I have multiple textures and styling can be a hell somethimes
Las friday it took almost a day to detangle and wash
I totally feel you on the detangling, it takes me a while too.
Loads of Hair Love,
Sibongile.
Huh? She shows it all the time. Explain?
she has mostly 4a coils and um she has done quite a number of wash n gos that show her texture obviously u r not a real follower of her journey smh lolol….recently as her hair is longer it’s easier for her to manage in the stretched twist/twistout state
IT IS MORE CURLY THEN KINKY THOUGH
Thank you Zoopath…