Getting my natural hair properly cared for in Nigeria is harder than I thought it would be. When I was moving to Nigeria, I had a few expectations in my mind: vibrant markets, spicy food, loud family gatherings… and natural hair salons on every street corner. You know, the Motherland — the place where melanin thrives, coils pop, and the sun kisses your afro with love.
But let me tell you — I was wrong.
I quickly found out that while the culture here is rich, tender hands for natural hair are hard to come by. Nigerian salons? Whew! Most stylists here are amazing at braids and wigs, but when it comes to natural hair, let’s just say… they have heavy hands. No joke, the tugging, yanking, and zero patience for shrinkage had me silently praying in the chair like, “Lord, just let me survive this twist out.”
So guess what? I gave up. I went back to the one person who’s always had my back — me.
Natural Hair Care is DIY — And I’m Not Mad About It
I’ve been doing my own hair since high school in Canada, so returning to my solo wash days wasn’t a big leap. In fact, I now treat my wash days like a spa experience. I light a candle (if NEPA cooperates), put on a good playlist or podcast, and show my hair the love she deserves.
Because here’s the truth: nobody knows your coils like you do.
I pre-poo with coconut oil, wash with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, deep condition with a plastic bag under my satin bonnet (resourcefulness is key in this Naija heat), and finger-detangle like my strands are made of silk.
Where Are the Naturalistas Though?
This one still confuses me. In the land where the sun favors our melanin and our hair is meant to bloom, I thought I’d find more queens rocking their God-given crowns. But the truth is — wigs and braids reign supreme. Maybe it’s convenience, maybe it’s fashion, maybe it’s pressure to conform. Either way, it made me realize: going natural here is actually a quiet rebellion.
But I’m not backing down.
I wear my afro to the market, to church, on okadas and even on red dust roads. And every now and then, someone stops me to ask, “Is this your real hair?” I just smile and say, “Yes oh. Na my original.”
Tips for Maintaining Natural Hair in Nigeria
If you’re a naturalista trying to navigate Nigerian life, here are a few real ones:
- Stick to DIY if you can. Not every stylist understands natural hair, and that’s okay.
- Protective styles are still great — just make sure they’re tension-free and let your edges breathe.
- Invest in satin everything — pillowcases, bonnets, scrunchies. This heat can be drying.
- Deep condition often. Harmattan and heat don’t play.
- Drink water — for your hair, your skin, your life. You’ll thank me.
Final Thoughts
Natural hair is beautiful — and maintaining it in Nigeria is possible. Yes, it comes with challenges. Yes, you’ll miss your gentle wash-day stylist from back home. But there’s power in learning to care for your hair in its purest form, especially in the place your ancestors called home.
So if you’re in Naija rocking your coils with pride, just know: you’re not alone. Keep shining. Keep detangling with love. And if nobody else tells you today — your hair is stunning.
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