Hairspiration! : Lola

Hey Lola!

Hey Guys. I’m Lola (African Remy) and I’m a 24 year old Tax Consultant (trust me, it’s not as boring as it sounds). I’m based and was born in the UK – London to be precise but I’m originally from Ondo State, Nigeria and visit when I can (although I much prefer Lagos. Shhh… Don’t tell my dad).

What inspired you to return to natural?

Unfortunately, I don’t have a big, tear jerking story about a horrendous experience with a perm or breakage – I just missed my natural hair. I first relaxed my hair when I was 14 and kinda always missed the volume, the curls and just the feeling that I had lovely hair. So after university, with a little help from a beloved friend, I took the plunge.

Relaxed days

Tell us about your mane. Does he/she/it have a name? How many years have you been growing?

My hair is AWESOME and most definitely a female. She’s very reasonable (most of the time) and not prone to causing unnecessary annoyance (unlike many men).

Anyway, I digress. As of last month, I am now two years post relaxer and a year and a half post big chop.

How would you classify your hair if you had to?

My hair is almost armpit length, low porosity, medium thickness and very very curly which I love.

Are you a less-is-more person when it comes to your hair or do you go all out?

Call me lazy but I’m all about minimum effort lol. Less is more.

Do you follow a regimen?

I don’t have an extensive regimen but I co wash every week, wash every two weeks and deep condition once a month. After every wash, I moisturise using the LOC method.

What are your staple products?

Olive oil, leave-in condition and styling butter.

Shrinkage and you. Do you fight it or embrace it?

Embrace!

Two things your hair cannot do without?

Water-based leave-in conditioners and essential oils (technically for my scalp).

Does your hair have any dislikes?

Gel based styling products (as opposed to butter types). They make my hair feel heavy and stiff – urgh!

How do you like to wear your hair?

I do a lot of protective styling. My go to style is two flat twists. It’s really quick to do and perfect for work or going out.

2 Flat Twists

Are you facing any hair challenges right now or bad habits you’re trying to break?

Time is my biggest challenge. The longer my hair gets, the longer stuff takes and sometimes I find myself being short of patience lol.

What is your hair to you?

First and foremost, it is just hair. It keeps my head warm. On top of that, it’s another way for me to express myself in the same way as the clothes I wear. I wear it how I like it!

Have you received any negativity from others towards your hair? How did/do you deal?

When I first decided to go natural, there were a few sceptics (mainly girls) who didn’t think it would grow but for the most part it has been positive. Everyone always says how much they love it.

Do you have any hair goals- short or long term?

I want to perfect my fro-hawk and would be nice to get a couple more inches this year.

Before you go, could you share a hair secret?

Homemade flaxseed gel is great for twistouts! It’s easy to make and the only type of gel I can use as it’s not heavy at all. Helps me to keep my twistout looking presentable for the whole week.

Any last words to anyone considering to go natural or a new natural?

Natural hair is so versatile and everyone’s hair is different so don’t be afraid to experiment to find the best combination of products/styles for you. Simplicity is key Don’t get bogged down with hair typing and must-have products.

ALSO, look after your edges because a life without edges is no life at all…