The Truth About The Use of Relaxers in Nigeria| Full Documentary
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 май 2020
- The Truth About The Use of Relaxers in Nigeria, Full Documentary Film
instagram:@seunokimi
/ seunokimi
This documentary dives into the truth about the use of relaxers in Nigeria. With all the talk about Natural hair going on now among the diaspora, a lot of people don’t know that the use of relaxers in African countries is actually very prominent and that similar natural hair “movements” have started taking root in African countries as well, but for reasons many Americans may not expect. In telling the the history of black hair in Africa and the story of relaxers in Nigeria, my goal is to also tell a story of Nigerian women as a whole, bringing light to Nigerian culture and ways. Africa has a lot of under-told stories, and the story of hair, and especially as it relates to the natural hair movement happening in America right now, is one of them. I talk about African hair culture and the natural vs. relaxed hair debate that is happening in Nigeria. By going through African hair history through the stories of my grandmother and others in the video, the documentary walks you through things like traditional Nigerian hairstyles, some history of braids in Africa, ancient African hair care, African hair styles, and traditional African braids, down to modern day practices of how hair is currently done in Nigeria. The video goes through the history of black hair in Africa, African cosmetology history, and how it relates to African American hair history, facts, the history of black hair discrimination, and black hair and cultural identity. It also goes through things such as an examination of what is "good" hair in the black community from the African perspective, the importance of hair in different cultures such as the Nigerian culture, black hair story, black hair salon culture and braiding culture in Nigeria, and some of the politics or lack of politics surrounding black women's hair in Nigeria. By showing the history of relaxers, the evolution of black hair in Nigeria, and African hair culture, this documentary explores the truth about what is actually happening with hair in African countries such as Nigeria and why.
Film Festival Awards Won:
Angeles Documentaries Quater- Finalist
Media Done Responsible Virtual Film Festival Winner: Documentary Short
Top Shorts Semi Finalist
The BE Festival Film Showcase Finalist
Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival Official Selection
The Monkey Bread Tree Film Awards Official Selection
The African Film Festival (TAFF) Official Selection
Festigious Los Angeles Monthly Film Competition Semi-Finalist
The IndieFESt Film Awards Award Winner
Email: info@seunokimi.com
*serious business inquiries only*
Really hope you enjoyed this!!❤️
I really enjoyed producing this documentary for you guys
This was so interesting!!! Thank you for this
Babe, I just stumbled across your page right now and I'm already proud of you. Well done 👏🇳🇬
Thank you!!❤️
I really loved this, I thought I was watching the news or something😂 thank you for this
The beginning of the natural hair movement actually began around 2010. I returned to natural around that time. I believe the main reason black women began wearing their hair natural stems from a desire to not only be more healthy and holistic but to love themselves just as they are and for others to accept them without having to conform to European standards of beauty. You should really research the chemical compounds of relaxers because it is very harsh and even if done correctly you can get irritation and damage to your scalp and hair follicles. Sodium hydroxide is very dangerous; why do you think that you need a neutralizing shampoo after applying a relaxer. It's a myth that natural is is "more maintenance " all hair requires maintenance its just different maintenance. natural hair also isn't "unmanageable " many of us just haven't been taught the proper care of naturally curly/ kinky hair. I don't believe that a person can say how proud they they are to be black yet not embrace the hair that grows out of their scalp in it's natural state.
My grandma would say...
_"Why do your hair need relaxing? Is your hair stressed?"_
🤣😅🤣
I like your grandma
😂😂😂😂
Your grandma was the truth!!!
Love that
this is gold
Thought this was a BBC documentary, this is very well presented, you should definitely produce more on different topics.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment
@@SeunOkimi , I loved this. It's sad that the whites have slowly tried to erase what little cultural differences we have even in Africa.
Well said! My thoughts exactly, the quality and all....
Omg so did I until I read your comment! Amazing
@Mocha Brown some are
The quality of this is insane. You're so talented.
Thank you! 😊
@@SeunOkimi yeah 💯🇳🇬
@@SeunOkimi Great job, Seun.
I think the whole problem is that the young girls are made to cut their hair really short , so when they decide to grow it,they have less info on their natural hair and apply relaxers to make the process easy
Could not agree more. My mum’s Zimbabwean and she said they had the same stupid rules in school. Absolutely ridiculous
They weren't required to cut their hair. They were required to keep it in braids with no extentions OR to keep their hair short.
@@TahtahmesDiary It depends on the school.
In all government schools they are all required to cut their hair until they enter senior secondary school. While in most private schools only boys are required to cut their hair throughout the duration of schooling.
@@zoe._.1850 same here, my mum had to shave her hair in Zim
@@TahtahmesDiary Depends on the school actually. Some require a low cut, some require cornrows and some even specify the style of the cornrows. There is no singular rule.
It’s a common misconception that natural hair is difficult to manage and expensive when it’s really not. Never underestimate the power of water, hair grease and weaveless protective styles like twists, braids and natural buns. It’s good to see the growing acceptance of natural hair in Nigeria.
Yes there are ways to take care of natural hair but let’s not pretend like it’s Easy. I’m a stylist so to say that it’s not expensive is ridiculous. Natural hair products are very expensive
Wish I could agree but kudos to the ppl who can just use grease and water
I've heard that! I'm always so confused because some people say its soo hard, but some people say its not hard at all! I guess I'll just have to figure out for myself one day!
There’s no misconception with relaxers and natural hair. If your hair is not tough enough then don’t relax, people like me who have very hard hair that even leave in conditioner does nothing when combing out, I have to relax. Natural, relaxed hair all the same to me.
@@SeunOkimi Some people say it's hard and some people say it's easy because they have different hair. Even between natural hair types there can be a lot of variation with texture and density, everyone's hair is different so everyone's experience is different. Also things like diet, water consumption, climate, and the quality of your tap water will affect the behavior of hair.
Personally my natural hair is very difficult to deal with because it is extremely thick and full. Even hair dressers tell me I have fuller hair than they're used to seeing, and when I get my hair braided I have to have 3 women braiding at once. My sister has the same hair texture as me but not as full, her experience is totally different than mine. It really varies from person to person.
This video is amazing, at some point I thought I was watching Vice or something! You go girl!!
Thank you so much! I really enjoyed making this
honestly, same. it came up in my recommends and halfway through i was like, dang....this is like a high-production documentary. editing on point!
Me too lol definitely thought this was a Vice documentary
Why does the school have policies on somebody’s child hair 🙄
African schools. It's a rule for different reasons. It's neat with the uniform (most African public schools wear uniform). It's one less thing for the child to worry about when getting ready for school. It's sometimes seen as keeping a school girl in a "child's place" and not looking too grown up.
I schooled in Africa for a bit and we had to braid our hair, we had two styles which we would alternate between every two weeks. And whats funny is that if you hair looked too long like back length theyed force you to take ou the braids to check if it your real hair.
Yeah I used to shave my hair in primary school and I hated it but there was nothing I could do
@@burntsoup www.womensmediacenter.com/fbomb/the-racist-legacy-of-kenyan-schools-short-hair-policies
That's just one. You can search up school hair policies and colonization to find more. Add short hair for the links to cutting hair specifically.
Also most education systems in Africa were crafted by colonizers, so that's why I said colonization. Not only that, but the idea of Black hair, specifically BW hair, as being considered unmanageable is from white people. That sentiment has been put into Black people's mind and is the reason why a lot of Black Women don't know how to take care of their hair or their daughters hair. Ie. Turning to perms, hot combs, roughly combing hair, and using products made for caucasian hair. So, cutting hair for school uniforms made it easier for people of no-color to police them and organize them. They did this to indigenous people in residential schools as well, it's just African countries decided to continue the school system as is rather than making their own, with their values and Pride in their Blackness as standards.
Same reason a work place "thinks" that hair and clothes are in the same category. "Unnatural" colors and cuts disrupt the uniform look. Its unpleasant to the eye. It has nothing to do with the employees efficiency or productivity its all to do with pulling customers in. I think that idea just spilled over into the school.
I don’t think it’s hard to take care of natural hair. It just takes a while to identify what products work and which ones don’t. I love my hair routine. Now it is expensive but not more expensive then going to a salon.
It's not expensive to me anymore. I've been natural for 19 years I think. I use to buy so many products when I first started. I don't anymore. I found what works with my hair so I just use those.
For me it isn’t hard now that I have found the right products that work for me.
I use only Vaseline after a wash. Thats what we did back home. I have 4c shoulder length. I only comb my hair under running water in the shower. During conditioning I comb with wide tooth comb, then hard bristled brush, then fine tooth comb. I can’t do this if it’s not under running water. Even if it’s wet, my hair is too curly for fine tooth comb. If it’s stretched, it works even better. I wish I had the time to moisturize it like I see on RUclips, but I don’t. I don’t have much shedding either. I braid my hair in the shower and call it a day. I don’t recommend this to others but it works for me. Dryness is a problem. When my hair feels dry in between wash day I would just comb it under running water and re-braid it. I also started clipping the ends of each braid. Washing, detangling, and braiding takes me about 2-3 hrs. I only do this when my husband is off and can watch the baby. He understands but hates wash day.
Speak for yourself😫 The hardest part is not having adequate time to manage it, hence why most people keep it in protective styling. At least that’s my experience as a 4b/c girl
It is hard for me, the products are very expensive and most of those products are rare to find only 2 store sells a wide range of products in the entire country. The salons give bad hairstyles to people with afro hair. It is a struggle.....
It’s crazy to think that African and African-American women are having the same awakening MILES apart... yasssss queens! 👑
It's spiritual; from The Most High
It's not just Africa and African American women, it's been happening in my own country too. I'm Jamaican by the way.
Peer pressure affects many of us.
It is happening in Belize too.
@@plizwekup5231 afro-caribbean women too. Same issues
One of the best things about being a black girl is that our hair is versatile. If you want to relax, be natural, braid, flat iron or whatever other style you like, then do that. Take care of yourself and embrace your culture
True
No that's not true our hair is supposed to be left alone with some shea butter, relaxers, wigs, extensions, colours or any other bullshit people put in their hair are rather damaging or harmful.
Yes Zaria, i'm on the options bus...relaxed, natural,wig etc. Take care of yourself!
@@fleur3222 how wrong you are. Since when is shea butter to cure all for everything? I hate that stuff. And my hair is natural. Wigs are great for your hair as a protective Style. Properly installed hair extensions are also great as a protective Style. The environment itself can be harsh on your hair so doing things to protect it is good for your hair.
@Storm Coloring your hair is very dangerous. Reports have stated they cause cancer too but many naturals still do it
Having virgin hair or relaxed is not gonna change how beautiful you are. It’s your hair and you can decide what works better for you 💖💖
Amen sister.!! Comments on here are making me feel bad about my relaxer. I have never had issues with my relaxer matter of fact I try to relax every 8 months and is healthy and strong.
It’s going to change how your health is though. Those chemicals are used to burn through tough material in factories so imagine what that is doing inside your body. Now imagine 30-40 years of using these chemicals. And we wonder why fibroids and etc effects only black women.
@@Mae-bu2wu 🥲Thank you?
@@yimairacastillo9988 why the ?
It's deeper than just hair
I enjoyed your presentation very much. I’m a 67 year old African American woman and I have worn an extremely short hair cut since after college. I realized early on that I was not a “hair person” and was never really into the whole idea that your hair is everything! Although in the south where I grew up a woman’s hair is her shining glory! I opted for a short haircut because I felt liberated wearing it, especially when women were spending a lot of money getting weaves or sitting all day in a hair salon waiting for their relaxers or “perms!” I never influenced my three daughters in any way to go the route I chose, but oddly enough they all have thick beautiful long hair! And, oddly enough they all have natural hairstyles: the oldest wears locks down her back and works in a corporate setting, the middle one who is a teacher in a predominantly white school wears her hair natural in a twist or some other natural style, and the youngest who is completing a Ph.D. wears her natural hair in a style that I call “natural and wild!” I mention them because although they are all still young women, there sensibilities have pointed them in the direction of natural hair! I was drawn to your video because I was married to a Nigerian for almost thirty years. I accept that how you choose to present yourself and your hair is a very personal decision. But, I must say for myself I chose my Nina Simone short hair cut all these years as a way to express my politics!
Purr
This is so beautiful!
This is the most realistic Nigerian/African documentary I've ever seen. The words were not changed, the scenes and the people, so real.👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it
I love the documentary style of this video! Very well edited
Thank you!!
Yeah she did her thang
Yes I loved it tii she did a very good job!💓🤗🤗
This was a great watch! My dad is Nigerian and I was born in the states. I have yet to visit Nigeria, so this video was so eye opening for me! What a beautiful country 😍 I love my people and I am looking forward to visiting! 🇳🇬 Ive also been relaxed my entire life, and just now, due to hair salons being closed for COVID - Ive been unable to get a professional relaxer touch up.. so I took that as a sign to big chop and try something new! I’m about 6 weeks post my chop and I am feeling more confident than ever 😍
sis good for you! I went through something similar this quarantine, I hope you enjoy this new part of your life!
Wow!
nigeria is so nice. you'll love it
My Dad is also Nigerian and I was born in the US. I got relaxers my entire life, but stopped getting them in 2016. I always went to the salon to get my natural hair braided, and then COVID messed that up 🙃 But since having to do my own hair, I now know what works and what doesn’t, and I am much more comfortable with my hair.
Your grandma is very wise. I've been natural since 2009. Relaxers are bad for our hair but they are still in demand in America. Hopefully a non-caustic relaxer that truly straightens hair can be made.
Just by looking at that little girl my scalp started burning
Right?! And to see that the relaxer covered her entire head!!! You can look at it and see it was way over processed!
😫
Right. Plus, she is way too young. My baby is 4, but since she's been 2 someone said I should perm her hair. No, he hair isn't even that nappy. Even if it was, she has to wait until she is older to make the decision. Why take out the hair to make it staight? It makes no sense to make these decisions for kids.
Tenisha Stephenson why do you guys use the word nappy
@@Love25648 Nappy is not a bad word or description. It's about context. Naps are beautiful. Their curls are misunderstood.
I'm a Nigerian and I live in Nigeria when I was younger people will always tell me to relax my hair even random people I don't know on the streets will ask me why I haven't relaxed my hair or my hair is due for a retouch i was pressured and the hair stylists will relax the already relaxed hair my hair will be over processed at the time I didn't know this at the time, the last relaxer I got burnt my hair and left scars and that after I graduated from secondary school I decided to go natural best decision I ever made, I love my natural African hair so much now
Yes, it definitely used to be seen as weird, which is sad. But I'm glad things are changing
My only one I had the same experience
Its sad to see these policies and pressures in place against the way our hair grows out of our head. Natural hair is so versatile it can be worn in its natural state or flat ironed. There is no need to relax in my opinion especially because of the medical issues associated with it. But it took a long time for me to appreciate my hair so I understand the hesitation of wearing your hair in it’s natural state when society seems to pressures you to be relaxed.
@Bitch Please yeah because Africa isn't a tiny village
This is exactly my story nothing added nothing removed
2:22 - That little baby in that adorable hat is too cute for words.
Awwwww❤
I'm nigerian, I'm a teenager but I started living in the uk two months ago. When I was in school in Nigeria, all the girls had to cornrow their hair, we weren't allowed to wear our natural hair to school. I guess most African girls relax their hair cuz it makes it easier for us having to cornrow our hair every two weeks.
Cornrows are pretty 😁 but I wish you had more freedom there ❤
How does relaxing the hair make it easier to braid? Are braids usually done on natural hair?
@@monicajenkins4687 natural hair is hard to maintain, I started relaxing my hair when I was like three and I didn't know what natural looked like for years. I was angry at my mum when she stopped buying relaxers when I was 8 cuz it was really painful to get my hair braided. People in African countries still believe natural hair is messy, that's why we have to braid it to school and sometimes the hair dressers complained and asked my mum why my hair wasn't relaxed.
You must have gone to a special school then. In my school, we were not allowed to relax hair. Only to plait them in corn rows or any other chosen style for the new week. And that only happened when we became senior students. I relaxed my hair after I finished from secondary school. I have not used relaxers in almost three years now. But it wasn't because I wanted to go natural. It was because the relaxer kits had suddenly become too expensive so I decided to ditch them. I don't regret it though. The way I see it, it may take me a while before I go back to relaxing my hair again.
The girl in the black shirt that you we’re interviewing is drop dead gorgeous ❤️
She is!!
OMG! That's Nimi🥰
Yes' she should be a supermodel
Sean is beautiful... as well as everyone in the video.
For real. Look at how smooth her skin is
This honestly resonated so strongly with me. As a Nigerian that had her first relaxer at 4, I never knew my natural texture until my 20s. My mum confessed that I had begged her to relax my hair so I can look like my older cousins who were mixed and had looser texture hair. So my history with relaxers was directly related to wanting to fit it (I am the only non-mixed girl amongst my cousins) so I was influenced by the Eurocentric standard of beauty. Now I am now in my 30s and have not had a relaxer for over 10 years, I have come to understand that the decision to wear your hair how ever you chose as an adult is a personal one and may or may not have historical significance as it did in my case.
One thing that was not touched on in your documentary was the rise of weaves and wigs as the extension of the ‘coming of age’ attitude towards hairstyles and looking acceptable amongst your peers. I think simply calling them protective styles does not look into why people chose that especially when you have people that have been natural for years but have no intention of ever embracing the natural aesthetic. I think wigs and weaves have become the new ‘relaxer’ and it would be interesting to explore why and how that came about.
Thanks again for the effort you put into this. I have enjoyed seeing you grow as a young woman on RUclips. I look forward to seeing more thought provoking content from you :)
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment. That is definitely something I'd love to explore more in the future
Great comment 👍
I definitely agree with you when it comes to wigs and weaves. These have become the staple for many of us in terms of “protective styling”. I see black women everyday with wigs and weaves to the point where some women I’ve never seen their real hair. I understand we can all wear our hair however we want but I also want to understand why it’s becoming prominent
@@madeline7894 Exactly! Sounds more like they want to hide their hair. You're "protecting" your hair to never wear out.
I really enjoyed reading this comments. These are many of the thoughts I've had as I go back and forth with my personal feelings about relaxed hair.
As a person with curly fine hair i wish i had never relaxed my haiir. At 70 years old i have 1/2 my volume. Natural beauty is the best thing.
We embrace our natural attributes more than ever before. We finally recognize our natural hair is beautiful and that we don’t need to straighten our hair with destructive chemicals. Yes it’s a shift, a shift to beauty. May we continue to appreciate our crowns.
People went to western countries and came back with relaxed hair. Now people are going to western countries and coming back with Natural hair. :)
Mocha Brown
Western countries forced them to adapt to western ways the hell, you really think colonizers just came to the country and left, no
They left some of their culture and beauty standards to them.
They were taught that natural is not good, you should have straight European hair.
Sis bye.
Years and years of people tell them that they should not dress like this or look like that, not to mention slavery you really think they are going to have the same mindset
UhOhSteenky preach sister✊🏾
UhOhSteenky
I wish I could’ve saw that person’s comment.
Actually no black people in the west had straight hair before the Africans were brought over here mixing with us and made our hair kinky
@@Tootisepop what is European hair? My grandmother is a black woman with straight so called European hair stop with the generalizations
Rather relaxed or natural I think healthy hair should be the goal. It takes effort to have healthy hair and a lot of people believe that relaxed hair is the easy way out and it’s actually not. That’s why you see a lot of damaged relaxed hair.
true
That's so so true. Even with permed hair i would end up straightening it or applying some heat everyday because it never "behaved" like naturally straight hair or would get voluminous with moisture in the air. It took me til my teens to realize that new-growth was my natural texture and my hair wasn't naturally straight. (no i never put 2 and 2 together!) took me 20ish years to cease all perms and straightening from any regular routine and work with my hair instead of against it and it's SO rewarding. It looks a lot better, healthier and fits me because it's MINE.
Well I’ve hade a perm for years and my hair is very healthy. It’s thick, soft, and long so not everybody with a relaxer is “damaging” their hair. You just have to go to the right hair stylist.
@@anandawilliams9241 relaxed perm hair changed the chemical properties of your hair and there will be some " damage " involved.it changes the " natural" state of your hair..whether it looks like it or not.just try to go natural and it will take years to undue the " process " you've put your hair through but if you are satisfied with that more power to you .it's a personal choice.i prefer natural hair myself .just a personal choice
@@terryemoorer296 this comment was unnecessary and sounds like you took it straight from google
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria. I remember seeing my friend relax her hair and arguing with my mum to relax my hair. She fought it for about a year before she finally agreed. I stopped relaxing my hair the moment I left Nigeria for school in 2019 because all those things got expensive in Ukraine and I didn't feel like spending money on relaxer because I didn't see it as a necessity
I been relaxed since 2 years old my momma said she couldn’t “manage” it that’s crazy I’m 19 now and I did the big chop for the first time in 2017 but my mother made me relax it but I big chopped for the second time January 2020 yes my hair is veryyyyyy hard to work with but I’m learning and I’m not relaxing it anymore regardless
I make a deep conditioner out of fresh avacados aloe vera and jojoba oil and let me tell you, my hair has been on it's best behavior ever since. If you find it difficult to deal with your natural hair please try this.
I started my Natural hair journey over 12 years ago. I've not look bk since then
Yes, me too 11 years ago! Back then here in the states it was very taboo. My mother hated it and still does. Which I do not understand since she wore an afro in the 70s when she was young. I have 4 daughter's all natural with the most beautiful curls. I hope they never straighten their hair permanently.
And don’t . 🥰
same!
Good for you 💙I was 2 years in newly bald and relaxed 3 months ago
👏🏾👏🏾👊🏽
I started cringing myself when I saw that girl with that relaxer on her head for that long because I know the pain of a burnt scalp. I grew up relaxing my hair and in each ordeal I would leave the salon with a burning scalp and tears until I decided to stop in 2013.
This issue of feeling unattractive and inferior when you grow your own hair without relaxers is everywhere, I am from South Africa and it's happening here as well.
Black child! We need to love and embrace our Africanness and uniqueness. We are not inferior to anyone just because our skins are Melanin rich or our hair is curled and coiled. Instead these qualities show our beauty, versatility and resilience embedded in our DNA.
You were not doing it correctly. I was relaxing for 10+ years, only had a burn once or twice.
You're meant to leave your scalp untouched for at least a day before, those few times I got burnt was because I scratched my scalp in that time before I relaxed.
@@NoName-zi9st Ok,I can agree about relaxing hair techniques.....but did you get her message?She said big thing.
getting a relaxer in a hot country too sounds like painnnn im sure the sweaty scalp/edges mustve burned
@@NoName-zi9st I agree and understand that technique is key for relaxing and when done correctly scalp burns can be avoided. However, I grew up in a low to middle class society and the salons that offer informed services and trained stylists are mostly out of our affordability range. Most of the stylists just know that your hair has to straight and if it means you need to have the relaxer longer even though it burns so be it.
Also it's not a problems if a person prefers to straighten their hair and its done correctly so that the effects of the chemicals are minimised. It becomes a problem when you feel less beautiful or messy or when people see you as uncivilized or inferior without straight hair. Beauty lies with the beholder, I agree, but it's important for Africans to accept and embrace ourselves in our simplest and unrefined state. We don't have to wait for trends.
This is nice. I never liked when people say black women don't like they're hair when they get relaxers. I always felt it was a styling choice. Sometimes it's trendy, sometimes it's not.
Personally, I've found my hair growing and healthier with keeping it relaxed. All that pulling and struggle with my coarse hair was ripping it out and painful. I prefer the way my relaxed hair looks and feels and I find it's much more manageable. To each their own. I think it's a personal choice, just like people who constantly dye their hair. As long as people realize they're beautiful no matter what kind/style of hair you have!
thissss. the important thing is do to you. if relaxing your hair makes YOU and your hair happy (and not FOR anybody elese) then keep at it!
This is the realest comment here❤
Same, I recently went back to a relaxer and am so much more happy. The struggle of dealing with those curls day in and day out... just to detangle. Hunny, it was NOT worth it. I ended up ripping out my hair during most detangling days because I hated it so much. I can say that relaxed is for me, definitely. 😊
@@DontPlayWithMePlayWithYaMama I'm glad you accept it but honestly the struggles to keep natural hair is actually worth it. Except its 4c hair then I can consider
@@Heyitsblessingg I'm 4C. It was not worth it for me. Too much time. I have things to do. Hair is not high on my priority list. When its time to get to work or out the door... I'm not about to have a hair battle. These straight tresses are definitely worth it. 😊
I can totally relate to this video as I'm Nigerian, and I've lived all my life in Nigeria. RUclips was the only thing that made me realise that there was some sort of 'war' between the natural hair community and the relaxed hair. Here in Nigeria, no one bullies you into going natural. You do whatever you want with your hair, no one really cares. And those with natural hair here transitioned mostly because its trendy and they wanted lengthy hair. We do not have many professional saloons in Nigeria to properly relax hair. Majority of saloonist are busy relaxing all of your hair(from roots to ends) every single time you relax. That's why it's so difficult to find people with long relaxed hair here.
There is a big difference in the history of black America and those in Nigeria.
We in the USA are only 12% of all Americans and often our natural features are somewhat looked down upon for professional jobs, in entertainment, modeling and it was worse years ago.
So shortly after end of slavery we were seeking ways to look more acceptable. We invented the relaxer to be able to emulate white styles long ago.
So this is why starting from the late 1960s a movement began to show that we can be normal, beautiful and accepted with our own natural hair.
Nigeria did not have this issue because everyone is black.
I grew up in the 90s and out of hundreds of girls and women I knew I did not know anyone with natural hair except myself and a few old ladies that kept it pressed.
So in the USA now some people question why people feel the need to relax. Its OK if its just a style but it can also mean more.
Yes, exactly! The huge differences I was surrounded by with being between both cultures is the reason why I really wanted to make this video
Very well said
As a Nigerian who lived in Nigeria for most of my life, I would add that the history of relaxed hair back home was rooted in neo colonialism. Even after colonialism ended, everything white was appreciated more, but now, relaxed hair in Nigeria is primarily for the ease. Natural hair requires attention and it's time consuming; we don't have that luxury to spend almost every day fiddling with hair. With relaxed hair it's easier and cheaper to manage, as you can simply put it in a bun and continue your hustle when there's no money for braids. As Seun's grandma said, it's all about keeping the hair neat.
P.S ; I'm on my natural hair and currently have no plans of relaxating.
@@TheMariemarie16 Its not just in America that natural black hair was looked down upon. A few years ago, working in corporate Nigeria, you were considered "unkempt" and "not well groomed" if you wore natural hair, no matter how you styled it. The demographic surveyed by Seun's video seems to have excluded the views and experiences of working professional women in Nigeria.
As I commented a while ago, most people just follow trends with a "herd" mentality and dont really take the time understand the ideologies behind them.
The professionalism in this video omg like National Geographic or sumn! 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed it!
Hello, I'm Nigerian. I had natural hair till my final year in high school. Growing up, hairdressers used to complain about my hair and told me to relax it so it would be easier to deal with. I begged my mom to let me relax my hair cause she wouldn't and every "cool kid" in school had relaxed hair. When she finally agreed, I was so glad and everyone noticed my hair, it was a big relieve. I relaxed my hair for a year and stopped when I got into the university cause my hair was really scanty and relaxed hair made it more obvious. I have had natural hair ever since then and it has been journey and I am glad I returned to my natural hair.
My sister on the hand got the lucky hair... full and long. she has transitioned back and forth from natural and relaxed depending on what she feels like and its really cool. she
P.S Her relaxed hair is way way way fuller than my natural hair! (imagine three cry emojis here)
sad sad sad sad story of my hair.
LOVE YOUR CONTENT THOUGH!!!!
One reason I'd always appreciate Seun Okimi is that she disproved the false notion that relaxed hair cannot grow past the shoulder with well-detailed videos about her hair journey. I learned a lot from all she shared. I choose to relax my hair as far as I have studied my hair type, patience and personal aesthetic values. If I don't relax my hair, I'd rather keep them in natural permanent locs.
I may be the last person to rock an afro because I don't share the passion behind the black hair movement yet. This is also because I reject the idea of sheepishly following publicized trends, and because I can't adequately care for it given my schedule and interests. It's not always a convenient choice. I know many friends that quickly turned natural in order to discard the eurocentric norms of having your hair straightened and relaxed. Half of them have also decided to switch back to relaxing their hair after finding out what they preferred. My major problem with those virgins with natural hair is judging others who choose to relax their hair as inferior in some petty way which I won't buy into. Usually, their first impression is that relaxing comes from an ignorant, uninformed mindset which is ready to accept foreign standards of beauty without even thinking. It is almost refreshing to meet those who aren't so quick to judge and come to this conclusion. Personally, I will always maintain my relaxed hair because it is simple to manage and works well with my lifestyle. It is my choice and should be respected just as well as that of the naturals.
Girl I thought dis was a whole documentary from bbc or some .... My mum relaxed my hair at a very young age like 8... now in my 30s she still doesn’t want like natural bc of time she was from and she said it just to much ...however My sister and I choose to be natural and we have great healthy hair. Love the doc beautiful done
I appreciate this video a lot. When I moved to the US, I had relaxed hair. As the natural hair movement boomed, I too felt the need to jump on the bandwagon. It worked out for about 4 years until I started law school and didn’t have the time to take care of me hair, so I went back to relaxers for easy management. That was it. I didn’t do it for any thoughts of Eurocentric beauty standards or self hate. After I got a relaxer, I found that I was beginning to be ashamed to say I had relaxed hair because of the looks I got. I was constantly explaining the rational for why I got a relaxer but why should I have to do that? The reality is in the US hair is very political. And people often want to hide under the umbrella of “self love” to bully you into going natural. Why can’t my self love be what I determine it is? The push needs to be for proper hair care, regardless of the state of your hair. The idea that you’re only embracing your blackness if you wear your hair without chemical processes can very quickly become another form of other people telling you what to do and then we’re back to square one. I want long, healthy hair and I’ll keep experimenting until I find what works best and that’s really all there is to it. We should teach our daughters and sisters and nieces that they are beautiful no matter what and should do things only for themselves, not because other people tell them. That’s the lesson.
Exactly! Yes, I love your comment
I LOVE this comment
And now we see how you did in Law School..Excellent argument!! 🏆🏆Agreed!!
Agreed. Beauty is the way you see it. I'm not obligated to explain how I keep my hair to anyone whether it is relaxed or natural. Wear what makes you happy.
@@Morphedintoiat43 hahaha thank you 😊
What sucks for me though, is how so many stylists still don't know how to handle natural hair, especially in a cost effective way, yet it's how your hair comes out of your scalp, like why should it be so hard to handle?
The wig is another product that is damaging the hair. Especially when it is glued. But to each his own
Their are glueless natural looking wigs and you can use straps to secure it. People choose to glue I guess for more security
Wigs don’t damage the hair ., if it’s put on right
It actually promotes growth since it’s untouched
I always thought wigs were an excellent way to protect hair
So what I'm getting is that a lot of African cultures see relaxers as like a style choice as opposed to assimilation like it usually is in America. I like that mindset. But ofc black american culture is different so we really did need to come over this hump to CHOOSE our natural hair for a time at least. Love this.
From what I've experienced, the style choice might also be a reflection of the influence of Eurocentric beauty standards on the African mindset (another example of this is the bleaching that has been prominent in West Africa for instance).
Black american and those on the continent of Africa and abroad relaxed their hair for assimilation. People of African decent across the diaspora relaxed for this reason. The same for bleaching. We all had choices ie, locs, various braid styles,.etc. Yet many chose to relax to assimilate. Let's be real.
What is "relax to assimilate"? I'm genuinely curious. As an African, I'm always confused when I see Americans giving so much significance to hair and hairstyles
@@bellewrites Thanks for the info. I never knew African Americans had to go through all that for something that grew naturally on their head
Feminine Divine skin bleaching is global including all of Africa I don’t know why you idiots keep saying west Africa specifically
This is weird to watch, as a black person from the states. Stylists here normally want natural hair when placing hair in braids or they dont take issue if it is natural. Going natural was the best decision of my life. However, I must admit I never thought of permed hair as a big deal.
Some stylists do require hair to be premed before they braid it...in the states( some have it as a policy) and Caribbean. They are crazy because its better when the hair is natural.
@@sonikascott6094 Absolutely! When I would have braids installed and my hair was permed, I would get eye rolls. I guess it depends on the stylist.
Girl that was literally my thoughts while watching this. Like why y’all relaxing your hair just to put it in braids. Thankfully I’ve never encountered a stylist that required my hair to be relaxed to be braided and If I did I wouldn’t go to them. If my hair needs to be bone straight to be braided, you can’t braid IMO.
@@sonikascott6094 I know some salons charge extra for natural hair
@@toritenai1950 right!
I love how everyone is sharing their point of view but being so polite and loving in the comments without condemning others. I wear protective styles likes weaves wigs and crochets but my hair has personally been natural for 6 years now and I am happy I did it. I love my fro. I understand what ppl mean as a person with kinky 4c hair that it can be hard to manage but I would like to add that its typically that hard to manager when it is dry and not been tended to. So, I say this rather relaxed or natural you have to take care of your hair. Wash it, moisturize it, comb and brush it daily if ita not in a style. That's what keeps it manageable.
Natural hair is so beautiful to me - so full of life, just like we are. We just need to be know how to care for it. You don’t need expensive products, just a little knowledge. ❤️
I don't usually Post. This was very important and necessary from your Grandmother.Powerful Respectful . Braiding should be protected as our Culture .Women of Color have paid many dues.to be themselves.Please continue to be yourself and share Content from the Rich source from where you come from ♥️🎨🌺
I've never realized how much I loved my natural hair until I lost it due to relaxers....it took me about 2 years to get back natural and I will never relax my hair again
Can we take a moment to appreciate how Mr.Komlan of Nature's gentle touch differentiated both hair types... "Virgin hair and chemically treated hair... Because actually, I believe my relaxed hair is still my natural hair
Yes, he made a strong point about making that distinction
I totally agree with you on this. My hair might be relaxed but it’s still natural.
How does your statement make any sense. If your hair doesn’t revert to its natural state when wet then it’s not natural it has technically been chemically altered no longer natural.
He made an excellent point! As a hairstylist overseas and we often classify hair as being virgin (in its completely natural state) or chemically treated (coloured, relaxed, keratin treatment or highlighted).
However both are viewed as the persons own hair because it came from their scalp. It is usually in the case of hair extensions where we may class their hair as not all theirs.
I am black woman myself and I feel our community use the labels "natural" and "relaxed" not to describe the hair itself but to classify people on their degree of blackness where relaxed hair is often negatively associated as anti-black, self hating or selling out.
Thank you Seun, I think your documentary was brilliant and I really enjoyed it.
L 1234
So its your *REAL* hair but not natural. Think of lip fillers, there are still your lips but not your natural lips. If that makes sense?
I havent relaxed my hair in yearrrssss!! I will not put that mess in my daughters hair either. Shes beautiful they way God made her
I recently stoped using relaxer and I realized just how dead my hair was when my new natural hair started growing
Hope your doing well beautiful❤
I started making my hair too after secondary school, and oh the opposition I faced when I refused to relax my hair. The hairdressers were not nice too, they'd charge me double for the price of a style. There was not much encouragement. But I didn't stop, I don't know why and I'm glad I didn't relax it. It's 6 years now and it's OMG GORGEOUS!!!!❤️
❤️
Nigeria hairdressers are something else, that's how they convince me in doing what I don't want to do as if I won't pay d money
@@hannahoyeneye5277 honestly
It looks like a MAJORITY of us Africans moved from Relaxers straight to wigs (human hair)!! While the use of relaxers by Africans is on the decline, the use of wigs (human hair) is on the rise. A lot of Africans moved away from relaxers once they saw the damage it did to their hair. I STRONGLY believe that us Africans will (eventually) move away from wigs too, once we see the damage it brings to our hair follicles with our own bare eyes. By damage, I mean bald edges or hair shedding, caused by, among others, the glue for lace-front wigs for instance. Everything takes time, of course but the damage will happen. You need to make another beautiful documentary entitled: the sudden, widespread use of wigs in Africa.
This was a great video! The phenomenon you describe is not unique to Nigeria. It's an AFRICAN phenomenon and wig makers/sellers are reaping HUGE benefits. 👍
Yessssss! Speak on it!! 🗣️ These wigs aren't good for black hair either. I stopped wearing mine in February because I noticed my edges were starting to thin & I don't even use glue or tape 😐
What other styles are we meant to do? Black hair will break if its left out
Black hair styles are always changing and evolve. Not everyone one of us that wears wigs use glue.
Brittany Jacqueline wigs are causing cancer sweetie. If you glue on your wigs and fail to moisturize your hair under them it will inevitably fall out. This is not the same thing as a relaxer at all. Relaxers will inevitably make your hair unhealthy and put your well being at risk
@@Badgyalalinaa sew-ins
Relaxed hair or not these women are beautiful and the world knows that!
Their curls and texture are absolutely stunning but then when they relax their hair its also stunning.
I was blessed with thick, curly hair from the Arab, European mix in my family but always loved tight curls.
These ladies have hair the world loves and I hope they embrace their hair and do what they want not what society pushes.
They are strong women! They can stand for what they want 👍🏼
MastoorA Beauty MA
It's totally impossible for relax hair to be stunning on a 'black', however, I do expect such a statement from one that's a mixed.
@Are You Ready
Based on what you have written, which obviously came from your unassimilated and self-loving mindset, I know that you are one beautiful and sagacious 'black' princess that's surely ready and I'm ready to talk to you anytime.
Can we converse via email?
@@beardedcomelyprince3927 wow what a hateful comment to write someone.
I have seen black girls from Somalia and ertetria, morocco etc with straight hair!!!!
How dare you insult the way God has created people just because you want to over exert beauty to be the typical one way that you think is the insecurity of black women.
A strong woman isn't defined by an afro, locks or length but by her mind and heart.
@Are You Ready not all African women have an afro if you know what African women look like!!!!
I live in North Africa and most women here have long straight hair, few have curls and less have afros!!! But they are african. Same in Mauritania, Eritrea etc etc.
@@beardedcomelyprince3927 lol how desperate is that 😅
I fell in love with my natural hair. I will not ever put a relaxer on my hair. There are so many beautiful ways to grow and care for natural hair. It does not have to be difficult. Water is a powerful tool to growing natural hair. Teaching young girls how to take care of their natural hair and showing them how beautiful they are is so important. Women need to understand the dangers of using chemicals on their hair as well. I hope you grow to love your natural hair and teach others the same.
Same I love my hair now 🤗
Hair aside, the rice at 8:08 looked DELICIOUS! Now my mouth is watering...
Midnightstar 0810 bruh😂
Nigerian cuisine is so delicious 😍😍😍
@@danielabassano9528 owambe rice lol
Got a pot full of jolof rice on the stove right now I’m so happy to be Nigerian
But that bottle of water looks so THIRST QUENCHING
I looovee this video. As living in South Africa, we are also moving away from relaxers. It's a slow shift, but happening nonetheless. I love seeing ladies embrace their natural hair.
Thank you! Yes, it is really becoming global!
thirstyroots.com/coconut-milk-and-lime-hair-relaxer-recipes.html.
I don't know how I'm so drawn to this "documentary" than I am in my daily routines rn.
God! This is so beautiful.
I remember growing up and seeing women and girls with natural hair and thinking that was so insane, now here I am transitioning ✌️
Hope it all goes well ❤❤ the work will be worth it 🌺
💅💅proudd
As a Nigerian living in America I feel like the issue is that most people living in Nigeria don’t get the education about natural hair and how to upkeep it. If natural hair influencers were very prevalent in Nigeria as it was in the states, a lot of more people would go natural because they have more knowledge on how to take care of their natural hair. Amazing documentary btw
True, there needs to be more Nigerian influencers or just more West African natural influencers.
Thanks! I know quite a few Nigerian natural hair influencers living in Nigeria! We just need to support more of them
I really enjoyed this. Wish it was longer. Your grandma is beautiful and knowledgeable 😍. I love the different views of people in the video. Great content Seun.
Thank you!!! Good to know. So glad you enjoyed it!
I relaxed my hair in 2017 and I loved it! I didn't have to worry about it so much. In 2018 I went to touch up my roots, using a different hairstylist.
When my hair started breaking off, it was then that I decided to go back to my natural hair.
I'm still learning which products are good for my hair and how to protect it. It's a journey when transitioning from relaxed to natural, without doing the big chop, but it will be worth it in the end for me.
Some people said they prefer my hair when it's straight, but I have learned to love my curls and that's all that matters.
This video was very informative. Thank you.
This is absolutely best channel on hair care and self esteem in every way. This documentary takes your channel to an entirely different level. I find myself binge watching your videos and taking all your advice. I have natural hair and all of your videos still apply even though your hair is relaxed. I am looking forward to seeing your natural hair journey after your big chop.
It is true that some hairdressers in Nigeria prefer clients with relaxed hair. I remember when I was younger with natural hair, hairdressers would leave me to make other clients' because mine was 'Too full'or 'virgin'.
Great work on the documentary, seun!
Really glad you enjoyed it! Yes, its true
OMG our African people are so beautiful ❤️😍🥰🥰 I love being a black woman of African decent 🥰🤗 cosmetology is historically our ancestors property we are the richest and most beautiful and blessed race in the world 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Its true!!!!
This was so good! As a hair care specialist and a woman who wears natural hair, I learned a lot! Thank you for sharing this documentary with us. Great work!
I love this! Perspective is everything, and it goes to show just how connected we all are as humans. The reasons why aren’t always quantifiable... I tend to believe it’s a spiritual movement back to the natural state of having free will to CHOOSE, vs being brainwashed to believe anything is better than the other.
Anyway excellent minidoc, keep exploring!
Virgin hair has become a trend and now it's relaxed hair that is being stigmatized. When I relaxed my hair again, I got so many comments about how my hair won't grow or it will be really slow now. I'm so glad that I found your channel and it also helps that you are a Nigerian as well so even if others don't believe that my hair will grow, I have more faith now. Thanks🤗🤗.
Yes, that stigma is definitely becoming more and more real. So glad to be of help to you
Ignore those negative comments. Do what’s right for you and your hair. Those folks aren’t going to help you take care of it or pay for your hair care so they’re opinions don’t matter. As a natural I can say that having natural hair does not guarantee that your hair will grow faster. I’ve had to get so many trims and cuts due to split ends and single strand knots. I’ve finally gotten the hang of caring for it and there are pros and cons to both natural and relaxed hair, but both can be beautiful.
I'm Nigerian, I live in Nigeria and I love my relaxed hair. My natural hair is thick and tough to manage. Watching your videos has helped me take better care of my relaxed hair. Pls dont change your content. There are people who still rock it
So happy to have been able to help
I relaxed my hair the first time at 10 for a wedding. It was good at first. My hair long, reaching past my shoulders, easy styles for school but as time go by, my hair break up. Not bad but my got shorter. I got leukaemia at 12, so chemotherapy made me lose my hair. When I was 17, I started back since my hair grew out fuller but had trouble styling every morning. At 19, I decided that I've had enough cause with relaxing and the long term aftereffects of my stem cell transplant, which weakened my hair, my hair started breaking up bad. And being on RUclips more often, I learned about transitioning hair and how to identify it. And also how to care for my hair better. So since November last year, 2019, I was 19, I stopped relaxing. So I'm going back natural but i still the relaxed hair at the ends. I've got braids in my hair for a month now so in a few weeks I'm gonna get my hair trimmed and treated. I'm done with relaxers for good and gonna embrace my natural hair
When faced to natural, one just needs to have patience and the methods to realize that it is not that difficult to take care of it. From there, can one really embrace it and not run from it. This video was really instructive/eye opening
This is something I really wanted to talk about!! When I lived in Nigeria I always wanted to keep my natural hair but my school won't let me because it looked "rough" and "untidy" I have no choice but to continue using relaxers on my hair. My hair started breaking SERIOUSLY. That's what I decide I'm never relaxing my hair again it's been about 3 years now and my hair is Flourishing. I wish People could stop normalizing relaxers it only causes harm to the health of hair. Natural hair isn't difficult to take care of like most people assume
This saddens me! But it’s the raw truth we’re seeing here...I refuse to tell my children or younger black girls that for their hair to be pretty it has to be straight....they fed us with so much lies whiles growing up.....black natural hair is magical....
This was of a professional quality. Really pleased that I came across this video and have now subscribed. Looking forward to more A+ documentaries about Nigeria and Africa in general.
This is such a beautiful documentary!!!! Done so well Seun, thank you for this!
Awesome documentary Seun. I love that you’re so ambitious, intelligent (clearly from the way you carry yourself and the fact that you’re a chemistry student at Duke 🙌🏾!), and you seem like a beautiful person inside and out! The same trend that’s happening in the U.S.A , and in Nigeria, is also happening in the Caribbean. I’m just so elated that we, as black women, are starting to take better care of ourselves. We are more conscious about what put in and on our bodies :). Again, great documentary. P.S You inspired me to start my own channel on natural hair (hair growing out of your scalp) a few months back ♥️🙌🏾!
Subscribed 😊
Aww, thank you so so much!!❤️ Yes, it really is becoming global!
Angel Love ♥️ Thank you so much love!
School policy need to change, let the girls wear their hair with pride.
If someone could help reduce my headaches when a relaxer is needed I’ll go natural. Til then I gotta go with what keeps my head from hurting so badly.
Strange I know but true. I love and respect natural hair, just seems unfair I can’t “get” to mine. 🤷🏽♀️
Great video! 👍🏽❣️
I mean colonialists also tought Africans the same racist ideologies about their hair that they did in the US and perpetuated the white beauty standard just the same
@Ana Maria and who do you think put those ideals in a BLACK WOMAN’S mind? They were taught it was unkept and ghetto. They didn’t want their kids to go thru trama so they adapted to the standard.
@Ana Maria who do think TAUGHT black women that they didn't wake up one day and say damn I want a perm no they were taught that thru the MEDIA and WORK PLACES
@@katieg5970 wat r uu talking abt? I was replying to an ignorant comment
@@katieg5970 um I still don’t think uu get what I meant
@Ana Maria how are you gonna tell someone their own thoughts? Idk who you think you are😂 you’re ignorant. Self hate? Please💀it’s all cute til you can’t get a job because of your hair. Bullied constantly because of your hair. Being put as untamed because of your hair. Environments DO affect ones mindset. But yk someone as ignorant as uu wouldn’t understand.
Nimi is beautiful, I just love her bone structure, that girl could totally be a model. Also, you can totally have a 'pressed' look with a flat iron, that's what ultimately made me stop using relaxers, being able to get the same straight look without the chemical damage, and still be able to go back to curly whenever I want.
This was so interesting. I never viewed my relaxed hair as trying to conform only that my hair is easier to maintain day to day this way. Thanks for sharing
Exactly, I'm the one who has to comb my hair & it's hard. Nothing to do with being unapologetically Black💪🏿❤️
Yes, me too! Glad you liked it!
As a girl who grew up with rasta dad, daddy ensures that I embrace my natural hair. And I'm proud that I've never relaxed my hair.
Also in my home country, in Africa, people used to relaxed their hair.... But....now idk what they saw or heard they start keeping their hair natural.
In Ghana many young ladies and even older women are rocking natural hair.
Great job documenting this! I think you’ve got a gift for this kind of documentary, perhaps you can make it a series on your channel..? Educational, interesting and enlightening. I got so into it, 16 mins felt so short ! Lol keep it coming sis🙌🏾🤍
Thank you so much!!!
💕💕Awesome video. I loved watching this to see Nigerian people on the continent. I’m of course a Black American descendant of Slaves and a lot of us here in the States don’t know much about the culture and ways of Nigeria and so many other countries on the continent. Beautiful to see 💕💕
Thank you! Yes, I really hoped that by making this video, I would be able to share a little bit about Nigerian culture as a whole as well
Everyone look so beautiful with or without natural hair yes it's about us learning about who we are but Abba Father will show us the way!🙏🙏🙏very nicely explained! 💖
This was so informative & well put together. Keep making more vids; we'll keep watching. You are awesome.💖💕
Fellow Nigerian-American here. I commented on a previous video with an opinion that wasn’t so popular. I think it’s ironic that you are pursuing a degree in Chemistry and I would urge you to research the compounds in chemical relaxers. They have clearly been linked to high rates of BREAST CANCER and FIBROIDS among black women. How do they affect fetuses? Non-black women are advised by their OB/Gyn to cease keratin treatments and hair coloring when pregnant. Little if no research has been done on the immediate and long-term impact of relaxers on black women’s children.
You will find a wealth of studies done by the National Women’s Law Center, Harvard, UC Berkeley and Oprah Mag to name a few, that discuss the racism inherent in black women’s healthcare and black women’s maternal health.
How is that related to a hairstyle? Black woken are choosing an aesthetic over their own health because it is an option. The same way that we settled for carcinogenic and hormone disrupting ingredients in our hair and skincare products until Unilever and other brands realized they needed to pivot to market cleaner and healthier products, is the same way black women who relax need to step up and demand a cleaner and safer product.
I’ve been natural for 13 years and have no interest in the look of relaxed hair. However, if you and others prefer the look, you should be responsible in informing others of the health risks of that choice. You should also be interested in advocating for (or pioneering) a safer and cleaner relaxer that will not harm your health.
The little girl with relaxer on her head has NO IDEA that it could damage root follicles and cause crown thinning by age 50, cause painful uterine fibroids that need to be surgically removed, cause developmental delays to her future unborn children or cause malignant tumors in her breasts that lead to premature death by age 40. She thinks she looks prettier or “neater” which is another host of self-acceptance challenges that there isn’t room to discuss in this post. Who will be responsible for informing her about the health consequences?
There is another level to this in the U.S. when we look at Africans vs. African-Americans going “natural.” West Africans tend to have type 4b/4C hair while AA tend to have looser and silkier type 3/4a textures. There are East Africans who predominantly do not relax because they have type 3 hair. There are other exceptions. My texture is 4a so it looks “relaxed” when I get it professionally straightened. All to say that going “natural” for most Africans has a whole different meaning than it might for AA, as the textures require different maintenance and different products to thrive. Despite my looser texture, my hair is still 100% African in behavior and resistant to products, processes, heat and chemicals. It took me years, many product lines and some AA stylists telling me I should loc my hair, to find a routine that keeps my natural hair looking at optimal hydration, shine and style ready.
There are levels to this that go beyond a styling choice, convenience or socio-political commentary. Please share your views responsibly.
Yes! Thank you for saying exactly what I wanted to say. There are levels to this stuff and it’s so much deeper than just a “choice”.
I couldn't have said it better myself! This is the information they should be putting forth and stop saying, hair is hair while you are killing yourself.
Minimal Assembly thank you for this comment . Just cuz Africans are ignorant to certain things does not make them right . Just cuz they don’t have to deal with racism on a day to day doesn’t make their view superior! Do we forget that Nigerians were also colonised by white people and a lot have a severe inferiority complex towards white people.. just because Africans don’t know why they do things as opposed to af ams who looked intrinsically to the root of the problem doesn’t make the african point of view more valid . If Nigerians knew better they would stop relaxing tbh . The argument used to support relaxers by Nigerians could also be applied to bleaching if we really want to go there !
Thank you for sharing, sis!! We need to hear it!
YES
I transitioned to my natural hair when I literally couldn't afford relaxers. And I never turned back. I've never regretted that decision. I'd never had healthy or even remotely long hair all my life. For me, being natural is the best decision.
🙌🏽
I just stumbled across your RUclips channel... you did an amazing job with this documentary , you are more than just a RUclipsr. You seem to have a gift of telling a story so professionally ..keep doing what you do , maybe this is your calling.
Very nicely done. Keep up the good work. I am a Black American who travels back and forth between Los Angeles and Benin City, Nigeria...
I love natural hair and relax hair it’s how u take care of ur hair at the end of the day it’s just hair it will grow back even healthier once u don’t cuz extreme damage to ur scalp
Very true
“You are less of an african😄” wow , what is wrong with being african ? That we now need to look less of it by relaxing your hair and ect . Love your african roots people🖤.
❤❤ natural hair is bomb!💅💅
She said in her video of the big chop, that we need to see her documentary so iam here now watching it😂
This is a documentary that should be on tv ... the quality , the wisdom , ecc ecc I’m happy that there are people like you you have this kind of talent !!! Good job !
I really love this video concept because (at least from my experience growing up) as a black American I think some of us thought Africa - especially before the spread of social media - was this place where everyone was so proud of their blackness (hair, dark skin and all) and we black Americans were the only ones influenced by European beauty standards. I was surprised years ago when I learned skin bleaching was more prominent in Africa than it is here! One black American youtuber years ago talked about how she was shocked when she went to Ghana I believe and people had a problem with her natural hair lol. That didn't fit the narrative I always heard. But I like how you brought out that the decision to relax in Africa may not be as racially motivated as it seems to have been in the U.S. It's nice to learn what is actually going on in Nigeria and how it compares to the U.S.
Yes, I really wanted to make this video to be able to share a little bit about Nigerian ways!
J R in all honestly I think it is racially motivated but maybe indirectly! The influence is colonisation is real but it’s hard for Nigerian to analyse the reason for theit behaviours because they don’t have to deal with racism on a day to day basis 🤷🏾♀️
@@user-tn6fg2du6v It is not racially motivated..Nigeria was not ruled directly by colonialists but through chiefs and kings that reported to the British. So relaxed hair, is a fashion trend that most of us just do because people will think you are rich if you do it...i texlaxed my hair when I was young in Nigeria because I wanted length but I knew I did not want the relaxed look. As a Nigerian who grew up in 5 different states, I can say I never looked at a white woman and thought I want to look like that....its very different here. Even skin bleaching has a different meaning than in the USA...its a way to stand out..and some people think if they bleach their features will be more noticeable, they will be noticed in the crowd.
In Nigeria we have all skin shades represented..our highest paid female actor is dark skinned-Genevive nnajo, our highest paid female singer is dark...we recognise beauty in all skin tones here. Natural hair is great, but so is stretched hair..its not my place to police anyone. If anyone wants to bleach good luck to them..i personally think the best skin is chocolate brown to dark brown....light skin and deep deep dark isnt always preety unless it is flawless and even- Mercy Johnson is one of the highest paid and sort after actors in Nigeria..she used to be deep dark, but she is now dark brown..God knows why. My point is she was still highest paid when she was darker. ...
Tosin Ojo that’s all great . There’s not enough lightskin people on Nigeria for their to be a sufficient colour hierarchy, it’s a majority dark skinned country so essentially if they tried to only give light skinned women jobs there wouldn’t be enough actresses, although I agree beauty standards are different, we’re not gonna act like there aren’t sprinkles of colourism in Nigerian society . With the highest rate of bleachers in west Africa , I’ve even heard Nigerians make dark skin jokes towards Ghanaians lol . Colonial rule is the reason why white people and non black foreigners in Nigeria are treated like kings and queens . Even if relaxer is a so called trend , the average Nigerian woman doesn’t know how to take care of 4c hair and when you go to a Nigerian hair dresser with natural hair they complain lol . That’s a bit more than a trend . A majority blsck nation , with majority 4c hair but african Americans know more about taking care of 4c hair than the average Nigerian . The biggest danger with colonialism is that Nigerians have accepted the practices like they are Nigerian beliefs , at least with african Americans that know the root of their issues and are working to tackle it . A Nigerian women with bleach skin , a blonde wig and blue contacts will say she’s following trends not realising she’s full of self hate l🤷🏾♀️
Aish Lol there is also not enough light skinned people in the US to be a significant color hierarchy but it’s still there🤔.
Seun, this was a really interesting documentary. As a British Nigerian I think we (from the west) often forget that we cannot speak for our african couterparts. Thank you for using your platform to voice their experiences and views on this topic.
Really glad you enjoyed the video!
I remember in the 4th grade my mom tricked me into getting a relaxer telling me it was gonna make my hair ”better”, ”longer” but thank Jah my hair rejected the chemical completely and it did harm to my hair
Lovely to see us returning to natural. I have found it freeing and less stressful. Plus getting my scalp burned by chemicals and a hot comb traumatizing. Once my cornrow braids were so tight I had blisters in my scalp and it damaged my hair line. I said enough. I cut it off, and I never felt so beautiful in my life. Never looked back. I've had so much fun with all the natural styles at every length. So relieved that we are reclaiming our natural Afro beauty. Thank you so much for the lovely sharing. Greetings from Central America. 🌺🦋✨
My mom relaxed my hair once ever in my life. I hated it so much she never did it again. I cut all my hair off 3 years ago! My natural curls are so pretty and now I take care of my hair because it’s become something I now see as beautiful and something I want to see flourish 🥰
Your grandmother is so beautiful!
Thank you!! She really is
Wow! this is a well produced short documentary, well done! I definitely don’t miss relaxers, I’m embracing and loving the natural hair God gave me 😊
This was very well put together young lady! This has documentary written all over it. I love it!!! I'm sharing this because more people need to see it.