The natural hair journey isn’t just about beauty—it’s about healing, heritage, and hard choices. For many African women, going natural is both personal and political. It’s a decision to embrace what was once shamed, to reconnect with ancestral pride, and to rewrite the script on what “professional,” “elegant,” and “worthy” looks like. This piece explores that journey—from Sade’s fictional transformation to the real voices of women across the continent.
A Mirror Moment: Sade’s Story With Her Natural Hair
Sade stood in front of the mirror, her hands trembling.
Three inches of virgin growth tangled at her scalp. The rest—chemically straightened and thinned—hung like a defeated curtain. In her right hand was a jar of relaxer. In her left, a pair of scissors.
She could hear her mother’s voice: “Relaxed hair is easier. Looks neater. More acceptable.” And yet, something inside her cracked—soft but sure.
She dropped the relaxer.
That night, she cut it all off. Not out of rebellion. Out of release.
In that big chop lived all her quiet protests:
- Against beauty ideals she never subscribed to
- Against job interview microaggressions
- Against years of hiding
The days that followed weren’t easy. She wore turbans at first. Then headwraps. Then nothing.
People stared. Some admired. Others asked if she had “joined a movement.” But Sade kept walking.
She started documenting her journey in a diary: wash days, failed twist-outs, the first time her afro caught the wind. She remembered crying—not out of frustration, but awe.
“I never knew my hair could feel like this. Soft. Loud. Alive.”
Today, Sade runs a community workshop teaching schoolgirls how to care for their natural hair—and how to wear it with pride.
Real Women, Real Roots
Lydia Forson – Ghana
Ghanaian actress and activist Lydia Forson is renowned for her unapologetic embrace of her natural beauty. She frequently showcases her natural hair in various styles, from afros to twisted updos. In an interview, she stated:
Hamamat Montia – Ghana
Former Miss Malaika Ghana and entrepreneur Hamamat Montia is celebrated for her dedication to African heritage and natural beauty. Known for her stunning, voluminous afro, she shares her natural hair journey and traditional skincare secrets. She once wrote:
“Thank you for teaching me that staying natural will always be Beautiful.”
Beverly Naya – Nigeria
Nigerian actress Beverly Naya is a natural hair icon, using her platform to redefine beauty and celebrate Black identity. In a recent post, she wrote:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigeria
Acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has often spoken about the cultural and political significance of natural hair. In her novel Americanah, she writes:
“Relaxing your hair is like being in prison. You’re caged in. Your hair rules you.”
Nandi Madida – South Africa
South African singer, actress, and TV personality Nandi Madida is known for her elegant and bold natural hairstyles. In one of her posts, she stated:
“Always rocking that natural hair! Decided to dye it fuchsia pink.
Why the Movement Matters
This isn’t just hair. It’s a cultural reset.
Emotionally:
- Reverses years of internalised shame
- Builds confidence and identity
- Empowers intergenerational healing
Culturally:
- Revives traditional hair rituals like threading and clay masks
- Boosts local natural product economies
- Normalizes afro textures in professional and media spaces
The Science of Going Natural
According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, frequent use of chemical relaxers has been linked to increased risk of fibroids among Black women.
Additionally:
- Relaxers can cause scalp burns, alopecia, and hormonal disruption
- Natural hair care reduces exposure to harsh chemicals
- Low-manipulation styles improve long-term hair retention
How to Start Your Own Afro Hair Journey
Here’s a practical roadmap:
Big Chop or Transition?
Decide whether to cut off relaxed ends or gradually grow them out.
Learn Your Texture.
4A, 4B, 4C—it’s not just numbers. It helps you choose products and routines.
Moisture is Queen.
Use water-based sprays, oils like baobab or coconut, and sleep with satin.
Find Your Tribe.
Join communities like @NaturalHairAfrica on Instagram or local meetups.
Patience. Progress. Power.
Growth is not just in inches—it’s in confidence.
Final Reflection
The natural hair journey is messy. Tender. Political. And liberating.
From Lagos to Lusaka, women are saying no—not just to relaxers, but to every voice that told them they weren’t enough.
Every afro in the boardroom. Every twist-out on a first date. Every puff under a gele. It’s not just style.
It’s story.
And that crown? It was never lost. Just waiting for you to wear it again.
