Tell me about yourself!
My name is Lisa Obiri. I am 21 years old and living in the UK studying graphics. Growing up in Ghana, girls were expected to cut their hair for school, so you can say I had a TWA for years! I eventually moved to the UK and I got my first relaxer and loved it. At the age of 15, I got my last relaxer ever. The chemicals made all my hair fall out! It was really depressing, being so young and having no hair. I made the decision to never relax again, and I started wearing braids to grow my hair out.
Had you always embraced your texture?
No, I use to envy all the mixed girls with the long curly hair. Simply because my texture which is 4C was not accepted. I was so ashamed to wear it in public. I always had it in braids. But discovering youtube and blogs like CurlyNikki opened my eyes and I started to see myself differently. Now I love my texture!
How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
It’s funny to me because I never used to show my hair often, my family saw it once a month, but one day I discovered YouTube, and I started experimenting. I always got insults from some of the people around me, I guess they liked the weaves and braids than my natural hair.
The insults were so harsh I’m surprised I didn’t relax my hair. But things are okay now. They have accepted it, and now that I’m at APL they seemed surprised. You have to be strong around family and friends that don’t support you. They may not understand now, but be patience with them they will come around.
Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
I have very high density hair, but my strands are fine to medium. My hair is very coarse in some areas. The crown of my hair is so thick, but I love it.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
I use to moisturize with hair grease and blow dry it with the grease in my hair. I would do this pattern every month for 5 years or more. My hair was stuck at 6 inches. I’m shocked that I ever did this! I have no idea.
What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I love a bantu knot out I achieve this with my whipped shea butter, and another style I love is a simple bun on those days when I don’t have time. Currently I am doing a protective style regimen wearing wigs and it has helped me retain a lot of length. Plus I do the GHE which is awesome for moisture.
I use olive and coconut oil, shea butter, African pride shampoo and vital hair mayonnaise. I keep it simple! On a daily basis I spritz with water. Sometimes I seal it in with an oil and GHE for bed. In the morning I wear my wig and go. I wash my hair every two weeks and I deep condition with coconut oil.
What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
Bantu knots! It’s quick, easy and simple. My biggest style inspiration is Naptural85.
Who is your curl crush?
Chime Edwards-(HairCrush)
Torridiana777
Cipriana Quann (UrbanBushBabes)
Naptural85
NaturalRose
How do you maintain your hair at night?
Most nights I do the GHE.
How do you maintain healthy length?
I maintain the health by dusting my ends to get rid of split ends and keeping it in protective styles such as buns and wigs.
What’s the best thing about being natural?
My confidence has changed so much since being natural. Our hair is so unique and different especially being 4C. No other race has hair like ours. My hair can do many different things– I can have a short fro to a big fro in a day. There are so many styles. The journey has taught me so much, and I have mastered the art of patience!
Where can folks find you on the web?
Youtube: LisaIsNatural
Instagram: LisaIsNatural
