CurlSTAR: Zinhle Africa on Natural Hair, No-Extension Braids and Letting Her Texture Be
By Nikki Walton
Meet the stunningly gorgeous Zinhle Africa (@zinhle.africa). Her routine is simple: keep her hair moisturized, wear braids without extensions, and let her kinky texture do what it does! The end. She’s also committed to NOT using commercial products! She’s written her first e-book, which is available for download NOW! I’ll let her introduce herself–
I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I’m currently based. I’m a single woman who has put God and my purpose at the centre of my life. That journey has led me to rediscover our African heritage through natural haircare. After 11 years of my own natural-hair journey, I’ve become an advocate and educator, which led me to write my first e-book, Natural Hair Is Easy.
On her absolute favorite hair products right now…
My favourite products are actually natural ingredients that I’ve been using for years. At the top of the list is organic castor oil, which I use as a scalp oil and sealant, as well as organic coconut oil for hot-oil treatments and to incorporate into a deep conditioner.
On what has made the biggest difference in her length retention…
Keeping my hair hydrated and moisturised, as well as choosing the right protective hairstyles. For me, that’s usually braids with no extensions.
On what she does for her best curl definition…
I don’t seek to define my curls. I allow the kinky texture of my hair to do whatever it pleases in all the different hairstyles I do.
On keeping her hair defined and frizz-resistant in humidity…
Throughout my natural-hair journey, I’ve grown to think differently about “definition” and “frizz.” It might be more of a concern for people with looser hair textures. In my case, with the type of hair I have, frizz isn’t an issue because definition isn’t the goal.
On her typical wash day…
I usually wash my hair in a few braids, using organic black soap and a good moisturising deep conditioner. After that, I moisturise using the L.C.O. technique and let my hair air-dry for the rest of the day.
On her go-to styles for protecting her hair and retaining length…
Most of the time, it’s braids with no extensions.
On something she stopped doing that made a noticeable difference…
I’m currently on a mission to stop using commercial hair products and replace them with more natural products. I’ve always experienced better results with natural products, but now I’m taking an even bigger leap.
On her advice for someone trying to grow and retain long, healthy natural hair…
Our hair reflects what is happening with us and our lives. The more you pour into yourself and prioritise your health in mind, body and spirit, the healthier your natural hair can be.
On the natural-hair “rules” she doesn’t follow…
I don’t subscribe to overconsuming hair products. Our hair requires minimal, effective products in a simple routine. I don’t use artificial gels, mousse or dry shampoo. The essentials are more than enough.
On what else she wants readers to know…
It’s important to listen to our hair and respect its nature. We tend to lose our way in our natural-hair journeys when we force it to be everything that it isn’t.
Read More
- CurlSTAR: Alycea Adams’ Long Natural Hair Routine, Low-Tension Twists and Length-Retention Tips
- CurlSTAR: How @Beautosal Grows and Retains Long 4C Natural Hair With Enrichure
- CurlSTAR: Stephanie’s 4C Hair Growth Secrets, Favorite Products and Length-Retention Routine
- CurlSTAR: How BigHeadJustice Went From Ear-Length to Waist-Length Natural Hair
- How to Grow 4C Hair and Retain More Length
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