Events manager and natural hair enthusiast/entrepreneur Zodidi Gaseb is here to tell us why its okay to love your hair and why you should! She also shares her thoughts on the constant debate between #TeamNatural and #TeamWeave.
Happy Read!
Tell us about Zodidi…
My name is Zodidi, but some people know me as Zoey, although I prefer Zodidi. I’m Namibian, grew up in Swakopmund most of my life before studying and living in South Africa and now Windhoek. Professionally I work as an events management officer at the NBII (Namibia Business Innovation Institute), I’m also a mother of two and in my spare time I run a business that focuses on the appreciation of natural hair. I host events that act as discussion platforms and support. As part of my business I also do hair consultations, sell shea butter and accessories such as quirky statement tees and hand painted tote bags. I also collaborate on various other projects with creatives that focus on art, design and creativity.
You stand hard for natural hair? Talk to us about that?
I find it quite amusing when people say that, perhaps that’s how people perceive me, which is actually what I stand for, perceptions. Most notably, where I experienced the harshest critic was my natural hair. When I returned to natural, it was merely for my daughter and how she perceived her beauty, I didn’t know it would receive mixed comments and that is what propelled me into debunking perceptions. I would wear my natural hair out as a sign of silent protest for people who said it was untidy, unprofessional, hard to manage. I believe it is due to years of media portrayal of what beauty is, and in particular for black women. Natural hair is beautiful, versatile and we should celebrate ourselves as diversely as we can and in turn free ourselves from negative perceptions.
The constant debate between #TeamNaturalHair and #TeamWeave. Is a black girl who prefers to weave in any less of a black girl than the black girl with natural hair?
Absolutely not. Who even started that hashtag? We should be on #TeamCelebrateIndividualBeauty. Also, weave/wigs can act as a protective style for natural hair so there really shouldn’t be division, besides that, women have prerogative on how they choose to look. We already have to fight media stereotype on the black women, we can’t be divided over hair choices.
Give us One thing you wanted people to learn from your TEDx Talk/presentation.
That judging others based on their looks diminishes the opportunity to learn from them.
Hope for our children in the future? With regards to wearing their natural hair proudly.
One of my wishes is that the school system could be more open minded and accepting of children as individuals. I believe the pressure to look a certain way at school already perpetuates a certain ideal on beauty and puts unnecessary pressure on parents. Instead of focusing on their education and fostering open minded individuals, they are asked to first look a certain way. That being said, I hope our children learn from us and set their own standards, celebrate their individuality and learn to love their natural textures again.
Who is your favourite celebrity natural hair advocate?
Solange, besides the fact that she’s quietly bold and doesn’t care what people say about her hair, she breaks the status quo with fashion, creativity and lifestyle.. I quite love that about her.Oh and people say I look a bit like her *secretlywishes hahahaha
Well, you’re not so far off, we think.
Talk to us about the maintenance of natural hair? Compare it to weaving, is it less work?
It’s work. If your goal is to have healthy, long hair, then yes. Since our hair is more prone to breaking due to the coils and curls, you have to be extra gentle and provide it with the right regimen and products. As I stated before, weaving can also be a protective style so it doesn’t mean that when hair is in a weave one shouldn’t take as much care as you would natural hair.
What’s your favourite natural hair look/style right now?
I’ve over-styled my hair in the last 3 years, so this year I’ve promised to grow my hair out so I’m currently doing twists, buns and the occasional afro.
Talk to us about the natural hair event you had recently?
I collaborated with 4 talented natural hair bloggers and enthusiasts last year on the 1st Natural Hair and Beauty Expo. The reason we hosted the event was multi fold, it served as a platform to discuss and share tips on hair care, debates, upcoming entrepreneurs could showcase their services and products, basically we wanted to celebrate being natural and individual beauty. We will be hosting the event annually in September and hope to collaborate with more like minded businesses and make it bigger.
We know you love head wraps, show us a few of your favourite looks?
Products you advice every girl to own for their hair?
A spray bottle of water with aloe vera gel, coconut oil, unrefined shea butter,deep conditioner, leave in conditioner, apple cider vinegar. There are tons of products out there, these are the ones I use and the advice I would give would be to find what works for your hair and stick to your regimen. The worst thing one can do for your hair and skin is overuse of too many products. You don’t give your hair time to adjust or the products to work effectively.
Tips for those who want to wear their natural hair and rock it:
Your hair is beautiful as it is! Never compare your journey with another, your hair, products, circumstances are different, give your hair the care it needs and it will flourish. Don’t over manipulate your hair. Patience is the number 1 product for hair growth. When you see another beautiful woman, man, child, compliment them. It can do wonders.
What would you teach new mothers about natural hair (for their daughters’)?
Teach your children, boys and girls that they are beautiful as they are. Tell them every day. Be gentle with your children’s hair. Try to do their hair yourself as much as possible, not all salons are yet equipped to deal with children’s natural hair.
Plans for 2016?
I’m currently doing a hair growth challenge for myself. I’ve also had quite a lot ofconsultations, especially from mothers on their children’s hair, so I might take up a mommy and me event. I’m also looking at partnering with other African bloggers and collaborating.
You just gave another killer natural hair presentation, you dropped the mic. What song would you want playing as you leave the stage?
Nubian Delight by Acronym
Show us how you are wearing your natural hair?
Thoughts on the topic? Tweet us.
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