QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH AFRIKINKYDIVAS
MEET KANINI AGNES
We had the wonderful opportunity to interview a few of our AFRIKINKY DIVAS, who won the #AfrikinkyRepYourCountry Awards recently, an annual contest held by @AfricansGoneNatural via Instagram, giving divas the opportunity to show off their beautiful features while representing their native African countries or African country of choice.
@argie_darleen (Kanini Agnes), was one of our five finalist winners, who won the crown for one of Africa’s amazing nations the land of Kenya; here’s more about her.
Question: Tell us about yourself, where are you from, where are you based and what do you do?
Answer: Hello, my name is Kanini Agnes. I’m a 21 year old 3rd year student of Kenyatta University School of Education. I currently live in Nairobi, Kenya and I do transcription and article writing as a preoccupation when I’m not very busy with school work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgd32nHjO3AEHPNPtZ9xw4jSS9oQhjJWFOxh3Q0/?taken-by=argie_darleen
Question: Tell us about your natural hair story.
Answer: My natural hair journey started early November 2017 so this is my fourth month ever since I went natural. I knew my hair was damaged by heat and manipulative hairstyles and my hairline was thinning but I never really cared until late October 2017 when I tried to put my hair in a bun but my sides weren’t long enough to hold it into place (well that’s sad 😔) . I was convinced my hair looked awful and I had to do something about it. Thanks to my mom who advised me on the way to go and still my greatest motivation on this journey. I rely on YouTube videos and google for natural hair tips and I’m proud of what my hair has become. Yes I’m growing it out, and I’m not turning back. I have made it this far. I believe there’s light at the end of a tunnel, therefore fully grown long hair is waiting for me on the other side…lol.
Hair Credit : @hair_by_dennis_wagladys
Question: What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural? What is the one aspect you love about being natural?
Answer: I love everything about my hair right from the length of my strands so far to the texture of my kinky hair.
Question: What is your current hair regimen?
Answer: I wash my hair twice a month using the Au Naturale moisture replenishing shampoo and the Au Naturale knot out conditioner best for detangling my kinky hair.
– I deep condition my hair once or twice every month using mayonnaise protein treatment.
– I use the Au Naturale Afro moisturising butter on my damp hair and coconut oil to seal the moisture and Au Naturale plaiting pudding cream for my two strand twists and other protective styles.
– I do hot oil treatments and scalp massage using castor Oil.
Question: What is your “go to” style (share a picture of it, if you have one!)? Do you wear protective and/or low manipulation styles? If so, how often and why?
Answer:Two strand twists are my go-to style, as well as Bantu knots and twist outs. I also wear protective styles for a month.
Question:What are your Holy Grail and staple products?
Answer:Coconut oil, castor oil for my scalp and dark and lovely Au natural hair products.
Question: What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle? How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?
Answer: My biggest hair challenge when I first went natural was dealing with shrinkage. I was so used to thermo styling that is blow drying and flat iron such that I felt uncomfortable with the shrinkage. Sometimes when I wear my afro some people will ask why my hair is not made. Like seriously, I wish I could wear my afro everyday without being questioned. I embrace my challenges because they always push me harder and I even embrace the shrinkage now more than ever, I’m proud of it, I claim it, I rock it! And nothing’s gonna change that 💪. Challenges are part of the deal and must be embraced.
Question: Has going natural impacted other areas of your life (i.e. health & fitness, style, environmental consciousness, etc.?) If so, how and in what ways?
Answer: A big yes, I have had a whole lifestyle transformation. And yeah I know you are what you eat and diet greatly influences the health of the body and the hair as well. I try as much as possible to eat clean and exercise at least 3 times in a week and I can say I’m in love with the person I have become.
Question: Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?
Answer:Yes I have a hair crush, I admire @craving_yellow on Instagram . Yeeey her hair is #goals.
Question: Where can we find you online?
Answer:You can find me via Instagram @argie_darleen and Facebook @ Argie W. Kanini
Question: What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
Answer: Don’t even hesitate to go natural. I mean we return natural because it’s where it all began before relaxers were introduced to tamper with our natural hair textures. Natural is absolutely beautiful and amazing and your hair will thank you if you learn what’s best for it. Do what has to be done and have patience. It takes time, there is no any other way around that. You can’t get it overnight. It’s not something you can purchase, it’s priceless, it calls for dedication and most importantly your commitment.
Question: What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?
Answer: Yes, healthy hair must be earned. Try to do something better for your hair than you did yesterday. Don’t be discouraged, bear the temporary discomfort if you are still transitioning. Lastly everyone’s hair is different, embrace your own because there’s no one like you, you are unique.
