Crowning queens
Hair today, gone tomorrow. We talk all things hair with six trailblazers who are doing amazing things in the media industry
Nandi ‘MamaKaShaka’ Dlepu: Entrepreneur Tell us about your hair journey.
As a child, my hair was always well taken care of because my mother’s bestie owned a salon, so we made every appointment like clockwork. I never really learnt how to take care of my hair. As an adult I’m learning about natural hair — establishing a routine; to love and appreciate my hair for its versatility — the ability to braid, weave or wig at whim. Big hair has become my staple.
What challenges have you faced with your hair?
Like most black women, my hairline. I didn’t know how to take care of my hair while braided or weaved: how often to wash, base my scalp, moisturise and how long a break to take in between hairstyles. I’m more vigilant about who handles my hair and what products they put in it, preferring to sometimes bring my own to the salon.
What do you love about your crown?
I enjoy the versatility of black hair because it enables self-expression.
Describe your hair in three words?
Soft, strong and beautful.
What does #WearYou mean to you?
It means knowing, respecting and celebrating everything that makes you uniquely you.
Karabo Legodi: Model Tell us more about your hair journey.
I had relaxed hair when I started high school in 2012 because I was very insecure about my looks. I thought straight hair was better than natural hair. In grade 11, I decided to cut my hair and grow my fro, not knowing that the decision would change my life for good.
What do you love about your crown?
I love how I can create different hairstyles. I can rock it super short, super long or really puffy.
Which three hair products do you swear by?
Mizani Miracle Milk, Mizani Light Moisturizing Hairdress & Mizani Cream Ceansing Conditioner.
How have wigs changed your life?
My wigs can change my entire look. I can go from Karabo, the normal girl to Karabo, the fierce girl.
Do you think your hair defines who you are and why?
No I don’t think so. Everybody’s different and people are allowed to experiment with hairstyles.
Describe your hair in three words?
Thick, full and healthy
What are your hair goals?
My hair goal is to have a super thick and full afro!
Lufuno Sathekge: Stylist What kind of relationship do you have with your hair?
It’s an all-love relationship. We have an understanding. Take care of me and I’ll take care of you. Fourteen years in and we’re still committed to each other!
What have you learnt about your hair?
My hair can grow long and healthy without any chemical treatment. It’s not limiting in terms of style.
Which hair products are you currently crazy about about?
I’ve recently started using Stylin Dredz products, and I’m enjoying the Anti-Itch Spray which nourishes and treats my scalp and leaves my hair glossy.
How has the song Don’t Touch My Hair by Solange impacted you?
It drove home the message that it’s not okay to touch people’s hair. So much effort goes into achieving a style, one touch can undo all the work.
If you had to write a short letter to your hair what would it say?
Thank you for being a great and loyal friend; for being kind to me even when I’m unkind to you. For taking care of me and affording me the freedom to just be. Thank you for being super-chilled and co-operative. You are beautiful! You are strong! Stay shining!
I love you – Always!
Lufuno Love
Langa Mngoma: Medical Doctor What do you love about your crown?
I love that it tells a story of me embracing my true self and how beautiful it is to be black.
Do you think your hair defines who you are and why?
It doesn’t but it’s a strong part of my identity. I went natural at a time when it wasn’t cool to do so. I was in high school and everyone kept asking why going natural meant so much to me. I had just learnt about colonialism and the inferiority complex it created in black communities. I made changing that narrative my new mission.
What’s your take on the #IAmNotMyHair?
It reminded women to never be defined by their hair but to have fun with it instead — a very important message.
If you had to write a short letter to your hair what would you say?
Dear Hair,
It took me long to love you, but taking that step has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Love, Langa
Sunshine Shibambo: Entrepreneur Tell us more about your relationship with your hair.
From a young age, I understood that hair completed one’s overall look. If your hair was a mess, you were perceived a mess. So for 13 years of my life my mother decided on my hairstyles based on what she could afford. I wore my hair very short until grade seven, then I explored the relaxer world and wore my hair like my international music, fashion and creative muses. My hair opinions changed when Bongo Maffin came out in 1998. I shaved my head to grow an afro and dreads. This was an epic fail because I get bored with the same hairstyle. My hair is now natural —I trim it and spoil it with at-home treatments once a month.
What do you love about your crown?
My dad is Tsonga — we’re known to have “good hair” because it’s strong and thick and I was lucky enough to inherit good hair. My paternal grandparents still had full heads of grey hair when they passed on.
What’s the one thing that you love about your hair?
Black hair can be turned into anything we want it to be.
Naledi Mogadime: Model Describe the type of relationship you have with your hair.
It’s fantastic! I’m at a stage where I know what works and what doesn’t on my hair.
What hair challenges have you faced?
Being a model, I’ve faced quite a few challenges because I’m constantly changing hairstyles and I have different people working on my hair all the time .
Do you think rocking straight or relaxed hair makes you any less of an African if you rock?
No way! I love my hair whether relaxed or straight. I’ve rocked both looks and I feel empowered and beautiful.
How have wigs changed your life?
I usually wear wigs when I want to give my natural hair a break, which is important.
How do you feel about your hair now?
Now, more than ever, I want to learn more about my hair and try out different hairstyles. It’s an exciting journey.
What are you learning about your hair?
I’m learning that my hair can do way more than I think it can, and I’m having more fun with my hairstyles.