My hair journey has been nothing short of transformative. Growing up African and stepping into adulthood, I once believed that beauty meant wearing various wigs. I experimented with countless styles and colours, enjoying the versatility of human hair. However, with the gentle encouragement of my husband (then fiancé), I began to realize that true beauty lies in embracing and celebrating your authentic self.
His words resonated deeply: “You can’t fully embrace your beauty if you feel the need to hide who you truly are.” This realization was a game-changer for me and set me on a path of self-acceptance, letting go of the idea that wigs were necessary to feel complete.
Starting to grow my natural Afro, however, was not without its challenges. My hair did not grow evenly—my front hair especially seemed stubborn! After cutting my hair twice in two years in hopes of achieving uniform growth, my husband suggested I try locs.
By 2018, I was ready to fully embrace the journey again. As my hair grew, I styled it with coco waves (using a curl sponge to twist it), until it reached the length where locs felt like the natural next step. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Now, five years into my loc journey, it has been a truly beautiful experience. People often compliment my hair and the confidence I exude by being true to myself. None of this would have been possible without the loving support of my husband, who constantly reminds me of the power of authenticity.
For me, my hair is my crown, a reflection of my identity and confidence. I am a Queen, and being queenly means embracing and expressing who I am, inside and out, without any masks or compromises.
I vividly remember during my wedding preparations when I was asked if I would style my locs or wear a wig. When I confidently said I would style my locs, it was as if I had suggested something unusual. But I stayed true to myself, and the result was stunning—many people could not believe how beautifully locs could be styled.
This experience taught me an important lesson: never let others set the standard for you. Be the standard, and others will follow. That kind of self-assurance only comes from knowing who you are and being confident in your truth.
When I walk into a room, my presence speaks for itself. I admire the way I carry myself, and that confidence radiates to others. My hair, my crown, is always with me—reminding me to stand tall and own my queendom.
I never imagined my hair could grow long enough to touch my shoulders but locs gave me a new perspective and helped me fall in love with my hair’s potential and uniqueness.
Years ago, when my hair was relaxed, I used to dye it, but I quickly realized how much damage the chemicals caused. While I am often tempted to experiment with colour (because I love it!), I have made the decision to keep my locs free of dye to maintain their health and strength.
Thankfully, my locs have developed their own natural colour variations over time, creating a beautiful, organic vibe that I absolutely love. It feels like my hair has its own personality, and that is something I cherish.
There is a common mindset among Africans that beauty is tied to having long, silky hair rather than embracing natural hair. This belief is often reinforced in media and movies, where a woman’s “struggle phase” is depicted with natural hair, only for her to “transform” into someone with sleek, straight hair when she becomes successful. To me, this is a false narrative and a misrepresentation of our culture.
While other races proudly flaunt their natural hair, we Africans have often adopted theirs as our standard of beauty, sidelining our own rich, diverse hair textures and styles. This is also perpetuated by the Western beauty standard that is often discriminatory.
I believe the solution begins with proper education—at home, in the media, and through entertainment. Our girls and women need to understand that true respect and value come from authenticity, not from copying what we are not. Confidence, to me, is like perfume—it creates an aura that speaks volumes. No matter how much you try to hide under a mask, those who pay attention can always see the difference between what is genuine and what is artificial.
This philosophy has guided me throughout my journey. I have had people question my choice to embrace my locs and forego wigs, but those same people later admire my confidence and even feel inspired to try locs themselves. It is proof that embracing who you truly are can influence others to do the same.
Confidence, to me, is like perfume—it creates an aura that speaks volumes. No matter how much you try to hide under a mask, those who pay attention can always see the difference between what is genuine and what is artificial.
For me, embracing locs was also about challenging societal and cultural stereotypes. Growing up, my parents were initially uncomfortable with the idea of locs because of traditional African beliefs tied to “Ogbanje” or spirit-children, who were often depicted with “dada” (a form of unkempt dreads). But by staying true to myself and not letting others dictate how I should look or who I should be, my parents have come to admire my hair. Today, they are fascinated by how much it has grown and the confidence it represents.
My advice to other girls, ladies, and women is this: be the standard. Authenticity is the ultimate freedom. Conforming to what others expect robs you and the world of the unique person you are. By embracing who you are, you give others permission to do the same—and that is where real power lies.
My hair is my crown, a reflection of my identity and confidence. I am a Queen, and being queenly means embracing and expressing who I am, inside and out, without any masks or compromises.
My hair routine is quite simple because, with locs, less is truly more. The key is avoiding product buildup, which can weigh down the locs over time. After washing, I stick to the basics—I use only oil to moisturize my scalp, and that’s it! Keeping it minimal ensures my locs stay healthy, lightweight, and free of unnecessary residue.
For those with Afros, incorporating shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatments into their routine can make a big difference. These products help soften the texture, making styling easier and more manageable. The key is finding what works best for your hair type and sticking to a routine that enhances its natural beauty.
Omojo Uhiah is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a deep passion for beauty and self-expression. With her background in pharmacy, she has combined her scientific expertise with her passion for authenticity to create Dekina Beauty—a brand that celebrates natural elegance and empowers confidence. For her, beauty is not about masking imperfections; it is about enhancing your natural glow and embracing your unique self. Through Dekina Beauty, she aims to inspire others to redefine beauty on their own terms, reminding them that confidence is the foundation of true radiance. It is more than a brand—it is a movement toward authenticity and empowerment.
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