Halle Bailey sang it here: ‘Black girl here, with the black girl hair. Took a little sunkiss just to look like this. God-sent you’re an angel.’ Let me introduce to you a Zimbabwean woman owned business that celebrates the curls, coils and bounce of the African crown, NN AFROS.
I had the opportunity of interviewing Ms Nyasha Ngove, a born and raised Zimbabwean woman and the proud founder of NN Afros and this is what she had to tell us about NN Afros.
AE: When was NN_AFROS born?
NN: NN Afro’s was initially conceived in December 2018 as a joke actually. I had always thought of selling afro puffs so I posted on my personal Instagram if people would be interested and surprisingly, I got a positive response.
AE : What is the driving force/ vision behind NN_AFROS:
NN: We realized that the hair market is saturated with a lot of hair that looks nothing like our hair – well natural hair. And when I say natural hair – I am referring to the hair that grows out of your scalp, natural or relaxed. As someone who enjoys wearing their natural hair out more than frontals and extensions, I had the motivation to fill the missing gap.
Our vision is to cater to those on their natural hair journey, making life a little easier for them as you transition or during that awkward length phase. We also wish to cater to those that appreciate that natural Afrocentric look. Those that want breaks between hairstyles to allow their hair to breathe.
“Protective hairstyles” can be damaging if done back-to-back. This is because your hair can get dry, and the constant manipulation can cause breakage. This discovery also motivated me to start selling afro puffs because they allow you access to your hair. You can moisturize it and plop on an afro puff and go about your day, come home, take it off and let your fro be.
AE: What sets NN_AFROS apart from other afro hair suppliers
NN: We believe that we make a concerted effort to show people how afro hair can be beautiful and stylish too. Our products, though synthetic, are good quality, durable and look natural. They allow women to change their natural hair without feeling like they are changing too much of themselves.
My very first afro puff lasted me about 1.5 to 2 years. These are not ‘phondos’. With time the afros start looking more natural. We also offer faux locs that can be reused once or twice, which I believe is cost effective. We can also source products on request for clients.
AE: How are your afros made from human or synthetic hair?
NN: Our hair uses synthetic hair extensions at the moment until we can secure a consistent ethical supplier of human hair extensions that matches the styles of our wigs and puffs. Using synthetic hair extensions has been a great way of avoid contributing to unethically sourced hair extensions.
AE: Any plans for the future?
NN: Of course! At the moment we only offer synthetic hair, but we wish to expand our range by sourcing naturally textured wefted hair. There isn’t only one type of natural hair and we wish to cater to all types from 4b to 4z. We also want to add hair accessories to our catalogue and partner with local (Zimbabwean) brands that sell hair care products.
Our biggest goal is for NN afros to go international. To have online and physical stores worldwide.
AE: Who is the person behind NN_AFROS
NN: The person behind NN_AFROS is Nyasha Ngove, a Zimbabwean based natural hair enthusiast. I studied Organisational Psychology at UCT and came back home. I work in Human Resources while simultaneously running NN AFROS. I hope that I can inspire people in big and small ways to always embrace their hair no matter how frustrating it can be. It is beautiful and it is unique.
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You can connect with NN Afros and order your own today. They offer shipping services so do not lose heart if you are not based in Zimbabwe. You can find them on Instagram and view their catalogue for the perfect fit natural hair look for you.
