BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Hair has always been an important aspect for little black girls and women, it plays an integral part in identity and freedom of expression. Local actress, Shonisani Masutha, 30, is no different – she spoke to us about her hair journey, and the opportunities she’s gotten as a result.
Shonisani has always had a keen interest in hair, especially her own. She has two older sisters and growing up, their mother, Naledzani Masutha, would take a day to sit with each of them and braid them.
“Singles! What a superhero, also she used to relax our hair herself!” Shonisani says proudly. She and her sister’s hair were always healthy, in protective styles and well looked after. From a very young age, Naledzani taught her girls that their hair is their pride and joy. “I have treated my hair with love & respect ever since,” Shonisani adds.
Going Natural
At the age of 25, Shonisani decided to cut the chemically relaxed ends of her hair and grow an afro. “I didn’t know how to maintain it, how to help it grow and give it the daily attention that it needed. I didn’t even know how to comb it. But I did my research on YouTube and asked a couple of naturalist friends (for advice) and now I have my own customized afro routine,” she tells The Fuse. Although it has been a fulfilling five-year journey of letting her hair grow in its most natural state, it’s not without its challenges.
“I don’t have enough time to maintain the afro that I have cultivated. I find that I am always braiding because twisting and untwisting your hair every morning and night, and can prove to be time hoarding,” says the busy actress.
However, maintaining a good and healthy afro all begins with a routine specifically tailored to your hair type. The actress let us in on how she keeps her hair feeling and looking as healthy as possible.
“I wake up with my bonnet on, I then shower and afterwards remove the bonnet, spray it with a water and conditioner mixture that I make in a spray bottle, then I take my afro out of twists, and I gently brush it out but emphasis on gently because I don’t want to ruin the twisted curl pattern. I then add an argan oil and style it.”
The Shonisani Braid
Protective hairstyles are a big part of the natural movement. This is when you give your afro a break from daily manipulation and keep it in a low-manipulative hairstyle for some time. Shonisani’s favourite protective hairstyle is knotless braids using her own brand.
In 2020, Shonisani became the first South African actress to launch her own hair extensions, the Shonisani Braid. She was approached by hair company, Afrotex SA, to become a brand ambassador for their hair but she wanted to be more than just the face of the hair and got more involved in the making of the hair extension quality.
“It is the best fibre on the market right now and I say this objectively! It’s categorised as a premium fibre. It comes pre-stretched, it’s 31 inches, soft and light and it has a multi-colour range. We do single-colour hair and ombre hair with a beautiful two-tone finish. It is feather light so when the wind blows, it dances and you feel like the goddess that you are,” Shonisani boasts about the brand.
For anyone who loves braiding their hair, the Shonisani Braid sounds like the perfect hair extension! “I want to thank every single member of the #ShonisaniBraidGang for rocking with us for the last two years, we couldn’t have done it without you and to the future #ShonisaniBraidGang members, we cannot wait to welcome you to this big, beautiful family!” the actress concludes.
The Shonisani Braid is available at: www.afrostore.co.za/product/68/afrotex-shonisani-braid-(8-packs)
