The lovely Oluchi Madubuike is the founder of the Muna&Luchi Hair Care Brand. With over 5000 fans on her Instagram page, she has become the go-to-person for all child hair care related matters. Fabmum caught up with the fabulous mum-of-one recently for an inspiring chat and here is what she had to say
How did you come about the brand name Muna&Luchi?
Muna&Luchi is a brand name coined from my name and my daughter’s name. My daughter’s name is Munachimso, Muna or short hile my name is Oluchi, Luchi for short. I used our names because we both form a mother-daughter team that aim at encouraging women and little girls to embrace and care for their natural hair.
How did you develop an interest in child hair care and hair grooming?
Well, I developed interest in hair care in general when I decided to grow and nurture my natural hair in 2012. This love for natural hair care was extended to my daughter even before she was born. I decided to zero in on child hair care because there was little information on how to care for an African baby’s hair from birth. This was something I realised while I researched for how to care for my baby’s hair before she was born. So, I made up my mind to share the little knowledge I had when I saw that the things I did to care for her hair was working.
What inspired you to become an authority in the child hair care business?
Hmmm an authority? Well…lol! The child hair care business was mainly inspired by the realisation of the fact that there is little information and resources for caring for a child’s hair, especially child with the Afro hair texture. I decided to be a contributor to this course, the child hair care.
Do you nurse any plans to float your own signature hair care range for toddlers?
Well you never know where life can lead you, and I trust God to direct me. For now we deal in Satin and Silk Bonnets and Headrests required to prevent infant balding and hair loss. We make Satin Crib Headrests, Satin Car Seat Headrests and Satin Bouncer Headrests. All these are designed with the safety of the baby in mind. By the grace of God, our brand could grow to a level where we are able to float our signature hair care range for toddlers.
What are the common misconceptions most Nigerian mums have about toddler/baby hair/care?
Great question! I have two main misconceptions and I get asked about them all the time. The first one is the need to shave off a baby’s hair when he/she turns one or it to grow out better. Well this is a myth and has been dispelled by modern hair science research but if you care for a baby’s hair properly from birth, there will be no need for this.
I have two main misconceptions and I get asked about them all the time. The first one is the need to shave off a baby’s hair when he/she turns one or it to grow out better
The second one is that a baby’s hair must be washed every day. This is not true because the Afro hair texture can get dry easily and with dryness comes breakage. Excessive washing of a baby’s hair could strip the hair of its natural moisture and oils thereby resulting in dryness and breakage.
How about the mistakes some mums make when it comes to growing or grooming their child’s hair?
Well some mistakes include, excessive washing, excessive styling with hair extensions, very tight styles that cause serious tensions to a baby’s scalp, like the common little puffs. All these lead to poor hair growth and hair health for the baby.
Are there ways a child’s hair can be protected from balding or breakage?
Yes there are three main steps I recommend to prevent infant balding;
- You should moisturize your baby’s hair DAILY with some water, oil and a conditioning cream.
- You should give your baby regular scalp massage to stimulate the hair follicles and encourage hair growth
- Protect your baby’s hair from harsh materials (such as cotton pillow cases, car seat and bouncer materials) by providing a Satin Headrest or Satin Bonnets for nap times and bedtimes.
What role does the diet of a child play in the health of the hair?
Diet plays a huge role in the health of your baby’s hair. Hair is an accessory part of the hair, which means that, all the good stuff you eat, gets to it after it has reached your vital organs. So there is need to eat enough healthy food for your hair to be nourished. Some hair foods include protein and water.
Diet plays a huge role in the health of your baby’s hair. Hair is an accessory part of the hair, which means that, all the good stuff you eat, gets to it after it has reached your vital organs. So there is need to eat enough healthy food for your hair to be nourished. Some hair foods include protein and water.
How can a mum whose daughter has very coarse hair soften it without texturizing or relaxing the hair?
By ensuring she keeps her hair moisturized daily by applying some spits of water, oil and conditioning cream. Her hair should also be deep conditioned on a regular basis.
Then the hair should be styled in single strand twists or braids to avoid knots and tangles.
Are there certain meals that should be adopted or avoided?
Protein based foods; fruits and vegetables are great for healthy hair growth. All kinds of junk food should be avoided when on a healthy hair journey.
How can a mum grow the hair of a child that was born bald?
The one thing a mummy can do for a child who is born bald is to give regular scalp massages. This can be done my taking some coconut oil and using the pad of the fingers to gently rub the baby’s head in circular motions. This will stimulate the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
The one thing a mummy can do for a child who is born bald is to give regular scalp massages. This can be done my taking some coconut oil and using the pad of the fingers to gently rub the baby’s head in circular motions. This will stimulate the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
Can you please tell us about what a healthy hair regimen for a child should comprise of?
-Wash once a week
-Deep condition at least twice a month
-Moisturize daily
-Style once a week
You can get my eBook for more details.
What lessons have motherhood taught you?
Motherhood has taught me patience, sacrifice and unconditional love.
What is the greatest advice you have ever been given as a mum?
I always tell people who care to listen to ‘Never stop being a child at heart’. In my few years on earth I have come to find these words (scripture verse above) to be true. The best attitude to have in life is that of a child’s. It is very beneficial to remain unassuming, to demonstrate resilience to pain and also to have a teachable heart. To be honest, my biggest motivation to remaining a child at heart is that I get to sleep better at night ? lol!
What inspires you?
What God says about me in Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do ALL things through Christ’ It makes me want to wake up each day and be more so I can do so much more!
You can contact Muna&Luchi below
