Up Close: Yetunde Oshodi of Feels Like Home in Paris

Yetunde Oshodi of Feels Like Home in Paris

BHIP: How long have you lived in Paris?

YO: Eight going on nine years!

BHIP: How did you wear your hair before you got here?

YO: Before coming to Paris, I cut most of my hair off as I was afraid to put my hair in the hands of just anyone. It was relaxed in a mushroom cut, shaven in the back and long on top.

BHIP: What was your hair experience when you got to Paris--were you lucky in finding salons? Products?

YO: I kept my hair short for a while and just asked my husband to help me keep it shaven around the back. Then one day I met a woman who had scheduled an appointment with me to propose her company's services to me and when I saw how lovely her hair was, I just said, "Sorry this may seem like a strange question in the middle of our conversation, but please, where did you get your hair done." And that was when she gave me Nicole's number.

BHIP: Where do you get your hair done now or do you do it yourself?

YO: At Polished Hair Care. I am a loyal client. When I find a hairdresser I like or I will allow to put scissors to my hair - I don't leave her or him till one of us changes continents.

BHIP: Have you had any bad hair experiences in Paris?

YO: Not really because if I am feeling uncertain about the salon, I have just asked for braids. I mean how bad could someone braid your hair?

BHIP: People often talk about the negative effect "calcaire" (limestone), which is found in French water, has on their hair. Would you say it has affected yours? How?

YO: I am not sure if it has affected my hair but it certainly affected my skin and since my scalp is skin I would guess it had its effects on my hair - just making it dryer than it usually is which is already dry as it is.

BHIP: You've been here for a long time. Have you seen black hair evolve here? I remember when I first got here the weaves were HORRIBLE. You'd be on the metro and see tracks everywhere, but really noticible tracks!

YO: Ha ha! Same here. I see a lot more women with better weaves but I still find them a tad odd. Nicole convinced me for my trip to Asia not to have too much too worry about, to get a pony tail attached and another time to get pieces put in. I liked looking at myself with a bit longer hair but it was still a bit odd for me.

There are still a lot of wigs!

BHIP: How do you wear your hair in Paris now-Relaxed, natural, braides, weaves?

YO: Currently my hair is in twists with extensions (yes, I think extensions are Ok particularly because you don't have the odd bump on your head. ; ) ) I have not had my hair relaxed in about 2+ years now and it is quite long though you couldn't tell when I just get the 'fro going. I have had two or three Keratin treatments as well with the interest in loosening my very tight curls. Results have been mixed. But I think I'll try again.

BHIP: What's your current hair regimen?

YO: To be honest the less I do, the more my hair loves me and I think that is why I have been able to finally get from proper thick growth. I have a lot of hair!

BHIP: If you were in the U.S. would you be wearing your hair the same way? Why or why not?

YO: Probably, but not sure really.

BHIP: What advice would you give other black women, especially Americans who are used to have so many choices, about taking care of their hair in Paris?

YO: See a lady walking down the street with hair you like, do not hesitate to ask "where did you get your hair done?"