CurlyNikki

Hi CurlyNikki,

I just came across your post requesting women with 4a/4b hair to enter your CurlyNikki Spotlight, and I got super excited. Although we do not share the same texture, we share the love of hair, health and life.

Here is a little piece of my story. Shoulder length was the longest my hair has ever been, instead of getting longer it was falling out in clumps after a horrible relaxer. After that, I had to weigh my options. I chose to go the natural route. :o) I transitioned for two months with kinky twist extensions. I was surprised to see the curls forming in my hair once it was wet, so I started to cut. You can see my big chop here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PwctnleVBA.
I am a proud 4a 4b natural sista :o) I'm so glad I made the decision to go natural, never going back!

Thanks you for being an Inspiration!

Below are a few pics of my hair after the big chop and while I was relaxed.

Hola Chicas!

Sorry for the late post...I've been running around all day trying to get ready for my upcoming STL trip. Since I'm the Queen of Procrastination, I had to finish paperwork, do the laundry, clean the house, pack, and do my hair -- I leave today...this is totally ri-got-dam-diculous!

While detangling 7 day hair in the shower, I came to the realization that 3-4 days is the longest I should go in between styling sessions. I stood in that shower stall for nearly 40 minutes! My hair was a tangled mess-- mostly due to the shed hairs trapped in the curls. I shed like a dog, and if left unchecked, things get out of hand VERY quickly.

Thinking about the shed hair, and time frames between styling sessions, also led me to think about my detangling tools. There are pros and cons to each of the tools I've used in the past.

Fingers
-Pros: very gentle, fewer split ends, less breakage, great defintion

-Cons: takes forever, lots of shed hairs left behind in the clumps of curls which leads to tangling and knots/matting

Jilbere Shower Comb (wide tooth)
-Pros: gentle, fewer split ends, less breakage, faster detangling

-Cons: less definition than with fingers or brush, lots of shed hairs left behind in the clumps of curls which leads to tangling and knots/matting, can pull or stretch the hair

Denman Brush
-Pros: efficient detangling, great clumping/defintion, shed hairs obliterated, easier styling and detangling next session

-Cons: If you're not careful it can rip, pull, stretch, and/or break the hair, may cause splits in fine haired curlies

My sweet spot is a finger comb/jilbere combo. To save on time and effort, I load up with Herbal Essence Totally Twisted, finger detangle thoroughly, and finally comb through with the Jilbere. When using this combo, I spend less time in the shower and lose less hair. From now on, I will attempt to style mid-week, even if it's just a wet bun. 7 days was wayyyy to long.

Every curly head is different and what works for me, may not work for you, and vice versa.

Submit a picture of your hair, and a quick write up of your successful detangling method. Hopefully, your routine may help another curly with a similar texture. As always, send submissions to nikki@curlynikki.com.

Click HERE for my detangling method.
Click HERE for my routine.
Click HERE for my issues with the Denman 3.

Later Gators,
Nik

Let's keep it going! This post has been so motivational :D


We all get them...and usually when we least expect it! While walking out of the grocery store, primping in the ladies room, or ordering a drink at the bar, you've most certainly been stopped and told how amazingly awesome your natural curls are.

I think I get the most compliments on days that I feel like an absolute frizz bucket, and usually from people that are born with straight hair...if you catch my drift. But, no matter who it's coming from, as long as it appears genuine, it feels GREAT and can literally put that swag back in your step. Also, it confirms that all of your time, energy, and moola spent, has been well worth it!

So dish! Share your favorite compliments...

I'll be leaving town for St. Louis, MO in the next couple of days. Tonight, I plan to do a moisturizing deep treatment with Pantene Relaxed and Natural Mask, and then proceed to Twist-n-Curl. I'm hoping that hair styled tonight, will last into next week. We'll see!

So, what are your hair plans for tonight, or for the weekend?!

Later Gators,
Nik

CN:Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
Jennika: I transitioned for 13 months. Not sure if that is long or short, but I wasn't mentally prepared to have short hair. Also, I wasn't sure what type of hair style I wanted for my wedding.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Jennika: I BC'ed soon after my wedding, June 2. I loved what I saw! The curl pattern in the front was more loose then the back, and I think the stylist saw my confusion, so she pulled the front into some twists for me. It was a huge sigh of relief to have the remaining relaxer cut off. I felt very free.

CN: What was your transition routine?
Jennika: I decided to go natural while I had braids in my hair. When I took them out, I flat ironed. I would wash weekly, and use Biolage products(the shampoo/conditioner I used while relaxed) until I started reading on what was good for my natural hair. Then I began using a shampoo/conditioner I found, called the Naked Bee. It worked well for the natural and relaxed hair, in my opinion.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Jennika: At the beginning, I flat ironed every two weeks or so. I decided in Jan 09 I wasn't going to flat iron again until my wedding in May. From then on, I would wash and wear my phony puff. There was a few times I went to the stylist to get my hair trimmed, and she would do a twist out on me, which I loved!

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?
Jennika: I was much more worried about taking care of my natural/relaxed line, and I think by way of that, my new growth line just happened to get moisturized! I deep conditioned whenever I washed. I used a coconut milk DC by Palmers.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Jennika: I didn't get my first relaxer until I was 14, so I remember my hair before I relaxed. I loved how my hair looked relaxed, but I was worried about what all those chemicals were doing to my hair. So I thought long and hard about why I relaxed. I came to the conclusion, that I didn't think I was as pretty, without my hair straight. Sad, I know. This was just the surface of a whole heap of self esteem issues I didn't realize I had! The transition period was more then a physical transition for me. It was VERY mental. I mean, there were days my hair was not looking so hot. But I had to go to work and fight through that "I am not looking too good today" feeling. In the end, I love walking around knowing that I am not my hair.

• The first pic is my hair, 7 months post relaxer
• The second, is my twist out
• The third is a week after my BC
  

JennikaDe'Nae

Let's meet up! I'm coming home and plan to eat, drink and be merry on Saturday July 11th...so you should come too :D

Where: Ryce Original Buffet in Maryland Heights (right off 270 & Dorsett)
Time: 6 pm
After: Club Home!!!

I've never been, but Aunty says that the food variety is large-- Chinese, Dim-Sum, Japanese, sushi, salad bar, desserts, and the prices are reasonable!

Bring your knowledge, questions, and products you don't want, so we can swap!

RSVP in the comments section below so we can give the restaurant a count :)

See you soon!
Nik

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?

SC: Surprisingly, I was a short term transitioner. I actually had planned to transition for 12 months…but it ended up being like 8 months. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I would react to the natural me. With taking a longer time to transition, I wasn’t fully committed and I could jump ship as needed. Lol. While that sounds bad, it can be scary embarking on this journey. But in the end, all worked out well.

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?

SC: I actually chopped it all off last minute. Lol. It was November 2008 before Thanksgiving. I had braids in for like two and half months and wanted them out! Well, despite the advice I was given, my hair still did not play right (natural and still permed). It got knotted up and I had no choice really. Initially I was so frustrated and honestly contemplated if I had made the right decision. In the end, it worked out well. I love my hair and can’t want to see what the future holds for this kinky relationship!

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?

SC: First, I continued to go see my permed stylist. She used the same products (that are good for permed hair) and would blow dry and straighten for me. I did this for like 2 months. Next, I got a weave for the summer months. Again, I went to the permed stylist to clean and restyle. After the weave was removed, I found my current natural hair stylist who would dry or wet twist my hair. She used the Jamaica Lime wax to twist and set my hair. While having the weave, I used a random braid and weave oil to keep my hair moisturized. For the twist, I would create my own concoction that included Shea, jojoba and other essential oils. This was used strictly to moisturize my hair. Satin scarves and caps are a must as well.

After I BC'ed, I began using s few CD products, Lisa’s Hair Elixir and the Rosemary Mint Shampoo…really good products. It wasn’t until now, that I really started to hone in on a set of products that worked for my hair. KBB is a good product line to use as well.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?

SC: I would have to say twisting is what I did the most. Whether it was a dry (when they blow out your hair then twist it) or wet finger twist, I kept my hair twisted to prevent breakage, but to also embrace my new look. My whole life I had long luxurious hair (silky mane)….so having short hair was new and fun to me.

CN: How did you moisturize your hair to prevent breakage at the new growth line?

SC: This is where the Lisa’s Hair Elixir came into play. I made sure that my hair was moisturized at all times. I didn’t necessarily have to do this daily, but I would do daily scalp and end checks. I also had my stylist trim the ends as needed. I was fortunate, for I don’t easily develop split ends. I was a nut…lol…I was afraid that I would damage my hair going natural, but my hair is actually stronger than I thought. As long as I took care of it, it would take care of me. …and to this day it holds true.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

SC: There came a point in my life were a change needed to be made and with turning 30, I wanted to start a new healthier holistic chapter in my life. Along with embarking on a natural hair journey, I also was traveling down a weight loss path as well. So choosing to go natural was not just about my hair but about my life. The way I thought of myself, the people I associated with, the words that came out of my mouth, what I put into my body, etc. The new chapter was to grow as a person in all aspects of life AND learning to love myself for who God made. So the hair was just one prong of the many that was all being transitioned over the last year and half.

I’ve always had a nice healthy grade of hair (prior to being natural). Even with a perm, my hair never broke off, or thinned, etc. So with wanting to be natural (no chems, heat, etc) I was convinced that I would be even happier with my kinky coils. While I had frustrations (never regrets) in the beginning, the support of this blog and other natural sistas have given me more confidence and excitement with having my hair. Now I’m natural and loving life!!!

I’m actually documenting all my journeys in several places if your readers want to follow along:

• Twitter – efficient1
  

• Blog – www.theorakale25.blogspot.com

• Fotki – Ms Silky
  

PICS
~ The first pic is of me with my silky mane. Lovely and healthy as you can see!
~ 2nd is my dry twist set (that I referred to while transitioning)
~ 3rd is of my homemade twist out set (again while transitioning)
~ 4th is of a transitioning weave
~ 5th is a pic of my hair after the BC

The rest of the pics are me NOW...happy and nappy. Last two are my results this week from doing your historic Twist-n-Curl set using KBB.

Hola Chicas,

Joane has chosen the winner of the KCCC Giveaway! In total, we received 92 haikus (the ones that were sent directly to my email were sent off to Joane as well). I'm not sure, but we must have set a world record, LOL-- 'Most Haikus about Natural Hair'

The competition was stiff, and Joane definitely had her work cut out for her. In the end, a clear winner emerged:

Starlah B

Black Cotton Meadow
Onyx Cloud of Liberty
Crown of My Glory

Since we had so many wonderful submissions, I asked Joane to select two runner ups:


The two runner ups will receive a product out of my personal stash! Please send your contact info to nikki@curlynikki.com.

Thanks again for your pariticpation ladies and stay tuned :D

Nik

Hi Curlynikki,

So I've been stalking you since before you started your site, and I just want to say WOW! You're amazing and so motivating, congratulations on all your success! Anyway, I wanted to say that I've learned so much since following you on Naturally Curly, Nappturality and now Curlynikki. I did my big chop years ago but had no clue what I was doing. I re-permed for corporate jobs (because I thought I had to) and dyed to loosen curls in the beginning.

I was in a huge state of denial and not used to seeing my natural hair. With your help, I stopped dying about a year and a half ago (but my last perm and BC was in 1999) and the change in my hair is amazing!!!!! I wanted to share some pics - please feel free to post if you'd like. They're dated so you can see my progress (I'm still struggling with trimming so the growth could probably be better, but the thickness and health are friggin' amazing but I'm at the mercy of scissor happy hairdressers for now). Thanks again - you're such an inspiration and not just for hair but for being fearless, creative and limitless with your biz!




Jalana will be submitting a Hair Idol interview in the next few weeks! Stay tuned :)

Hola Chicas!

If you haven't yet, you must check out Andrea's Beau's online store! They have a vast collection of gorgeous headbands, flowers, and clips to jazz up your natural 'do!

Are ya'll ready for another Giveaway?! I thought so :)

Let's do a show & tell! In the comments section below, leave a link (from your fotki/flikr/photobucket) to your 'do at it's best! Also, provide a short description on how you achieved the style.

On July 15th at 5pm, I will randomly select the winner. She will receive a $30 gift certifacte to be used toward anything on the Andrea's Beau site!

Good luck chicas!

Nik

Hola Chicas!

Remember the beautiful, talented, and curly Syesha Mercado from American Idol? Well, she called a few nights ago to share some wonderful news with me...and now I'm passing it on to you!

Syesha has been cast in the upcoming international tour of Dreamgirls the play -- landing the role of Deena Jones, who was played by Beyonce in the movie.

Check out the official press release:

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/130559-Angela_Mercado_Warren_Hoffman_Shepherd_Gregory_to_Star_in_Dreamgirls

To catch one of the shows at the Apollo Theater in NYC this fall, click HERE.

Congratulations Syesha! Don't forget the little people :D

Back in April, Tasha B. won a free bottle of Aubrey Organic's Mandarin Magic Hair Jelly. Well, now she's back to tell us what she thinks!
_____________________________________________________

Okay, I tried out the gel today and I followed the directions and applied it to damp hair. I used a little bit more than a quarter size amount that was directed. Very soft results. It didn't really give me any shine, but I didn't expect that either as my hair doesn't really shine to begin with -- it has a sheen. I applied it over a conditioner. I HAVE to have some conditioner in my hair when I style it, as my hair sucks up moisture! I know that most naturals turn to gels for curl definition, but I don't think this is the product's purpose. So I wasn't going to be surprised if I didn't get any definition. I would use the gel again because it leaves my hair moisturized (I don't need to add anything else on top) and it doesn't leave a white film like most other gels or even conditioners can leave on the hair.

I threw in pics of what my hair texture looks like. I figured this would help bring some solace to some of the ladies who have a hard time dealing with frizzy hair. In the pictures, you can see strands of hair that are very loose coming from hair that is curling up tighter. My hair is like a 4a/4b/3c mix. The bulk of the 3c is at the nape of my neck, but it is also mixed in with the rest of my hair, in smaller quantities. Because this hair curls, but very loosely, I think this is why I do get the "clumping" of curls or hair whose frizz just can't be tamed. I've come to accept that this is just the way my hair is. It also lets me know that straightening my hair if at all or often is something I need to be really careful with. This 3c hair is fine and not coarse like my 4a/4b strands and because of that, it reacts to heat differently. Hopefully that little tidbit helps out some folks!



Here's my review of the AO Gel: http://www.curlynikki.com/search/label/Product%20Reviews

Brittany dishes about her transition and Big Chop!

CN: When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
Brittany: I BC'ed November 16, 2008. For the first 2 months I didn't like it because it wasn't what I was used to. I had always had long hair so it took a while for me to get used to having short hair.

CN: What was your transition routine (products included)?
Brittany: I transitioned for 8 months during which I co-washed every 2-3 days with either Suave Humectant or Herbal Essence Hello Hydration. I would moisturize with Giovanni Direct leave-in and add a little extra Suave Humectant.

CN: What was your staple hair style during the transition?
Brittany: During my transition I mostly wore a phony ponytail with braids in the front or I would wear just a regular bun with a headband. It took me to the 6th month of my transition to realize that to put my hair in a decent looking ponytail, I had to wet it first, lol.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?
Brittany: I decided to go natural as a way to get my outward appearance to better reflect what I felt on the inside. I had spent most of high school trying to appreciate myself and the way I looked for the way God made me, relaxing didn't fit into my mindset anymore. Freshmen year of college I decided to stop relaxing, and it's the best decision I've made in a long time.

Pro Hairstylist Juliet Fisher currently lives and works in the center of the beauty and style universe - New York City. Since relocating from Miami to the Big Apple in 1993 to pursue her passion in hairstyling, Fisher (a theater arts major), works daily with her diverse client list, infusing her knowledge of performance and creative arts with her years of experience handling celebrity and consumer hair. Colleagues and friends describe Fisher as a "hair aficionado". “Juliet is actively building an extensive resume similar to some of her contemporaries; she is an amazing talent who is beginning to get recognition for her creativity and product knowledge” states her New York Based high profile agent Ken Barboza (other notable clients include Jay Manuel and Oscar James). Fisher is currently available for celebrity, beauty and fashion editorial bookings, as well as personal appointments in Manhattan NY. Fisher also provides Hair & Beauty technique/trend spotting quotes for many of today’s prominent fashion publications. Client list includes: L’Oréal | Dark n Lovely (Print Advertising). Sommore (Actress/Comedian), Eve (Actress/Hip Hop Artist). Vanessa B Williams (Actress).


CN: What are your products of choice and favorite styles?
Juliet: My products of choice for natural/curly hair are the following: AVEDA Sap-Moss Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, REDKEN Smooth Down Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, PAUL MITCHELL Moisture Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, KARASTASE Shampoo 2 & 3, KARASTASE Oleo Relax Masque Intense (moisturizing conditioner). For finishing: AVEDA Be Curly and JANE CARTER Condition and Sculpt. The aforementioned should help provide moisture, and definition for naturally curly hair. Two of my favorite styles are twist sets and afros.

CN: What products do you recommend for dry curly hair?
Juliet: Naturally curly hair can be ridiculously dry! Aveda Be Curly, hot oil treatments (coconut and/or olive), and moisturizing deep conditioners restore and protect curls. In addition, a silk scarf, cordless conditioning cap, a sulfate free shampoo, and a daily moisturizing conditioner are all necessities. I'd have to site coconut oil and Shea butter as my favorite ingredients for natural hair.

CN: What made you decide to specialize in naturally curly/kinky hair?
Juliet: I decided to specialize in natural hair because this is when black hair is at it's strongest and healthiest. Chemically treated hair requires much, much more maintenance.

CN: What would you tell a woman that is transitioning or thinking about going natural?
Juliet: If you're transitioning or thinking about going natural you can either cut off all of the relaxed ends at once, or maintain the length by gradually growing the hair out.
If you wish to cut your hair in stages, you can: braid/corn row your hair, use styling gel to slick back into a pony tail or bun, roll your hair in small curls, wet set to wear curly styles, press new growth to match the permed hair then style or even wear a wig or weave. While you're transitioning from a perm to natural hair, definitely keep up a great hair care regimen, wash and condition regularly. Whichever way you choose is really a personal decision, do what you’re most comfortable with and works best for you and your hair!

CN: Are you available for personal appointments?
Juliet: Yes, definitely! I love working with celebrities but I also enjoy working with regular everyday women! I take personal appointments at Styles Salon located at 5 West 46th Street. (For appointments call 212-730-6488)

There is widespread concern about the use of alcohols in hair and skin products; common perception is that alcohol is drying to the skin and hair, so many individuals seek to use products that are alcohol-free.

What is not commonly known, however, is that there are two types of alcohols: fatty and short-chain alcohols. There are important differences between the two and it is important to be able to tell them apart, as fatty alcohols can be quite beneficial to curly hair care.

Because the molecules in fatty alcohols are more oily in nature than those of other
alcohol molecules, fatty alcohols are used as emollients in hair care products and
contribute a smooth, soft feel to the hair. Excessive use of them can make the hair greasy, but a judicious amount of fatty alcohols in hair care products can add beneficial moisturizers.

Fatty alcohols should not be confused with what are known as “short-chain
alcohols,” which are effective in aiding the dissolution of product ingredients not soluble
in water, but can be drying to the hair when used in large amounts. They evaporate quickly, but can still ruffle the cuticle and strip moisture from the hair.

As long as a short-chain alcohol is close to the bottom of a product ingredient label, you can be reasonably certain it is only included in the formulation to aid in creating a stable emulsion and will most likely not contribute any drying effects to your hair. And individuals with fine hair should be cautious about using any product with heavy amounts of fatty alcohols, as an overabundance of this product ingredient type may over-moisturize and weigh down fine strands.

Next: Proteins

For more of Tiffany, check out her fabulous site, HERE.

A list of Fatty Alcohols