Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

She will choose either free shea butter or henna!

CN: Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
My transition was 10 months because I wasn't comfortable big chopping so soon. Actually, my intention was to transition for a year or longer, but the BC bug got to me big time.

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

I BCed on February 1, 2008. My initial reaction was pure joy. The natural hair on my head was new, coily, healthy, thick, and most of all beautiful. Then I went into a temporary moment of shock at what I just did. Haha. It only lasted a second though.

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?

Hmm, fortunately one of my sisters had just made the crossover into the natural realm so she was very supportive. The rest of my family didn't take to it well. They wondered if we were making some political statement with our hair. My response to them was that I needed this change for the health of my hair. They replied with a hope that I would eventually relax again or at least wear braid extensions. That was then. Today, they fully accept my hair.

CN: What was your transition routine ?
My wash days were once to twice a week. I would wash with Creme of Nature Shampoo (green bottle) and deep condition with a mixture of mayonnaise, egg, and olive oil for an hour. After rinsing that out, I would apply V05 Conditioner for moisture and detangling then rinse. Then I'd follow up with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk-touch Leave-in and seal with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

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

My staple style was the braidout with a cute clip or scarf. It blended the two textures (natural and relaxed) pretty well. Other than that, I wore strawsets, rollersets, braid extensions, and wigs for the most part.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

I made the choice because I was tired of not retaining much growth and health with a relaxer. My permed tresses were usually thinning, breaking, and fragile so much so that I would visit the salon regularly for a good old trim to start the healthy hair process all over again. Then I stumbled upon online hair care and the world of natural inspirations. Natural hair was no longer just a fro to me. It came in many shapes, lengths, and textures. It was versatile, beautiful, and healthy. With that, I took a leap of faith and transitioned to natural. So far it's been nothing but good to me!

Fotki: http://www.fotki.com/loolalooh

I love your blog, Nikki!

Pics:
Relaxed hair vs After BC
Braidout fro (2008)
Twists (2009)
Micro Twists (2009)

Crystal E. writes:

Thank you, and I look forward to reading some of your thoughts!

CN: How long have you been natural?

I've been natural for 4 years. My story is fairly unique because I haven’t yet read an article reaching out to those who have become complacent at some point in their hair journey. Is it possible to know too much about hair so much so that it's no longer exciting? Perhaps.

In the beginning, I researched intensely in search of the all the information I could find that remotely had to do with natural hair. I probably went overboard because I acquired so much information that I could talk about natural hair forever!

I was the last person to ever consider natural hair. I never knew other natural women and honestly the ones i saw in the street were not much of an inspiration. I studied abroad 5 yrs ago and I realized that no salons existed that specialized in black hair. That experience changed my life forever. I questioned the relaxer and what my hair really looked like. I was scared, curious and unsure. However, upon returning to the states, I transitioned for a year and resolved to research faithfully.

However, keeping it simple inevitably became my mantra.

Now I aim to reach out to some of the other women just like me who haven't stopped, stared and appreciated their curls in a long time.

CN: What is your current regimen?

Currently the most important thing for me is to listen to my hair.

If it itches, then it’s time for a wash (kiss my face shampoo, baking soda/water for clarifying and ALWAYS a conditioner-these days Queen Helene cholesterol).

If the curls look stringy or prone to knots then it’s time for a trim (i pull it taut when wet and clip all around at the same length. I don’t pretend to cut dry hair like i know what I’m doing so I go with what i know. I trim sparingly and the curls spring back to life.)

If my hair looks dry-I deep condition (cheap shampoo leave-in/oil mix then wash it out or queen helene cholesterol). If I leave the oil in my hair it breaks out my face. However, it’s great for curl definition.)

Also, I read the labels on all my products and if they first 3 or 4 are not compatible with what I know to be good for my body I put it back. Essentially I take with a grain of salt all recommendations by way of excellent results and also“professional salon use labels”, it has become so important to select products excellent for my hair and skin.

I try to stay away from oils for the most part but when I need an excellent and affordable detangler, olive oil will do. I use the cheap conditioners as leave-ins and Alcohol-free gel for the hairline for emergencies. Generally, I interchange products so that my hair doesn’t become immune to any one product from too much usage. I rinse my hair a lot simply because my hair loves the water and I like creating fresh hairstyles all the time.

At night, it’s a hodgepodge of hairstyles for me. I can be found with cornrows, 2-stand twists, braids, braidouts, scarf, sans scarf (loose ponytail and a satin pillowcase). I keep it protected and it loves me back by “behaving” the next day. My hair does what it wants and I’ve stopped trying to beat it into submission. I’ve learned to love my hair in all it’s glory.

I'm a host and model and looks are vital to getting the next best interview-especially great looking hair. I attend fashion-related events and my hair is always a conversation starter! For that, I don’t bother to straighten it anymore, but i occasionally use the 1/4 inch barrel curling iron when the front curls get flattened. Otherwise, heat is kept to a minimum.

I enjoy being a chameleon when it comes to my hair. Technically I don't have a go-to/staple hairstyle but generally I can be found with a twist-out or braidout preferably a couple days old. As long as it's fluffy and clean, I'm happy.

All my hairstyles are achieved when wet. I don't like to handle it dry although I accomplished fun hair by braiding old twistouts. It never worked out looking good for more than a day and it seemed to only stretch the hair rather than create a lovely hairstyle.

Each time I rinse/wash my hair I sleep on it and unravel the twists in the morning. I've experimented with twists in small/large numbers and it would range from big wavy to big curly to defined curly or defined zig zag.

On occasion, I plan for a certain look and prep it accordingly but it comes out totally different from what I expected! I love that my hair surprises me. I just have to take it in stride and if it doesn't work well, I can always start all over again. No worries. I can always revert to a wash-go if necessary (making sure it's mostly dry before leaving the house-especially in the winter).

Essentially I wear my hair out... A lot! I wore my hair in a ponytail so much in junior high that apparently that's all my friends remember.

So I promised myself that even with my natural hair I would wear it out as often as possible. These days ponytails are for the gym, lazy spells and quick runs to the store.

CN: How do you maintain length? Moisture?

I must admit I was negligent regarding my hair for a long time. Simplicity worked best for me and it still does. Initially, I read all the hair-related articles (some twice), lurked on all the forums, investigated, documented and re-informed myself of all the information that I needed for the long haul.

Then after the first half of the journey I became complacent. However, recently I ran into a newbie in the hair aisle at Whole Foods and she told me about your site, all the things she’d learned. She reminded me of myself and after the initial feeling of shame faded away that I had somehow abandoned my tresses I felt compelled to revisit all my honeymoon hair love just like this newbie.

I needed that awakening.

In order to maintain length, I keep up with trimming, conditioning and essentially paying attention to what my hair needs. I’ve gotten better lately and though I am convinced that I should probably try every product suggested, I stick with what works best for me.

CN: What's the best thing about being naturally glamorous?

The best thing about being natural is the freedom. I love the idea of not being duped by excellent marketing tactics, or restricted to working out once or twice a month or even subjected to the streamlined idea of beauty. I’m confident wherever I go. I take pride in changing my hairstyle and have fun discovering a new hairstyle. I’m in a business where the ideals of beauty are morphing and girls get work for looking as ethnic as possible! Ironically it works in my favor.

Also, I keep in mind that people are attracted to confidence. I’ve even had more compliments on my hair since going natural! That comes from both men and women. I even worked with children at one point. Sometimes they made fun when my hair was shorter but I never took it to heart because the same ones that made fun cornered me to ask the most questions! So yes, kids will come around too.

CN: What would you tell a new natural, or transitioning diva?

I tell other naturals the same thing each time- transitioning is first achievement. Make sure to establish a firm foundation on which you can continuously draw. When I first became natural 5 years ago, it seemed that there were about 3 good natural hair sites and with whatever information I learned, I used it to my advantage-whether product suggestions, mental cleansing and learning to love your hair all over again.

Also, just a reminder that you will have days when you miss taking down the wrap and whipping up the instant hairstyle, having those defined bouncing curls and feeling on top of the world with the fresh blow out, but remember all the other girls are lined up waiting to get the same hairstyle as you.

I was just a clone.

People will try to deter you, give you curious stares and even insult you but if you mold your mind into what you want it to be, nothing can separate you and your hair. Beauty is contagious and you are so beautiful when you educate others. Beautiful are the feet that bring good news. Romans 10:15 Stay focused on what you want ladies and everything else will fall in place.

Shantrice writes:

I LOVE my natural hair and I feel as if I will never resort back to the harmful chemicals in relaxers. I just feel free from a bondage that I so willingly let enter my world. But recently, I've seen quite a few women on twitter and fotki, etc. saying that they're going back to what they know, or their hair isn't fun anymore, so a change is in order.....basically going back to having a relaxer! I would love to see how the CurlyNikki community feels about this!

Thanks,
Shantrice

Hi Nikki,

Thanks again for really helping me be better to my hair. She is being much better to me as a result. We're a happy little pair. :)

Below are some before and after pics. The first pics (before) are of my hair in Miami (fuzzy wuzzy). I used my Curlisto products for a wash & go before I left for the trip. Unfortunately I didn't have enough gel and had to improvise a little. As you can see improvising didn't go well, lol.
I love the big hair but the lack of definition and my poor hair sucking up every bit of humidity it could get... Awful!

The last two pics (After) are from my twist set with Devacurl, shea and Qhemet as my daily moisturizer. Qhemet is good stuff!

She will choose either free shea butter or henna!

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

Tawanna writes:


This may be controversial, or at least it is in many forums. This is the topic of heat styling- is it worth it in the long run?

Some naturals use heat often, and some, only a few times a year for trims and length checks. One thing I notice is that at some point they usually indicate needing a hair cut or a patch of hair that will not revert back after years of heat use, whether used often or not.

I am curious about this topic because I have a family member who is recently natural, and another family member who has always been natural. The first loves her curls but tends to use heat as often as weekly or bi- weekly to cut down on the frizziness. (She will blow dry, and then twist.) The other, has been natural all her life, but always straightened. Now she wishes to explore wearing her curls, but they just seem to not curl right. They are kind of limp and lifeless in my opinion. I just wonder if it’s really worth it. I’ve toyed with the idea, but haven’t done so yet.

Salmon is one super food that really packs a beauty punch. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and this high-quality protein source is chuck full of vitamin B-12, iron and other body and hair healthy nutrients. The essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health and a deficiency can result in a dry scalp giving hair a dull look. The omega-3's can also reduce skin and scalp inflammation which can lead to hair loss. This low calorie food also has some added health bonuses. Salmon helps prevent erratic heart rhythms, decreases blood clots in the arteries, improve cholesterol as well as help prevent and control high blood pressure. Salmon is best prepared grilled or broiled/baked to keep the food healthy and low in calories and saturated fat. If you are a vegetarian (or have a fish allergy) try including one or two table spoons of ground flax seed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega 3-fats.


The popularity of walking as a fitness activity has grown blossomed in recent years. I believe this has a lot to do with the activity being low risk and easy to start with proven health benefits. Walking regularly can help reduce blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increase cardiovascular endurance, blood circulation (even to your scalp), burn calories and keep weight down, and reduce stress. Starting a walking program is easy! All you need are comfortable clothes (layer in loose clothing as exercise elevates body temperature) and shoes. Shoes specifically designed for walking are your best option. Remember to do a brief warm up and a few simple stretches to include your back, shoulders, arms as well as the legs. If you are beginner at walking keep in mind to walk short distances and gradually increase the distance, forget about speed and work at a comfortable pace with good posture. Allow your arms to swing naturally and be sure you can talk while walking (if you can't, you're walking too fast). Also keep track of your progress so you can further celebrate a job well done. Many experts recommend that you walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day, but there are no hard and fast rules. Fit walking into your schedule whenever you can. This may mean three 10-minute walks each day, or even hour-long walks two to three times a week. Do what works for you and your schedule to help keep you moving!

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

My intentions were to be a long term transitioner, but alas, I only hung in there for a short while. The 9 month goal was cut short at 5-- my last relaxer was Sept. 17, 2009 and I BC'ed on Feb. 10, 2010. Since I am a kindergarten teacher, I wanted to wait for the school year to end before I did my BC, that way I would have the summer to learn how to take care of my natural hair. However, as time went on, I grew tired of having to deal with two different textures and having to do roller sets as my transitioning style. Plus my friend Cassandra and my boyfriend encouraged and motivated me to chop sooner.

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

I BC'ed on Feb. 10, 2010. I was somewhat anxious and nervous about what I would look like with short hair and how short it would be w/ the relaxed ends cut off, but when I saw my TWA, I was happy with my decision and happy to be free of relaxers!

CN: How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?

My friends were very supportive of my choice and new look. Four of my friends were already natural and have been for a while. My coworkers have nothing but compliments for me. My boyfriend at first wasn't so sure, but he said that he likes it and that I am his beautiful African queen. My mom and I were transitioning together, before I decided to BC. She likes it and looks forward to when she is ready to BC. My younger sisters aren't ready to embrace it, but that's okay, maybe they will come to like it and understand it later.

CN: What was your transition routine?

At the beginning stages of transitioning I would go to my stylist every two weeks to get it washed and conditioned with regular shampoo and conditioner along with a trim to slowly cut out the relaxed ends. At that time, I was getting it flat ironed. As the transitioning process got further along, I started to do research on how to take care of natural hair and found CurlyNikki's wonderful website. This and other websites made me aware that flat ironing the hair can cause damage and that it is better to have a transitioning style, so I started co-washing every week w/ Giovanni 50-50 conditioner and started doing roller sets. I also purchased Burt's Bees shampoo and conditioner to clean my hair for the times I wanted a deep cleaning.

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

I moisturized my hair w/ conditioners, olive oil, and hot six oils.

CN: Why did you choose to go natural?

I chose to go natural for several reasons, one being that I wanted fuller hair. My hair always looked thin especially after a fresh relaxer. I also wanted healthy hair and with my workout regimen, my hair would be very dry especially in the winter and was prone to breaking off in the middle section in the back of my head. Plus, I can't lie, the Chris Rock documentary "Good Hair" definitely made me think and reevaluate what I was putting on my hair and scalp.

A twist out is a great style for little girls, and it's a way for them to wear their hair down without getting a bunch of no fun knots and tangles.

I used Tiny Twirls Daily Moisturizing Styler by Kinky Curly on wet hair to do these two strand twists. It took 40 minutes to an hour to twist all of her hair. I didn't make any parts, I just grabbed small/medium sections with my fingers. I applied about a dime size amount of Tiny Twirls Styler to each section, then used the Denman D3 brush to distribute the product evenly. If the hair starts to dry, just grab your spray bottle and rewet the hair.

About 1 1/2 hours later her twists were dry, so I took them out and she had an amazing soft, moisturized, well defined twist out. You can leave the twists in for a few days if you would like, then take them out for a few days to switch it up. She is actually on day 3 of her twist out and her hair still looks, and feels amazing! :)

You can see our entire Tiny Twirls by Kinky Curly review on our blog.

Hi Nikki,

I was one of your first transition to natural features a while back. I've hit my one year anniversary and I'm so excited. I wanted to share some pics with you. Also thank you for your awesome blog. Since I've started this journey, your blog has been a staple in my natural hair obsession, lol. You rock!!

Thanks,
Mcgradylady


My Current Regimen: I hot oil and DC every Sunday. Throw some plaits or twists in and I'm good to go, lol. I only do my hair during the week if I'm going out which is very rare, lol!

My Nightly Routine: If my hair isn't braided or twisted I put it up into a high pony and throw my bonnet on.

Current Products: Totally Twisted (detangling), The funny thing is it's been a year and I still haven't found a leave in or deep conditioner that I really like :-(. Castor Oil to seal in moisture (Thanks Nikki for that review. I'm loving Castor Oil). EVOO for hot oil treaments and scalp massages.