Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

TWA in the Workplace

2012-02-06T12:00:00.003-05:00

via LifeWithBabyJ

So what is a TWA you ask? Teeny Weeny Afro! That is the classification of my hair at the length that it is at right now. Although I think I will be past that stage very soon because I am almost able to put my hair into a ponytail now... MILESTONE!!

Anyway... That's not the point of this post.

A few weeks ago I received a message from a fellow 'Nuturalista' asking me about styling options for her TWA for work. She was bored of wearing her hair in just the Afro and wanted something "more professional".

Around the same time, there was a lot of discussion in the natural hair forums that I frequent, about how much trouble some women were having in the workplace with their natural hair. There were some that even suggested that natural hair is not professional (huh?). Some women said that they wear wigs to work in order to look more presentable.

My take on this? It's not just your hair that makes you look professional or presentable. If you don't look like you put any effort into your entire appearance, it won't matter if your hair is natural, relaxed, twisted, straight, long, short, whatever!

Also, if you don't have confidence within yourself to know that you are beautiful with your hair the way it is, it will show... and this will just open the door for ignorant people to add their unnecessary commentary. But that's just my opinion.

So... I was inspired to go through a week and style my hair the way I would to work (yes I have actually worn ALL these styles to work before). By doing this I hope to inspire those who are either bored with their TWA, or simply just want new styling options.

Video tutorials are also available if you click the captions... Hope you enjoy!

Monday

#NaturalMoment Mondays!

2012-02-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

It's #NaturalMoment Mondays!

Tweet me and tell me about those moments when you can't deny that you're a curly queen! Top tweets will be featured every Monday morning, right here on CN.com & entered into the Conditioning Cocktail (participation) giveaway for the month! Be sure to use hashtag #NaturalMoment

Shout! Shout! Let it all Out!

2012-02-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

by Bennii Blast of the Culture Pine

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow, with a head full of beautiful curls within the 24 hour period of making the decision to go natural. No transitioning. No big chop. Just an overnight miracle! Wouldn’t that be the bee’s knees?

I have found myself drifting off into this very fantasy on many occasions while transitioning, and have been abruptly bought back down to earth again. At the same time, I have days when I think to myself ‘what is all the fuss about?’ and ‘what is the big deal about going natural anyway…it's not even hard’. The latter usually occurs when I’m in high spirits about my hair and feeling care-free.

Well today I'm not in high spirits. I want the miracle growth formula to land on my doorstep right now!

Transitioning can be bloomin’ frustrating – the one thing that I didn’t prepare myself for. I’m not saying that I expected this to be a walk in the park, but I’m also a person who likes to see instant results damn it! Going natural is a waiting game, and what can I say – I’m impatient.

The decision to transition instead of big chop came down to the small matter of balls and the fact that I have none. I would big chop tomorrow if I sucked it up and grew a pair! Perhaps it would make this waiting game slightly less frustrating….see my catch 22 of a predicament?

Urggghhh!!

No but really, the reason why I wanted to share this is that I get bored of hearing fairy-tales. Surely things are not perfect EVERY day? Sometimes it’s good to know you’re not weird for having the occasional rough patch. Or…maybe I am alone and just outed myself as the weirdo?!

Tell me I’m not alone ladies! Do you have something to rant about?
Let it all out……

Retro Bang Updo- Natural Hair Styles

2012-02-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Shanti does it again! Check out this gorgeous style--

Preparing Your Hair For Braid Extensions

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

by NaturallyChelsea via NaturallyCurly

Braid extensions have been around since forever and many women have used them over the years as protective styles to grow longer, stronger hair. But for every one women who reaches her hair goals with braids, there are several more who experience damage and breakage from this style. To avoid making the common mistakes many women do when wearing braids, read on for helpful tips to ensure that you get the most out of this style.

Deep Condition Before

Before even considering installing braid extensions, you have to ensure that your hair and scalp are strong enough to handle the extra weight and tension of the braids. To prepare your hair for braids, I would suggest doing a strong protein treatment followed by a moisturizing one at least twice before event thinking about braiding your hair.

Also, try to solve any scalp issues you might have that may be weakening your hair. For instance, try to focus on curing dandruff, dry itchy scalp, any fungal infections, etc.

Installation

Properly installed braids are the key to maximizing your hair growth. Failure to install your braids correctly can do more harm than good, and leave you with breakage and thinning hair. Here are some guidelines to follow when installing your braid extensions:

Parts should be smaller than half an inch by half an inch. By creating smaller parts less hair is being incorporated into each braid. This means that fewer strands will have to bear the weight of the added hair creating more tension than if a larger part was created and more hair was used.
Braids should never be bigger than the part. In order to achieve a fuller look and hide some of the parts you may be tempted to use a lot of hair per section to braid. The problem with doing this is that you are forcing only a few strands of hair to bear a lot more weight than they are accustomed to. This could cause the strands to snap from tension created. See the guide below for further detail.
Do not try to braid all of your edges. The edges of your hair are very weak and fragile and susceptible to breakage. Most people experience breakage from doing everyday things like brushing their edges and wearing too many back to back ponytails, so you can only imagine the breakage that can be caused by braiding the edges tightly and leaving that tension on it for a prolonged period of time. Try to use larger sections when braiding the front to distribute some of the tension throughout more hair strands. Also, avoid braiding the very front of the hair. Try leaving out the very front and simply applying a pomade and a scarf for ten minutes to smooth it down.
Use less hair near your edges to avoid adding too much extra weight and try to redo them whenever they get loose to prevent tension from remaining on the same region of the hair shaft continuously.
Ensure braids are not too tight. Contrary to popular belief tighter braids will not increase hair growth. The tightness, apart from causing damage, can lead to tension headaches and unsightly bumbs and sores.

Maintenance & Cleansing

There are many ways out there to wash braid extensions. I find that the most effective way is to split the hair into four sections, then using watered down shampoo and your fingers, apply the shampoo to the scalp and rub gently to lift the dirt off of the scalp. If you have a lot of product buildup from using greases, oils and growth aids then the use of a soft and small baby toothbrush can help. Just ensure that you do not rub too hard.

Once the dirt has been lifted off the scalp, band your four sections of hair to ensure that the braids remain in a downright position and do not mat during the washing process. Take more diluted shampoo and pour it over your head and squeeze sections of your braids to ensure that the shampoo penetrates the braids and cleanses the hair inside. Once done run your head under the water until it rinses clean ensuring your hair is still banded to avoid tangling.
You can now apply your deep conditioner, then conditioner, avoiding your scalp to prevent build up and squeezing the hair to ensure that it penetrates the braids. Rinse really well as conditioners and deep conditioners tend the be thick and could cause build up which can make removing the braids and detangling the hair once they are out difficult.
Keep braids banded until they about about 50 percent dry, then remove then bands and gently finger detangle if you have loose ends. Removing the bands before the hair is completely dry will prevent your hair from drying with the shape of the bands in them.

Moisture

It is important to remember that you still have hair underneath your braids that require TLC. The same way you moisturized your hair when it was loose, you need to ensure that your hair is moisturized while in braids. In fact, your hair may need more moisture as the braided hair can absorb some of the moisture from the hair. To ensure that your tresses do not become thirsty, use a liquid moisturizer or braid spray twice daily, spraying it on liberally. A liquid moisturizer is best as it can penetrate the braids and get to your actual hair better rather than simply sitting on top and will help to prevent build up on your braids, especially at the root.

Also this is a good time to keep your scalp happy with oils.

Take Down

The procedure used for removing braid extensions is just as important as the one used for installing them. The right technique is key to ensure that you hold on to as much your new growth as possible. To help to make the hair more slippery and pliable, try using a water, conditioner and oil mix to unravel the braids. Once it is out, detangle that section of hair right away rather than trying to tackle one large section. Do not run a comb through it, simply remove any residue at the base and gently pull the hair apart.

Also keep in mind that a lot of hair shedding is normal. It is estimated that we shed about 100 hairs per day, so if your hair has been braided for a prolonged period then that shed hair is only now being removed from your hair.

Lastly, to prevent a nightmare of a detangling session, do not leave braids in your hair for more than 2 months, and even that is pushing it. You will end up losing more hair to tangles and knots than you will gain in hair growth.

Too Ugly for a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)?

2012-02-03T20:50:00.006-05:00

In a video response to the now removed 'Too Ugly for a TWA', Youtuber DestinyGodley eloquently tackles the subject and sheds some light--

Breakage vs. New Hair- An Update!

2012-02-03T16:00:00.001-05:00

by Shelli of Hairscapades

This is just a quick post to provide an update and tip. Back in July 2011, I did this post on Breakage vs. New Hair. In it, I explained that I had experienced breakage in my crown in Jan-Feb 2010 and excessive shedding that began mid-2010 and continued through early 2011 (with a resurgence this past fall). So, I had a lot of short hairs and did some research to try to determine if it was due to breakage or regrowth. I suspected that it was new hairs though. Anywho, I shared the pic above to illustrate that post.

Well, yesterday, I was examining the same area of my crown and noticed that the hair was significantly shorter than the adjacent areas. At first, I became upset because I thought that it was breakage. Then, the memory of my old post hit me! So, I took a photo to compare what seemed to be the same area.

Well color ME happy!! It looks like I was a little further back then the first pic, but the hair slightly forward was even longer! I’m pretty sure now that this was that same new hair that has grown rather than new breakage. Therefore, although I posted earlier today that my “W” shaped perimeter was indicative of a shorter crown, I’m comforted that this area is actually growing. I will continue to keep an eye on it and plan on testing Chicoro’s Lead Hair Theory by keeping my lead hair at waist length and seeing if the bulk of my hair, including the shorter areas in the crown, will “catch up” with it.

The Tip:

Photo documenting is invaluable! If you are concerned about a specific area or working towards a goal, pictures are a great tool that will serve you far better than memory. My immediate gut reaction to the shorter area in my crown was, “Dang!! It’s breaking badly!!” But, having an older photo that I could reference saved me from the anxiety of contemplating a potentially drastic and unnecessary cut!

So, if you have hair goals, are working on building a regimen and/or are trying to determine what products and techniques work best for you, I’d definitely recommend taking pictures. And, don’t forget to date them! Fortunately for me, the blog is a FABULOUS log and photo journal:)! However, prior to that, I just used a Facebook album. So, do whatever works for you!

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Do you use photographs to document your hair journey, monitor the results of your regimen and/or product choices and/or evaluate progress towards goals? Any advice for those who’d like to start a photo journal?

What We Can Learn From Dora the Explorer

2012-02-03T11:56:00.002-05:00

by Tammy Goodson of CurlyChics

Although we come into this world alone and ultimately leave alone, we still need help during our lifetime stay. Day after day we are faced with dilemmas and situations that we are not always sure how to address. We carry with us our morals and tenents along with the tools we’ve been strapped with to navigate through. Dora, the Explorer, a Spanish speaking eight year old girl seems to have it all under control. As she embarks on a trip in each episode of this cartoon favorite, she presents a problem, a solution and how she arrived at that solution. Now granted, life cannot be summed up in a 30 minute animated series, but the principles needed to gain momentum and stay afloat this journey are all present.

Boots the Monkey
Boots is Dora’s best friend and if we’re lucky, we all have one of these. A true best friend to accompany you in life, whether it be how to approach a new career or handling your love life, there is nothing like having a support system. You know, that girlfriend who will ride out with you no matter what and reel you back in when needed. Sometimes that simply means coming to your aid with a bottle of your favorite wine.

The Fox
Swiper, the fox, is the antagonist of every episode. He’s that one thorn in your side that simply won’t go away. On those days where it seems that everything goes wrong? Your alarm didn’t go off, you spill coffee on your white blouse, etc. The moments that threaten your sanity and make you want to drink heavily – those are Swiper moments and we all have them. Adversity is part of life and often we can’t avoid it.

The Map and The Backpack
The Map is just like it sounds; it gives us a visual of all the potential routes we can take to get to our destination. It provides guidance and allows us to make an informed choice while en route. The backpack holds all the tools necessary to get to your destination once you have the map. In life, you use what you know and you gather tips along the way to help in your quest. You carry the lessons and experiences you’ve had in your backpack and pull them out when you deem necessary. It includes life lessons from our parents, your religious and spiritual beliefs and convictions.

Who’d think you could learn so much from a cartoon?!

Sharing hairstories and life experiences from a curl’s perspective. Find Tammy at her blog, Curlychics, on Twitter, and Facebook.

Show and Tell- Fierce Friday!

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hola chicas!

It's that time again! The images below are of CN readers at their flyyest...at work, on the town, and with the fam. Showing us all that natural hair is not a fad, it's a way of life...an extension of our beauty! Click on the images to enlarge them--

Sonya
This is an old twist-out. I am about to head to the office for a long day's work.
Nairobi
Looking fierce this holiday season!
Melissa
(not) working! Rocking my messy bun with my fave scarf tied in a bow.
Charnele
For my birthday, one of my girlfriends took me to the zoo (I love animals!). This is me getting a closer look at the chimpanzees. I'm currently transitioning (10 months post-relaxer). This look is a fresh twist-out using perm rods on my ends, set overnight on damp hair using Carol's Daughter Hair Balm.
Tay Tay
Fresh twist out on wet hair. I used shea moisture products.
Devonda

New Year's Eve 2011. This is a 2 strand twist out.

Products: shampoo and conditioner- Natures Gate, leave-in conditioner- Giovanni and coconut oil
Nicole
Feeling fierce!
Joi
This pic is from over the summer. I'm at this cute little venue in St Louis, at a "day party" This is my signature look and it's the result of a braid out, simply achieved by two pigtails that I put in my hair after a homemade avocado conditioning treatment. Once my hair is half dry I moisturize with extra virgin olive oil and let the heat & humidity take over.

Eureka
Headed out to groove to live music downtown. This is a Caruso set on
stretched hair!

Daniece
Hello Nikki - tis I, Daniece (aka NeeC1). I'm at work, *clearly* working, with my main man - B. Obama - in the background. He's got my back and I got his! I'm rocking a 5th day twistout with a headband. Much love and many curls ...

**To submit**:

Send in your favorite picture with a caption detailing where you were (or where you were headed to), along with a brief description of your hairstyle, to contests@curlynikki.com. I'll post several each Friday. Be sure to use 'Fierce Friday' as the subject line!
We always need more!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

January's CurlyNikki Conditioning Cocktail Winners are...

(two from each category)

Angela L.
Barbara S.
Shanti
Asia D.
Zakiyyah M.
Royland B.

please send me your addresses (nikki@curlynikki.com) ASAP!

Thanks everyone for participating! The same contest is running for the month of February... I'll do a post soon!

Naturally Fashionable- White Blazer & Polka Dots

2012-02-02T16:00:00.001-05:00

via StylePantry
Just realized that I have been wearing more skinnies lately. I’m always going to be partial to my 70s style flares and bell bottoms, but I’ll rock a sweet pair of skinny pants as long as they are reminiscent of the 50s and 60s.

I always crop them to ankle length or shorter.

Wearing: White double breasted blazer – Similar here. Like this Bebe piece here or this Rag & Bone piece on super sale. Polka dot blouses available here, here or there. Similar distressed jeans here or here. The Rosetta pumps are currently on sale and available here.

Bag – Chanel. Sunglasses – Greg’s and clearly very oversize on me. Enjoy…xo

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about StylePantry--
Every Wednesday, I’m going to open my closets to Curly Nikki community and invite you all in. This is my story as a working mother of 3, fashionably chasing my kids around. It’s one thing for us to point at the runways, drool over the lookbooks, and pick off the shelves of our favorite boutiques, but more importantly, we as fashion-minded people need to share our styles more. So please, leave your comments and share your thoughts, and by all means submit your fashion/style questions or "where to shop" for certain pieces to @stylepantry on Twitter or on Facebook.

Thandie Newton on Her Natural Hair

2012-02-02T13:27:00.011-05:00

by Kay Montano of Kaymontano.com

Bafta winning actress Thandie Newton and I first met on a Vogue shoot about 6 years ago. It didn’t take long before I felt that I’d always known her. She is one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met and I’ve been fortunate enough to make-up, wax lyrical and travel with her ever since. I have made her up more than anyone else in my whole career, in an entirely different way each time. We often discuss what it is like to be mixed race, our experiences, what it means to us, what we continue to discover and most importantly perhaps, find ways of celebrating it. Our hair is not easy hair. It frizzes, it tangles and it knots and takes a lot to understand. There is still much stigma with a large ‘hair culture’ surrounding it, plus a multi-million dollar industry supplying women with ways of taming it.

Thandie has been growing out her hair relaxer for the last year and she’s now 100% Lye-free, (the controversial chemical in black hair straightening products) and is finding that wearing it big and natural is extremely liberating.

Your hair looks so different, what made you decide to go natural?

Its taken about 2 years to fully grow out my relaxer. I always thought I would go back to curly, because I didn’t want my daughters to judge their beautiful curls. I assumed they’d want to be like their Mum, and they’ve only ever known me with straight hair. However, it turns out they’re so secure in who they are as individuals that I don’t think it occurs to them to be like anyone else, and that includes me.

What inspired you to allow your hair return to it’s natural state?

So, the ultimate personal wake up call was when I saw Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair, and saw how the active ingredient-Lye (that’s in all black hair relaxing products)- can melt a Coke can. Also the fact that the FDA take no responsibility with harmful chemicals when it comes to beauty products. Scary.

How does having wilder looking, bigger hair make you feel as opposed to the elegantly-on-trend hairstyles we’re used to seeing you with on the red carpet?

I have to feel comfortable with having ‘all eyes on me‘, which I do when I work, less so in life. Ironically I don’t want to draw attention to myself because of celeb spotting, but my big hair, for a time will work as a disguise! Straight hair has been ‘on trend’ for years and years, so having big-ass curly hair means “I’m stepping outside the mould, outside what’s accepted and applauded”. It takes a little courage to do that. Mainly, I want to wear it natural because it looks amazing!

Do you think cultural attitudes within the black community are changing with regards their hair?

The kinky-haired Afro has been practically ironed out (pun intended!) within the mainstream black community. Now, black women have silkier, smoother longer hair than any other women. And there’s no stigma attached to black women and false hair (weaves, extension, wigs) whereas if a white woman wore false hair they’d seem more of a phony and inadequate. That’s changing a lot, but men certainly don’t expect white women to have false hair, whereas black boys know that there’s ‘No touching above the neck!’ And there’s no embarrassment about it.

Being mixed race myself, know that there is a lot of stigma steeped in history surrounding black hair and it still exists today. Tell me a bit about your experiences.

The stigma with some black women seems to be that ‘nappy hair’ is almost as bad as loo roll trailing from your shoe. I have always let my daughter’s hair be wild and scruffy. I love the shapes and fluffy halo. But when they were ‘papped‘ in the States I had remarks about how I don’t take care of their hair. The truth is I choose to keep it that way. When I see hair that’s been pulled, stretched, brushed till bullet smooth I just think ‘ouch‘. I have my limits mind, sometimes I have to beg Nico to let me tidy it up for fear of her looking like she’s been neglected!

It was relatively easy for me growing up in West London amongst all colours and cultures, but how was it for you, growing up in Penzance, Cornwall?

Well for a start I only visited a hairdressers once in my entire childhood. It was a nightmare. They washed it and then (drumroll…) blowdried and BRUSHED it. It was like a huge candy floss – no curl definition. It looked ridiculous. And it cost my Mum 20 quid – that was the thing I hated most, that my Mum had to say thank you, pretend she was pleased and pay all that money. The truth is the salon had no idea – we were a loooong way from London. A long way from any other black person. I don’t think you could even buy a decent conditioner. Vitapoint was the only product, I bloody loved Vitapoint. The smell meant ‘friend’.

Without the support of a black ‘hair culture’ around you, how did you learn to manage your hair?

I think the closest thing I had to long, straight tangle-free hair was when I had it braided into ‘singles’ during the Summer holidays. By the time I was 13 I could do it myself. That’s one huge plus, I’m REALLY good at doing hair – I HAD to learn, and I did and I can do it all. I can braid, fit extensions, do my own weave, cut it, blow dry it bone straight, make hair pieces, fit wigs, style it beehive, forties, Afro, you name it. I started young and then from 16 when I started acting, I learned from the best of the best.

How was it for your Mum, coming to a culture where her ‘normal hair’ was suddenly non-’normal’, then having children, and approaching their hair in this alien place. What was her approach to your hair?

Mum wanted me to fit in, and I don’t blame her. My hair hampered that. Poor Mum. I remember when I was 7 at my convent school, it was school photo day so all the kids came looking their best. Mum did my hair in 20 or so ‘corn rows’ with green wooden beads on each end to match my school uniform. The nuns were appalled, they wouldn’t let me have my picture taken. I felt embarrassed, disappointed, ashamed. Can you imagine how my Mum must have felt? There was a mild rukus and the next day I had my picture taken. But then I read this year a piece in The Independent about a student who appealed against not being able to wear his hair in (what the school felt was a hoodlum style) braids, and he won. That’s 30 years since the Nun’s dissed me… This shit keeps going round and round.

Apart from the school photo incident it was 1 or 2 plaits every single day, and a bun when I was doing ballet. Never, ever, ever loose. Never.

So when did you discover hair products designed for black hair?

There wasn’t any ‘Dark & Lovely’ in Cornwall but I can say it was like Christmas when we discovered that a ‘home perm’ has the effect of loosening curls. I was around 14 then.

So what is your experience of modern hairdressers today-are they all clued up about how to manage your hair?

To be honest I do struggle with hairdressers, even now. The main problem is that hairdressers (and some at the top of their game) don’t understand how my type of hair changes dramatically depending on what climate, substance, effects it. Water in any form is like a cheeky magic wand – even mist! But with the correct tools ad managing my kind of hair can do ANYTHING, which is brilliant! So hairdressers like the genius Kerry Warn, or Maarit Niemela, are leagues better than others because they can work black hair from wet to dry in any style.
I’m surprised that more people don’t understand this (even though hair salons still seems to be culturally divided between ‘black’ hairdressing or ‘caucasian’ hairdressing), there are many black models and actresses around that they work with.

I think a problem for top hairdressers is that most black models and high end clients have weaves (Indian hair), so the technicians never work on authentic black hair. Whether black, white, blonde, brunette, I’d head to a local black hairdressers any day of the week- because if a technician can work black hair, you can work ANY hair.

So tell me about products. You’ve been an international actress all of your adult life, you must have tried everything!

My favourite shampoos, conditioner, serums and sprays etc are from John Masters Organics and the ‘Brilliant’ range by Aveda.

I have lots of ‘beauty icons’ that, to my mind, represent a more diverse attitude to beauty, that hopefully represent a wider scope of womanhood. Do you have any ‘hair icons’?

I just watched Flashdance with my girls. Jennifer Beales hair! In the same breath I get a total wide on for my friend Laura Bailey‘s hair. It’s unreal. Thick, shiny, heavy swinging blanket of the good stuff. Who doesn’t love Rihanna’s red? Or Stevie Wonder’s braids?

What would you say to young girls and women of colour who struggle with hair ‘issues’?

Ultimately the goal is to be free to do whatever you want with your hair. But what we ‘want’ is influenced by so many factors. When I was little I insisted my parents stopped calling me Thandie because it was so ‘different‘, my desire was influenced by a community where the way I looked was not celebrated, where my uniqueness was seen as suspect. Whatever we are repelled by, or don’t want – right there is the bud to a root we need to dig up and investigate.

Once we’re conscious of the story behind our discomfort, we can reject that story and be free. And then we can have it all, and love it all.

Watch a trailer of Thandie’s next movie, GOOD DEEDS (out in US Feb 14th) HERE

Watch Thandie’s talk on ‘Embracing Otherness, Embracing Myself’ at TED HERE

Watch the trailer to Chris Rock’s insightful documentary GOOD HAIR HERE

Read writer Funmi Fetto’s honest account of her hair from British VOGUE HERE

See my Pinterest board full of work that Thandie & I have done together HERE

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Kay Montano's make-up career started at 16 and she learned her skill on the job within the edgy London fashion world. At 25 Kay moved to NY and worked regularly on glossies such as Vogue, Allure, Bazaar, W and Elle. From there she was introduced to a clientele of actresses that she still works with today including Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley and Thandie Newton. Kay is now based in London but continues to travel for press junkets, premieres and ad campaigns. She is a Chanel ambassador and creative director of MyFace Cosmetics. View her agency portfolio here.

Follow Kay on Twitter at @kaymontano

The Most Important Vitamin You'll Ever Take

2012-02-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

by Sherrell Dorsey of OrganicBeautyVixen

Before she was diagnosed with multiple-slerosis my aunt lived a vibrant, active and healthy life. My cousin and I would sit at her feet and listen to stories of her college days, her time as a waitress serving sundae’s in roller skates and dancing to Earth, Wind and Fire with her girlfriends.

Now, moving slowly and with a cane in tote, she continues to keep a smile on her face as those memories fade into the distance. I always wondered, how could this disease that rules her life, have been prevented?

As a black girl born and raised in the North West, I don’t get much sun. Thank God that I left for college and spend a lot of time traveling to warmer climates. But for many people of color in the North West we’re plagued by many diseases that potentially could have been prevented with more vitamin D intake.

Back in September the news broke out that African-Americans aren’t getting enough sun and with our darker skin we are becoming more and more deficient. The Root reported that vitamin D has recently been shown to lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, memory loss and several types of cancer.

So how do you get your daily dose? Here are a few tips to step up your prevention game inside and out!

Get outside for at least 30 minutes per day for natural sunlight exposure. Still keep your skin protected from harmful rays with a physical sunscreen however!

Get at least 1,000 IU’s a day of vitamin D through a daily supplement. I bought a 2-month supply of the tiny capsules from Trader Joe’s for less than 5 bucks.

Eat fish fatty fish like wild Alaskan salmon (lower content of mercury), mackerel and cod liver oil (old school style) for natural vitamin D that will also make your skin glow.

Make it a priority for you and your family to stay consistent with daily vitamin D exposure for healthy living you’ll be thankful for.

Sherrell Dorsey is a natural beauty expert, writer, speaker and advocate of health, wellness and sustainability in communities of color. In addition to creating OrganicBeautyVixen.com, Sherrell writes beauty articles for Tyra Banks's beauty and fashion site TypeF.com, Jones Magazine, MySalonScoop.com and Posh Beauty. Follow Sherrell on twitter at www.twitter.com/organicvixen

Let's Cook: Collard Greens w/ Turkey Bacon

2012-02-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

Simple & Easy Collard Greens with Crispy Turkey Bacon
Recipe by: Chef Huda

Easy Collard Greens
2 lbs Collard Greens-Chopped
1 Large Onion-Chopped
3 cups Vegetable stock
4 Cloves of Garlic-Minced
1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Kosher Salt*

*Please note: You may need more salt depending on your taste.

Crispy Turkey Bacon
1 package of Turkey Bacon Strips
2 teaspoons of Vegetable oil

Chef Huda’s Tip: When serving Greens you may want to add or have Hot sauce or Tabasco sauce for your guests to add to their greens.

Let’s get started

Wait…Please, Wash your Hands!

Now, let’s make something Pretty and Delicious!

Start by washing your Greens. Loosely fill a large bowl with Greens and then fill the bowl with cold water, let sit for 2-3 minutes. Vigorously move the Greens around the bowl before removing from them from the bowl. This should help remove any remaining dirt from your Greens. Cut your green into large strips, remove stems. Once your

Greens are cut place them in a large pot. Add in the onion, garlic, Apple cider vinegar, Kosher salt and Vegetable stock. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Once the pot boils, cover and reduce to a lower heat. Let simmer for 35-40 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Now, let’s start on our Crispy Turkey Bacon. Cut your bacon into thin strips. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in oil. Once the oil is hot add in Turkey bacon. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Once done remove from heat and place on paper towel to drain any extra oil.

Once your Simple & Easy Collard Greens are tender and done, remove from stove and taste. Use a slotted spoon to plate the Collard Greens. It is ideal to serve your greens with a little of it’s juice. Garnish with your Crispy Turkey Bacon. Now all you have to do is Enjoy!

Chef Huda’s Healthy Tip: Collard Greens are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, K, calcium and iron. Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy scalp.

Celebrity Chef Huda, owner of Pretty & Delicious catering is a chef like no other, with an 1950’s Hollywood starlet flair, she has undeniable style and class, and a gift to create beautiful dishes that keep people craving more, She believes, “Not only should food taste good, food should be ‘Pretty and Delicious’ at all times.” Chef Huda’s delicious culinary creations have received national rave reviews from A-list Hollywood celebrities to Political Leaders. Multi-talented Chef Huda is also a food writer, food product reviewer, restaurant consultant and entertainment correspondent.

Upgrade Your Life: How to Become an Early Riser

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

by GG of PeaceLoveandPrettyThings

At any given time, I'm sure I could name at least ten things about my life that I would like to change. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate my life and I focus more on what's right than what's wrong. I know how important it is to be content with where I am right now. But we're all works in progress and life is always willing to teach us more about what our strengths and weaknesses are. It may sound contradictory - saying I want to change and be content with myself at the same time - but that's my reality.

There is always going to be some area of our lives that feels neglected. And I've discovered that taking the time to pay attention to these neglected things, even in a small way, makes me feel more appreciative, more fulfilled and definitely more confident.

In this new series, "Upgrade Your Life", we'll give suggestions for how you can make small, gradual changes to impact your life in a big way. No matter what it is you want to do, there are baby steps you can take to get there.

This first post is focused on How to Become an Early Riser.

I've never been a morning person. Almost every morning is rushed and frantic. I rarely have time to eat breakfast before I get to work. I often find myself snapping at the kids and rushing them because I'm running late. This pattern has been bothering me for awhile.

I often think about how I can steal away a little more time to myself. It finally occurred to me that I need to start getting up earlier. I want to have at least one hour to myself each morning to exercise, write, meditate or do whatever my heart desires before everyone gets up. This is a way for me to start the day with me, myself and I and get centered before I face the day. This is no small task for me, as I've always been a late to bed, late to rise kind of person. And yet I'm convinced that this change, daunting as it may seem, will be worth it.

Here's my 5 step plan:

1) Go to bed early enough to get X hours of sleep. You probably know how much sleep you need to function at your best. I need about 7 hours most nights. I can get away with 5 - 6 sometimes, but I try not to make a habit of that. If getting up early is a real priority, then you'll do what you have to do and make the necessary sacrifices to get to bed.

2) Get up at the designated time no matter what. To start off, I'm just focusing on getting up at 5 am. I won't put any pressure on myself to get up and do this or do that. This way I won't feel overwhelmed. Just the effort of getting up at 5 am and staying up is an accomplishment for me. When I get up, I make myself leave my bedroom. I keep an alarm next to my bed and one over by the door. That way I can't rationalize as I continue to lay there in the warm bed.

3) Express the importance of this project to the family. It's surprising how much support you get when you let it be known that you need it. I told my family about this effort and how it was a serious thing for me, and they didn't laugh at me! When my alarm goes off now, my honey nudges me and tells me to get up. His support helps tremendously.

4) Focus on what you will get out of it. When I say focus, I mean somewhat obsess over it. I'm doodling "5 AM" all over my journal. I'm writing about it. I'm talking about it. I'm thinking about how I will feel during that early morning hour to myself....what I'll do...how proud of myself I will be...how this morning treat will positively affect the rest of my day.

5) Don't beat yourself up or give up when you oversleep. Everyday last week I had the intention of getting up at 5 am and I didn't achieve it not once. It was very discouraging but I kept trying. This week has been much better. I'm determined. I want to prove to myself that I can set a small goal and be consistently focused on it until it becomes a real habit. If I fall off for a day, I'm right back on it the next day, trying to get back on track.

Remember....

No matter how many mistakes we make or how slow we progress, we are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. ~Author Unknown

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PLPT is co-authored by Kim Jackson and GG Renee with the intention of connecting with women through messages of self-love and personal freedom. We believe that true beauty starts on the inside and radiates outward, so maintaining emotional health and balance should be an essential part of every woman's beauty regimen. We use this platform as an opportunity to share our personal experiences, and to help other women who are seeking guidance to find their own truths and live fabulously.

Best Tool for Detangling and Curl Definition

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hola Chicas,

It's Thursday which means we've officially taken over Essence for the day!

¡Viva la Revolución!

Check out my latest installment, where I give advice on detangling and tools to get the job done. Go over there, check it out, 'like it', share it and comment! Also, leave questions of your own for the next article!

Thanks divas!

Later Gators,
Nik

Unapologetically Fabulous! - Natural Hair Swag

2012-02-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

by Taneica of ShatterProofGlassDolls

Have you ever stepped out looking insanely gorgeous after hours of primping, curling, pushing up, tucking in and unleashing your inner goddess, just to be met by that neighbor, or friend who feels the need to attempt to "burst" you bubble? You know, the one who asks, "Is that really what you meant to do with you hair?" or "The outfit looks good, but the hair could use more work". I had a friend once offer up a hat because she was concerned that the patrons behind us at the movies would have their view obstructed by my diva sized mane!*side eye* Sometimes I can't help but wonder if it's really our hair that makes folks uncomfortable, even perplexed at times. Perhaps, there's something confusing about the way we rock our hair with complete and utter disregard to what those around us may or may not think or have to say about it. I've found that people are most uncomfortable with things they don't understand. In an attempt to make sense of things, they sometimes try to fix what's not broken.

For most naturals, I think there's a stage where we may feel a little awkward. You see the potential in what you have, but it's just not there yet...kind of like puberty...lol! Somewhere in between that and the "I just don't give a damn, I'm fine. Say something." segment of the program, we "earn our stripes". We get to a point where we make peace with what we're working with and start to take more and more pride in not only our hair, but our faces, our figures, our personalities, our intellects and our gifts. We not only embrace our strengths, but accept our flaws. By the time we get to that point, it's kind of difficult for us to be tough on ourselves because our hair doesn't curl or lay the same way as the next gal's. It's at this point that we become so fierce, so unapologetically fabulous, that some of those around us may start to wonder if they're missing something. Let 'em guess, wonder, and ascertain why you're so confident while you have fun being that! Now, what are you waiting for? Fluff that hair, flash that smile, and exercise your right to remain fabulous!

Malcolm Jamal-Warner on Natural Hair

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Weusi of Hairscapades

Malcom-Jamal Warner is recognized by most as “Theo” from the legendary Cosby Show. What many do not know is that he is also an accomplished director, poet, bass player, voice actor, author, activist, speaker, producer and director. He’s been low-key for a while, but has stayed relevant with recent re-occurring roles on Sherri, Dexter and Community. But now he’s back in the spotlight starring in and co-producing a show on BET called REED BETWEEN THE LINES with co-star (and co-producer) Tracee Ellis-Ross.

After an episode that addressed natural hair and self-image, I felt that it was perfect timing for me to reach out and ask him a few questions for Hairscapades. So, without further ado … Mr. Malcolm-Jamal Warner …

Q: Who were some of the people/celebrities that you saw as beautiful growing up, peers and elders (natural, straightened and/or relaxed hair)?
The woman who I thought were beautiful totally ran the gamut. I had a wall full of Ola Ray pictures. We all loved Janet Jackson and Kim Fields. My mother and the majority of her circle of strong, independent Black woman for the most part had either fros, short fros or really close-cropped cuts.

Q: Your mother wears her hair natural now. Has she always? If not, do you remember how you felt when she went through her “big chop?” How did people around you respond to her hair? Did you ever get jokes about your mother having more waves than you?
My mother always had short hair. She did go through a period where she had braids and then enough hair to perm, which was such a huge difference because, ever since I was a baby, she had always worn her hair natural. I think she went through a period where she decided she wanted to try something different just to say that she did it. When she did the big chop after her locs, we all kinda said, “Ahhh, there’s the Pam Warner we know.” Lol. But it has been cool to see her take her journey with her hair.

Q: Did you grow up around other women that had relaxers or natural hair styles? How did that influence your idea of beauty?
Because I grew up around those strong, independent Black woman with natural hair styles, I think that may have had a significant impact on my attraction to women with natural hair. There’s a certain confidence that a woman has to have to rock natural hair, especially a short do. And, given the prevalence of perms, extensions and weaves, that confidence is often pretty sexy.

Q: You recently aired an episode of your new show, Reed Between the Lines, where you touched on the dynamics and “politics” of women with natural hair. Can you talk about how that came about and why you felt it was a worthy topic for an entire episode?
It was a storyline the writers came to us with already. Everyone felt that it was an important topic – none of us had seen it handled like this in a sitcom before. Tracee especially gravitated toward it, because it was something she could relate to given that her hair may even have a bigger fan-base than she does! It was also important to us to handle it in a way that, though the topic is specific to the Black family dynamic, it could still be told within the universal message of letting young girls (and all people for that matter) know that changing yourself just so someone would like you is never a good idea.

Q: Your co-host and co-producer of the show is an ICON in the natural hair care world. Does her hair always look great? Do you have any idea what she uses on her hair?
I haven’t the slightest clue! Lol!

Q: You used to have locs. For how long? What was the inspiration for them and what prompted you to cut them?
It’s crazy, because during my early 20s, my best friend and I worshipped Das-EFX. We took the time to decipher practically every verse from that first CD, which was no easy feat. But, as much as we loved them, whenever we asked ourselves if we’d ever grow locs, we were both like, “No.” Some years later, my mother started growing locs. And, as you know, when locking, you have many a “not good” hair day. I used to see her rock those days with a little extra pep in her step and her head held a little higher because, for her, it wasn’t about how her locs looked; it was about how they made her feel. I admired that self-assurance she carried, no matter what anyone else thought (Not even me – I used to tease her when she was twisting, only because I didn’t think she’d commit to it. But to my surprise she did.). The year I did my first 10 day fast, I spent a lot of time by myself on a mini-spiritual journey. It was the end of the first season of “Malcolm & Eddie” and, once I knew we were picked up for a second season, and therefore had job security, I decided to loc. I said I would give myself 10 years. Once the show ended, my manager, agent, and publicist were all suggesting I cut my locs, because they felt that they were getting in the way of my getting jobs. My feeling was that I didn’t grow my locs for anyone else and I wasn’t going to cut them for anyone else. I knew people who cut them before they were ready and regretted it. I did a show with Goapele shortly after she cut hers. And, in her post-loc glow, she told me to only cut them when I was absolutely ready. I knew I wanted to glow like her, so I waited until I was absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt ready. I had done enough acting work to document my locs, had gotten out of the journey what I needed and was ready to move on. Turns out, it was exactly 10 and a half years.

Q: Can you talk about the power dynamics and the community’s response to men with locked hair? (Don’t front and act like I was the only one getting pulled over on the highway and asked if I had any weed when I was walking down the block!)
Generally, I had a positive response to my locs. Of course, there were women who would say, “Why’d you do that? You look better without dreads.” But even now, since I cut them, there are women who say they think I looked better with them, thus proving, you can’t please everybody. Lol! I’ve been told by many people that, because of my public “mainstream” image, my wearing locs eased the threat a bit and helped make them more “acceptable.” I think as long as people refer to them as “dreadlocks,” there will always be a level of intimidation and prejudice because, as we know, there is nothing dreadful about wearing locs.

Q: Have you ever kept up with the hair regimen of your lady? Like, do you keep up with her? Do you know how often she washes her hair? Conditions? Colors? Deep conditions? Etc.?
No, actually. I just know I like it.

Q: Have you ever been one to know what your lady uses on her hair? If you were walking down the beauty aisle, would you know what to pick up for her?
There’s a gang of stuff in her bathroom cabinets, but I don’t know which stuff she uses regularly.

Q: Her hair is ALWAYS fly. Does she allow you to play in her hair or does she keep it wrapped up in scarves and bonnets?
She only wraps it when she goes to sleep.

Q: Have you ever dated a sister that HAS to wear “headgear” to bed? What kind? How do/would you deal with that? What’s your preference … bonnet, scarf, do-rag, hat!?!
The funny thing is, when I had to work with that the most, we both had locs. So, she’d wear a bonnet and I’d rock the do-rag to bed. Some nights, it made for some interesting night-time fun!

Q: Have you ever dealt with someone who had braids/extensions? How do you feel about the “purchased” hair?
I’ve never really been big on extensions and weaves and the sort. I get why some women prefer them or feel they may need them. I also know that, in some cases, it’s just easier to rock the purchased hair. I don’t discriminate. But personally, I want to run my fingers through my woman’s hair and play with it without concern for pulling something out.

Q: Is there anything that you want to share about hair, hair politics, black men caring for daughters with natural hair (Hint, hint! Haha!)?
A fly hairstyle with a whack attitude is a waste, but a pretty a@#$ smile trumps a bad hair day every time.

Q: You are a good-looking, stable, intelligent, socially conscious, spiritually and community grounded brother … why don’t you have any kids and/or why aren’t you married (Haha!!)?
Hahahaha. Don’t count me out just yet, brother …

Chaka Khan Talks Natural Hair

2012-02-01T07:57:00.004-05:00

Yes, you read right! The queen of BIG hair is On the Couch! The legendary singer/songwriter and 10 time Grammy award winning diva gave me a moment of her time to reflect on her hair story. There aren't even words to describe how amazing it was to speak with the woman who inspired an entire generation. Her music, her fashion, her hair... all so revolutionary and timeless. When I asked her how it felt to be a natural hair icon, she showed a humility that doesn't always accompany such greatness, and said she had no idea. She reflects-

My mother used to braid my hair in three braids- - one one each side that she'd pin at the top, and one in the back. There was a lot of duplication... she would use the hot comb and we'd wear the Page Boy. That's pretty much it. I was wearing a perm when I was 15 or 16, which was also around the time the Afros came out. I remember, I cut all of the perm out and wore a short 'fro for a long time. I wore it for years before growing it out.

When asked how she felt about her TWA (teeny weeny afro), she responded,

I loved it. That's how I wore it on my first album cover with Rufus. I was actually pregnant at the time. Since then, throughout my career, I've experimented with a thousand colors and a thousand styles... everything from microbraids to blow outs. I've done it all.

Chaka still reps team natural to this day but enjoys experimenting with different looks--

Sometimes I'll go for a straighter look, but I really don't like straight hair on me, it's not my favorite hair at all. I find it... unlikely [laughter]. I like a lot of hair. I'm about the wild things.

Today, Chaka admits, she's "not really fussy" when it comes to her hair and is a self-proclaimed "wash and wear" girl. Most days, she just spritzes with a conditioner and keeps it moving. Her favorite products are Mixed Chicks and Peter Lamas. She goes on-

For me, it's the wilder the better. I love big hair! I don't like the coiffed look. I'm not a coif hair girl. I don't like to look neat like I just walked out of the beauty shop!

Much to the dismay of her stylist, there have been times that she's spritzed her freshly straightened and barrel curled hair with water to give it some "umph!"

Chaka is just as busy as ever. Last year, she not only got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ('bout damn time), but she and her former band Rufus, were jointly nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! She continues to tour and is clocking tons of studio hours in prep for her next album. She is humbled that we in the natural hair community tout her as Natural Hair Style and Hair Icon and appreciates our support and love.

CLASSIC.

Keep up with Chaka and her tour on her website- chakakhan.com
and on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/chakakhan?ref=ts

Split End Repair- A Look at New Technology

2012-02-01T07:33:00.001-05:00

via TheBeautyBrains

Michelle asks…Are there ANY hair products out there that can actually reconstruct/repair hair (as opposed to just protecting it from further damage)?

The Right Brain responds:

This is a great question because one of our favorite pet peeves are all the products that claim to repair hair but don’t. When you actually look at the science behind those products you find that they are almost always “regular” conditioners. That means they are very good at smoothing the cuticle and helping to prevent future damage but the do nothing to truly repair hair.

Does any hair repair product really work?

There is hope, however, because of new one technology that works differently. This technology is based on a polyelectrolyte complex, or PEC for short. This PEC complex consists of a negatively charged ion (PVM/MA copolymer) and a positively charged ion (Polyquaternium-28.) This combination of positive and negative charges creates a single complex with the unique ability to stick to damage hairs and to itself.

How does PEC technology repair hair?

What does all this mean? Well, instead of just coating the outside of hair like most conditioners do, the tiny PEC molecules are able to enter the split ends of hair. Because the complex can stick to the damaged hair protein and to other complex molecules, it creates little bridges across the open ends of the splits. As your hair dries, the water evaporates from the complex causing it to contract. The force of this contraction pulls the end of the split hairs back together again. Once the PECs are dry they bind the split end shut. Watch this video to see what happens when a drop of PEC complex is placed on a split end and dried with a blow dryer:

Which products contain PEC technology?

Nexxus, Joico, and Tresemme all make products containing the Polyelectrolyte Complex. If you’d like to try this new hair repair technology for yourself, please consider buying one of these through the links below. Your purchase helps support the Beauty Brains blog.

Nexxus Pro-Mend Conditioner

Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Split End Mender

Tresemme Split Remedy Conditioner

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CN Says:

Still sounds like a bandaid to me *shrugs* I say, snip snip!

What do y'all think?

A Good Hair Day...(that just keeps on giving)

2012-01-31T20:00:00.005-05:00

It's official, the cut is bomb... everything I envisioned. It volumized my situation and trimmed about 30 minutes off of my detangling and styling time. Got me grinning from temple to temple...

This is the result of a partial Twist-n-Curl. I say partial, 'cause I used about 4 flexis on the sides to create some fake layers. I styled wet, with, get this... MOUSSE! I'm wilin', I know. But it was in a box of complimentary goodies and I couldn't help myself. It's alcohol free (but full of other ish) and my hair feels productless and airy. I'm gonna wait to review until I've tried it a few more times.

After rinsing my conditioner, I air dried for 15 minutes and applied a bit of Davines De-Stress Leave-in. I followed up with TIGI's Totally Baked Hair Meringue (the mousse) and used a teeny bit of Davines' Beautifying Potion to remove the twists once they were completely dry.

the requisite bathroom shot...

...and the Boogie Monster... literally.

'who drank my apple juice?!'

Have you ever used mousse on your curls? What kind?

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Last night, to preserve the curly awesomeness, I pineappled... loosely gathered my hair on top of my head with a satin scrunchy and covered with a satin bonnet.

serving up sexy.
This morning...

not gonna lie, it was a little more difficult coaxing it all back down! Harder than usual... probably because I'm missing the weight of the extra length. Tonight, I may do a low loose pony instead :)

Boog didn't get a second day out of her 'do

Naturally Fashionable- Pep Squad!

2012-01-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

via ClosetConfections

{Rugby “Make Your Own” Cardigan, Uniqlo Turtleneck (similar), Gap Skirt (similar), H&M Shoes}

I’ve worn this sweater many times before, but this time I decided to try a different spin by testing out a new color scheme. This gold/sapphire/amethyst combo has gotten me thinking I should inject more jewel tones into my wardrobe.

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I’m a career gal, living in NYC while attempting to climb the corporate ladder one fashionable footstep at a time. I always dreamed of a glamorous job in the fashion industry, but instead I became a technology geek and now spend most of my days talking bits and bytes with IT Directors. Even though khakis and polos are the standard uniform within my industry, I prefer dresses and high heels. The only fashion rules I follow are to have fun and keep it classy... everything else is fair game! I look forward to sharing both my on- and off-duty looks with the Curly Nikki community each week. I am literally ALL OVER the web, and you can connect with me via Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Aziza is Naturally Glamorous!

2012-01-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

by Alex of TheGoodHairBlog

Please, introduce yourself!
Hello Beautiful! My name is Aziza Original. I’m an all-around artist and model from the DMV. You can always catch me directing photo shoots, videos, or being a part of one. As well a Tumblr blogger that inspires and delivers with a free spirit soul that’s that flows like a bottle in the sea.

What is your current hair care regimen?
Well I call it the get up and go, meaning I really don’t do much. I wash my hair every two weeks with Carols Daughter products and after that I let the steam from the shower do its job. The less I do, the better.

What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?
I have thick hair with fine texture so finding products for my hair is kind of hard. You win and lose in some situations. Sometimes I can find good products but it weighs my curls down or I can find the opposite, good product that don’t weigh my curls but it doesn’t really define nor moisturize my hair. Using Carols Daughter hair milk, gives me the results I adore, without using a lot of products.

What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
I have always been natural for the most part. However, there was that time my mother put a texturizer in my hair; and I complained for DAYS because I was upset that I wasn’t natural anymore. Other than that I grew up maintaining my natural curls, then destroying it with color, may my hair from my younger years rest in peace…

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?
Having the hair texture I do now, I did do the BC. My hair was damaged from all the coloring I did in the past, so my curls were very stringy and not healthy. So I decided to cut it all off to a low cut 3 years ago. Before the BC my hair was going through major chops to get all the damaged ends off. Having hair in the middle of my back, to shoulder length then all gone was the process. After the BC I was able to achieve healthy full lushes curl with no heat applied to them nor color.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
The fact that I can say I’m fully natural makes me love my curls. Waking up in the morning not having to worry about styling is a plus! I just hop in the shower and start my day. The fullness and how defined my curls are make my hair special to me, not to mention bringing back the afro that many enjoy.

Where can we find you on the web?
www.AzizaOriginal.tumblr.com

Anything EXTRA you want us to know?
Once you go natural, the process is so beautiful. You learn so much about yourself. Overtime you come to realize that you’re not looking at it as “oh it’s just hair” but you start to pay attention to what you put in it, who touches it, and how you treat it. It’s your love that you grow with and put so much dedication into. That’s why being natural is so beautiful because of the person you do become during your journey.

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My name is Alexandra Smith, I am 22 year old single mother of one, full time Media Journalism student and business owner.I share my curly girl experience and other kinky haired goodness on my site "The Good Hair Blog." My overall goal of blogging for the natural hair community is to bring us together,men included by spreading knowledge, inspiration and love about our diverse heads of hair.

You Will Never Measure Up

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Noni of ThreeNaturals

Does that sound mean? You will never measure up? I think it sounds true.

You will never measure up. You will never have her hair or her style, her self-assurance or her success. Never. You won’t because it’s hers. You will never measure up. But really, you don’t need to you because you will have your hair, your style, your self-confidence and your success. And that’s something to be thankful for and confident in should you choose to see with the right perspective.

*cue storytime music*

There once was a girl who was given the gift of being made unique. There was noone else on the whole planet like her. She was funny, smart, creative, and beautiful. She was also blessed with gorgeous kinky hair that defied gravity. This little lady was a true gem.

One day she met a sweet, friendly girl and was fascinated by her charm and her lovely silky hair that danced in the blowing wind. After their meeting she thought, “Oh my, that girl is funny, smart, creative and beautiful. I wish I could be like her.” That night it was hard for her to sleep as she kept thinking about all the things that she was not and all the things that this other girl was. The next morning she got up and felt pretty rough due to lack of sleep but she kept it moving anyhow and went on about her day. As the day went on, once again, she ran into the same girl with the dancing hair. But she noticed that something had been altered. The hair wasn’t dancing but was trying to float. She asked,”did you do something different?” The other girl replied, “Why yes I did. Yesterday when I meet you I thought to myself, ‘Oh my, that girl is funny, smart, creative and beautiful. I wish I could be like her.’”…

Where am I going with this?

We’ve all been given the gift of being made unique. It’s interesting though, the misconceptions that we often have about ourselves and then operate from. Just yesterday in conversation I was asked why I don’t wear wash n go’s. I dove into this whole monologue (along with hair pics on my ipod) about twist outs and curl patterns and ‘what I didn’t have’ and ‘why I couldn’t do’. The response I got surprised me as I was told, ‘but look at your pics, you do have that kinda hair’.
I was like…’I do?’

And I realized that while I’ve been busy watching the other girl’s hair I’ve neglected to see my own. Cause really, what’s ‘that kinda hair’ anyway? It’s beautiful, kinky, curly.

Call a spade a spade. See you for what you truly are.
And sing in unison the words of India Arie “I know my Creator didn’t make no mistakes on me”

Naturally Fashionable- Sherlock and the Revolution

2012-01-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

via The Style Sample
Something about this overcoat (as it is a proper overcoat) makes me feel like a cross between Purple Rain-era Prince and Sherlock Holmes. Which is to say it makes me feel EXTRASUPERDOPE.

“Tell Wendy and Lisa to find Dr. Watson, stat!”

Gap jeans, NY & Co shirt, overcoat from an old costume, vintage clutch and shoes, Urban Outfitters scarf

Do you ever wear clothes that make you feel like a character (in a good way)?

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Tamia is a stylist, marketing consultant, graphic designer, independent ice cream taster, and Purple Rain aficionado. She's also the culprit behind fashion and lifestyle blog TheStyleSample.com. Follow @StyleSample on Twitter and Tumblr to keep up!