Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

The gorgeous R&B singer/songwriter, Leela James, is a true diva. She has a new album, My Soul, that was released in May 2010. Her sultry ballads and soulful lyrics have brought her much deserved acclaim around the world, but it's her hair that won her iconic status in the curly world! Leela is one of the most down to earth celebs I've interviewed to date-- she definitely keeps it real!

On her hair story...
I've never had a relaxer. I've pretty much worn my hair braided, pressed & curled, or in natural 'out' styles my entire life. If you were to bump into me on a regular day, I'd probably be in cornrows, box braids, plaits... you know, Poetic Justice-esque.

On her current routine...
I wash, condition, deep condition and style every couple of weeks. I'm not married to any particular line or brand of products- - I just use whatever is on hand. When I go to the salon, they use their products, and when I'm at home, I use whatever is in arm's reach.

I usually wash and condition in the shower, but I've been known to flip my hair over into the kitchen sink too... old school style, LOL! It all depends on my mood.

I deep condition and apply hot oil treatments regularly. I recommend everyone do this, at least once a month.

On achieving her HUGE and Fierce 'Fro...
On wash day, I apply a leave-in conditioner and create 5 or 6 braids or plaits. I braid on damp hair and allow it to air-dry. Once it's fully dry, I take the braids down, comb them, and then tease it out using a pick or a wide tooth comb. Sometimes I'll lightly blow it out with a dryer, but that's really it! In between styling sessions, I dampen the hair, re-braid and repeat.

On achieving her chunkier, more defined styles...
It's almost the same routine. The major difference is that I braid my wet hair (instead of damp), and take them down before they have time to fully dry and set. This creates a tighter curl pattern, but as you tease it out, it loosens up a bit.

When I'm on the road, it's pretty much the same thing. I plait it up, or do nothing and go. I don't really have a true routine. I'm really not fussy with this stuff and I'm very lazy when it comes to my hair.



On straight styles...
My mother presses my hair and she uses old school pomades and/or a light grease. Very simple. It's fun to switch it up from time to time.

On protecting her hair at night...
Most nights I dampen it a bit with water, apply a little leave-in conditioner and re-braid. I sleep in a silk or satin scarf as well. Other nights, I don't do anything!

On adding pieces for length and volume...
I do, occasionally. But a girl can't disclose all of her secrets! Some things need to be left to curiosity. Plus, it ain't none of y'alls business, LOL!

On being natural...
It's easy and you don't really have to worry about hardcore maintenance, like hot curling it every day, or trying to keep it straight.

On helping others embrace their natural hair...
I think it should be 'to each his own'. I really do. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing...do just that. There is no right or wrong way to wear YOUR hair, or do you. If you want to wear your hair weaved up, if you want to wear your hair natural, if you want to cut it off or shave it bald...whatever! Do whatever you want to do, because there are no rules, it's your head. Your hair is not who you are, it's just a part of you. It should be looked at like an accessory, and I feel that sometimes, people make too much out of it. It's just not that deep to me.

I do what I feel comfortable doing and that just happens to be 'natural hair'. For some reason, my hair has become this thing that everybody thinks of as my signature trademark. But no! I'm just lazy, and this works for me. And at the end of the day, if I feel like switching it up and doing something totally different, if I want to wear my hair straight, that's what I'm going to do! It just depends on how I'm feeling, and what I'm able to handle at the time.

On her inspiration for 'My Soul'...
My inspiration is pretty much myself and my personal experiences leading up to the release of this album from the first album. I was involved in 'My Soul' from the beginning to the end, and the journey in transitioning from one label to another, and switching management, really played a factor in how I wanted to go about the whole recording process... the whole album.
Last time I went through a lot, and this go round, it was all me. These are my songs, my thoughts, my lyrics... all of the above! It's coming from my soul.... nobody else's but mine.

The album is in stores, but you can also get it online (Itunes). Hit me up on Facebook and follow me on Twitter! I'm on the road getting ready to do some tour dates over seas as well as some here in the States. So come check me out... and FOCUS ON MY MUSIC, NOT MY HAIR, how 'bout that?!

On her natural hair story...

I've been natural my entire life! My mother didn't believe in relaxers, and vowed never to put lye on her child's scalp. Lye is very toxic and your scalp is among the thinnest skin that you have on your body. The harm this stuff can do should not be taken lightly. I've never had a relaxer, and I never will.

On embracing her natural texture...

I've pretty much always loved my hair but there were a few years where I really didn't know how to take care of it. My hair is not as thick as it used to be... when I was younger it was SO, so thick! I didn't know what to do with it and found it to be very frustrating. Around age 13 or 14, I began to learn new techniques which expanded my styling options, and that's about the time that I truly began to embrace it.



On her experiences in the entertainment industry...

Wow... I never really think about it. I mean, it certainly makes me 'identifiable' when I show up with my Afro, but, to me, that's the most obvious way to wear my hair. That's how it grows out of my scalp. Having big natural hair makes me stand out to people at first take. I think of myself as an artist, as a musician, and I'm happy that my hair is just one more way that I can express myself.

On her current routine and achieving her signature Afro...

I usually wash my hair once a week-- a really thorough wash using a shampoo bar full of oils and natural cleansing agents. I then apply a mix of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil to my wet hair, brush it through using a typical Goody Brush (the white one with the red plastic bed and teeth), set my hair in 8 twists and allow it to air dry. The twists not only help to set my hair, but they also keep it from tangling as it dries. In between washing sessions, I'll re-apply my butter mix and twist my hair. I find that I don't really need conditioner. My hair fairs well with little product. My routine is very simple, very natural.

On routine changes while touring...

I keep the same routine when I can. I do find that I have to moisturize it a lot more often because the air gets so dry. I usually do my hair myself-- whenever I've let others try, they usually mess it up, LOL. People just don't know what to do with it! The few times that I've gone to a hair dresser to get it cut, I'd let them brush through it, and blow it out in order to get it even, but I'd lose so much hair! Not cool, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going that route again.
Luckily my hair regimen is simple-- it's not much to it, it's just an Afro, so it's easy for me to maintain on my own while on tour. My hair is the least of my concerns while I'm out here trying to lead my band and put on a show every night.

On protecting her hair at night...

I usually just re-twist it to keep it from matting up or tangling while I'm asleep. In the morning, I release the twists, and fluff it out. I moisturize with the butter mix as needed.

On being natural...

Embracing and freely wearing my natural hair is like a form of self- exploration. I'm not White, I'm not European, and my hair is not straight. So I don't have any desire to make it straight-- it doesn't speak to who I am as a person. I am very mixed and I like that my hair is a reflection of that. My hair is an extension of me, and that's how it should be.


On getting others to embrace their natural hair...

Don't get discouraged when at first your hair doesn't do what you want it to do. That's part of the beauty of it! You have to learn to work with whatever you have. Some people get frustrated when it doesn't 'respond'. Just give it time, be patient, and enjoy it! I love seeing people do their thing and embrace what ever type of hair they have. I also find it inspiring to see naturals that rock crazy, creative and artistic styles.

On her upcoming projects and ventures...

Please check out Chamber Music Society, my new album set to be released August 17th in the U.S. It's inspired by the classical training of my younger years-- it weaves the innovative elements of jazz, folk and world music into the enduring foundations of classical chamber music traditions. Pick it up!

To the CurlyNikki.com Community:

Rock it proud! Be proud of the unique combination of genetics, cultures, and people that allow your hair to be the unique entity that it is. Let it be!

Actress Giovonnie Samuels, best known for her role in Bring It On: All or Nothing, is natural and rocking it beautifully! For those of you from my generation, you may also recognize her from Nickelodeon's All That (I used to love that show!). She also had reoccurring roles in Disney Channel's That's So Raven, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

Recently I was able to sit down with her On the Couch to discuss her lock journey, fav products, and thoughts on natural hair in the entertainment industry.

CN: Tell us your Hair Story!
Gio: I first got my locks when I was around 8 years old! I had really long hair as a child, and my mother and I would fight when she would try to do it, you know what I mean- - press, braids, whatever. I can't remember who applied my first perm, but that petty much killed my hair! Almost a year later, I saw this lady with the most beautiful locks I'd ever seen- - Dr. Joanna Cornwell, she was wearing Sister Locks. I went home right away and begged my mother to do my hair like that-- haven't looked back since!


CN: Have you always liked your natural hair? If not, how did you come to embrace it?
Gio: ALWAYS!! I grew up around women that had natural hair- - my grandma, aunties, and my mom. My mother was always trying new things with her hair, from long and red to short and honey blond. In fact, my mother was doing the short bold cut way before any of the stars today! She has always been ahead of her time. I saw how happy and beautiful they felt, like nothing was wrong with having YOUR hair. It wasn't until I got into the entertainment industry that people had problems with my natural hair. That's why I cut my locks this past January- - they were down to my butt and now they're in a short bob.


CN: What is your current routine?
Gio: I wash my hair like most people- - once a week in the winter, and twice a week in the summer time. I condition mostly in the summer because I like to sit in the sun so my hair dries faster. I curl my locks when I feel like doing something sassy or if i want to change my look.

CN: How does your routine change when you're on set?
Gio: When I arrive on set, most of the hair people have no idea what to do with me. They just look at me with that... 'uhmm I don't know what to do with that?!' face. I shake my head, laugh and style my own hair most of the time.

CN: What are your must have products?!
Gio: OOOHH! Pantene Pro-v Relaxed & Natural (the one in the brown bottle for black people, lol). I just love the way it smells! For a deep condition, I use the Sister Locks Moisture Treatment and Silk Elements Glossing Polish- - it adds a nice shine to my hair and again, I like the way it smells!


CN: How do you protect your hair at night?
Gio: Not a thing, LOL! Unless I have it curled, then I may put a wrap on it, but most of the time nothing.

CN: What's the best thing about being natural?
Gio: Getting up in the morning and not having to do anything to my hair if I want to! I LOVE THAT! I love the fact that I have a choice to do my hair unlike most of my girl friends. Sometimes I feel bad for them when we go out- - it takes them forever to get ready, and they still worry about their hair when we get to where we're going! I just laugh!



CN: What would you tell a woman who has yet to embrace her natural hair?
Gio: You know, it's hard for me to sell someone else on natural hair for so many reasons. For one, until that woman feels like she is more than just her hair, then I can't talk to her. Until women stop feeling like the only way to achieve beauty is to install a weave... I can't do anything. I blame society! Everyone is stuck on only one view of beauty. I gets NO love from the brothas on the West Coast. If I want to get a date, I have to go to the East Coast (guys on the west coast won't say two words, let alone look my way because of my locks). Now if I was in New York or down in ATL, I couldn't get down the block good before someone is asking for my number (I'm not saying this because I'm on TV, I'm saying this from my personal experiences, and my other girlfriend with natural hair experiences this as well). It's just sad that most people only have one way of seeing someone as beautiful. Think about it, when was the last time you saw anyone on any magazine with natural hair other then for natural hair? I hope that one day I can change that.

CN: What would you tell a woman considering locking?
Gio: GO FOR IT!! You can do so much more with your life- - swim, run, jump, play, LOL! Also, getting up in the morning and hair being the LAST thing on you mind...priceless! Your hair grows better, you're not frying your brain with perms, and you can do just as much if not more with your hair in its natural state!

CN: Who is your natural hair inspiration?
Gio: It used to be Lauryn Hill before she cut off all of her hair. Now its just me... I'm my own hair inspiration! I know that I'm a role model for little girls. Sometimes I feel like the only actress with natural hair... sad. I hope that the little girls that see me on TV will see natural hair as beautiful.

CN: Tell us about your upcoming projects and ventures!
Gio: Hopefully I'll be on a new show soon! But for now, I'm just teaching, acting and writing blogs, LOL!

CN: Anything else you'd like to add:
Gio: I love my hair!!! ;-)

Hola Chicas,

Good news! Remember when I shared that I couldn't get the interview until late August? It seemed like a lifetime away (patience is not my virtue), but she's on tour across the pond and her time is incredibly limited. Luckily, she's super sweet and couldn't wait to share her story On the Couch! I caught up with her in Portugal and will hopefully have the interview published by Wednesday. She dishes on her signature 'fro routine, fav products, and more!

Later Gators,
Nik

One of our favorite pastimes is ogling over pictures of gorgeous natural hair... mostly random divas on Fotki and hair blogs, but other times, natural hair celebs. Whether it's for inspiration, motivation, or finding the nerve to transition or chop, we often look to these idols to remind us just how beautiful natural curls can be.

I've been a member of the virtual natural hair community since 2005, and I'm more than aware of who the 'popular' idols are (the celebs you see over and over again in everyone's Fotki). Bre Scullark is definitely among the favs. I'm sure you remember her from America's Next Top Model Cycle 5- - hair was RIDIC! I tuned in that season just to watch those curls... plus she was hilarious and very down to earth. She's since appeared on later Cycles of ANTM, episodes of the Tyra Show, and ripped countless runways. She's been in more commercials and campaigns than I can name. She's becoming a super model in her own right!

Bre has recently Big Chopped to signify a new beginning. Last week, she took a minute from her busy schedule to chat On The Couch! Here's what she had to say:

On her hair story...

I've been natural much of my life. In middle school my mother began relaxing my hair to thin it out because there was so much of it, and therefore deemed 'unmanageable'. The problem was that the relaxer only changed the texture... it did nothing for the thickness. I wore it permed for about a year, and then slowly transitioned, chopping off a little bit at a time. By my sophomore year in high school, I was completely natural again.

On embracing her natural hair...

I didn't always like my curls, mainly because I was the only one in middle school who had this hair texture, and so much of it. I remember my classmates used to make fun of me and call me mop head! All the other girls had straight hair, and I wanted that too because in my mind, that's what pretty was. Pretty meant you had really manageable, silky straight hair- - I wanted that so bad. And even though my hair was long and healthy, no one really acknowledged it because it was very, very curly. I vividly remember my feeble attempts to make it silky and straighter- - I'd apply petroleum jelly (don't laugh!), brush it through, and then braid it up. That obviously never worked out- - I just looked bad.

It wasn't until college that I began to appreciate and enjoy my hair. In high school I abused it-- I would color it a lot , straighten it every single weekend, I cut bangs... you name it, I tried it. Then I went off to college and couldn't do that anymore- - there were no salons around, and I had no choice but to embrace it.

During my first years in college, I wore a bun religiously. I remember one day I took it down, and my next door neighbor in college said, 'You have beautiful hair!' And I responded, 'No, it's too much, it's too thick'. And she said, 'No really, you should wear it out and curly more'. So I did just that, and received a great response. I had never looked at my hair in that way-- as beautiful. It was different for me, and just the beginning. I began wearing it out more and more, big and wild! I also feel that people were becoming more accepting, despite the fact that I was the only natural on campus (that I knew of). Almost everyone had a perm!

On her 'long and curly' ANTM hair...

While I was on Top Model, I'd always have my hair in a bun. I'd wash it maybe once a week, bun it, and every once in a while, when the weather was nice, I'd wear it out curly. I remember Tyra telling me, 'Stop this. You have beautiful hair, please wear it out!'. So that's when I started washing and conditioning it more often (sometimes 3 times a week). Even after the show, whether at home, for shoots, or working with Tyra, I continued with that regimen. I'd wash, condition, grease my scalp, gel, and just go!

On greasing her scalp...

You know all the old school products-- Don't Be Bald, Doo Gro, etc.? They worked out really well for me, LOL! I would take one of those and mix in a little olive oil and grease my scalp. I now use Indian Hemp. Love the stuff!

On growing and maintaining long hair...

I've never had a problem growing my hair, it's usually pretty resilient. Last year was the first time it has ever broken off. Before then, I had colored it many times over, heat styled frequently, stripped it platinum blonde... and it suffered no damage. My hair is tough, very, very strong! But I think from working so much and having to do so many campaigns, it just couldn't handle the stress. Now that I've cut it all off, I have virgin hair again. It's growing back twice as thick as it was before...it's almost frightening!

As far as growing and maintaining long hair, I think it really is about knowing your hair type, knowing what works for your hair, and being consistent in whatever you do. There are models out there with beautiful hair, whatever the texture, it's beautiful, healthy, and strong. Some of them swear by salon products, while others rely on old school eggs and mayo treatments. Figure out what works for your hair, and just be consistent. I've seen women complain about their hair not growing and breaking off in places, and when I ask what their routine is, they don't have one. Find a routine and stick to it!

Also, I know so many women who have beautiful hair that just never seems to grow. I feel that their hair is being traumatized from excessive heat and roll brushes. It's nothing more than a quick fix... it's not maintenance, and can be quite damaging.

On her 'long and curly' staple styles...

I love a bun! It's so funny that I cut my hair off, because buns were truly my staple style. I love to see a woman with her hair pulled away from her face. Gorgeous.

I would usually opt for a middle part, and slick the sides back into a pony tail. I'd then wrap it around itself and pin it into a huge bun. I kept that look. I also did a lot of messy buns, usually worn high on top of my head. I would literally get up in the morning and go.

I also did a lot of wash and gos. I'd shampoo, apply conditioner, rinse (because if I didn't, I'd get white flakes) apply gel, and go. I'd let it air dry throughout the day. My curl pattern is strong and becomes super defined as soon as the water hits it. Wash and gos were very easy for me.

On her current routine...

I don't have to do much of anything... my options are a bit more limited now. It's grown out to a really cute length from when we first cut it, and I love it! After washing and conditioning, I just use a leave-in conditioner, grease my scalp, and go. I don't even use gel anymore. My virgin hair is growing in so nicely, I can't even tell you how thick this Afro is on my head!


On her must have products...

I love, love, love Mixed Chicks! I love anything that is cream based, like Neutrogena's Deep Conditioner (it's cheap and easy to find) and I love olive oil too... I add it to all of my conditioners, and leave it in my hair.

My Favs:

-Mixed Chick's Gloss and Shining Hair Serum (adds sheen to hair without weighing it down. I apply it to wet, dry, or damp hair.)
-Mixed Chick's Leave in Conditioner (I leave this in my hair, in place of gel)
-Mixed Chick's Detangling Deep Conditioner (I leave this in for 15 minutes)
-Neutragena's Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-Eco Styler Gel (for when I was long and curly)

On being natural...

I find that with natural hair, you have more manageability as far as maintaining the hair. It's a lot healthier, a lot stronger, and honestly, internally you just feel better. In the media, we portray ourselves to only be beautiful if we look a certain way. But the most beautiful thing about our culture is that we have versatility! You can be anything you want to be, and look however you want to look. With that said, being natural just gives some kind of an internal boost-- it's refreshing to have natural hair and just say, 'I'm beautiful the way I am'. And it truly shows...other people pick up on it too.

As afraid as many of us are to go natural, the minute we step out of that box and do it, people are like, 'whoo, you look so much better like this! I love this look on you! It fits your personality... who you are'. I feel like all along we've been trying to be someone else, something we are not. Now that we are coming into ourselves and genuinely accepting ourselves for who we are, everyone else is accepting us too.

On others embracing their curls...

The most beautiful thing about life is stepping out of your comfort zone. Change can be scary. It doesn't always mean better, but it's not always bad either-- change from negative environments, change from negative relationships, change from feeling ugly or inferior. Accepting your natural curls allows you to look at yourself in a better way, a different and more positive way.

On CurlyNikki.com...

Thank you for all the wonderful comments! I was very nervous about what everyone would think of my new look, so the positivity that has poured out is much appreciated. Know that I'm going to be on CurlyNikki.com reading, watching, and cheering you all on. I love you guys!

Remember the beautiful and sassy Bre Scullark from America's Next Top Model Cycle 5? Her gorgeous curls have been the envy of many over the years, and unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard the news... she has Big Chopped!

On why she chopped:

As the ambassador for Drop Dead Gorgeous social justice organization, I speak
with victims of human and child sex trafficking and the one thing I try to
instill in all of our survivors is how to learn to let go. It seems easier to
live with routine of hurt, misery and baggage than to take a chance and release
it. I am no stranger to this type of pain because I like so many women have been
violated. Although I have never been a victim of this particular crime, I am no
different than the women I mentor.

I walked around for years with the guilt and hurt of what happen to me, misery and negativity were so common in my ife that I almost expected the worst out of every situation. Regardless of our circumstances, EVERYONE deserves a fresh start, a change in what we are used to. When I cut my hair, I took a chance at living a new life by releasing the one thing that I loved and was afraid to let go of. When I speak to survivors from DDG I always make reference to how the attachment to my long hair held me captivate for years. I want them to feel encouraged to know that until they let go of their baggage they can’t free of their past. I encourage everyone to step out and take a chance in embracing their unknown. I believe it is a vital step in any women’s developing a sense of pride and confidence they need to feel whole outside of the traditional perceptions of beauty. This is something that every woman at some point in their life should experience.

I must admit, I'm not what one would call a viewer of the PBS Kids Sprout channel. I'm not exactly in their target demographic, but then again, I will be soon! So when I received this email from Tamika R., my ears perked up:

Hi Curly Nikki,

I love your blog, it is so informative. I especially like reading about celebrity curlies...their whole routine and how they maintain their hair.
I was wondering if you could interview Dennisha Pratt of PBS Kids Sprout for a celebrity spotlight? She recently shocked her viewers by coming on air with a short, curly fro! Previously, her hair was long and straight, and needless to say I was so excited when I saw her show today! I was like,"OMG, she's a curly now! Yaa! You go girl". According to Twitter, "Dennisha is wearing her hair naturally curly instead of straightening it". However, she's been receiving some criticism (of course) from viewers on Facebook and on Twitter, etc. who are less knowledgeable about curly hair.
I went on Facebook and explained that, a lot of women stop relaxing their hair, and transition or 'Big Chop' in order to achieve healthier hair. I also explained that she is an example to all the children who watch her show and that they don't have to conform to today's society that states we must have long bone straight hair to be beautiful.
I'm sure, once the word gets out, other curlies will want to know why and also what her regimen is, what products she uses, how long she transitioned, what convinced her to Big Chop, and what are her go-to styles are, etc.

I immediately jumped on it, and managed to get Dennisha on the couch! Check out what she had to say:



CN: What is your hair story?

DP: Well, let me begin by saying, when I made the decision 10 months ago to transition, I had no idea that I would be doing it on national television! Getting relaxers every 6-8 weeks was all that I knew. Growing up, I didn't know of women who were proud of their natural hair. It wasn't until last year, when I was sitting in the hair shop with relaxer in my head that I asked myself, "Why are you doing this? Why are you hiding who you are? What would happen if you didn't do this anymore?" That turned out to be my last relaxer. In the past, during middle school, high school and college days, I would get micro braids and always enjoyed the textured "new growth" that was coming in but would then rush off to get it straightened. I didn't realize that I could keep that textured hair forever. I later decided to go natural for the following reasons: I was curious what my actual hair looked like and felt like, I wanted to be free from relaxers and harsh chemicals, I was searching for my identity, I found it to be empowering that I was able to do different things with my texture, I wanted a change in my appearance and I felt that going natural was a truer representation of my personality. So I decided to transition long term from relaxed to natural hair. I was offered my dream job hosting a national kids television show called The Sunny Side Up Show for Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool television channel. At the time, I was hired with flat ironed hair and very nervously informed the network of my decision to go natural. They were very understanding and completely supported my desire to keep my hair curly for the show. I was overjoyed that I would no longer have to risk heat damage and could announce to the world that I'm on my way to the hair that I was intended to have.

CN: What or who inspired you to go natural? Was it a spontaneous decision or a process?

DP: While living in NYC, a couple of close friends encouraged me to look into going natural. I eagerly began to research natural hair care. I quickly became obsessed with learning as much as possible and began watching YouTube tutorials and reading blogs and books. The more I learned the more excited I became about going natural. It was a spontaneous decision that has become a process!

CN: How have your family and close friends reacted to your decision? Are they supportive?

DP: I have received so much support from friends and relatives. My biggest support has been my husband throughout this emotional journey. There are days when I don't know what to do with my growing hair and he tells me that I'm beautiful and reminds me that I need to be patient because I always figure something out. It hit my mother hard because she was used to me having long relaxed hair for over twenty years and didn't understand. I am happy to say that she is coming around to the idea of me being natural.

CN: What do you think of the pressure you will inevitably experience from the industry to return to a straight style? How do you plan to deal with it?

DP: I feel that the acting industry has become more open to natural hair over the past several years as more women are embracing their texture. Transitioning to natural hair is a decision that I feel strongly about and will fight to stay true to my decision.

CN: What products have you used or would like to try?

DP: I have slowly been cleaning out my hair products by throwing away things that have no benefit to my hair (products with mineral oil, petroleum, etc.). For the first time ever, I'm paying attention to the ingredients label and making choices based off that. It feels good to know what I'm putting on my hair and body. Right now, I like Carol's Daughter products, Organic Roots Stimulator products, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner, and my favorite, Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil. I feel that as my hair continues to grow, some products may change, but this is what works for me right now. I am careful with my purchases as well and won't allow myself to buy new products until I've used all of another product. This can be hard at times but it keeps me from becoming a "product junkie".

CN: What's your current routine/regimen? Do you do your own hair?

DP: Because I've made the decision to transition long term rather than big chop, I go to a local natural hair salon in Philadelphia called Bigwigs to get straw sets for the show. After my on-air week is over, I then use conditioner to help detangle and prepoo. Straw sets can make my ends dry so I co-wash and use Organic Roots Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Deep Conditioner and pay close attention to my ends. Once I've completed this, I follow up with the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner and either set my hair on perm rods and head for my hooded dryer, or wet bun my hair, or do flat twists. I'm excited about continuing to learn how to style my own hair.

CN: Who are your natural inspirations?

DP: I have many natural inspirations that range from my friends who are natural or transitioning, to the ladies of YouTube who are brave enough to share their journey and tips with others, ladies of hair care blogs and forums, to Jill Scott, Esperanza Spalding, Corrine Bailey Rae...this list goes on and on.

CN: What would you tell someone toying with the idea of transitioning or Big Chopping?

DP: Take your time in making this decision because it is a BIG one. I made the decision to transition and it takes a tremendous amount of patience and commitment. Sometimes I feel that things would be so much easier if I big chopped, but I chose to take this path. I usually seem to do things the hard way, so why not carry that over to my hair as well?! Seriously, take your time and do your research.

CN: Do you feel that your natural hair will ever help or hinder your chances of getting a specific role? How so?

DP: I don't feel that my natural hair will be a hindrance to me because I'm embracing it and am building confidence. As long as I'm true to myself on all levels, I can never go wrong.

CN: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

DP: I am so thankful to be a part of a movement that shows African American girls and all girls with curly hair that it's ok to embrace your texture and be confident in yourself!

CN: What's your hair story? Also, you were natural early in your career, right? Why did you decide to straighten?
Chrisette: My hair story is one of a very healthy relationship. Although I was always changing my hair from relaxed, to braided to red to natural, no matter the style it was always healthy. I made sure to give a rest when needed and loved to nurture it. My dad would relax my hair or I’d go with my mom to the salon about once a week. She always made sure I looked fabulous for church on Sundays. I was her princess.

Yes I was natural early in my career. Honestly I’m not really sure why I changed it again. I just wanted to try something new and fun. I had my hair like that many times but I’m very open minded and I love change. I think my look at that time helped me to convey the sound that I wanted to portray.

CN: Did you have a transition period? If so, how did you wear your hair during this time?
Chrisette: This being my third BC, I already knew what I’d look like so I didn’t feel a need to transition very long because I wasn’t afraid of not having much hair. Actually before my latest BC I’d have to say my hair was probably more damaged then it had ever been. That was a result of over processing and far too much styling day after day for tours, and different types of shoots and appearances.

CN: After the BC, what were your thoughts and feelings?
Chrisette: I was so proud of my hair. I was even more proud of my heart and courage. In an effort to take my life back from the rigors of my career, the BC was my first step in a new healthier regimen that I’ve been wanting to adopt for a while now beginning with the head and then down. My natural hair is a symbol of a promise to myself to be kinder to myself.

CN: What or who inspired you to go natural again? Was it a spontaneous decision or a process?
Chrisette: I have the most incredibly beautiful mother and she BC’s all the time (our hair grows fast). She looked gorgeous upon her last BC and I felt like that was my next step towards feeling good about the way I treat my body. Also my cousins Christine and Alecia and their lovely mother Ginger and even many of my aunts have natural tresses. I feel like we are all each others twin now! I LOVE sitting next to my mom and having the same hair as her.

I’d been thinking about doing this for about a year. I was often told that fashion and kinks don’t mix well together. I was often discouraged with the thinking that perhaps my music would have to change for me to pull this look off. I believe that if this is what my heart is saying then my music which is from my heart will match just perfectly.

CN: How have your family and close friends reacted to your decision? Are they complimentary?
Chrisette: Everyone loves my hair. My band, New Genisis, who has become my family and crew came with me to the barber and they cheered like I won a million bucks! I only stick around people who are positive. No one in my circle would say anything negative about a decision they know I trust in. My dad told me I’m beautiful no matter what I do. He’s so fly. He was so excited about the new earnings I had to go shopping for. He loves fashion.

CN: How do you feel the industry will react? Are you concerned about how music executives, your fans, or the media will view your natural hair?
Chrisette: L.A. Reid and Def Jam have been extremely supportive of my creativity. This is the way my hair was when they signed me. When my mother asked an executive what she thought of one of the pictures she said “I don’t know why she changed it in the first place.” That was comforting to know. Truthfully however, I must say, that I’m not very good at hearing things I don’t want to hear. My ears sort of turn off when someone tells me that what my heart is saying isn’t a good idea. Truth is, I cut my hair for freedom not for beauty.


CN: How do you plan to rock this newly natural fade? Hats, weaves, wigs? What are your length goals?
Chrisette: I have all these cute lil vintage head pieces I’ll play with, I have tons of head bands I’ve been collecting. The band came over after the barber shop visit and helped me dye it blonde. I’m not sure if that’s a healthy option. I may keep it my natural color if this shade is too harsh for my hair. I want a big bunch of hair on my head, just wild like it used to be. I really enjoyed that. I plan to grow my natural hair for a long time.

CN: What do you think of the pressure you will inevitably experience from the industry to return to a straight style? How do you plan to deal with it? We all experience this struggle in our daily lives, but we are not in an international spotlight the way you are!
Chrisette: God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear but sometimes our flesh fights our heart. Every once in a while I’m afraid in my natural body even though my spirit knows precisely what it wants to do. I can never let what any one says shake me into being something I’m not. I have to be brave. Every TV stage I walk on, I shake. Every controversial interview I do, I shake. Every time I change anything, including my hair, I shake. My record label knows me. I speak softly but, I don’t lie. When I know what I want I say it. My shaven head is my way of saying “I wont take no for an answer”, it is my way of saying “I believe in my creativity and artistry”. This is how I’ve chosen to express myself and guess what? I’m shaking. But that’s okay with me because I’m conquering my fears and living out of the box.

CN: Great skincare and makeup serve to enhance a BC to its fullest beauty potential. Obviously you've got that routine on lock! Please share some of your skin tips with us...what's your favorite cleanser, moisturizer, brand of makeup?

I'm an ivory girl at heart. I like to be clean and pretty natural. My diva takes over on stage and for appearances, and can be a little dramatic at times but if you see me on the street, my face is probably going to be pretty bare.

CN:Will your future music reflect your decision to BC? Meaning will your next album be more of the true Chrisette and less of what the industry wants you to put out?
Chrisette: You’ve never heard from me anything that I wasn’t comfortable with. I feel insulted when people ask me if the “industry” asked me to do something, especially when it came from my heart. I work very hard to stay honest. Nevertheless, this album will likely sound very bold. I’ll be working closely with my own writing and production team. I think you will all feel a sense of control and focus that you haven’t heard from me before. I’ve learned alot about myself and I believe I finally know what I want to share about my own personal life. I’m not afraid to share my story anymore.



CN: Will you be trusting your coils to someone, or will you be handling haircare yourself.....& if so, what products have you used or would like to try?
Chrisette: HA!!!!! The excitement of all of this is the fact that I’ll be doing my own hair most of the time! I plan to do flat twists and two strands twists in the future but oooh girl I’m excited to be underneath the loving, caring, styling of my own ten nurturing fingertips!

CN: Who are your natural inspirations?
Chrisette: My mother and her sisters and my darling cousins as I mentioned earlier. Kelis and Solange have been my most recent inspirations as they are highly fashionable and natural. Tracy Ellis Ross is such a lovely diva. India, my sister, has been such an inspiration in her boldness and courageous manner. Lastly my bff and gospel singer Danielle Lewis.

CN: What would you tell someone toying with the idea of transitioning or Big Chopping?
Chrisette: Do what’s best for you. What is your heart saying? Follow it. We are incredibly beautiful, us curly girls. Let’s be proud and supportive of each other. To be quite honest I’d have to say...are you ready for what I’m about to say? Ok... Don’t be one of those girls out there who have our beautiful curls but wear no smile, head is down, ain’t got no presence! Give it! Cat walk down the street! Rock that hair with the fiercest of outfits. This is not just a spiritual journey, it’s an incredible fashion statement that not everyone can wear! Treat it like a manicure or a new Prada bag and be the most amazing diva on your block. This beauty is fierce and it’s ours naturally! Let’s make each other proud! Amen?!

CN: What was the attitude surrounding women and hair in your family when you were younger, and how did that affect you as you transitioned into the music scene? Also, to what extent do you feel that returning to your roots will effect the way women are viewed in the music industry?
Chrisette: Well in the church I was raised in the women were VERY feminine. Their hair was a big part of their person. I was groomed to be lady like and quite girly. I think that I’m always aware of my poise and diction because of that up-bringing. Put together. Sharp. Much of my life, I must say, is an experiment. My mom is the planner. I’m free spirited. I try to think long and hard about things but my ADD tends to act up. I wonder if R&B music will be affected by my hair. I wonder if I can change the ridiculous image that plagues our community. I despise the fact that if you aren’t wearing a certain outfit and a certain cut, you aren’t cool. I am in the business of tearing down barriers. I did it with the stereotype that thick girls couldn’t be fashionable. With my latest album debuting at #1 I realized that people were comfortable with my presentation. Now I will make sure my hair is just as accepted. This is my heart you see. This is self expression. This is me.

CN: How did you hear about CurlyNikki.com?!
Chrisette: Can you believe I was referred to CurlyNikki.com while tweeting my twit-fam about where to go for super kewl natural styles and and hair care?

CN: Anything else you'd like to add?
Chrisette: I am so grateful for the bold acceptance I’ve received from my sisters. I think together we are breaking down barriers in the main stream and I’m excited about our journey ahead. There is a new integrity and honesty that we are experiencing that says “Take us as we are, or don’t take us at all”. There is a new pride rising from our community reminiscent of the times when we knew each others poetry, and held our fists in the air. We are going to support each others new business ventures, we are going to see each other in graduate schools, we will see each other in government and we will lift each other out of this depression. It starts in the heart and I pray I’ve inspired many of my sisters to follow theirs.

Hola Chicas,

So this morning while blogging and checking emails, my iphone dinged and in came an email from a 'C. Michele'. I immediately opened it and was surprised to see that the sender's first name was Chrisette! Of course I thought it was an elaborate hoax, lol... but get this, it wasn't! She was referred to CN.com by friends and really loves the atmosphere. After an email interchange and quick phone convo, we worked out the logistics and will hopefully have an interview for you guys next week!

She recently made the decision to go natural, Big Chopped, and wants to give the CN.com community the exclusive! How lucky are we?!

So my lovely curlies, I'm asking you to help me structure the interview. What questions would you like answered?


Later Gators,
Nik

Bibi McGill, a world famous guitarist, actress, and model is a force to be reckoned with. I first saw her on stage with B at the American Music Awards... her tattooed arms and massive fro demanded my attention, and was screaming FIERCE! Prior to her current gig as Beyonce's lead guitarist she was rocking out with Pink across the pond. It wasn't until a CN.com reader requested an interview that I tracked her down.


I finally caught up with her this week, and we plan to chat on the 20th!

So my lovely curlies, I'm asking you to help me structure the interview. What questions would you like the lovely Bibi to answer?!

I get tons of emails from you divas with requests to interview particular curly singers and actresses... I do the best that I can... seeking out the curly beauties and humbly asking them for a slot in their busy schedules. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't ;-)

In the coming weeks, I'll be chatting with the beautiful and (of course) curly Traci Nicole Thoms and like with Judith Hill, I want to get your input!

Traci Thoms is a stage and television actress best known for her roles in Rent, Cold Case, and The Devil Wears Prada. I've seen her hair in gorgeous twists, wash-n-go's, and what appears to be rod sets.

So my lovely curlies, I'm asking you to help me structure the interview. What questions would you like answered?!

Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Sherri Saum, a Daytime Emmy-nominated actress, is doing her thing while rocking her natural curls.

You may recognize this model-turned-actress as Keri from the daytime soap "One Life to Live," and as Natalie in the FX series "Rescue Me," or as Holland on "Gossip Girl."

Sherri's bodacious curls caught the attention of many CurlyNikki.com readers, so I made it my business to catch up with her and ask your sizzling questions!

Here are some highlights from the interview:

When asked about her hair story, Sherri said, "I have always worn my hair curly, with some minor, ill-conceived forays into straight-inspired styles. I grew up in a state of constant, thinly-veiled frustration over my huge, bossy hair. I have it on good authority that I have both lost and won roles in large part to my hair. It horrifies and delights in equal measure."

When asked about her routine, Sherri disclosed the goods in full detail:

"I try to keep washing to a minimum... my hair is so dry that I don't want to rob it of its moisture.

I wash maybe twice a week, with a moisturizing shampoo -- I love products by Kerastase. The Masquintense formula works like magic on my hair.

I would say that the Moroccan Oil and the Kerastase products are my lifesavers.

When I want my curls to be really bouncy and shiny, I wash, condition well with the Moroccan Oil, let it stay in my hair and air-dry it.

If I know I am going to be at the mercy of heat styling tools, I protect my hair first with Biosilk serum to coat the strands for protection.

I never used to get regular trims, because my hair grew so slow and was always breaking off, and I was loathe to part with it even if it looked ratty! But it was a catch 22 -- I needed to cut my hair to get rid of the dead ends, so it could start a new healthy life cycle. Now I can't keep up with how quickly my hair grows."

Sherri has two go-to looks: up in a giant ponytail, or down in a "giant flower arrangement type situation." She loves Moroccan Oil like she loves her next breath! Finally, when asked what she would tell a transitioning diva, Sherri advised, "When you give your hair some love, it loves you back!"

Look for Sherri and her gorgeous mane in upcoming episodes of "Gossip Girl." You can also catch her in a guest role on "Heroes."

Happy hair growing!

Nik

CN: Have you always liked your curls? If not, how did you come to embrace your natural hair?

I definitely did not always like my curls. Hair is a touchy subject for a lot of women in the African-American community, as it was for me when I was growing up, and once I graduated high school, I was ready to be honest with myself about my hair and what it meant to me. It turned out that I had an unhealthy obsession with long, straight hair, because I wanted it for myself -- I wanted to BE like the white girls around me, I wanted to embody all the traits that were heralded in my community, and long, flowing straight hair seemed to be the only thing that was just beyond my reach.

Once I got to college, that was no longer a good reason to want to have straight hair. So I started wearing it curly. And about a year after that, I chopped it all off, so not only did I not have straight hair anymore, it wasn't even long. My decision was deliberate and symbolic in a lot of ways, and now I can't even imagine having hair that isn't cropped.

CN: Have your curls ever helped or hindered in securing a role?

I was once cast for a sitcom pilot that shot in L.A. When I arrived from NYC and we started doing rehearsals, there were lots of whispers amongst the producers and the hair department, and they finally informed me that they they wanted me to get fitted for a wig. I found out later that they didn't think my hair looked "glamorous" enough for the role, but they didn't want to recast me, they just wanted to do something different to my hair.

So I went to the wig shop and came back to the studio with a long, chestnut brown wig. Later that day, after I was in hair and makeup, people working on the show kept coming up to me backstage and re-introducing themselves because they didn't recognize me from earlier that morning (and I was in the exact same clothes!). Casting directors in NYC don't seem to be phased by my hair at all, but in L.A. it was another story -- I don't think there are as many people on the west coast who wear their hair curly, so when they do come across it, it is a bit of an issue.

CN: What is your current routine? How does it change when you're shooting a movie or show?

Normal routine is to wash, condition, comb, scrunch/rinse out, apply leave-in conditioner and gel, comb out any frizzies, about 40 minutes of air drying, then 15 or 20 minutes of blow drying with a diffuser. All of that takes about an hour and a half, and when I am not shooting I do it maybe twice a week. When I'm shooting, I have to wash my hair more often for continuity's sake, and to keep it looking fresh, but I can usually get away with doing my full routine every other day.

I like the way my hair looks when it's big and frizzy, so I wash it as little as I have to when I'm not working. I deep-conditioned more when I was living in NY than I do in Vancouver, where we're now shooting, but I think that has something to do with the change in humidity (it rains every day in Vancouver in the winter, and as a result, my hair is less dry). I try to deep-condition every 6 weeks, which is when I get a cut (to keep it the same length throughout the show cause it grows super fast), and also when I give myself a touch-up with a mild relaxer (yes, my hair is this curly and I have a mild relaxer!)

CN: What are your staple hair styles?

Curly, curly, and curly. For a while, I had my head shaved on one side but I had to forgo that look because it was too edgy for some roles I was being considered for. Sometimes I pin up my bangs to the side with a clip, and I like wearing thin ribbon headbands in it, though my hair usually covers up anything I put in it. I generally keep it simple -- one of the things I love about my hair is that it is its own accessory.

CN: Must-have products?!

I have been using DEVA CURL for about 3 years now. I have yet to find a reason to switch to another set of products cause it doesn't dry my hair out the way a lot of others do. I use the Mist-er Right curl reviver spray, the conditioner and the An-GEL, but my prized possession is the No-Poo Shampoo. It's a cleansing shampoo that doesn't lather, it's more like a cream that you rub into your scalp and then rinse out, but I immediately noticed a difference in the texture and feel of my curls once I stopped using regular shampoos; with the No-Poo, there was no product buildup and the curls were less frizzy. Oh yeah, and I also sleep on a silk pillowcase.

CN: How do you protect your hair when wearing straightened styles?

Honestly, I don't get my hair straightened often enough to know much about how to protect it. I have a love/hate relationship with straight hair, in that I used to pine for it when I was younger, but now I am completely uninterested in it. The last time I got my hair straightened was a year ago, and within 2 days I was itching to wash it out and be curly again. I feel like a different person when I wear straight hair, which can be fun every once in a while, but I already play an FBI agent on TV, so dressing up in real life doesn't hold as much excitement for me. I love the prospect of wearing my hair straight for roles though -- it is the single most transforming thing I can do to my look and it affects everything in my body language.

CN: What's the best thing about being curly?

The best thing is that it reflects my lifestyle to a tee; it means I can get up and go as soon as I wake up in the morning, I can go to the gym, or get sweaty in the sun, or run into the ocean, or dash out into the rain and my hair will be resilient enough to bounce back without any fuss. This isn't to say that it doesn't take me a little chunk of time to get my hair ready when it's time to do my routine, but doing that a couple times a week is still a far cry from the amount of time I spent coaxing my curls straight when I was in high school.

CN: Any beauty secrets to divulge? Your skin is clear and your body is ridiculously gorgeous! Any tips for us?!

Wow, thank you, what a compliment! I don't know if I would use those exact words to describe it, but my body is definitely healthy and strong, and I suppose that's pretty much synonymous. I have no secrets at all. I think that most people recognize that, as corny as it may sound, the key to looking good is feeling good. I have a lot of hobbies; I love to knit and draw and cook, I love to sew, I love to sing, I love to dance, I love to be active, I love spending time exploring new places with my partner -- I fill up my free time doing all the activities that I enjoy, so I have little time to worry about inconsequential things. I think what a lot of people discern as "gorgeous" qualities in a woman is often just that woman's happiness seeping through.

CN: What would you tell a woman who has yet to embrace her curls?

I would tell her to only do exactly what makes her happy. No one should feel pressured into going curly cause they think they should, and curly certainly isn't for everyone. If there is even an inkling of desire for a woman to test out what her natural hair looks like, then by all means she should go for it, but most importantly I think that women of color should consider why they want to wear their hair the way they do, whether its straight or curly.

I had a close friend who moved to Atlanta from NYC who felt she needed to straighten her beautiful natural hair out of fear of not being taken seriously in the workplace, and I had another friend who thought that going natural from straight would put her more in touch with her roots, so to speak. But it's less about the effect that hair has on other people and more about the effect that your hair has on YOU. The girl who moved to Atlanta held strong and kept her hair curly and eventually got her dream job despite her worries, and my friend who went curly eventually got a relaxer again cause the natural style ended up being more work for her than the straight one.

CN: What do we have to look forward to? What projects are you currently working on?!

Well, "Fringe" keeps me on a pretty short leash -- our hiatus is only a few months long, so most of us on the show spend that time recuperating before we return for the next season. The only thing I can guarantee I will be working on is my artwork and my website, which you can visit at www.jasikanicole.com. I have tons of my illustrations up there, plus my online comic called "High Yella Magic" and you'll find eco-friendly handbags with my artwork on them for purchase. I also plan to let my hair go on vacation and not cut it at all!