Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care

Rachel's back... a 23 year old student who currently resides in Louisville, KY. She decided to transition in November 2008, and more than a year later, she is still going strong and has become well versed in dealing with the 'terrible twos'! This is why Ms. Rachel Neirene is our new Transitioning Guru! Today, she reviews Oyin Handmade Products!


YAY FOR PRODUCT REVIEWS!!!!! So I think I stated in my last post that I would be posting a review for the Oyin products that I received in the mail. Lets just say I had a very invigorating experience right from the start. As soon as I opened the package the aroma of all the products just went to my head and I was in heaven. :-)

Of course, as usual, I did my deep treatment with my avocado mixture. But this time, I added some punch to it--some Honey Hemp Conditioner and some Greg's Juice. Yum! That was my reaction as well as my hairs reaction. It soaked it up like water!! I then proceeded to rinse out my hair and then did a co-wash with the Honey Hemp conditioner. Here are my thoughts on that process:

Honey Hemp
Great slip
Smells Great
Detangles like a dream
Hair stays soft EVEN after you rinse out your hair
Hair looks healthy and has great shine.

Greg Juice
Great detangler
Smells great
Softens hair

I am happy with the products.

After I finished rinsing my hair, I went to styling. The Shine and Define made my hair feel silky smooth and my hair was sparkling like diamonds. I was in love. Plus it smells so good and it didn't weigh my hair down too much-I didn't want to have three heavy products in my hair. I then added some whipped pudding and let me tell you, it was hard for me not to just dip my finger in and go to town. It smells just like chocolate cake. And if you're not careful....well.....you know.....my hair felt very moisturized at this point. I was happy. I then separated my hair in sections, oiled my scalp with Aveda Beautifying Oil, and to each section I added a little more of both the S&D and WP. I then added some of the Whipped Shea Butter to my ends. Oh how that Whipped Shea Butter melts in your hands! It's a wonderful experience. And then of course I got distracted and put some on my ashy knees. Heaven. I went on to braid each section and put a scarf on and called it a night. I kept my hair tied up for the next couple of days. When I finally took it down, my hair was shiny and frizz free! Sorry I didn't take any pics! I owe ya!

Rachel's back... a 23 year old student who currently resides in Louisville, KY. She decided to transition in November 2008, and more than a year later, she is still going strong and has become well versed in dealing with the 'terrible twos'! This is why Ms. Rachel Neirene is our new Transitioning Guru! Today, she shares her fav products!

Meet Rachel... a 23 year old student in Louisville Kentucky, who decided to transition in November 2008. More than a year later, she is still going strong and has become well versed in dealing with the 'terrible twos'! This is why Ms. Rachel Neirene is our new Transitioning Guru!


Hello my fellow natural beauties!!

I'm so excited to share my experiences and natural journey with you! It has been one of learning, trial and error, the highest of the highs, and some of the lowest of the lows. But all in all, I am happy. Although I'm here to teach, I'm also prepared to learn. In the beginning when I started my transition, there wasn't a lot of people I could talk to. Not a lot of people who were going through the things I was-- not knowing what to do with my hair, and not having someone there to guide me through the process. Thatʼs exactly what I want to do for you-- because I know I am not the only one who wishes they had someone there to help them through. I want to share my story, my tips, my styles, and my knowledge of all things long-term transitioning.

So, hereʼs a little insight into the start of my transition:

I had been getting relaxers for three years when I decided to transition... I was so tired of relaxers. My hair was extremely damaged and fragile. Before my first relaxer, I'd get my hair pressed (regularly for 6 years). What I didnʼt realize was that my relaxed hair was damaged not just from the chemicals, but from the years of heat straightening as well. Before this, I always sported my curls. When I was a youngin, I loved me some big hair! I used to go to church every Sunday knowing I looked good. Sundays were the only day I got to wear my hair out... except for the occasional birthday parties I would go to. As I got older however, people would make fun of how big my hair was, and ask why I didn't straighten it like everyone else. I would hear things like, 'you're too old to be wearing your hair in puffs and twists!' I thought I looked good! Classmates would tell me to cut it so it wouldn't be as big and request I get a relaxer. I've always had a problem with worrying what people think of me. Instead of standing up to them and listening to my mother who told me that I was beautiful and that my hair complemented who I was, I fell into the box and begged to get my hair straightened (pressed and curled). Then, when I got to college, I couldnʼt wait to get a relaxer. And that's just what I did.

Eventually, I got fed up with caring about what everyone else thought, and decided to do what I wanted to do. I came to love who I really am and appreciate my natural beauty. I think I was just sucked into the norms of society... we are told that straight is beautiful, and after a while we whole heartedly believe it. If we go against that, people talk. Well I certainly donʼt care anymore. I think with age you start to realize a lot of things. I'm a lot happier now. Although everyone didnʼt support my decision, Iʼm happy that I had the support from my mother and my bestie Rachel. I canʼt tell you how many complements I receive and how many people love the change I have made. But there are those who donʼt like it, or the most famous five words from people who would like it and say- “Only you Rachel, only you.” Well Iʼm here to say it can be YOU too!!

My transition still isnʼt over-- it's been a year and I hope to go for another year or more! So this means a lot more learning. Sharing my stories with you is the next step in my journey. Itʼs gonna help keep me going. We all know the transition can be very stressful. With all the tangles, knots, styling mishaps, and other tomfoolery. I think that this new step in my journey is going to be mutually beneficial-- you'll learn lots, and I'll keep my stress levels down. We can support each other :) Iʼm so ready to start the new year off with curlynikki.com!

Sharing is caring... this is gonna be fun!!!!! I can’t wait to hear from you guys!!! Much love!!!

Ms. Rachel Neirene





Rachel will be stopping by bi-weekly with styling how-tos, transitioning tips, and product reviews. Although she is the CN Transitioning Guru, we will have several other long term transitioners chiming in on a regular basis as well ! Stay tuned ;)