Evelyn of Naturallycurly writes:
January 17, 2011 was my afro’s first birthday, folks! To celebrate, I made a video to explain why I went natural and why I make natural hair YouTube videos. I also feel it’s not enough to simply go natural. You’ve got to pay attention to your hair and learn something! Below is a list of things I learned my first year natural.
1. I need a “detangling my hair” playlist. Musiq Soulchild just seems to make the comb glide through my hair, and it seems like my coils like Bilal better than any conditioner.
2. Aloe vera does nothing to my hair that water can’t as a spritz. But it is good to mix with leave-in conditioner and a bit of oil. When I want to stretch my hair just for the purpose of pinning it up, that mixture works great on twists. Mmm, fluffy.
3. I have relatively thin and fine hair, naturally. Thin, as in the number of hairs on my head is less than average and fine, as in the diameter or width of a strand of hair is smaller than average.
4. Because of #3, I CAN’T rock mini twists. It just can’t be done.
5. Being natural taught me to love myself, so #4 doesn’t phase me; I can move on to different protective styles.
6. Oyin handmade is one of the most amazing hair care companies out there. So is Kinky Curly.
I LOVEE HER!
Wow I just want to say THANK YOU! I am newly natural and I have heard complaints ONLY from those closest to me. I put on the face like what they say doesn't bother me and I always stand tall (or at least front that way). You said your words beautifully. You say the words that are in my heart. THANK YOU AGAIN. YOU GO GIRL…. LET US ALL STAND TALL AND PROUD BECAUSE WE ARE OURSELVES! NO MASKS! NO LIES! KINKS AND ALL!!!!!
Ok, yeah…I CRIED!! (I am a big baby anyway.) But that was so profound! I have been natural for 5 years now, and I have heard it all. I also work with all white men, and I have also answered ALL KINDS of questions, but you know…I LOVE IT!! It has been such a great journey of self discovery for me, and I look forward to passing it along to my daughter. GREAT VIDEO, Evelyn!! Also, that clip of Janelle Monae was SOOO touching. It's nice to see an artist who TRULY has something important to say to the world, and not all about trying to be perceived as the "sexiest" diva on the planet. She is such a breath of fresh air.
“Nothing’s wrong with straight hair. Everything’s wrong with thinking you can’t look like a decent individual without it.”
****Say Word****
I posted your video on my blog. Usually you’re so funny, but this time you almost brought out a tear. But not I will not cry Evelyn, I will…not…cry 🙁
Congrats 🙂
OMG – wonderful. Evelyn you have given me hope for my thin but thick hair. Not to mention my thin edges. I will take your advice, be patient and love MY hair. I love it and you. Congrats to you. You are beautiful!
I apologize but I forgot to congratulate you on your 1 year hair anniversary 🙁 In my best Vesta impersonation…..Congratulaaa-aaa-aations, happy hair anniversary!
Oh…my…goodness! Evelyn, here is a great big cyber hug from me to you (((((hug))))! I absolutely agree with you. And you incorporated my girl Janelle Monae and that one line that had me tearing up as well . I love your line, "I didn't DO my hair I UNDID it", that speaks so many volumes. You are a blessing to us all. Keep up the positive and informative videos!
I truly appreciate your her videos. She funny and sincere all balled into one cute package.
This was a great video 🙂
I LOVE her personality. She's one of those people you just want to be friends with!
I love Evelyn's videos – She's one of my favorite naturals.
Congrats Evelyn!
Awesome post! Evelyn is my fav YouTuber. I agree with the video 110%. I coulnd't have said it better myself.
Wow… this was an amazing video. You've said everything I've been thinking but didn't know how to say. You're an amazing woman and keep up the good work!
Wow!! That was …Wow!!… the Truth!! (in the word of my 11-year-old son who watch the vid with me!!) Thank you for sharing, thank you for posting, thank you for being you!! A lot of young girls need to see and hear this message. I love most that it is not about bashing or disrespecting straight0haried women, but about learning to accept yourself for who you are regardless of how you chose to wear your hair. Thank again!! Be Blessed!!!
Beautiful! I feel you on #3– I have thick but fine hair and two strands as a style always look insane unless I have 4 big ones…which is ridiculous as an adult, lol. I love #6 and #5 as well :)– I think Oyin is truly one of the best hair product companies, ever– and not just because the products work wonders and smell great but the shipping is shamelessly fast!
I loved this video. It is so well spoken and honest and I love the inspiration that you provide. You're unbiased and I like that. You promote the love for one's self for how someone was born and not molded to look like. I love it 🙂
Your hair is gorgeous Evelyn! I first saw your 1st year natural video on Nappturality. I loved it immediately! I love the confidence and love for your hair. You are a great inspiration to others!