Hola Chicas,
Over the past 3 years, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing many curly hair celebrities. Many of them, while unique, share similar experiences- – they either transitioned or big chopped, currently rock their curly frocks with style and grace, and provide us all with inspiration. The interviews I have lined up for you over the next few weeks will be a little different… a bit unconventional. They will provide us with a different perspective, remind us of the versatility of natural hair, and challenge us to respect the hair choices of others. You can’t judge a book by its cover!
First up, we’ll have the story of a lifetime natural who relaxed in 2009. Next, a curly celeb, who I assumed to be natural, but was actually texturized up until last summer, and finally, a celeb that we’re used to seeing with straight hair, but who is actually natural. So stay tuned divas… the first interview will be posted this coming week!
***While I have you, in the comments below, tell me what you’d like to see more (or less) of on CurlyNikki.com. This resource is here for YOU, and I want to make sure I’m delivering the goods 🙂
Later Gators,
Nik
I would love to see Solange Knowles on the couch. I love everything about her–glorious natural hair, killer fashion, lovely music, motherhood. Shes the bomb.
I would love to see Joie Lee(spike less sister ). I have loved her hair since she's gotta have it.
Hi Nikki
I am 24 and in the United Kingdom. I would really benefit from an international perspective on transitioning. A lot of the products advertised here I can't get in the UK. Also I hate afro-caribbean hairdressers and avoid them like the plague. Instead I have learned over the years through the combined experiences of me and my 3 mixed sisters (all with very different hair types) how to look after my hair. The reason I hate hair dressers is because they don't believe I know about my own hair. Also they always have made me look 50 whenever they cut my hair. What I would like to see essentially is some trendy hairstyles that I could relay to hairdressers in the UK as I am tired of travelling up and down the country just to find products for my hair. Also some products that you know are available/will ship this far away.
Thank you all for the inspiration and support.
Hey CN how about Neo-singer Kween Onakala she is a natural person. I found this picture of her on "Afroholic" and thought you might be interested in doing an interview with her.
http://afroholic.tumblr.com/post/2637286208/neo-soul-singer-kween-onakala
I would love to see interviews with Tracee Ellis Ross and Tanika Ray.
Hello,
First of all, I would like to say thank you for this site! It's wonderful!
I would love to see an interview with Tracee Ellis Ross and/or Corinne Bailey Rae. Also, I would love to see more of how to fix your hair without the twist outs. Many of us use our own natural curl pattern as our everyday wear and it would be helpful to see more of how to maintain that.
Thanks again!
Keep up the good work Chica!
You've grown so much and become a leader in natural hair blogs. I'm so proud of you. That said, here are my requests:
I'd love more on kid's hair (all textures). I'm assuming as Diva G grows up you'll venture into that realm! 🙂
Protective styling tutorials
Long haired naturals and their tips
More on textures that are less commonly featured but are African American – 2/3s
More 4b styles
@Anon 11:24 a.m. & 11:27 – you never know what's possible. Also, @ anon 11:27 no one is making demands. Input was requested. Nikki has already done big things here since 2008 – you don't know who she knows and what could prompt a celebrity to say yes to her request. Don't try to box her in or keep her in the small box with you. She's already landed some great people on here…I'm always amazed. Chrisette Michele twice already. Take the negativity elsewhere…some people dream big…you should try it.
Can you get an interview with Tika Sumpter she is the girl from the Ambi commericals and was on One life to live and now Gossip girl. I' am not sure if her hair is natural or not but I' am assuming it is
Exactly Anonymous 2:25 p.m. Maybe anonymous 11:24 a.m. was unaware of Nikki being on Tyra Banks, who is an Oprah tv protege, (so to speak). Nikki can gain access to Oprah. Actually I'd like her to get to Chris Rock; let's see him deliver "Good Hair 2; The Natural Story". He should focus on women of all ethnicities who alter their natural hair.
More henna applications and receipes and more ayruvedic (sp) regimens.
Your site is wonderful. I check it at least once and sometimes three times a day 🙂 One thing I can do without though is the Kinky Shea thingie and the Self Esteem thingie. No offense. I appreciate all the work put into these but I find it boring and sometimes long. Short and sweet is the key. I'd love to see more pictures esp. before and after pics. Of the entire growth cycle with dates attached. For instance, 3 pics: a BC Shot (if exists), a 6 mos. shot, and a 1yr. Just an idea. Or if it was a long transition then maybe 1 pic after the cut, 1 pic 6mos. later and another 6 mos. after that. I just think it would be nice to see more pics and then maybe some pics of the long term naturals between 2 years and up….
Hi, Nikki. I love your site. I get mad when I fall behind and don't get the chance to read what is posted each day. Anyway, I wonder if you have ever thought about interviewing Diana Ross' daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick. I'm not sure, but I think that all of Diana Ross' daughters wear their hair natural. I hear a lot about Tracee Ellis Ross' hair, which is beautiful, but I would love to see an interview with Rhonda (if possible). Her hair texture is similar to mine, and I'd be interested in learning about her routine and what products she uses. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
@Anon 11:24AM Ummmm…not sure why that would be out of reach…You could have kept that negativity to yourself. Nikki has made quite a name for herself and you do not know what her contact list entails.
Next….Nikki, I would like to see the number of pics increased on Fierce Fridays (unless you don't have that many submissions)
I would like to see more natural hair care recipes. I know there are a lot of them embedded in different areas of the site, but a linked section, regular post (re-post), etc. would be a great way to find them quickly.
In my 2+ years being natural, I've realized that products don't have to cost a lot to work and be healthy for your hair. My main products are handmade mixes (recipes) that provide high quality products at a low cost with just a little extra effort. I figured this out by purchasing more expensive products that sometimes provided similar results, but most often provided inferior results compared to my handmade mixes.
This site is a HUGE resource/repository of information. Re-arranging/re-packaging existing information would probably be helpful.
I'm really glad you get these interviews. They are always so interesting. Kudos to you for being resourceful and keeping this blog interesting. I have to admit that my favorite so far was the Esperanza Spalding interview. I'm looking forward to see who is next.
Lol, not to sound rude but you guys need to be realistic with your demands. I'm sure it's not easy to get a celeb to do an interview for a blog. And another thing, she's been posting since 2008. There's a lot of posts in the archive that matches a lot of what's been requested in this post. Use the SEARCH box or visit the Natural Hair Archives on the site.
@mizcreativelyme An interview with Oprah Winfrey!!? I think very highly of CurlyNikki but THAT one seems out of reach.
Journee Smolett
Donna Richardson Joyner
Vanessa Williams (from TV Soul Food) – think she wears weaves but is still natural or recently BC'd
I'd like to see interviews with women in business and/or the corporate workplace. I don't think I've seen that yet. I like reading the celebrity interviews but I think the "everyday" woman holding it down at work would be awesome, since that's an often discuss topic of being natural in the workplace. Also, more older naturals, 35+ or 40+, just to have some variety. Saw a pic of Charlayne Hunter-Gault the other day and her hair is beautiful. She's been natural FOREVER and is well respected in journalism. I'll email my suggestions but looking forward to anything you bring as you always do a stellar job. Please know everythin you do is appreciated.
you are doing such a great job with this blog chica! thx for allowing our input.
* more stories of you and G Baby
* an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jill Scott, Janelle Monae, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, & Eryka Badu
* more [protective] style tutorials
* a 'natural beauty pic of the day' post with just a pic. no background/history, no story line, just a pic that says it all
To Mynamesnotalice 1:15am:
Curlynikki already interviewed her last year on July 14,2010, here is the link on here for it.
http://www.curlynikki.com/search?q=ESPERANZA+SPALDING+Interview
I would love to see an interview with Joie Lee. As a young child, she was one of the first naturals I saw on film in movies like Do the Right Thing, School Daze, and Mo' Better Blues. Not quite understanding natural hair, I wished for my hair to be like hers, not knowing that it could!
* More Gia Diva!
* I can't tell if Sage Steele (ESPN) is a natural, but if so, she'd be a great interview
* I like natural tales from different age ranges. Young kids, 40+, etc
ESPERANZA SPALDING!??!?!!!?!?
I think one of the interviews might be Tempest Bledsoe Vanessa from the Cosby Show. I remember she was natural and now hosting Clean House and either has a weave or a relaxer.
Okay, I am going to attempt to be a spoiler: the lifetime natural who recently relaxed is Jill Scott; the natural who wears their hair straight (except in the Secret Life of Bees) will be Queen Latifa or Oprah because she is natural also; the texturized celeb…hmmmm…maybe Hollie Robinson Pete (I think that is her name)…
Indigo
I love your blog! I hoping to one day see an interview with Marsha Ambrosius. I would love to know what she does to her hair because it is always gorgeous. Also, I'd love to see you interview author Terry McMillan and artist Jill Scott.
I love, love this site!!! So I will piggy back off of the other comments, I would love to see and read about hairstyles and issues for those that are in between ( I have about 4 to 4.5 inches) hair lengths. I'm over 40 and work in corporate America and I just can't wear some of these hairstyles I see on YouTube ( ever style is not for ever age) I don't want to wear a headband too often because I don't want to destroy my edges. And last but not least – how to keep your hair healthy and maintain during the week when you work out and your hair gets sweated out.
By the way, reading about your new life as a mother always makes me smile, the love you and Baby G have for each other (and I'm sure daddy too) comes out in your stories and all the beautiful smiles.
I would love to see more styles (tutorials). I’ve been natural for years but I need something more then twist outs, braid outs, and wash and go’s. PLEASE!!!
I would love to see more product reviews but I’d like to see it on 2-3 hair types/lengths. I LOVE your hair Nikki, but it is not like mine. I never know if a product that works on your hair will do anything for me. Maybe send a shout out to the forum and ask several women to write a review (with good, clear, well lit pictures or may be a youtube vid) on the same product to explain how they used the product and what they liked or disliked.
I would like to see more articles and info about taking care of childrens natural hair. This would really help out.
How about segments with women who have babies/kids with natural hair with pictures included?
More interview stories of 4B/C hair types women who have either BC,or in transition or of a good hair length.
Hum Kneisha Knight-Pullham is a good one to do an interview on as well :).
Hmmm one interview might be Taraji P. Henson? I think I read that she is natural and occasionally presses her hair.
Nikki you do a wonderful job with this site. I especially enjoyed your interview with Cindy Blackman last week. In keeping with that vibe, I would love to see more interviews with naturals who are over 40. They don't have to be celebs, just everyday grown and sexy women who are rocking their natural hair. Thanks!
I am still new to the website but I love it so far! I like the unconventional interviews especially concerning naturals who wear their hair straight or used other methods that is not usually talked about, I think it is good showing other naturals not just naturals who wear their hair curly
Oh, I forgot to add, remember the "unconventional" interview with that guy with the beautiful long flowing locks…Dude got roasted. It was disheartening to read all the negativity that was spewed that day.
"respect the style choices of others"
Uh-oh. Based on what I've seen when someone on YouTube jumps the natural ship, I predict some crazy posts ahead for the long time natural who relaxed. I hope I'm wrong, but ducking for cover anyway. Maybe you'll screen and edit out those first.
Hi all!!! I love this site and think it's just great! It has really helped me along in my journey. I big chopped in September 2010 and haven't looked back. I submitted my story to Nikki a couple of months ago and hopefully it will be highlighted on this site.
I would love to see more info and stories about big chops and twas. I also think it would be great to read about naturals whose hair lengths are in the awkward stage/length and how they deal with it without protective styling options.
I would love to see more stories/spotlights of longer-haired naturals (APL+). As our natural hair gets longer, we sometimes have to incorporate different detangling techniques, hair tools, protective styles, etc. I am interested in knowing what works for others.
I love that you are bringing in some "unconventional" interviews! I agree with the other poster with not just Troy, but also other athletes and how they care for their hair.
More styles, protective styles, products and hair cuts for TWA ladies. Considering I had less of an inch of hair on my head when I BC'd and may get 6 or more inches gradually in the following year, all these articles about protective styling, products and interviews don't help me deal with my transition. Not my transition of relaxed to natural… but my transition to getting acclimated to my new natural do.
Me personally, I thanked God when I saw Le Coil because they had women who featured different cuts that I liked. I actually keep growing out my top and tappering the back because I can't stand the look of a TWA. It wasn't polished and I didn't feel like I looked like an adult. Now, 5 months later, I have a mushroom and it's cute (to me).
Help us newbies out, please!
I can't wait for the celeb interviews!!!
Some advice for 17YO Anonymous @ 4:58PM-
that's great you are sticking to your hair plans despite the obstacles. Moms can be hard about those kind of things (I am a lot older than you and my mom always "recommends" I relax my hair). Have you tried to get your mom to come on this site or others like it so she can see the versatility and be more supportive. Like many of us before we went natural, her attitude toward natural hair may be due to lack of information.
Hello, I really love your site! I'm 17 years old and have been transitioning since August 2010. This site really gives me the motivation to continue my journey despite the opinions of friends and family (My mom still makes me get my hair straightened every 3-4 weeks; Yikes!) On this site, it would be amazing to include more transitioning tips/stories and possibly tips for those who can't quite afford certain products/materials and time management(*cough high schoolers and college students cough* (lol). Other than that, this website is a blessing!! Hopefully if my mom lets me I can put some of these styles and products into good use! Haha. Keep doing what you do 🙂
Thanks for asking for topic suggestions, and adding stories that are against the norm, as you say "respecting the hair choices of others". Much of the tone of online convos have almost prevented me from visiting many natural hair blogs, glad to see that you are aware and evolving past that.
My other 2 cents–More features that address fine, soft hair and how to make it look thicker. I don't want to henna, and wonder if there are any other products out there that have been successful for others.
Keep up the good work.
…but how about interviewing the football player
Troy Palumalu (sp?)
…also something on how hormones affect hair at different ages would be nice…
I would like to see more transition stories. I've been transitioning for 11 months and want to go for 14 (spring break) but i usually always see big chop stories and that's not helping me stick to my plan 😛
I loved to see more big chopped stories as well as follow ups to big chops 6 to 12 months out. As well as just more posting over all love to see more of G Baby and the tails of mother hood . I love your site and come daily several times a day so keep the info coming.
First off I lllllooooovvvveee this site. Next All I ask is to keep up the good work….call me lame but I think its just fine.
-Thrifty curl
I hope the celeb that relaxed isn't Yaya da Costa. I remember a post about that on a gossip site a while back, but I asumed she just straightened. Hopefully it's not her!
I love CN. Hmm, let's see.. what would I love to see more of? I love products reviews and could never have enough. BUT I've been reading old posts and they've proven very helpful. I especially enjoy the Curly Whisperer's post. VERY INFORMATIVE. Whatever happened to her?
I really couldn't ask for you to anything more, when I think about. You update on a regular basis, on a variety of topics and the giveaways are tremendous. Keep up the good work!
More Locs…Whether it may be Sisterlocks Bradelocks Freeform palmroll….A forum For loc'd sistas