Reposting for those that missed this one-
(the giveaway is closed, by the way)
Oh, and for the record, yesterday, on MHP, Nicole’s hair was styled in a wash and go using mousse!
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ORIGINAL POST 4/27/2012
Actress and former model Nicole Ari Parker is On the Couch! Best known for her roles in Boogie Nights and the Showtime series Soul Food, this fellow Nikki recently Big Chopped and is loving the versatility of natural hair. Enjoy!
CN: How long have you been natural?
I stopped relaxing my hair last summer. Kiyah Wright in LA does my
hair and she’s so good at it that I didn’t even notice that 6 weeks…8
weeks… 3 months had gone by with no relaxer. She’d blow my hair out,
flat iron it and I would go. I was also weaving at times, so I just
didn’t think about getting a relaxer. And then before I knew it, it was
Christmas and my hair was getting so long that I was able to slick it back
into a bun…then I bought a little friend to make my bun a little
fuller [laughter]. I began to notice how beautiful my hair was
at the root, and how soft it was. Also, my daughter is 7 and she’s starting
to really stare at Mommy and what Mommy does, and I wanted her to love
her hair. So I slowly began trimming it.
I started wearing natural styles around February when I met
Felicia Leatherwood. She helped me when I was still holding on to some of the length. She twisted my hair
up into that wonderful chignon for the Essence Luncheon in February and also turned me on to SheaMoisture.
Street Car Named Desire
opened on Monday and it’s 8 shows a week for 16 weeks. I took this
opportunity to really take care of my hair and start over. There’s just
something about playing this character of Blanche DuBois, as an
artist, as an actor, I have to be myself 100% and bring everything
that I have to the role. In every way, it was finally time to make that transition to natural hair. I went over to Hair Rules Salon on March 17th and
Anthony Dicky chopped me up and started me over!
CN: That’s wonderful! Congratulations on your Big Chop. You look stunning. How do you protect your hair while on stage?
The play is set in 1951, so I wear a wig.
CN: What rocks about natural hair?
My hair is just really loving being natural, being
moisturized. Our hair
is so much more versatile than what we give it credit for. We’re raised
to immediately straighten it, fry it and never take the time to learn to work with it. My hair can do so many more
things now that it’s natural- – I can wear it coiled, I can pick it out, or I
can blow it straight. My hair will completely blow straight… who
knew?! A little bit of heat and I have a pixie cut! And for
those times when I do blow it out or flat iron it, I like to keep it that way for a few days
because, you know, it cost 100 bucks… but I never miss my workout!
CN: Speaking of workouts, tell me about this ‘Save Your Do‘ wrap I’ve been hearing about.
The idea came to me last year when I noticed a
common excuse emerge among busy everyday women (myself included) about
why they couldn’t work out: their hair. Hair is a serious issue for most
of us women because after spending a ton of time and money to have it
washed, blow dried, flat-ironed and curled, none of us want to sweat and
mess it up all over again.
Considering my own transition to natural hair, during the conception phase, I knew I had to consider all the ways Black women wear their hair. I had to make sure that I included our sisters who have
weaves in the back with their front edges out, my sisters who have lots of thick, beautiful natural hair, my loc’ed sisters, my relaxed sisters, even my sisters who don’t care about their hair as much as they just want a good sweat absorber. It’s a great option over having to wear a bandanna, baseball cap or doorag to the gym. I designed the band to include everyone and it comes in 3 different styles.
Prior to your work out, I encourage you to add a little product to your front edges, like a natural balm or wax and then tie the wrap on snugly. And like I said, in going natural, I
discovered that you don’t need a lot of heat. So even if I’m wearing my hair
straight, after my workout, when I get home from the gym, if
there is still a little moisture lingering, I can put the hair dryer on
cool, just enough to lift the moisture out and then maybe bump it with
the flat iron and go do what I have to do.
CN: What are your favorite hair products?
I’m in love with three major brands right now- Hair
Rules Shampoo and Conditioner, Jane Carter Solutions, her
mousses and her hair balms, and SheaMoisture’s Black Soap Shampoo and
Conditioner. They’re all amazing! I rotate with those three and throw in in a little
Kinky Curly Knot Today on my quick days.
CN: What does the future hold for your TWA?
My goal is to grow all the way out. I don’t know how long it’s going to take but I want the full actualization of the Afro!
CN: Anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, everyone please come see Street Car Named Desire. The play was written 65 years ago by the great American playwright Tennessee Williams, and has won a Pulitzer Prize. This is the first time that it’s been done with a multiracial cast on Broadway, with African Americans in the lead roles. It’s been done before off Broadway, but never before on Broadway, so it’s kind of a little slice of theater history to be a part of. So if you’re in New York and plan to visit, please catch the show!
Love Nicole Ari Parker! natural hair is def taking over all areas!
this is Totally my story…I got relaxers for years thinking I needed one to have straight hair, not realizing the awesome versatility of my own natural that didn't need the harsh chemicals. Now I wear it straight and curly with ease and for the first time I feel like I am in control of my hair destiny instead of it having ocntrol of me…lol
I watch her on Soul Food I had no ideal she was relaxed before, I thought she heat styled her hair to be straight that she was natural all along. I has one relaxer at 8 years old because my mother thought it would be cool because her sister inlaws were relaxed and so were their daughters. My hair broke off so I got it cut and went natural with protective styling buns and braiding my own hair in cornrows and braidouts.
Megan Montgomery
I love, love, love that she is using decently priced products rather that high dollar "label" products. We can be natural without breaking the bank.
I interchange between cardio kick boxing and aerobics 4-5 times a week. I normally PS Monday through Friday in a bun, and wear wash N goes on the weekends. I also deep treatment my hair in the steam room on Monday’s and Wednesdays.
Unfortunately when my hair is straight I don’t work out at all. I sweat profusely during my workout, & my roots revert instantly. So the few times a year I sacrifice my work out for my hair. I’d love to try “Save your Do” to see if I can continue my workout regimen and maintain my straight hair at the same time.
A lot of celebrities are going natural, now, because it's marketable. The tastes of their core fanbase have sifted, so they're making a change, launching new products, to keep them and their revenue locked-in.
Whatever.
Actually being natural is not such a big deal – its very easy to be natural when you have a certain type or kind of hair!
Actually being natural is not such a big deal – its very easy to be natural when you have a certain type or kind of hair!
I saw Street Car last month, and was blown away by your performance as Blanche. Honestly, I had never read Tennessee Williams, and was just floored by the complexity of his characters and his unmitigated, but not indulgent, look at the tragedies of living. It was really beautiful. Thank you so much for playing Blanche the way you do. Also, I'm thrilled that you're natural. I've only been at it two years, but I'm getting myself a wrap!
I work out five days a week with intense cardio and strength training…Trying to get my Michelle O arms. :-)During workouts I pull my hair up into a puff. BUT I would love to wear my hair straight but I'm scared because its going to curl right back up at the gym. I'll invest in a save your do one of these days
When I jog, I wrap my hair in a silk scarf. Hence me needing to win.
OMG! I am so glad I stumbled up this article. I recently went natural back in Nov 2011. It has been a transition and I am actually looking forward to my hair becoming longer so I can do the awesome FRO styles. After using a relaxer for 20 years, I am glad that I had the mindset to change. It has been a journey. My workouts are challenging because of the new do so the post have given me wonderful tips and ideas. Thank you everyone.
I WANT A WRAP!!!! Currently my work out routine is pretty diverse. I take two "off days" a week and the others, I do a rotation of running (2-4mile sessions, fluidity (ballet inspired workout routine), Zumba (at home DVD's), and a Jane Fonda Ab workout on an old VHS of my Mom's from way back in the day (it's an oldie but goodie). I usually twist my hair up and clip it with one of those teethy clips leaving the ends out to the side so the curls aren't smooshed. Then I tie on my old trusty leopard print bandana (it's not cotton, it's a meshy synthetic material of some sort, I've had it forever and wear it when I wash my face too)and work out. When I'm done with the workout I pat dry my face and remove the bandana. I'm seriously excited about the potential of "Save Your Do"!!!!!
Wow, I almost didn't recognize her. But proud of her for doing her thing and for all naturals who are rockin their hair despite the masses.
I've been working out 3-4 times a week at the gym and walking 3.5 miles the other 3 days and taking Sundays off. Lately whether curly or straight I've been using the Dri Sweat Edge Women's Headband from Sally's – but I'd prefer to support my own kind and will but some regardless. I currently have to reup on a new band every 2-3 weeks because they lose elasticity easily.
I just recently started working out. I purchased a membership at a local gym, so I plan to attend kickboxing classes twice a week and a zumba class once a week.
Oh! And my workout consists of 20mins of cardio on the elliptical, dumbbell weight exercises then pilates.
Oh my! I just read this article in time! I joined the gym 3 months ago and when I need to go with my afro hair, I either braid it in tiny braids, workout, come home then un braid it into an afro or I just wear one of my wider and longer hairbands and wrap it around my `fro, then blowdry a bit. Thanks for reading!
Now that I'm over Choosing my hair over my workouts and I'm back at the gym consistently I alternate between the treadmill and the elliptical. I weight lift. And do the occasional spinning class. I'm looking to add zumba somewhere in the mix. I've mostly been wearing my hair in twisted protective styles so there's little to no fuss all week Long.
I just started getting back into working out. I alternate running with yoga, Zumba and riding my bike. I usually wear my hair up in a high ponytail, but my roots always get messy, so it would be great to have something that would combat that.
I am back at my daily eliptical workout. I usually just put a scarf on, because I am a WnG queen I just Co-wash before I head to work.
Love her story and she looks fabulous!
I work out twice a week on weds and sat. I wash my hair on saturday and I have been wearing it flat ironed. I got a suggestion off of YouTube…before my workout I put my just above shoulder length hair into high ponytail no scarf. When I am done I put moisturizer on my edges and brush them down and put my hair back into a ponytail. I wrap a scarf around it and keep it on until it drys completely. At night I put flexi rods in or pin curls so I can have some curl. I only put heat in my hair once per week. Adria
I workout 6 days a week, with Sunday as my rest day. I strength train for 2 hours and cardio for 30 to 45 minutes when I'm at the gym. When I'm home I run a HITT routine for 45 minutes. Though Sunday is my rest day, I will walk or jump rope for 30 minutes. I've had my hair braided or pulled back in a pony tail.
I have an intense workout regimen! Up until last week, I ran 2-4 miles 3-5 days a week. Last week I started back up with a personal trainer, though, so I work out with him doing weights, cardio & plyo on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and do my runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My hair always gets soaked and I don't really have a real way to maintain it. I simply don't let it be a hinderance because I care about my body more. =D
I pull my hair in a pony tail and don a sweat band. I leave it on until my hair dries around the edges and put on a scarf. In the morning I take down the ponytail and if needed straighten it just a little bit or wrap it and shower then leave it out.
Tiara J
I leave mine twisted under a cute scarf for workouts so this save your do wrap may come in handy!
I am currently entering my 6th month of transitioning. I workout 5 days a week. I usually have my hair in two strand twists and pinned up in an updo. When I get home from the gym, I air it out, and spritz with a mixture of water, jojoba and glycerin. – discoveringnatural.blogspot.com
My workout regimen is 3-4 times a week. I'm transitioning so I normally wear a rollersets. I usually take a hair band and push my set my hair into a puff, then I tie the edges down with a bandana.
I think she looks beautiful…natural hair divas are becoming more popular by the minute.
I workout 4-5 days a week depending on my schedule. I start off with 30 mins cardio on elliptical machine(easy on my knees). Then I either do strength training on upper body with free weights or lower body training with machines at gym. I always end with core exercises. I usually wear hair in twists or twistout and retwist every other night if I sweat out the style. I'm still transitioning so twists/outs work best for me.
I absolutely love Nicole Ari Parker! She as always been a fab lady and I'm so glad that she decided to big chop and join the amazing natural community!! Sooo thanks for getting her on the couch. I love how she is a fan of Jane Carter & SheaMoisture:)
As for my workout routine, I hit the gym 5-6 days a week with three days of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), 2 days of sculpting and toning, and I like to mix it up with Zumba, Hip Hop, or Kickboxing class. I always try to make my workouts fun and include a variety of indoor/outdoor things to do!! To protect my hair, I am sure to moisturize my edges before I head out because all of the sweat seems to always dry that area out. I will even wear a Goody's elastic headband to pull my hair up. I feel more free when it's up and out of my face. But I don't worry about messing my hair up anymore because it can always be co-washed after a workout, retwisted, or put up. Gotta stay healthy and like Nicole said, I never miss a workout!!
I work out 3-4 times a week with a personal trainer and she is brutal! I literally sweat from head to toe. My hair actually loves the moisture from my workouts so I embraced it by wearing a plastic conditioning cap under my bandanas. My hair is twisted or bantu knots and sealed with shea butter from the night before. After a workout I pull the conditioning cap off and let it air dry until I am ready to style for my work day.
I run everyday and lift weights and do the P90x ab ripper every other day.
I let my hair dictate how I maintain it after the workout…I welcome the moisture for bigger hair.
WORKOUT REGIMEN: I workout 5 days a week using Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, Belly dancing, and riding my bike. My hair will usually be in twists while I workout.
HAIR MAINTENANCE: I wash my hair every two weeks & on wash day I flat twist my hair with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In and rock a twist out for two weeks. Every night I do (LadyT101's via youtube) huge chunky twists without product to preserve my style for two weeks & it works!
I work out 3-5 days a week. I try to make one of my workout days also my deep condition/wash day so i will workout with a DC in under a plastic cap and then scarf over that and rinse out when my workout is over. My normal style is a twist out so on my non-wash days I try to tie something on my edges to absorb the sweat and retwist at night to stretch the hair again. If my hair starts to feel gross, I'll throw in a mid week wash.
good interview Nikki; I will buy this wrap.I like the styling of it. It should go well with my workout clothes.
I swim 3 to 5 days a week with a Masters team. It is difficult to maintain my hair with swimming. However, my health is more important than my hair and always has been. I am not a slave to my hair. It's easiest for me to swim in the evenings so that I can stretch/dry my hair overnight and head to work looking decent in the morning. No excuses for not working out!
KJ
I work out five days a week:Wed & Fri are usually my off days. Sunday- wash and deep condition my hair… usually a two strand twist. Pull them loose before work each day. (yes, i get tired of twisting it every night but it's the only way i like my hair) Sunday workout- run on treadmill 30 min and work lower body with lunges, squats, squat jumps, and leg raises. Monday- 3 miles in the a.m. & 5lb dumbells for upper body. Tuesday-kickboxing class in the evening and 3 mile run in the a.m. Thur- cardio only 20 min elliptical,20 treadmill, and 20 on bike. Saturday long runs 3+ miles with my run group or a 5k that usually takes place on Saturday mornings.
I work out 4 days a week. I work with a personal trainer 1 day a week. My workout varies with strenth training and cardio. I love the stairmaster and elliptical- these two machines really get me sweating. I wear my hair in twists or twistout. I now have zumba for my wii system, since the class became over crowded and now I can zumba at home.
Shirley J.
Sunday is wash day so i do my usual hair routine and finish by two strand twisting my hair. Monday and Tuesady I hit the gym and lift free weights along with hopping on the stationary bike and elliptical for thirty mins each. I pull my hair up and out of my face with a loose rubberband and tie a bandana around my edges to pull sweat away. Wed is my off day i pull my twists apart and moisturize. Thursday i go to the gym and hit the stationary bike for 30 mins prior to my adult ballet workout class which lasts an hour. Hair again is pulled away from the face. Friday and Saturday i workout in the pool swimming, water resistance running, and pullups on the steps. Sunday starts it all over.
I mostly workout at home by DVDs (Most recently Jillian Michaels Extreme Shred and Shed), so my hair is usually in a bun and tied down with a silk scarf under a silk bonnet (LOL). When I do a twist out, it only lasts 1 day. If I want to last longer, I forgo my workouts (which is a real shame.)
I workout 5-6 days week , yoga once a week, 45-60 min eliptical once a week , I usually put my braid out in a High Puff ….
Judie
I'm trying to get back on my grind after being pretty inconsistent for many months now. But, right now, I just started The Biggest Loser Cardio Max Maximum Results program and am finishing my first week today. The plan is to do TBL 4 days a week and kettlebell 2 days a week.
In regard to my hair, I wear it in various updos, so generally I just put on a dri-sweat headband from Sally's and keep it on until my hair dries. My sister told me about Nicole's headband a few weeks ago and I was wondering how it compares to the Sally's exercise band! So, I'd love to win this one to give it a try!!
Shelli
http://hairscapades.com/2011/06/20/exercise-and-natural-hair/
My workout regimen is a work in process. Sometimes I work out to my zuumba DVDs, other times I just go for an hour-long, but low impact walk around my neighborhood. Winning one of these "save your do" caps would mean I'd have no excuses not to take my workout to the next level though. (P.S. I hear such great things about you and Boogie from my sister, who I understand will soon be a neighbor of yours. Small world!)
I work out 3-4times a week and I take care of my hair by washing it 2 times week but develop some breakage. So have it in Braids. My fav part of exercising is the Zumba Class!!! Do it twice a week, love dancing
I love swimming and workout 3-4 times a week. I use Panten Be Curly conditioner and Mane and Tail with Hair Milk-Lite by Carols Daughter and let it air dry or difuse dry.Once a week I do a hot oil treatment or use Monoi or Tui hair smoothie also by Carols Daughter to maintain moisture and its softness. If it wasnt for these products-WHOA, IT WOULDNT BE AS EASY!!!
I workout 3 to 4 days a week. I normally leave my hair two strand twisted. So far it works for me.
Dee
She is beautiful either way but the her natural hair look is gorgeous!
I workout 6 days a week most days twice a day because I am a track runner and I have been training. Two days a week early in the morning I go to the weight room for about an hour and a half. However, everyday I either go to the track and do drills/full workouts or I run stairs in the coliseum for about two hours. I am still a college student and a sorority girl so it's hard for me to maintain my "cutsie" natural hair style for the rest of the day!
I have been natural for quite some time and I am just learning what to with it. For so long I'd put in a weave, braid it up or put on a wig. Recently I have turned to root organics.
Workout … I am hooked on Zumba and taking a nice walk. My hair is normally in a ponytail, twisted or in a bun.
My workout doesn't really affect my hair or vice versa. I usually twist my hair at night for a twist out and I find that it's easier to workout if it's in twists. Well I shouldn't say never affects because I am more aware of the styles that I can and can't do with my hair the day of a workout. 🙁
My typical workout is a 30 min run/walk interval on the treadmill and some strength training on off days and I'm trying to incorporate a little yoga now (hard stuff!!)
I'm trying to get back into working out, I used to either go to the gym 3/4 times a week. I would do 30-45mins on the elliptical and 20mins on the weights. When I couldn't make it to the gym I would do an hour jog/run around the local high school track. Since I started graduate school my work out schedule has been more difficult to keep but I'm trying to get back to it. Right now I am using protective styles that don't get too frazzled by sweat but when I'm not protective styling I usually twist my hair and throw a bonnet on.
I have never had to worry too much about sweat when I work out. I usually just workout in a high bun or a side bun. I try not to do a low bun because it tends to soak up my sweat!
Typo ^^^also sweats at night
Liz F
My typical workout is hitting up "Soul Grooves" at Life Time Fitness Lake Houston twice a week(dance class,highly addictive,off the chain,FUN FUN FUN),strength training 2x/week, and run for 30 minutes 1-2 days. Low and behold I've hit a wall, my plateau. This week I began Insanity by Beach Body to pull me out of my year long funk. It's INSANE even though I "thought" I was in pretty good shape. I LOVE IT. It's just what my body needs, SHOCK.
I wear my hair in a high or low bun. My head sweat sooooo much while working out, the wide bands I wear are always drenched. My head also sweat, UGH
Thanks, Liz F
Wow!! it looks amazing.
I attend a fitness boot camp 3 days a week. I'm the only black woman in the class and I'm completely natural. I wear my hair pulled back in a high "puff" to class. The hair inside the ponytail is pretty sweaty after working out so I have to co-wash. If I'm running late I'll just spray in Jane Carter's refreshing spray and air dry. I tried wearing the quick-dry head wrap from Sally's but it usually slips off while working out so I'd love to try Nicole's wrap.
Thanks for the interview on Nicole!
My regimen includes jogging 2x week, and yoga 3x week (I need mental relaxation from school and work!). I usually just wear my head scarf with a snug under-scarf to keep my edges smooth. Idk about anyone else, but I sweat in yoga class!
-Najwah A.
Spinning 2x a week
Lifting weights 3x a week
Kettle bell/Cardio Mix 1x a week
I just usually flat twist my whole head for the whole week and take it out when i go out on weekends.
Mostly treadmill and weights and yoga. Zumba sometimes. When I do treadmill or weights it is an early morning workout and I wear a bandana over my twists. If it is Yoga or Zumba it is an evening class, Trixie is loose. 🙂
I love to do a little weight work and, believe it or not, I love the old school, step work out!! I work out at least 3 times a week with this routine. I keep my hair intact with a silk scarf tied around my forehead like a headband.
Sugarberri
I am transitioning and I've been wearing a lot of flexi rod sets. I usually do weight training, jogging, elliptical, and zumba. I usually just take some open hair pins and loosely pineapple my hair up on the top of my head.
I do weight lifting and cardio 3 times a week. I stretch everyday and also do pilates twice a week. I usually wear a head band or a satin bonnet under a hat to protect my hair.
Hard core jump roper! 🙂 I wear the curls in a loose pony. Thanks. Monica S.
I work out 5-6 times a week. Running, body pump, body combat, body step and other random weight training. I plan on starting p90x next week. I usually have my hair in a ponytail/bun, and I wash after cardio since that causes the most sweat.
Would love to try this and hopefully get more time between washes!
I pull my coils up into a high pineapple and wrap a silk scarf around the edges and go get my workout on!
I workout 3 to 4 days a week – all cardio right now (treadmill, spin class. elliptical). However, I do plan to add in weight training at some point. I part my hair in the front and roll/twist each side all the way to the back of my head and bobby pin in so it'll stay in place. I then roll the back up and bobby pin that. After I get home and shower, I take all the pins out, pull my hair down, wait for my hair to air out, moisturize, and do about 10 plaits for overnight. I undo the plaits in the morning and once again roll/twist the hair on each side towards the back, pin in place, roll up the hair off my neck and pin that into a small low bun.
I'll be in NY for Memorial Day Weekend and I just bought my tickets to go and see the play today. Yeah!! Can't wait! -KT
For my workouts I alternate running 3 miles or doing the fitness option on dance central 2 using the kinetic. I do dance central when I don't get up early enough to run. Most of the time my seven year old daughter will do a couple of songs with me so it keeps us both active. Most days, I put my hair in a loose ponytail. Once I'm out of the shower, I add a little shea better to my ends and retwist for my desired style.
I am such a fan of Nicole Ari Parker. This headband is a good idea. I would love to try this, My hairline has very tight curls that don't match the rest of my hair so this headband could be used for more than working out.
I recently bought a bike and me & my four children go biking so we can all exercise.
Safara M.
I work out 2 times a week and try to do an hour of cardio in each session. My hair is normally pulled into a high curly ponytail or a wash n go with giovanni direct leave in.
I run 4-6 days per week and I have recently started doing Bodyrock videos 5 days per week. I usually wear twists and I just put them in a bun for my workout.
I workout at least 3 days a week. I like to use DVD workouts at home. I'm a fan of Leslie Sansone, P90, The Firm, and recently Zumba. I don't do much to maintain any styles cause I'm currently into WNG's so it's pretty easy for me.
I work out about 4 times a week, and it is always cardio, whether Zumba, jogging, or ellipticals – I tend to sweat a LOT so I wear this ratchet microfiber piece of cloth tied to my wrist that I just use to wipe my forehead. Sweatbands are terri cloth usually which causes frizzies (on my 4b hair). However, given that I sweat, my concern is ALWAYS shrinkage. So I either put it in a puff that makes sure the hair at the room is stretched, or I wear my hair in some twists. The trick is to make sure to tie and bobby pin the hair into an updo or a pony tail to also make sure they don't shrink up. After working out I spritz with some water, leave in, and tea tree oil in a spray bottle to kinda refresh.
Once again great interview Nik. Nichole Ari Parker is such a beauty. She is owning that TWA.
As for exercise, I try to 'work-out' at least 2x a week. Because my job's exercise room is so small and always packed, I go to the parking lot, turn on my MP3 player and do the electric slide, cupid shuffle and wobble for about 30 minutes. I love it. I don't do much to preserve my twistout, mainly because I don't know what to do. I think this 'Save My Do' would be perfect. Thanks for the fabulous site Nik.
Another Nikki checking in. Great interview. Nicole seems so down to earth. She's beautiful and has a beautiful family, talented on and on is like every woman's woman. I have a very basic routine, walk for 30 minutes 5 days a week and do strength training 1-2 days a week either in the form of yoga or a total body conditioning class. I pull the hair up in a high ponytail and if I'm wearing a curly style twist or braid up with a little water at night. If it's in a straight style I find keeping in the ponytail to completely dry or doing a wrap maintains at night.
My workout regimen is 12-20min of cardio and then weights. I use free weights for lunges and weight machines for all other exercises. I alternate between whether I focus on arms or legs. I try to work out 4-5x per week.
Right now my hair is in twists, so I just pin them so they're out of my face and off my neck. To preserve a braid out or twist out, I will have rebraided the night before (I work out in the morning) and just tie a scarf over the braids or twists.
Great interview (I plan to "Street Car" this summer). I workout 3-5 times per week, mostly yoga. My co-worker encouraged me to start taking Zumba classes, which I will begin next week. Right now, my hair is in a cornrowed updo, but I usually wash and deep condition it once/week, wear twists for 2 days, and then sport a twist out the rest of the week.
Congrats on Nicole's new venture and embracing her natural curls! That hair color is just…sensational!
There's a Mother's Day performance of 'Streetcar' that I'm eyeing…..
I do yoga, pilates, and ballet a few times a week (former dancer, yoga instructor hopeful). My hair is in that way bigger than a TWA awkward phase. I typically put it into a puff for any exercise. I wash once a week and co-wash in the middle of the week. But if I have a really gross, sweaty day, I'm most definitely washing right away!
I have a home gym that I put in with the intentions on working out all the time. I don't work out as much as I probably should,but I usually make it down there about 3 times a week.
I'm a fitness instructor for a major national chain. I teach cycle, strength training and pilates classes several times a week. I was recently certified in Zumba after taking it as a student for months and falling in love with it. I got Sisterlocks installed in November so my hair is pretty easy to maintain, I just have to keep it off my face. I had bra-strap length traditional locs before and I think locs thrive from intense cardio and circulation to the scalp.
I work out 3 – 4 times/week on my lunch break. On the weekends I play on the Wii with the kids and my daughter does the Wii Fit Yoga with me!
currently rotating Jillian Michael's DVD's and Zumba on sunday as I have exams coming up soon……….I currently just leave my hair in a pony tail to work out not ideal
I work out about 3-4 times a week. I do anything from jogging for 2 miles to doing a Brazilian dance workout DVD. My hair is often in two-strand twists that I just pull into a high pony. By the by, I'm loving that color-blocked dressed! I want it! Her hair looks great 🙂
I am always working out … running … Zumba … kettlebell … something! I have been natural for 3 yrs and would Love to have one of those "Save Your Do" wraps!
When I go to the gym, I typically either have my hair one of two ways: in a bun or in big twists underneath a scarf. It's pretty simple either way. Afterwards, if it's a cowash day, I will do so. If not, I'll refresh my hair with Oyin Handmade's Greg Juice and an oil of my choice or Oyin Handmade's Hair Dew and an oil of my choice. Can't you tell I love Oyin?
Since I'm a week shy of transitioning for two years, I pretty much just keep my hair in a messy or slick bun or twists under a beret.
Amazing interview!!!
I workout at 6:00a.m. so I usually keep my hair tied from the night before with a somewhat cute scarf and then once I get home– style my hair. The night before, depending on the style, I moisturize and seal in preparation for the next day.
I really enjoyed her story.
My routine is walk/run three times a week. I am working on increasing that. My goal is to run 3 miles/3 times per week and some strength training two days per week.
I love Nicole Ari Parker and good looking out on the Save Your do wrap. I'll have to get one!
I run 3x week on treadmill and do strength training with a workout DVD. I usually tie a bandana on over my braids or twists.
I guess I don't really have a hair regimen when I go to the gym. I just put a headband on and work out. I just think about keeping my hair out of my face. You have definitely got me thinking. My goal is to get to the Y 3 days a week. The past few weeks I have been lucky to make it one day.
I am currently transitioning at 8-months post relaxer with a braid out bun as my go to style. For my workout, i am doing Insanity 6 days a week which results in a lot of sweating. The braid out bun has helped me a lot because i normally style it during the weekend and leave it alone for the rest of the week – so far it is the only sweat proof style that keeps my hands out of my hair.
I do p90x five days a week. I pull my hair up, use a sweat absorbing headband to try to control my 11-month transitioning hair and if I'm trying to preserve curlformers curls, I put a hair net around them to keep them in place. The curls normally make it through one workout.
My headband helps keep the moisture in, so my roots don't lock up. I actually bought one after reading an article on Hairscapades, then seeing another article in which Nicole Ari Parker talked about her product. I couldn't find it, so I picked up another version at Sally's. Hers sounds more versatile.
To be quite honest, working out helps me revive my hairstyle. Whether I'm doing a wash 'n go, braid-out, or twist-out, the perspiration helps to fluff my hair back up naturally. But, I do love the idea of having something wrapped around my edges. I always have to wear a headband to keep my hair off my face and neck, so I definitely would love to try this gym wrap by Nicole! Also, my mom (relaxed) goes to the gym frequently and she always look a hot mess after her workouts, so this wrap would be great for her, too! I might have to buy her one for Mother's Day! 🙂
-Foxyrou
Currently I try to work out 3-4 days per week. I work out at home to save money on gym memberships and because I am super busy and Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout DVD is amazing and only 20 minutes!
I wear a lot of protective styles (specifically flat twists) while working out to maintain the style during the week. Unfortunately when I wear my natural hair straightened I tend to skip more workouts to maintain the style.
I keep in my twists n cover with a very drying bandana when I do cardio twice a week. When I'm strength training on the other 3 days I leave my hair in the style as is.
I work out a few times a week. I've been wearing a bandana, although I know it's not the best option. I never new about this wrap, though.
I workout 3-4 times a week and do squats 3 times a week. I use a dry shampoo in between salon visits.
I go hard on the eliptical trainer and finish with ab excercies and light weights to tone my arms. The joys of having natural hair is I just mush it into a high puff and go for what I know. After all is done, I hit the steam room then head home to re-braid for the night. Woohoo!!
I've been transitioning for about 7 months. It's certainly hasn't been easy. I try to workout everyday. I sweat an insane amount, so I usually co-wash every night. I'd love to try something that could help me maintain a style longer than a day.
i try to work out at least twice a week and when i do i usually wrap my hair in a silk scarf and go. or ill put my hair in a bun.
I work out before work in the mornings, fasted cardio and then weights 4x a week. I just accept that my transitioning hair will fall some. I just try to get at the sweat by dabbing around my hairline with a towel
I have to say that I enjoyed this article a lot. I look up to Nicole Ari Parker, and I'm so glad she's natural now!
I am a college student and I use the facilities on my campus. For my regimen, I go to the gym twice a week ( Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and I put my hair in sections or two strand twists, depending on what style I decide on. That usually helps with my scalp and my hair doesn't sweat out as much. On weekends after working, I walk the nature trails around campus, and I wear a satin bandanna to cover my hair around the trees and pollen that way I won't have to worry with redoing my hair or my allergies. I also walk everywhere on campus. So far, I've lost 50 pounds over the past two years. 🙂
Well I do jullian michaels 30 day shred for 6 days.. and then sara ivanhoe's 20 minute yoga….LET IT BURNNN MAN!!..dont really like the gym prefer to workout home and workout till my legs are stiff lol well I maintain my hair by using twist , braid outs, twist outs and now I have braids . I have a little band for sweat absorbtion but its not doing such a great job so i would love to win this
Ahhhh I totally want one of these. I workout 6 days a week; I do strength/ circuit training and then usually run 5 miles. To protect my hair I just put a little water based conditioner (I'm afraid to use oil products because I sweat a lot whem I workout and I don't want to breakout, pull my hair into a bun and slap on a headband. I'm transitioning so i usually wear my hair in a bun everyday. Since I workout in the mornings I haven't been able to rock a straight style or braid out yet because of all the sweat!
I do the Insanity workout 6 days a week; I'm dripping with sweat. For convenience, I wear a wig over cornrows so I can workout and quickly look presentable for work. My hair reverts quickly when it is pressed straight and I work out. On the weeks I do press my hair, I don't really workout because I hate wasting money.
Mslthompson.7337@gmail.com
I have been natuaral for about 7 mts,I have alternated from micro braids to sew-ins over this period.Before going natural i kept my hair relaxed with a short tapered cut in the back cause that's where I sweated the most and it was easy to re-mold. Recently i wore my natural hair twisted and i received so many compliments. With 2 jobs,3 kids and trying to work out 3 times/wk that's a lot of sweating ! I need all the help & tips I can get about healthy managemnt and upkeep of my natural hair. It's definitely a learning process : )… B>T>W> I absolutely love the natural look on Nicole, she just stepped it up another notch for the upcoming Diva's….*kisses*
I workout with a trainer 3 days a week each session is 30 minutes. Recently, I decided to incorporate Bikram Yoga at least once a week. The need to be able to properly/fully stretch pre and post workout is vital.
While working out, I wear my hair flat-twisted in the front and two-strand twists in the back.
I am just getting into a workout routine which consists of rotating between doing Zumba at home on my wii and Jillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD (a really good workout in only 20 minutes).
I am transitioning for the 2nd time and plan to big chop within the next month or so. So my staple style is a bantu-knot-out and I just co wash mid week and poo wash on the weekends, lightly blow dry so its not too damp (the knots would never dry if it was soaking wet)and then twist and know with a little cantu leave in and Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie. In the mornings I take down with Organic Fiji pineapple coconut oil (love this stuff), seperate, fluff and go
I run about 4 times per week and usually pull my hair into a low pony and don a baseball cap…the cap absorbs some of the moisture. Then when I come home, before I loosen the pony, I tie my hair down with a scarf until my hair dries. It's a fairly effective method depending on how much I sweat; but I would Nicole's hair wrap – to don under a cap or by itself.
My workout usually consists of power-walking three days a week for three hours each day. I will definitely increase it as the weather is getting warmer. My hair is generally in a protective style or I wear a cap but I really don't pay too much attention to it when I'm working out. I've heard of Nicole's head wrap and have plans to purchase it. On a different note, thanks for this interview Nikki! I'm a HUGE Nicole Ari Parker fan. I've loved her work for many years and she is so down to earth. I know that Street Car Named Desire is a must see, Nicole picks great projects and does great work.
I'm training for a 5K so I have my little ipod app that has me running 3xs per week. On the off days or the cross training days I do the kettle ball work out or pilates. I've learned the awesomeness of TnCs so my hair is a little better but I flat iron rarely, and I NEED to save my roller sets.
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I do zumba twice a week & do pilates/power walk the other days. During workouts, I wear a satin wrap tied around my high puff so it absorbs the sweat around my edges. Afterwards, I just rinse my hair & add a leave in to my edges with some coconut oil. Love being natural!
I try to workout 3 times a week in the evenings. I usually have my hair in bantu knots while I am working out but today I blew my hair out so I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my hair to try to make it last. But I won't sacrifice my health for my hairstyle!!!
I have shoulder length natural hair, and I co-wash and twist my hair into 10-12 chunky twists every 2-3 weeks. I mostly wear protective styles, but I occasionally do smaller twists that I either wear in a bun or wear in a more defined twist-out style. I work out about 3 to 4 days a week, and I wrap my head in a colorful bandanna when I workout. While it keeps my hair flat, it doesn't absorb the moisture, so I'd love to win Nicole's Save My Do hair wrap. Her TWA is fierce!
She's awesome!
when i workout(which is often) i have my hair tied down and wear a cap. the cap absorbs the sweat. i never have my hair out at the gym..too much germs and other people's sweat!
Great interview! I do mostly yoga and walking, so sweat is a major issue. I have a TWA, so I just hop in the shower and rinse if I don't have time for a wash or co-wash… After I just add some leave-in (just a bit) and walk out the door… My TWA (and its really teeny at 2 inches) has simplified my daily routine!
I do Zumba or hit the treadmill a couple times a week. I'm trying my best to stay motivated… lol. Typically I just bun my hair up loosely, then co wash after the workout. Love the dewy look I get after a good workout, lol.
I work out almost every day between softball practice, games, training, and going to the gym. I'm currently on three softball teams, am training to do 5 5k's this year and go to the gym regularly so my workouts are not light at all (crazy busy, I know). Thankfully, my hair has been in some sort of protective style for the better part of two months (since softball season started and my training intensified after my first 5k and did I mention I'm in grad school? So doing my hair daily/weekly is not an option). Right now I have the side flat twisted with the rest in two strand twists. I usually just pull it back into a bun or ponytail and go about my business. After workouts at the gym I hit the sauna for 5-10 minutes to relax the muscles and dry out any excess moisture in my hair. So far so good.
Great interview! Nicole looks fabulous with her natural hair. Very pretty glow. I had heard about her head wrap briefly on the Michael Baisden show, but I had no idea that she was going natural.
I actually decided to go natural after getting serious about my work outs and dropping a few dress sizes in the process.
I initially lost the desired weight by doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. It kicked my butt, but I went from a 12 to a 6. My current regimen is 30 minutes of running on the tread mill 5 days week and 30 minutes of the Jillian Michaels yoga dvd 3 -4 times per week. I transitioned for one year with mini-BC's and clipped the last bit of ends in Sept 2011.
I wash my hair once a week, DC once a month. I primarily do tnc. I wear a silk scarf on my edges while working out. Once I am done I simply remove the scarf and let my hair air dry. I used to do mini-pineapples, but I found that killed any bit of definition I had.
I do pilates every day for at least 30 minutes after I get in some cardio on the elliptical. It's great to do strength after cardio because my heart rate stays up! I also take the stairs whenever I can, and that adds up!
I keep my hair in twists during this time and untwist whenever the week is over and I want to hit the town feeling glam!
I generally workout at least 6 days a week…which means a lot of sweating. I do yoga on Mondays, cardio/toning on Wednesdays and aerobics on Fridays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I run. To maintain my hair, I use a type of sweat band that I got from Sally's that's good to use for natural hair, or I just wrap a satin scarf on under my baseball cap.
Love this!! I had no idea she was a natural now, it looks amazing on her!
Christina from LoveBrownSugar
My workout regimen is usually 4 days per week. I tend to workout early mornings so I can leave my hair twisted, or late at night so i can retwist when i get home. It's working out perfectly and with a twist out even if my roots get damp, as soon as i step into the FL sunshine it dries right up!
WOW…that was fast…thanks its all everyone is talking about in the blogs is Nicole's lovely natural hair!