Diedre's Hair Story

Fellow blogger Diedre Callam talks about her Natural Hair Story -

"I created my blog,  keepitkinky.blogspot.com, for those who want options for managing their natural hair in any way that they desire.

I'm quietly emotional and extremely expressive. My often hidden explorative personality constantly oozes out of my scalp, nurturing the myriad of hairstyles I have done in the past five years. I've been locked-natural thrice, loose-natural about 4 times and relaxed about 2. Oh yeah, and I don't play with ideas of cutting my hair off. I just do it. I'll say what need not be said though, natural hair generally wins for me and is my preference. Right now I am newly braid-locked and loving it. If I could give a newly natural one piece of advice, it would be to love yourself. I don't mean the you that people see, I mean the you that is stripped down and clean every morning after a shower. Love that you and embrace your assets and your flaws. Self acceptance is the key to accepting more than just your natural hair but the natural you."  To learn  more about Diedre, check out her blog Keep It Kinky. 

Loctician Hair Tips from Nyesha Samuel

Natural Black HairCare Tips

When it comes to the gentle care of African American skinand hair, there are various ingredients that well-made products contain. Theseingredients will help to rejuvenate your skin and hair and replace thenutrients that are lost in day to day living.

 

Shea Butter Cream

Shea butter cream has long been known for its effectivenessas an emulsifier and a moisturizingcream. It is especially valuable in treating wrinkles, skin discolorations,dark spots, blemishes, dry skin, acne, burns and for fading scars. Shea butteralso helps to provide natural protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.It is easily absorbed into your skin, and it won't leave your skin feelinggreasy, as some other types of products can.

Shea butter cream helps to soften your skin, and maysometimes

be found in hair conditioners in its butter form. It helps torevitalize and rehydrate brittle or dry hair. It will also keep hair frombreaking as easily, and make it softer to the touch.

Shea butter aids in evening skin tone, and gives your skinback its natural luster. Since it absorbs quickly, it can penetrate deeply topromote the growth of healthy skin cells.

Herbal Shampoo Conditioner

African American women often tell me that they have adifficult time finding hair products to satisfy the natural needs of theirhair. Many of the products you see in magazines or commercials cater to womenwho have colored or relaxed hair. This isn't helpful for those withunmanageable, curly, thickhair. An herbal shampoo, conditioner or rinse can help to revivedry and brittle hair. It usually has a clean smell, which makes it easier touse. It helps to promote a healthy shine, and aids in getting rid of frizzies.

There are other products that combine herbal shampooconditioner and nut oils, which can be very helpful for dry, dehydrated hair.Your hair will drink in the moisture, and the proteins in the conditioner willadd shine and a final luster to your hair. They will also leave it soft andmanageable.

Organic Hair Oil

Many African American women have found that organic hair oilcan help to leave their hair nourished and revitalized, and more protected fromaging's effects. They may have experienced some level of hair loss, due tomicrobial effects on the roots of the hair and on their scalp. An antimicrobialoil will break the glycerol bonds that leave your hair weak and moresusceptible to thinning.

Most types of organichair oil will also contain vitamin E, which will help to keep your hair andscalp healthy and rejuvenated. Natural oils help your hair to retain moisture,since they don't break down easily, nor do they evaporate. Natural oils willkeep moisture within your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Hair can also benefit from organic hair oil that will meltwhen it is heated, and then condense on your hair as it cools. You can apply itto your hair and it will evenly spread throughout all areas of your scalp. African American women will benefit from the combination ofShea butter cream for their skin, and shampoos and conditioners, along withnatural oils, that leave their hair full and healthy.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Locs

Nyesha Samuel, Publisher/Master Loctician, healthylocsblog.com

Natasha - Making That Natural Step

 Great photos from Natasha, author of Making That Natural Step and creator of the Journey To Nappy blog.

Bold Cuts - by Sylva

Bold Cuts - life experience story by Sylva

Trip to Puebla, Mexico, March 2001. I was disappointed. All the Mexicans were so, well, American. The clothes, music, Costco...my college experience abroad seemed like the stateside version, only dubbed over in Spanish. 

While ruminating on alternative interpretations for ‘we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us’ it occurred to me that maybe I could benefit from some introspection. After all, who was I to judge when I was wearing shoulder length braids? I saw a golden opportunity to begin extricating myself from the obligations piled on to me by my family, race and culture.So, I cut my hair. I pulled out those braids and took to sporting the quintessential fade of black boys everywhere. Instantly, I was riveted by my face. What cheeks! My big eyes! My little ears! I didn’t have anything to hide behind. I was forced to face the world unapologetically. No more using my hair to make the appearance of my person less shocking or more palatable. 

Going natural in another country was definitely eye-opening. When I was just black, everyone assumed I was easy; when they thought I was African, their ignorance became even more outrageous. People asked my white classmates if I was their maid and if I spoke English. At drum circles, the crowds eyed me expectantly like they were waiting for me to break out into dance. My mailman called me his ‘Jamaiquena’, his sly way of calling me African. The bright spot in all this was being approached by rural women who asked me to kiss

their babies. They told me that seeing a black person was lucky.

Once back home, my Dad schooled me on how to pick out my hair. I remember sitting in my grandma’s bathroom while he shaped it up for me. His strong hands were surprisingly gentle as he turned my head and inspected his work. There was a tenderness there that I hadn’t expected. I remember feeling grateful because I knew he feared for my future - he told me when I dumped my business major that I would be a pauper - and I could sense that he was hoping this would all be a phase. (Then I got a nose ring! Poor Pop.)  

I broke so many picks trying to get my hair into a neat Afro! Even as I fought it, I was fascinated by its boisterousness. It grew in thick and kinky. It corkscrewed tightly and the kinks had this boiiing quality that was just too cute! I didn’t know my hair could do that! By fall 2002 it had started to loc up on its own. I marveled at how pieces seemed to bond together over night. My hair had a mind of its own!  

The pictures during this time period are particularly telling: my family members look at times scared of, chagrined and bewildered by my natural ‘do. I’ll take responsibility—my hair was unruly. My locs were like raging pond fronds! My grandma caught me getting out of the shower one day and just let me have it. “Oooh!” she said, scrunching up her face and shuddering, “Your hair looks terrible! Terrrrible!”.  I can forgive her only because she was a Sagittarius and they’ve been known to speak without thinking. Eventually, I did cut my hair. I didn’t know of any locticians or natural hairstylists in Seattle and I didn’t know what to do with it anymore. I took the shears to my fat, matted locs and cut. Then I dyed it Red Hot Mary.It was a cute color but it dried up my hair immediately. The little kinks I loved so much stopped boiiinging. The hair at the root became brittle. It truly hurt my heart to see. That was the first time I understood the effect of chemicals on my hair. The price for a seemingly benign pleasure was an irreplaceable quality that was uniquely mine. 

For the next two years, I let my hair grow out again—but this time with more guidance! I washed and oiled it, brushed and parted it, braided and twisted it. Bantu knots were my favorite hairstyle. I arranged them in a diamond pattern all over my scalp. I always got so many compliments when I wore my hair this way. People thought I went to a stylist but it was all DIY. After a couple days, I undid the knots and finger combed the curls into a wavy afro. Talk about hot! At the dawn of the century, I was confident and on my own. My look matched my sassy walk and reflected my willingness to try new things.

In 2006, I officially loc’ed up. My hair was about an inch and half long when I got started. I went to a new stylist in Seattle’s Central District and she twisted me right up! My hair took to the process easily. It was pretty simple: wash, roll and dry. (I maintained my hair myself because I had a weakness for shoes and purses.) When it was long enough, I braided my locs to get a wave or rolled them up to get curls. 

Ten years into nappiness, I have developed a rhythm and relationship with my natural ‘do. It feels good to feel the stubby twists as I wash them and to let my fingers discover new growth. My hair is no longer a burden to me. My roots don’t embarrass me. I don’t have to drive an hour to the next city where all the black hairstylists are. Whew! Going natural is a relief in so many ways. I have to admit that going natural also facilitated another journey. It brought me back to my people. Back in sixth grade, after moving from Washington State to North Carolina, my new black peers ostracized me for “acting white”. My highwaters could be overlooked, apparently, but my straight As were inexcusable. I refused to dumb down and took refuge in Latino culture, excelling in Spanish class and watching Siempre en Domingo on Univision.

Throughout high school and college I kept a wary distance from other blacks.Going natural gave me the courage to face the community who had rejected me in my youth. Hadn’t my hair forgiven me all those years of hotcombs and relaxers? When I took an attitude of curiosity towards myself and withheld judgment, my hair and self-esteem flourished. It wasn’t hard to see that black people responded to internalized oppression in the same way our hair responded to heat and chemicals: by becoming brittle, broken off imitations of images that didn’t sync with who we truly are. I decided to give my people the same chance my hair had given me. Over the years, I have built enduring relationships with beautiful, authentic and empowering people who have appreciated my features and valued our common histories. They understand my struggle and can encourage and nourish me because they are doing the same. All the while, my locs have matured and grown down my back.If there is one thing I’d tell black women, it would be to go natural at least once. If you chose to do chemicals again, then at least you will be making an informed decision. Whatever you choose, getting to know yourself at the root is a priceless undertaking.  -  Sylva, May 2011

To read more about Sylva, check out her blog Blackroot in Bloom.

Featured Reader - Aleta!

 

"I am so proud of women that go from relaxed hair, to natural hair. I've had my loc's for 5 years, and I loved it so much!" - Aleta

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*Check out Online Masters Degree's  and  Bachelor Degree Online. Education is a must.

Interview with Natural Beauty - Isimot

 

   

Name: Isimot

Q:  How long have you been natural?
A: I have been natural all my life and when I was 5 years old I asked my mom to give me locs. It was pretty weird to hear a 5 year old asking for locs but it was something I really wanted and I have had them ever since, i am now 22 years old.

Q: Why has it been important for you to follow your heart, and not give into the pressure to have permed straight hair?
A: It was always important for me to follow my heart and not give into the pressure to cut my locs, and perm my hair or straighten it because I always knew I had a passion from a young age for my locs and I felt completely comfortable being different in my skin and with my hair naturally. In 1994-95 (when i was 5) you did not see many little girls with locs so having locs then always allowed me to stick out like a sore thumb but I loved it. I was always one to be against the grain and that is what has kept me from even having the smallest desire to cut my locs, get a perm or wear bone straight hair.


Q:  What would you say to someone that doesn't feel like they are beautiful with their own natural texture?
A: I would say that it takes time, it takes patience that one must have with themself. When that time finally comes when you accept yourself and your natural hair texture that is when you will feel you are beautiful. The most amazing part about finally reaching that point is the sense of liberation that comes with it. But time is of the essence in order to reach the point where you feel beautiful and liberated with your natural hair texture and yourself overall.

Quote: "Living is pretty, and being free while living is beautiful."  ~ Isimot

*To learn more about Isimot, see her on Twitter or on Youtube.

  

Making That Natural Step

Making that natural step – Loc's

Advice and Inspirational written piece by Naturaleza

What if…

no-one likes it?

everyone says it is not me?

people look at me strangely?

Do these sound like questions you ask yourself? 

Try these on instead - What if...?

I like it alot?

it makes me happy?

doing this allows me to be creative in other ways?

people say crap about it? I'm doing it for ME!

Don't let the views people have of you hold you back from doing it.

You know what I mean!   Having natural hair!

I won't pretend to be the guru on the topic. I can only share my experience. This is the second time that I've begun the journey. I don't know exactly what it is, but this time I feel more relaxed, feeling fit in my skin and loving who I am. 

Maybe it comes with maturity...not with chronological age per se. But maturity that allows us to block out the detractors. When we get to that phase that as people we are comfortable with who we are, who we see and quite frankly, we are not put off by what people say.

We just smile and nod!

Trust me...I smile and nod!

-Ask questions:        Educate yourself by asking other people around you who have natural hair how they maintain it. In my case, I preferred to ask questions about sizing and method to start my locs because I did
not want small locs. Find out about products and of course, the cost to maintain your hair looking its best.

-Use your tech resources:      The Internet is there to help. There are many sites, Blogs, Vlogs like Youtube to educate you.  We all have different reasons for wanting to have natural hair. But, don't get bogged down by what people want. Get excited about what you want! Use what you see and read to make informed decisions.

-Choose a responsible someone:   That someone does not have to be a Broad Street cosmetologist.  But, in the case of locs, I would rather have someone who knows what they are doing start them as they can show me what to do when making it to the salon might be difficult. Hey, that someone might even be your sister, your barber, your best-friend!

-Transitioning:    Not every day will be the same. Some days you may not want to do a twist out or do your full hair regimen. So what? Why can't you rock your headband? Or, do a scarf to complement your outfit? You are not your hair! Be creative with what God gave you! Dealing with locs has meant for me dealing with frizz and people who know me when I had relaxed hair, know how every strand of hair was in place. They knew I had every possible curling iron size under the sun.  The frizz is like a lesson in PATIENCE AND FORBEARANCE!  When transitioning, do you want to wear braids? What about doing the Big Chop (BC)?  Or, even microbraids? These are things to consider.

-No more burns:            Need I say more?

-Product junkie:        Then, of course we think about products.  Hmmm, another yummy part of having natural hair!  But, hey! Take it easy! You still want your crown to look lovely. There is a whole world of natural hair care products locally and overseas. Some say "natural" on the bottle. Others, are 'natural' with the ingredients they put IN the bottle, too! So, do your leg-work.

And, don't let people put limitations on how long they think you will keep your hair in its natural state either. That decision is up to you.  Nor, should you set up yourself for  the - kinky hair vs. loc'd hair debate.  In my humble layman's opinion, "Natural "means no element of chemical processing. So don't put yourself on a guilt trip either.  

Life is dynamic...don't be afraid! And as you may (or may not realize), a woman's sense of style and dare I say, how she wears her hair changes throughout her life; from phase to phase.

Remember: Love you! Embrace your beauty - inside and out!

Featured Reader - Helena!

Meet Natural Beauty - Helena! Thank you Helena for submitting your story about your natural hair journey.

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: Being a little girl I enjoyed my hair as it was, didn't think a lot about it and my parents have always taught my about natural beauty.
But growing older and watching music videos with Beyoncé, I saw her hair and was like, I want hair like her. I thought that it would be possible with a relaxer. But of course not. I tried a relaxer, but it didn't work at all. Only my hair ends got straight. And only a year after that, I cut my ends of and went all natural again. But now I'm happy it didn't work because i love my naturally curly hair and I'm proud of it.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: In the Christmas/January 2009-2010. I cut my straight ends off, and it was at the length was of a twa. And I loved it. I love my curls, and I am proud to wear it natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Not really. My hair was really dry and frizzy, with the straights ends. And I had read a lot about natural hair, so i was very excited for me to go 100% natural and rock my natural hair.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: My favorite is coconut oil. It's amazing for shine and makes my hair super soft, and it's great to prevent hair from frizzing. I also loves Aubrey Organics B5 Designer Gel - it's great for braid-outs, styling and it really moisturizes your hair. Also Aubrey Organics Natural Island Conditioner is really good.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: I thinks that natural hair exudes confidence, pride and beauty.. whatever what style you are rockin! It's for you. You are beautiful. Don't think so much about what people may say.
Accept and love your self and your natural hair, and others will to as they see your natural beauty shine.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: Yes i have a blog, naturalhairisbeautifull.blogspot.com.

Featured Reader - Christina!

From the Big Chop to natural thick healthy hair, Christina talks to us about her natural hair transition. 

Q: What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A:  I was relaxed, and rocked braids during high school and first year of collage. My relax hair journey started pretty late, I must have been around 13 or 14. But I would go months in between a touch up. I wasn't a very girly girl. So for me, I learned about a lot of things later in life - hair, makeup (I am still learning that), dresses (I was / am a tomboy) and so on.

Q:  When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A:  I honestly stumbled onto a natural hair website one night in 2006/2007 and thought it would be a great idea- I did the big chopped three times before I finally decided in 2009, to just go natural. My last and final Big Chop was December 2009. It was more of a decision to see what and how far along my hair would go. I didn't transition at all. What I did (or my brother did) was to take clippers to my head and shave everything off. So I did this three times- I think, that first shower after the hair is gone is my real reason for doing it so many times!!!!!!!! Its a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Q:  Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A:  Not really. My biggest concern was what was I going to do a big chop again (this was after the first 2 Big Chops). I just armed myself with information and decided to see where this journey would take me. But I will say this, after my first Big Chopped, I lived in Austria and my after last Big Chop I moved to Nigeria, now I am back in Europe (Scandinavia), it is hard because, I don't see many natural haired people. Maybe because its winter, hopefully during summer, I will see more sisters rocking natural. So I basically turn to the internet and other blogs to help me along. It's an ongoing process. I try and learn as much as I can. I recently learned to do my own braiding, which went very well. So now, I want to learn how to cornrow my own hair and do much more. I figure it's my own hair. Why not do the best I can for it?

Q:  What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A: Amla oil - I used to use this even when my hair was relaxed. So I basically know this product and I live by it. Shea Butter - I finally got my hands on some raw, unrefined, shea butter and boy do I love it. Not just for hair, but I use it all over my body. Conditioner - Honestly, Any!!!!!!!  If I read about a certain conditioner and I can actually find it, then I just go out and buy it. Thus far, I found Herbal Essence, which is my new favorite product, after Garnier Fructis.  

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: I get scared too, even now, my hair is soooo thick, so long and I get scared since I don't have the 'full arsenal' of products that many naturals have tried. What gets me through it is that it's just hair. And its coming out of my scalp. Its all mine, and looks different from another person. Making me wholeheartedly unique. Also, I like to tie my hair with head wraps, hats, beanie and now since I have learned how to braid - I am always good to go! Find something that works for you, for those 'wanna give in days' and believe me, everyone has those days. Hang in there. Its truly worth it.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter,facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: http://afropeanqueen.blogspot.com/

Natural Hair Inspiration - Brittany

I would like to introduce you all to Brittany, a natural beauty. I met Brittany at a local Trader Joe's, a couple of weeks ago, and I really loved her hair. Here is a more about Brittany and her natural hair journey -

Q:  What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A:  I went natural spring semester of my Sophomore year in high school. Before then I wore my hair either flat ironed, in twists or braided. I didn't really care too much about the style, although 8th grade through Freshman year of high school, I was all about the side swept bangs!

Q: You mentioned that you have been natural since the age of 15. That is impressive. What made you decide to not only go natural, but to also stick with it? Did you feel pressure to change your hair by your peer group?
A:  My decision to go natural was really out of curiosity. I had just finished washing my hair one evening and I was looking at in the mirror, when I notice that my roots were really curly, compared to my limp, relaxed ends. I was excited to see what it would look like, so I asked my mom to cut my hair. It was a bit of a struggle, but I finally convinced her to do it. I was left with about 1 1/2 inches of hair, but I was happy.

I decided to remain natural for several reasons. I played a bunch of sports in high school, and my short natural hair was very practical and easy to manage. Every morning I wet, it combed some conditioner through it and then rinsed it out. I never really felt any pressure to change
my hair from my peers. My hairstyle worked for me, so I could care less what other people thought. Also, I really enjoyed the fact the my hair was kind of unique. In high school, I only remember seeing one other girl with short natural hair like mine. As I started to learn how to care of and style my hair, I got a lot of compliments from people, which really boosted my confidence. I definitely don't see myself going back to perming my hair, because I have found something that works for me. I love that I don't feel limited about what I can do with my hair.

Q:  I love your hair!  Please tell what you do to achieve your cute hair style?
A:  Thank you!! When I saw you at Trader Joe's, I was wearing a two day old twist out. I'll usually twist my hair and pin it up for a week or two. If I get bored I'll take my hair down and rock a fro. Generally, I tend to take better care of my hair, the less that I'm playing in it.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Organic Root Stimulator, Hair Mayonnaise (Conditioner), Olive Oil Hair Lotion, and my Denman brush. My scalp gets super dry and my conditioner and olive oil are they only two things that seem to make it better. My Denman brush is the most effective thing that I have to detangle my hair before washing.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?

A:  I really encourage it! I looove big hair, so I'm biased... lol. Natural hair is fun and very versatile. There are always going to be people who don't like how you look, how you dress, etc. I think the most important thing is to be at peace with who you are no matter what is going on around you. Also, if you do decide to go natural, enjoy your hair for what it is. Try not to spend to much time wishing that your hair looked like someone else's. Everybody's hair is different, so don't be afraid to learn what works best for you! That will save you alot of frustration.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?

A:  I've had a Blogspot account for the past year, but I'm still undecided on whether or not I should start blogging.  In the meantime, I'm on Facebook :) -  Facebook. 


Thank you for letting me interview you Brittany! And it was wonderful to meet you, not only because you were so nice, but also because your natural beauty was refreshing! And it was wonderful for me, because my  daughters were with me at the time, and I am so happy when they can see beautiful woman and men who truly embrace themselves for who they are, inside and out.

Featured Reader - Dejanee

Name: Dejanee

What is your hair story? I was natural pretty much my whole life. However, when my parents got a divorce I had to live with my dad and my hair became the responsibility of my aunt. She was a hair stylist and that was one of the first things she did was perm me and my other two sisters hair. I was too young to know what a relaxer was or to tell her that I did not want one. What is funny is that I started transitioning after my parents started dating again and where later remarried.

When and why did you decide to start wearing you hair naturally? After I was old enough to realize what a relaxer was, I decided to go natural. I, at the time, had no information on hair and did the best I could.   

What are three products  you can’t live without for nurturing your hair/styling your hair?

Honey - I love it as a pre-poo is makes my hair shiny.

Aussie moist - I love this as a co-wash and I use it as a leave in. People always tell me how good my hair smells, when i use it.

Komaza coconut milk- Ph balance and makes my hair soft.

How can we keep up with you and your journey?

Youtube Darhairsisters

French Native Beauty - Anaïse

Today's Natural Beauty is Anaïse (it sounds like "Anna-is", it's a french). She is from French Guiana.

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I was 12 or 13 years old when I started relaxing, but I met problems with breakage, lot of length gone and damaged hair! I was 15-16 years old and I thought I would prefer a short and healthy natural hair, rather than “long” and damaged relaxed hair. Then I decided to do a big chop once. Unfortunately, it wasn't so easy at this time because I wasn't enough mature to embrace my natural hair. Indeed, relaxed hair is a standard for a lot of people. I decided to go back to relaxed, as it took a good length. 

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I was around 19 years old and I left my country to study in France. So it was easier to wear my hair in my teeny weeny afro again! Before going to the plane, I went to a hairdresser for the big chop again! No laughs, no unkind remarks… it was easier, new friends, new schoolmates, new life, new community! You know, living in French Guyana is like living in a small village, and it’s harder to correspond with a beauty standard or ideal because people like to talk, gossip, and give "advice". Obviously, in France there are many black people who don't like kinky hair and prefer relaxing but in general, "indifference" is the norm. I realized we can be pretty the way we are. Everyone has complexes and some unkind remarks that can hurt, so you can choose to pay them no mind even if it's not easy everyday!

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Hum...looking like a guy! But I found great ways to feel more feminine. Since the BC, I've tried to take care of my hair, my skin, make up, jewels, etc.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Moisturizing Lotion, Curl Junkie's Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, Bioshine Intense's aloe vera treatment (Brazil)

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: Appearance isn’t the most important thing (humor, intelligence, temper, points of view are far more important in terms of relationships), but people sometimes act like is. Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated for who they are, but you also do your best to be an “attractive person”. I’ve never really felt ashamed about my hair but there was a gap between my natural hair (+ other things) and some TV idols. Today, I feel prettier than ever because I'm not challenging a beauty standard. I understood 

 there is difference between  "my beauty" and "the ideal of beauty".

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A: I have a blog but if you don't speak french, it's difficult to understand!  http://nefertarians.blogspot.com/

Thank you Anaïse! Gorgeous pictures and I enjoyed reading your interview. ~ Karen

Featured Reader - LaRisha!

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?  

A: Throughout the mid-80s to late-90s, my hair was chemically tainted from perms, s-curls, leisure curls, and relaxers. In 1998, after my first big trim, I tried to grow it out and wear my hair natural, but being afraid of “the big chop”, half my head was curly and half was chemically straight and limp. Ewwwwwwwww.

In 1999, I got inner-locs twice. First time, I took them out, my hair pressed out beautifully and it was long. Second time, I left them in too long, and I broke off a lot of my hair. Still afraid of a big chop, in 2000, I started getting it relaxed again, got trims and started wearing it in cute roller sets (think Whitney in the 90’s). Relaxers finally ruined my scalp completely, so I started transitioning again by using this mixture – LIV leave-in crème, ProStyle Gel, and water and scrunching my hair into these pretty cool waves and curls. As the transition progressed, I started getting creative with the curly/wavy styles. I started putting my hair in medium braids at night, and I would use jeri curl rods to curl the braids tightly. When I take the braids and curls out, it would make the cutest style (think 1930s).

One day, after getting my hair pressed, I saw how badly uneven and broken my ends were, it was horrible. So finally, I did THE BIG CHOP! And, boy it was liberating. I was chemical-free!!! I wore it in a bob cut. It was so cute when pressed, but it felt so good to wash it and wear it wavy/curly knowing that this was ALL MY NATURAL hair!  I’ve been wearing it natural ever since.

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

A:  I’ve been wearing my hair naturally on and off, but went permanently natural in the early 2000s. Chemicals were killing my scalp and ruining my hair. I always loved the look of curly hair on black women (i.e. Lark Voorhies from Saved by the Bell was my inspiration), I desired to rock that look one day.  I didn’t know my hair could really do it.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Not really. I didn’t know my hair was naturally curly and wavy, so I embraced it.  Only thing I feared was losing a lot my hair from the breakage after washing it. When my hair finally got to its total natural state, my curls got real coily and tight, and they would get tangled a lot. I had to learn to be real careful when I comb my hair out.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A:  Essential oils (Castor at the moment), Aloe Vera Gel, A good deep conditioner (using Aubrey’s at the moment)

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: Look at the millions of beautiful and prominent women who are embracing their natural hair, and say to yourself “hey, this is me – take it or leave it. I’m awesome, confident, and this is part of my heritage”. There are so many ways to wear your hair as a natural woman. You can be wild and free, or neat and chic, so don’t be afraid, there is a personal style for every natural woman. If one regimen doesn’t work, try the next.  Don’t give up. You just have to be willing to accept that being natural is a trial and error process. Not all regimens work the same, but it’s worth it when you find the right one or few.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A: www.rishabelle-summersoul.blogspot.com

Readers Question - Reversing Damaged Hair??

Email Question from Victoria- 

"I just did the big chop after a month's transition. My hair is pretty short so I am now wearing braids. I decided to go natural after a major destruction of my front hair after wearing weaves and relaxing my hair continuously.  It really did damage so i decided to leave the world of perms and weaves. One major problem that really bothers me is my front hair. It has never grown after the damages of the weaves. I have taken almost everything to help with the blood circulation but nothing has helped. I take multivitamins with iron, I apply serums and healing oils , and I don't plait it. now that everyone is noticing it never ending occurrence, it really makes me feel sad and I am disappointed in it!"

What Victoria has already tried -
"I have used essential oils like peppermint( I have a just started using it) and caster oil. I have also used healing oil by doctor miracle and a fertilizing serum by organics.  The boldness has been there for exactly one year now. I love hair but this boldness is driving me crazy and I really need your advise what to do!  Thank you! ~ Victoria, UK"

If any one has and advice or tips for Victoria, please reply to this message with the information or email me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com. 

Featured Reader - Paulette!

 

 

Thank you Paulette, for sharing photos of your cool natural style.  Paulette also has a great Etsy store,

Dahlia Soleil Collection.

Featured Reader - Aja!

Meet Naturally Beautiful Hair blog reader Aja. Aja talks a little bit abut her transition to natural hair and what inspires her -
 

Q: How long have you been Natural? If you transitioned from process hair to natural hair, what made you want to change?

A: I transitioned to natural hair after having been a 'relaxed' girl for more than 15 years.  I started (slowly) making the switch to natural products after a health concern made me more aware of the things that I was introducing to my body--this was back in 2001. Since then, I've eliminated pork, white sugar/flour and a few other foods from my diet. I started my transition (via braids & chignons) in May 2009 and finally mustered up the courage to Big Chop (BC) in November 2009; it's one of the best decisions that I've made! I've made it my goal to be as natural as possible, not only with my hair, but with my overall well-being.

Q: What has been the most amazing or surprising part of your having natural hair?

A:  I think the most amazing & surprising part of being natural is that my hair is even more manageable now than it was when I had a relaxer. When I was relaxed my scalp suffered most of the burden; it had been burned from the chemicals within the relaxers and therefore itching and flaking became "normal" to me. I would go to the salon for a doobi on Saturday and by Tuesday I'd be washing my hair--not because it was dirty--but to remove the dry, chemically burnt patches of skin from my scalp. I was doing too much to my hair. I had a collection of products and none of them made much of a difference. But now that my hair is chemical-free and I'm feeding my body more of what it needs (as opposed to what I want), I've been able to slowly nurse my scalp back into shape. It's still not 100% healthy, but it took time to...

damage it so it will also take time to heal it. Scalp issues aside, I also find being natural much easier because now I get to make moves the way I want to without my hair dictating how the day will go. I no longer worry about not being able to go swimming, to amusement parks or even on a date with my husband based on whether or not I'm going to be able to pull off a certain style because I haven't had a relaxer in a while. Natural hair is extremely versatile and if you're good to it, it will be good right back to you!

Q: What is your maintenance routine? What product do you love?

A: My maintenance routine is pretty simple: I cleanse/condition/leave-in condition/hydrate/ and style. During the colder months, I cleanse/condition/leave-in on a bi-weekly basis while moisturizing my scalp (and sometimes hair depending on the style) about once every 3-4 days. I haven't used any heat on my hair since May 2009 and I really don't have the desire to; right now, I'm really just enjoying my kinks.

As far as products are concerned I keep it really simple, using mostly all natural (either store brought or handmade) products. 

The staple products that I love are:

• To Cleanse: Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap (Almond & Peppermint are my favorites)
• To Condition: Giovanni's Smooth as Silk conditioner and Direct Leave-In conditioner
• To Hydrate: Organic coconut oil with a few drops of rosemary essential oil (for my scalp) & for my hair, I use a cream from my own natural product line: SheaCoCo Love  (which is a great moisturizer for both thirsty skin & hair).

Q: What advice do you have for any one that is considering go back to their natural texture or getting their hair loc'd?

A:  I'd say, "go for it and don't allow anyone to make you feel anything other than fabulous!" I know it may sound cliché` but I think we are all unique, and the one thing that makes me truly unique is how I was made to be. I was born with caramel skin, full lips and kinky hair in my DNA and I feel blessed to be this way. Don't be afraid to let the real you shine through!

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey (for example: Facebook, fotki, tumblr, twitter, and more)?

A: Please feel free to keep up with me & my natural journey via:

- AJA Naturals on Etsy

- My blog at:  AJA Naturals...What Nature Provides

-Twitter: @AJANaturals

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blessings,

Aja Walker-Rice

AJA Naturals, LLC

www.ajanaturals.com

732-539-4165

Natural products for body mind & spirit

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"AJA Naturals.. What Nature Provides"

Kenya Johnson

I am happy to introduce you to  Kenya Johnson, who is a reader of the Naturally Beautiful Hair blog; has naturally beautiful hair; and is the designer and creator of OhNaturalHairDesigns T-Shirts.   Keyna took the time to write in to tell us about her natural hair -

Q: How long have you been Natural? If you transitioned from process hair to natural hair, what made you want to change?

A: I've been natural since 2007. I've transitioned from super short hair to braids, from wearing a relaxer to natural hair and many styles in between since the early 1990s. I stopped relaxing my hair in 2006 because I knew the chemicals were damaging my hair and scalp. My scalp was constantly flaky and dry and wouldn't respond to anything until I tried a medicated shampoo and stopped relaxing my hair altogether. When my scalp and hair started to look and feel better, I decided to get back to my roots, so to speak. I have been switching from natural hairstyles (two-strand twist outs) and two-strand twists/braids since 2007, and I enjoy the versatility very much. I'm learning more about various products I can use and different techniques to styling my afro/curly-kinky hair.

Q: What has been the most amazing or surprising part of your having natural hair?

A: The most amazing aspect of having natural hair is that it gives me much more freedom than before. With relaxed hair, I was limiting my activities based upon their impact on my hair. Would it rain? Will I sweat a lot? Would the curl fall out? Now, I just go and my hair follows. I'm a dancer with a community group in my city and sweating just comes with the job. Additionally, I have a daughter who is now 5 years old. When she was 3, she told me that she wanted "straight" hair like her friend at pre-school. Because of her, I designed and created a line of t-shirts that I am currently selling and promoting. My website is at http://www.ohnaturaldesigns.com/.

The fact that she inspired my t-shirts gives this little girl so much pride in herself and her beauty. She is bi-racial, and she sees herself in me as I see myself in her. I want to give her positive images of our beauty and self-awareness, and simply by wearing my hair the way I do does just that. She lovingly calls our hair, "crazy hair," and I LOVE that! She currently prefers to wear her hair in two-strand twists every day. When I take her hair out, she loves that it looks like mine does. For me, that's amazing.

Q:  What is your maintenance routine? What products do you love?

A:  My routine is the following: I wash my hair every 7-10 days with shampoo or just conditioner. I put two-strand twists in my hair every 2-3 days using water, Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and Tui Jojoba and Shea Butter Hair Sheen for moisturizing and twisting product. I also use Pantene cleansing shampoo and Carol's Daughter Mint Rosemary shampoo.

Q:  What advice do you have for any one that is considering going back to their natural texture or getting their hair loc'd?

A:  My advice would be to talk to women who wear natural hairstyles or locs and see what they do to maintain their hair and talk about challenges. I would advise someone to look for the many resources out there (Facebook pages, blogs and websites) and let them know that no one has to do it alone. It's a huge step I believe because so much power has been placed in and on the hair that black women and girls wear. Wearing natural hair is extremely empowering. I would also let them know that trying different products is important to find the right ones for them; the same goes for hair styling techniques.

Q:  How can we keep up with you and your journey (for example: facebook, fotki, tumblr, twitter, and more)?

A:  My t-shirt website is at http://www.ohnaturaldesigns.com/. I tell my story about how I decided to create the t-shirts inspired by my daughter on this website and why the shirts and what they represent are special to me. My goal is to share them with as many women as possible, and I would write about how energizing it is to see that women are truly enjoying my shirts. Here is a video one of my customers created and posted on YouTube.

Kenya Johnson

Oh Natural Designs

OhNaturalDesigns@gmail.com

http://www.ohnaturaldesigns.com/