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9 Tips for Growing Out Nape Hair

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What is nape hair?
The hair that is closest to the back of the neck. 

Why is nape hair growth an issue for so many women?
Many women have short or broken nape hair due to chemical damage, heat damage, mechanical damage from styling and just not getting the proper nourishment back there.

How can I repair my short or broken nape hair?

Read More!!>>>

  1. Massage the area with castor oil to stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth
  2. Don't use a comb or a brush on the area. De-tangle and smooth with your fingers only. 
  3. If you use chemicals such as relaxers, perms and permanent hair dye, apply them to the nape last in order to process the area for the least amount of time.
  4. Make sure the nape area is covered at night with a silk or satin scarf. Your entire head should be covered in fact.
  5. Be sure to moisturize the area using the L.O.C. Method (liquid, oil, cream for sealing) and opt for a thicker oil to seal in the moisture. I recommend castor oil.
  6. Avoid styles that pull and tug at the area. I always leave my edges out when doing a sew in weave, and braid loosely around the edges for my single braids.
  7. Always use a heat protectant and use heat on the lowest temperature setting possible when dealing with the nape.
  8. Braid the hair in the nape straight across and leave it alone. It's just that simple.
  9. Pick and choose the tips that work for you and start giving your nape the TLC it truly deserves.
Top Tips from CN Readers: 






    Have you successfully grown the nape of your hair out? 
    What's your secret? Let us know in the comment section below.

    CN Says:
    Also, see THIS POST and THIS ONE for more kitchen protecting techniques!


    7 Reasons Why Your Natural Hair is Breaking.

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    IG @Joyjah

    by Charlene Walton of TexturedTalk.com

    You would be amazed at the many things that can cause breakage on natural hair. There are several things we do daily, which may not seem like a bad idea but can actually do more harm than good. I guarantee it, if you stay away from these 7 deadly sins then you will be A-ok! Let’s begin!

    Continue!>>>


    1. Not Detangling Properly
    When you detangle try to use a detangler hair tool or detangle with a conditioner that has lots of slip. This makes the process so much easier. The key is to take your time and not rush it. Finger detangling is another great option as well because you can really “listen” to your hair vs. working with a comb or brush. Detangling can be very tedious but it’s worth it and it also helps to retain length.

    2. Wearing Styles That Are Too Tight
    Rocking a high bun or a low bun, for example, is so convenient but you have to make sure you are not doing it too tight. If you install a bun and hours later you have a headache because you were trying to snatch those edges, your bun is too tight. Grab some edge control and call it day. Also, take your buns down at night when you sleep.

    3. Not Sleeping With A Bonnet or Scarf
    Let’s be honest, it is so easy to just jump in the bed when you’re tired and not even throw on a bonnet or scarf. Tossing and turning at night causes a lot of damage to your beautiful curls. Using a silk scarf or bonnet or even a silk pillowcase keeps your curls protected and further prevents breakage on natural hair.

    4. Combing Or Brushing On Dry Curls
    This practice causes such bad damage to our already delicate curls. It is a big NO NO! If you need to comb or brush out your hair, simply spray a little water and then use a Denman brush or wide tooth comb to comb through your curls. Always take your time, start from the bottom, work your way up the hair and you will see less damage.

    5. Not Keeping Your Hair Moisturized
    Moisturizing is so key when you have natural hair, which you already know. Our curls soak up a lot of product and we have to replenish it with moisture daily to maintain healthy hair. It’s like being dehydrated, you have to drink enough water to stay hydrated right? Same rule applies with our hair.

    6. Not Protecting Your Ends
    This is a tricky one especially if you’re rocking that amazing twist out. As long as you switch it up often your ends will be fine. When protective styling make sure your ends are tucked away. This helps retain length and you have less breakage on your ends. Also keep your ends trimmed as often as your stylist suggests.

    7. Not properly taking down twists, braids etc.
    When taking down these styles you must take your time and use an oil if needed. It’s so easy to rush through and tug and pull but you have to make sure you are taking these styles down gently. One wrong tug and you’re ripping out your hair. Be careful and be gentle.

    We all hate breakage especially if we are trying to grow our hair out and grow it healthy. Have you been guilty of any of these horrible practices? What did you do to change it up? Comment and let me know!

    3 Tips to Easily Transition from Weaves to Natural Hair

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    IG @innamodjaofficiel 

    by Marissa Robinson of TexturedTalk.com

    To the ladies with natural hair who proudly wear hair extensions and aren’t conditioned to wearing their own hair…this post is for you! Undercover naturals is what I like to call them. It is very common to be accustomed to wearing a weave due to the convenience, consistency, and conditioning. I can’t deny that. Waking up “like this” is just so much easier than the surprises natural hair can bring in the morning. Last minute travel plans or a quick curl for that hot date suddenly isn’t so stressful. “I’m “Natural” but I wear weave! It’s just easier, it’s always pretty…” These are things commonly said when you may not really know the vast beauty and power of your own hair. Here are 3 ways to successfully transition from weaves to natural hair.

    Continue!>>>


    3 Tips to Transition from Weaves to Natural Hair

    1.Choose Weave Textured Wisely
    The first step to getting the best of both worlds is wearing a hair texture closest to your own natural state when wearing extensions. You can experiment with color, products, and styles without compromising your own hair through extensions. Finding an easy regimen for your hair and mastering what it responds best to can be achieved on your exposed hair aka your “leave out”. Once you fully transition you can come back to the products you liked while experimenting with the leave out. There are tons of hair extension companies popping up every day with hair that closely resembles just about every curl pattern and texture that exist. As a Texture Specialist, I spend a lot of time selecting the right extensions for all of my clients, while making sure I take into account density, curl type, and desired coarseness. It’s important that the extensions blend extremely well with their natural hair for an easy transition.

    2. Take A Break With Wigs & Explore Your Hair on the Weekends
    The second option is wearing wigs. To transition from weaves to natural hair effectively, protective styles will also be your best friend and a wig, by far, is one of the most popular. Long gone are the days when wigs were painfully obvious and unrealistic. There’s nothing more convenient during a work week than having a removable option while you’re getting to know your hair on the evenings or weekends. Spend time on your hair when you have time. Rushing the “getting to know your hair” process is less stressful this way. The weekend allows for more time to play around with new styles and completely wash it out if you hate it in the morning.

    3. Just Go Cold Turkey!
    Thirdly, going cold turkey, taking out the hair extensions and proudly wearing your own hair is the bravest! Seeking a knowledgeable Cosmetologist is crucial if you’re foreign to your own hair. The professional can walk you through an assessment of your hair, how to care for it all while giving you a glimpse of how great it can be! Wearing a smooth blowout is great in the beginning because the hair that hasn’t had much oxygen can breathe off the scalp. Flexi-rods or twists also stretch the natural hair while easily to blending with the hair that was previously exposed. If you are interested in the Wash N Go and your previous “leave out” area from wearing weaves does not blend, add a twist or braid in that area. Or accessorize with a hair comb or jewelry to have some fun! None of these options is anything without the right product so, shop texturesnaturalhaircare.com for all your natural hair care needs!

    How has your transitioning process been? Comment and let me know!

    Stop Natural Hair Breakage, Now!

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    IG @cachosdavic

    by Sabrina Perkins of SeriouslyNatural.org

    There are just some hair maintenance "musts" that one must do to ensure they keep healthy hair. Some are no-brainers like washing hair while others seem counter-productive. Believe me when I say it is like pulling teeth to get some to understand the importance of a biggie like hair trims.

    Hair trims are important to any successful hair care routine. For women with natural hair, keeping up with a regular trimming schedule is critical for preventing damage and maintaining length. However, far too many naturals fail to understand just how important it is to keep up with a regular trimming schedule. Here are 5 reasons why you need to stop skipping your trims and make them priority.

    Continue!>>>
    BECAUSE WHO LIKES TO DETANGLE?
    If you struggle with excessive detangling of your natural hair, chances are you’re in need of a trim, you are not moisturizing enough or allowing for tangles to fester too long. Trimming your hair regularly makes the detangling process so much easier as split or raggedy ends tangle more than clean ends. When the ends of your hair are not properly cared for, detangling can cause breakage and leads to more shedding.

    I know it is time for a trim when my tangles become worse than usual and that's around twice a year. Your hair usually tells you when it is time. If you manipulate your hair a lot, color and use heat you will need to trim more often than someone like me who is low-key and barely uses color and no heat.

    KEEP YOUR LENGTH
    It may not seem unreasonable at first, but trimming your hair regularly actually helps your hair to retain its length. When you trim damaged ends it prevents splits from spreading upward along the hair shaft. If you go too long without a trim, you may need to cut more hair than you would have if you’d kept up a regular trimming schedule.

    HAIRSTYLES LOOK BETTER
    Nothing makes a twist-out or wash and go look worse than frayed, weathered ends. If you’ve just cut your hair into an amazing new style, keeping your ends trimmed regularly will ensure that your cut looks fresh and new for months down the line. A trim will make your hair look like a million bucks and that's no exaggeration.

    PREVENT HAIR DAMAGE
    The main advantage to keeping up with regular hair trims is that it prevents damage or further damage to the hair. Knots, shedding and split ends are all reduced by getting hair trims in regular intervals. These types of hair problems can often lead to breakage. By keeping trims regular you put a stop to continued breakage and hair loss.

    YOUR HAIR WILL THANK YOU
    Some people think that hair trims encourage hair growth. While this may not be true, hair does respond positively to regular trims. When trimmed regularly, hair gives of the appearance of health and styles look neat, polished and ends seal better.

    How often do you trim?

    DIY: Coconut Aloe Deep Conditioner for Softer Natural Hair

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    IG @prii_babii 

    By Taymer Mason via BlackNaps.org

    Summer is around the corner and many of us are wondering what to do with our hair. Should we install box braids, cut our hair off or just let our afros blow in the breeze? One thing for sure is that if you choose to wear your hair loose getting is soft and shiny should be the order of the day. Healthy hair is the base of great lasting styles. This hair softening conditioner leaves your hair so soft and shiny there is no need for heavy butters and products.

    Continue!>>>


    This is an excellent hair mask with coconut milk as the base. Coconut milk leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. Aloe vera leaf juice has restorative and conditioning properties.

    Coco Aloe Deep Conditioner from Kink Alchemy 2016
    By Taymer Mason
    Approximate Yield 500 ml

    This conditioner is going to change your hair’s life! Yes it is a bold statement but it is true. Do you know one of those Holy Grail products that everyone and their grandmother is going on about? This is it! If your hair is dull, dry and not styling well this will RESET you hair back to happier times. This makes my hair beautiful after one use so if it had to be sold it would be bad for business. I developed this formula a few years ago when my hair was very tight and dry and nothing would work and the rest is history. I will just jump into this recipe and suggest this as a thoughtful holiday gift for your natural friends. Dress this up in a glass mason jar with beautiful ribbons and add the directions with a beautiful hand written card and BOOM, you have a friend for life! You are welcomed and your hair says thank you too.

    Storage: 8 oz. jar

    Preservative: none if being used right away, yes if storing at room temperature (please note that unused portions of this treatment can be frozen)

    Shelf Life: 2 months frozen, 2 months with a chemical preservative

    Loc Friendly: Yes if the Aloe vera is strained.

    What you will need

    -Paring Knife
    -Blender
    -Measuring Cup
    -Measuring spoons

    Formula
    ¼ cup honey/ agave nectar, 1 can coconut milk, ½ cup Aloe vera chopped, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon black castor oil, 1 tablespoon moringa oiloptions or any oil of your choice e.g. jojoba, 1 ½ tablespoon xanthan gum and a few drops of essential oil of your choice, preservative, optional.

    Rationale
    Ingredients are blended into a smooth consistency.

    Method
    Blend honey/ agave nectar, coconut milk, Aloe vera, coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, optional moringa oil until white and smooth, add half of the xanthan gum and blend for 30 seconds. Check the consistency and if it is still too thin add in the remaining gum and blend until you have a creamy thick conditioner. Stir in essential oils and optional preservative.

    Directions
    Apply on washed hair or unwashed hair, it works just the same. Apply mixture to the scalp and hair and put on a plastic cap for 15 minutes. Leave on hair covered with a cap. Leave in for minimum one hour and maximum 12 hours (yes you can sleep in it). If you are in a rush you can cover your hair with a cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Wash out and style as usual. This is an excellent detangling conditioner.

    Alchemist Notes
    Switch up the scents for the season. Try peppermint essential oils for the holidays, lavender and sweet orange for late spring and lemongrass ginger for summer.

    Pros and Cons of Afro Puffy Twists...Would I Do it Again?

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    by Shelli of Hairscapades
    I was originally going to call this post, “Afro Puffy Twists or How My Dream Turned into a Nightmare.” However, time has allowed wounds to heal and a level-head to prevail. Now that I’ve sufficiently recovered from my PTSD (Post Twists Stress Disorder), I feel that I can give a breakdown of the Pros and Cons of my long-term, winter protective style, Afro Puffy Twists.
    Read More!!>>>

    Pros:
    • I love the look of Afro puffy twists. I finally had the lush twist that I’d lusted after for the last couple of years.
    • The style looks very natural and real. The older it got, the better it looked. The ends of the hair curled on their own as natural hair would. It was nearly impossible to distinguish my hair from the Nafy Collection Afro Puffy Twist hair (though, this pro became a con with the take down).
    • I had a braider that was gentle, didn’t comb through my hair, parted it gently and didn’t braid too tightly.
    • I requested cornrows at my hairline and they prevented the extensions from dangling on my finest strands. So, I didn’t lose any twists/hair due to the weight of the extensions.
    • 6 weeks of NO detangling.
    • My fingers and nails had become extremely ragged and rough due to the drying winter air and inside heat. I didn’t have to worry about destroying my strands with my busted fingers as I wasn’t handling my hair as often.
    • Ease of daily styling … this is for real, get up and go hair. I loved that I could wake up, do absolutely nothing to it and it still looked great going out the door.
    • Styling versatility (check out my FB album for more pics).


    • Ability to have a style that showed length, but still protected my strands to a large extent. Although I wore the twists in updos the majority of the time, I could wear them down and out with little risk.
    • Limited daily maintenance. At the most, I would oil my scalp and moisturize and seal the length every 3-4 days.
    • Limited weekly maintenance. Although my plan was to wash it once a week, I only washed and conditioned the twists once in the 6 weeks that I wore the style.
    • Limited styling products. I used my essential oil mix for my scalp, kimmaytube leave-in or Oyin Juices n’ Berries to moisturize and EVOO to seal. The one time I washed, I shampooed with diluted Shea Moisture Raw Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo and conditioned with Aussie Moist. I didn’t pre-poo or DC during the 6 weeks.
    • My hair feels and looks like it is in very good condition, with minimal breakage and normal shedding, post twists.
    I’ve seen this much hair shed in one week post wash/detangle session. So, I was very
    pleasantly surprisedthat this is all I saw after 6 weeks of no finger-combing/detangling.

    Cons:
    • The anxiety of finding the right braider who won’t pull hair too tightly or comb through it with a fine-tooth comb from root to tip instead of tip to root. However, the anxiety was for naught.
    • The anxiety and time to blow-out my hair myself to reduce the likelihood of a braider causing heat or mechanical damage. Again though, it was for naught because the blow-out process went pretty smoothly as I did my research first and took my time.
    • 7 1/2 hours to install.
    • I had a lot of flyaways. I think this was because the braider didn’t use any product on the length of my hair before twisting it.
    • I had some serious matting of twists at my nape. Hair from multiple twists started matting together. This area was especially vulnerable to ensnaring sweater and scarf lint, dust and gunk. Given that this is the finest hair on my head, this was not good.

    • 3 day, 20+ hour twist take down (see here and here). This pretty much negated the timed saved in daily styling.
    • It was difficult to distinguish my hair from the twist hair, which meant I had to handle the twists as gently as I would have if they were all my hair. This extended to the take down as well.
    • The difficulty in removing the twists due to the way that they were installed. Two spray-in detanglers, conditioner, and a EVOO “steam bath” did very little to ease the take down. Each twist took a good 5-10 minutes to remove as my hair extended the full length of the twists. So, there was no cutting off a part of the twist before untwisting. Between the added hair at the end to cover my hair, the rolling of my hair in the twists and the braids at the roots with all three sections containing strands of my hair, there was no quick way to remove the twists without damaging my own hair
    This is the hair and sections in ONE twist!
    Final Verdict:
    So, in conclusion, would I get twists with the Nafy Afro Puffy Twist hair again? Yes I would. Surprised? I think the pros mostly outweighed the cons. Ultimately, though the take down was trauma inducing, it didn’t result in any permanent damage and my hair felt great after my wash, henna, DC and style. Also, I loved them so much and I think that the drama of the take down could be averted with some different techniques.

    Next Time:
    • I would have the twists installed using the Senegalese twist technique at the roots instead of braids.
    • I would ask the braider use some type of holding product on the length of my hair so that I wouldn’t have as many flyaway hairs.
    • I would request that the length be loosely twisted, rather than twisting the individual sections first and then twisting the two together. I think that this caused my hair to be ensnared in the extension hair more than it needed to be.
    • I would keep a more cautious eye on the nape twists and remove them when I start to feel appreciable matting. I would either have them “refreshed” or just twist my own hair until I was ready to take down all the twists.
    I’ve been thinking that I may try to do my next install myself, using bigger sections. However, I know myself pretty well, and don’t think I’d have the patience or willingness to actually make a go of this on my own. Maybe I’ll try Havana Twists next? I have 3 bags of hair left!

    Have you worn puffy twists? Would you do it again? 

    This article was originally published on January 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

    NoireBnB, An Entrepreneurs Response To #AirBnBWhileBlack

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    Image courtesy of NoireBnB

    Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

    On May 25th, Rohan Gilkes would document an unpleasant experience of trying to book a trip with AirBnB. The 40-year old entrepreneur, who splits his time between Tampa and DC would attempt to book a vacation trip to Idaho, from July 1st-5th, which would result in an experience known as #AirBnbWhileBlack. His booking requests would be denied; the owner of the AirBnB initially telling him the dates were no longer available. Gilkes suggested different dates in an earlier month and ran into the same problem. The owner denied his trip immediately. “Can I just book some dates in June,” he would send in another message."I messaged them again, but they never responded.” But this wasn’t the final straw. He had just learned about #AirBnbWhileBlack and decided to have one of his white friends attempt to book the same space. You can pretty much guess what happened. “They were approved immediately,” he said. The July dates he was just told were booked would magically become available for his friend. Gilkes would chronicle this whole story online here. After the post went viral, he would receive tons of messages from people who shared similar experiences. In just 2 ½ weeks, this would lead to the launch of an African American focused booking service that over the last 24 hours has received a lot of praise on social media.
    Continue Reading


    Gilkes is launching Noirebnb, his response to the unpleasant experience while attempting to book a room to stay in Idaho during 4th of July weekend. After that post, he says, “ I started getting a lot of emails from people telling me similar stories. From all backgrounds: minorities based on race, trans people, disabilities, etc.” With a background in tech startups and entrepreneurship, he would create NoireBnB. The name has a distinct ring that lets users know that it has African Americans in mind. “My inspiration right away was, Travel Noire.” Originally, from Barbados, Gilkes moved to the states as a teenager. "I graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pittsburgh with a degree in business as an accountant and somehow ended up in the startup world."A 2014 source found on Black Business reported that African Americans spend approximately $40 billion dollars a year on travel and tourism. Yet, our communities see little to no return on these investments. Gilkes plans to alleviate some of these challenges by focusing on making sure our travel dollars are being spent with the right people.

    NoireBnB adds to the list of African American focused brands that have emerged over the past few years. Although some were launched before, I call it, the post Ferguson effect. We’ve seen the launch of Travel Noire, NoireBnB, CRWN Mag, Black Girl In Om and the growth of popular media outlets, Blavity, For Harriet and Very Smart Brothas. Gilkes has had an overwhelming response over the last 24 hours. At the time of this interview yesterday evening, he’d been receiving emails at a rate of about 15 messages/minute amassing over 22,000 people who have signed up in just 12 hours. By now, I can only imagine that this number has nearly doubled. “If you’re an African American, this is a safe space.” NoireBnB plans to integrate diversity right away and credits this at the core to what will make business different. The platform also plans to use algorithms and transaction history, among other things as a way to trace challenges on discrimination. “It’s one thing to build a business and to go back and try to incorporate diversity, but it’s another thing to build a business where diversity is at the core.” But this idea has caught on, and after news surfaced of NoireBnB, we learned of another similar startup with the same concept named very similar, titled NoirBnB, noted without the e. I asked him of the current relationship with this company. “We have talked everyday for the last four days. From the time they knew we existed, we got on the telephone in about 15 minutes. Things like this take time. We have to assess synergy, equity etc. Only time will tell if there would be any mergers. ” Regardless of the outcome, there is definitely a demand for this service.

    NoireBnB plans to launch within the next 6-8 weeks. Gilkes says the company plans to focus initially on key African American markets such as DC, Chicago, New York and Atlanta. Other cities will most likely launch at the same time, but with limited offerings in their particular market. “Right now we’re working on the tech side. We have to deal with building volume on both ends of the market.” You can find out more information about NoireBnB and be the first to hear about it’s official launch date by signing up here.

    *************************

    Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie


    How To: Wash and Go Short Natural Hair/ TWA

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    Instagram: @classcie

    Ciera writes:

    I'm writing to share my natural hair wash and go tutorial.  I believe the CN fam will find it useful because I show how I create the illusion of tapered hair in the back. This prevents my wash n go from looking like a mullet since I'm in the weird middle phase of growing my hair out and my hair is even all around.  Enjoy! 

    Watch Now!>>>


    How to Straighten Natural Hair Safely

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    instagram: stielglamour

    Stiel Aubrey writes:

    Hello beautiful people! Learning how to protect and love my hair has been a struggle growing up, but now as a 24 year old woman I am so in love with my natural hair! I have figured out the best way to take care and nourish my hair, and it started growing like crazy. My hair has never been healthier and I can switch to straight styles and not worry about my hair getting further damaged. I straighten my curls about 5 times a year and this is how I do it. We as natural women are blessed to be able to change up our look so drastically, so have fun with your hair and learn to love what has been given to you! Enjoy!


    I'm giving away 6 Conditioning Baskets to Top Commenters! (June 2016)

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    Hola Chicas,

    I'm giving away 6 Conditioning Baskets(worth ~$90 each) this month (June 2016) to question askers and answerers!

    If you see a curly-in-need who has asked a question under a post, answer it! If you are a curly who has a question that needs an answer, ask it! Not under this post, on all the posts! 

    The first three baskets will go to the three curlies with the highest number of posts this month (6/1-6/30, comments from previous months don't count) and the next three will go to three randomly selected commenters.  Past winners are eligible!

    Which posts/articles count for the contest? All of them!  Good luck!

    *contest ends June 30th, 2016 at 5pm EST*

    *Please only post comments that spark conversation and further discussion. Free products are EVERYTHING but this is really about strengthening our community and helping other naturals!*

    *US citizens only
     
    Later Gators,
    Nik

    Click for last month's winners!>>>>
    CONGRATS!!! #WinnerWinnerChickenDinner 

    Mothereartha
    Jalaika07
    TNDRHRT
    Sammie Time
    Lauren
    Cree

    email me ASAP at nikki@curlynikki.com using 'May winner' in the subject line!

    An Easy Wash Day Routine for Type 4 Natural hair

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    IG @shalleenkaye

    by Jensine from Jungle Naps

    Let’s be honest. When you’re natural and wash day hits, sometimes you dread the long process ahead of you. The detangling, the long DC sessions that turn into naps, and post-wash styling are all part of the process. However, a few helpful tips can make all difference.

    Continue!>>>
    1) Detangle Prior To Getting Into The Shower
    When your hair is soaking wet, it’s at it’s weakest point. Basically, this means you’re more likely to see breakage when you detangle on soaking wet hair. Try detangling on slightly damp hair (using a spray bottle) and the process will be less stressful on your hair. Plus you’ll save water and time in the shower.

    2) Wash Your Hair In Sections To Prevent Tangling
    You all have heard this before. It’s probably even etched in stone as one of the 10 Commandments For Natural Divas. There’s a reason why it’s been said time and time again. It works! Depending on the thickness of your hair, 2 - 5 sections will help keep your tresses knot free.

    3) Use A Scalp Massager

    If you don’t have one, please invest! Scalp massagers loosen product build-up and dirt from your scalp. It is much more efficient than rubbing your scalp with your fingers and helps to speed along the shampoo process.

    4) Find Your Balance Between Protein & Deep Conditioning Treatments

    As a natural, it’s so important to find your own unique balance between the two. Protein will help to reinforce your strands and DC’s will keep your hair moisturized. Using one without the other often results in weak or over-moisturized hair.

    5) Find Your Holy Grail Leave In
    That leave in that magically melts knots is not only in fairy tales. When you find the right one, it will provide your hair type with ample moisture and keep your hair tangle free for styling.

    Watch the video to see how to apply these tips on your next wash day.


    What's your regimen? How has it changed?

    Is It Safe to Melt Coconut Oil in the Microwave? #GeekOut

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    Lindsay Girl asks: I have used extra virgin coconut oil in my hair as a deep conditioning treatment once a week for several years now. I melt the oil in the microwave. This morning I was reading in an article on the naturallycurly.com website that the author of the article “heard” that you shouldn’t warm coconut oil in the microwave because that will “alter the bonds” in the oil. What say the Brains? Can I safely put the coconut oil in the microwave to melt it? Or is there a better way?

    The Beauty Brains responds:
    When LG raised this question in our Forum we said “no problem.” But after further consideration we realized that there is some risk involved with heating coconut oil in a microwave oven.

    The danger of microwaving coconut oil

    Coconut oil penetrates hair because of its size and the configuration of its carbon chain. Unless you’re heating it above the point where it will decompose, microwaving it should cause no problems. In other words, “melting” it is just fine. BUT you need to be very careful when using this approach. Here’s why:

    Microwave ovens work by exciting the bonds between atoms, causing them to vibrate. The motion of the molecules vibrating and bouncing around generates heat. Different substances will absorb microwave radiation differently depending on a property called the “dielectrical constant”. Water molecules have a high dielectical constant; they are very mobile and will bounce around a lot. Oil molecules are larger and more fixed. Their dielectrical constant is smaller so and they will take longer to heat up. HOWEVER, the specific heat capacity of oil is less than water which means that oil will hold about twice as much heat as water will. And that means that it’s easy to over heat oil to the point where it could burn you. (f you really want to geek out on dielectrical constants and specific heat capacity check out this thread about microwave absorption by oil in the Physics Forum.)

    The Beauty Brains bottom line
    Melting coconut oil in the microwave is unlikely to hurt the oil but you could accidentally over heat it and give yourself a nasty burn. To be safe you might want to melt the oil in a bowl of hot water instead.

    How do you heat up your deep conditioner or pre-poo oils? 

    CN Says:
    For those still 'noid that microwaving the oil will harm its beautifying powers (I'm not a fan of the microwave in general... ironic, seeing as how I don't cook), heating it up in a bowl of warm water truly is the answer.  It's how I warm my oils... hell, it's how I heated Gia's refrigerated breast milk.  You'll get good, even heat! 

    Glam Idol, Brigite- "Dating while natural is amazing!"

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    Tell us a little about yourself.
    Hi, my name is Brigite. I’m from the Cape Verde Islands. It is an island off of the west coast of Africa! The best place in the entire world. I was born there. Now I reside in little old Boston.

    continue!>>>
    How long have you been natural?
    I have been natural (relaxer free) since about 2011. However, I was addicted to the straightener like many other naturals. I did not begin to embrace my curls until December 2014, the year prior I had chopped off all my bra-strap length hair to start off due to excessive heat damage. I kept straightening it for a year after I cut it off, leaving me with heat damage once again. In December 2014, I decided it was time to let the straighteners go. That is when I decided it was time to stop straightening my hair and let it be in its natural state. It’s funny because most naturals struggled with letting the relaxers go, with me it was the straightener. The relaxer was easy to let go of.

    What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
    I did both, I big chopped my heat damage in 2013 and continued to straighten it. In 2014 I decided to transition from my heat damage once again. Then on thanksgiving 2015 I cut off the remainder of the little heat damage I had.


    How would you describe your hair?
    My hair is very THICK. I have a head full of thick hair. Very kinky. I would say 4a/4b. It’s very curly and has a mind of its own but I love it for what it is!

    What do you love most about your hair?
    I love how kinky my hair is. I’ve always loved kinky hair. I also love how fast my hair grows. I love knowing that not everyone around me has hair like me, and I can stand out in a crowd simply because of my natural hair.

    What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
    The most memorable part of my journey is discovering curls I once thought I didn’t have. Another memorable aspect of my journey is inspiring other women simply because of my hair. Many come to me with questions about their hair and that makes me so happy knowing they trust my opinion enough to take it into consideration.

    What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
    My absolute favorite transitioning styles were a braid out with perm rods on the ends. I also loved twist outs.

    What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
    Yes, some negative comments such as “I wish your hair was straight” my grandmother always tells me even now “go do your hair” when really my hair is in its natural state, but eventually everyone learned to like it or accept it.

    What is your hair regimen?
    I remember when I was transitioning I would do too much with my hair and too often. Now, I allow it to do its own thing and wash it when it needs to be washed without a specific day or anything. I’ll either cowash or use shampoo if I have a lot of buildup. I’ll then deep condition with a very moisturizing deep conditioner for 30 minutes to an hour. After detangling my hair and washing off the deep conditioner I will proceed with my wash and go which lasts days.


    What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
    I love Yolanda Renee’s YouTube channel, I think the content is very different and versatile. Curly Nikki is one of my favorite websites.

    How is dating while natural?
    Dating while natural is amazing. I’ve had my boyfriend Erick throughout this entire journey who loves my hair just as much as me if not more. He always motivated me to embrace my hair. It’s funny because whenever I have a protective style for too long he will say something like “ok I’m ready for the fro now” which I find so funny. It is always good to have someone support your natural hair. Also remember ladies that if he doesn’t love your natural hair, then he doesn’t love you for who you truly are.

    Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
    I want the readers to know that being natural is one of the best things to happen to me. I feel great knowing I am embracing my Afrocentric features. It also feels great knowing in a room full of people you will stand out because of your natural hair, having curly hair is something not everyone is blessed to have and we should embrace our uniqueness not conceal it with a relaxer or perm.

    Where can people find you for more information?
    My Instagram is Brigiteeeee (5 E’s) and snapchat: BrigiteBryant

    Natural Hair Style Inspiration: Quick and Easy Flat Twist-n-Curl

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     by Bianca Jones of missbeesblog.com

    My hair journey has come such a long way from the beginning. After realizing my hair suffered greatly from heat damage and relaxers, I decided to stop getting relaxers in 2008. My hair was thin, short, and had split ends and I knew I had to make a change. After making the huge decision, I didn't know how to style or even deal with my natural hair because I always kept it straightend but I knew that this was was a journey I was willing to take. Over the years I watched so many videos, educated myself on my hair, tried different products, and many trial and errors styles to get to where I am today. Over all my hair is no longer my enemy and it's in the most healthiest state ever!

    This quick and easy twist-out is my go-to style for my natural hair. It's simple to achieve and lasts for about 4 days! I have provided the steps below.


    1. Shampoo and deep condition
    2. Apply Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
    3. Proceed with flat twist using Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
    4. Add perms rods on the ends of each twist
    5. Air dry or blow dry upon preference 

    Instagram: @itmsjones_2u



    Boogie's Kindergarten Graduation Slay

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    #MiniSquad 

    Hola Chicas,

    Just came from Boogie's stepping up ceremony.

    They said "formal white attire. don't have white? wear whatever".  I asked, 'will there be a super cute miniature cap and gown situation?' They said'no, just have them dress nicely'. *pout face* So I...

    Continue!>>>
    copped an adorable white dress from Zara that came with a fancy and suspiciously appropriate accessory, that just so happened to be a graduation cap.  I figured it fell nicely in the 'wear whatever' category. Dr. Daddy just shook his head.  He knows what he married.  #Savage #AmazonPrimeTho #PutSomeRespeckOnMyBaby'sGraduation





    CurlyNikki's #AskAway Monday

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    Hola Chicas!

    It's Monday and I'm on the roof!  If you've got hurr, life (or whatever and what have you) questions, ask below!

    I'll do my best to get to them all!

    Later Gators,
    Nik


    PAST PICS!

    2-22-2016
    the result of a chunky twist-out on dry hair (old roller set) using Jane Carter's Twist-Out Foam-- I was super impressed... great definition, shiny and not flaky or crunchy! I didn't add any water or any other product-- just one or two pumps per twist (I created 15 twists and rolled the ends on skinny flexi rods).  xoxo

    2-29-2016
    Curlformer set on the Boogie using a little coconut oil + JC's Twist-Out Foam and Set it Free on the ends.  #OnTheGrow 

    3-7-2016
    #RioAgain #Lapa

    #RioAgainTho

    3-21-2016

     that paragraph before 'bliss, joy and happiness', tho
    *Silence of the Heart - Robert Adams* 

    Melanin Poppin' - 3 Tips for Your Best Summer Skin

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    IG @arreisierra

    by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

    As women of color, we're blessed with a very special gift--not only do we radiate #BlackGirlMagic, but our melanin is the stuff dreams are made of.

    Whether ebony, mocha, french vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate, (even caramel sundaes is gettin' touched) and every shade in between, our rich, royal skin has women running to tanning beds and worshipping the sun, trying to get the hues we were born with.

    But just because we're cocoa colored visions, doesn't mean that we don't have to protect our skin.

    Although African-Americans don't get sunburned as easily as fair skinned folks, we're still at risk for skin cancer. The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and according to the National Cancer Institute, over one million people are diagnosed a year. (blackdoctor.org)

    University of Cincinnati researchers discovered that when melanoma, a malignant tumor, is discovered in African Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it's usually fatal because we aren't using sunscreen or we wait until it’s too late to see a doctor about dark spots.

    When the summer sun is out, follow these three tips to keep your melanin poppin'.

    1. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen.
    Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. Many of our favorite moisturizers from brands for brown skin like Ambi and Iman include SPF.

    Marcia Williams, naturopath and creator of GlobalSun, the first sunscreen specially formulated for people of color, says, "I want people of color to understand how important it is to use sunscreen. And it's not just for the beach. It's for construction workers. Or playing golf ... any time you're out in the sun."

    2. Be aware of your risk, and check for new and changing moles and discolorations.

    “Whenever I heard the word, my mind would automatically think: ‘Caucasian,’ ’’ says Betty Jordan, who was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a rare, but aggressive form of skin cancer that strikes people of color (Bob Marley died of ALM in 1981). “It was something I never worried about.’’ - source

    Check your nails, palms and the soles of your feet frequently. Examine your entire body from head to toe and month, and if you find something, tell your doctor. “Your physician shouldn’t dismiss you just because you are black if you have any new or changing skin lesions on your body, especially nail changes,’’ says Georgetown University Medical Center surgeon and skin cancer specialist Maral Skelsey.(source) You should also see your doctor or dermatologist annually for a professional skin examm

    3. Wear a wide brim hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
    Summer accessories can keep you cute and lower your risk at the same time. For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.(http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm#sunglasses)

    Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the skin around your eyes from sun exposure (and wrinkles!). Throw on a pair, but make sure they block UVA and UVB rays--you can usually tell by the sticker on the lenses.

    Glow on, girls!

    what's your favorite sun screen? what's your favorite moisturizer?


    CN Says:
    I use Cetaphil's Daily Moisturizer w/Spf 15 just about every single day.  At night, I apply Cerave Moisturizing Cream.  I have naturally dry skin (especially around my mouth and chin) and this keeps it soft and supple!

    *********************

    Tiffani Greenway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.

    Does Clay Washing Actually Clean Hair?

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    Joneen asks:
    I have a question about rhassoul clay. I’ve heard great things about using it as a shampoo. My concern, though, is mineral buildup. This is one of the results of hard water that has a negative impact on hair, and something I am currently experiencing and want to avoid in the future. I know rhassoul is largely silica and aluminum, but it does have some calcium and magnesium in it, the very same minerals that hard water contains that are so problematic.

    Read On!>>>


    So it seems to stand to reason that these would also get deposited on the hair from using rhassoul. Is there a scientific reason why it may not cause mineral buildup – i.e. does the large amount of silica somehow prevent the calcium and magnesium from binding to the hair? I will be mixing it with aloe vera juice to create a consistency that is easy to apply.

    BeautyBrains answer:
    We touched on this once before when we talked about an article published on a blog called “The Natural Haven.” It’s written by a scientist who goes by the name of “JC” and she posted a very interesting piece on evaluating different types of mild cleansers.

    She did an experiment where she collected her own shed hair which she divided into several groups: a negative control group that was left dirty and oily. A positive control that was washed with regular shampoo, and several test groups which she washed with different types of cleansers. then, and here’s the cool part, she took micrographs of group to determine how well the test products cleaned.

    Check out her website for pictures of the results but here’s what she found:

    • 
Best cleansers (all of the oil removal): Shampoo, oat water (oats boiled in water to release natural saponins), natural soap bar.
    • Good cleanser (most of the oil removed): Hair conditioner (cowash), liquid castle soap, clay
    • Poor cleanser (little to no oil removal): Baking soda, Shikaki (crushed acacia pods) and the worst of all apple cider vinegar.

    So back to Joneen’s question…will rhassoul clay cause mineral buildup? Rhassoul clay comes from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. (It’s also known as Moroccan lava clay.) It’s primarily composed of a mineral called stevensite and another clay called montmorillonite. It can also contain impurities such as iron, potassium, Al, and other metals. So in part it depends on how purified it is.

    Mineral buildup is a huge problem when the metal ions in hard water combine with soap and form insoluble “gunk” that’s hard to get off your hair. To a lesser extent you get mineral deposits when hard water dries on your hair. But this only occurs when you have the metal ions in the water in the first place. In rhassoul and other clays most of the metal ions are tied up in the molecular complex so their less likely to deposit on your hair. Again, this depends on how purified the clay is.

    It’s interesting to note that there’s a patent covering the use of this clay combined with aloe vera.

    It seems unlikely that this would cause a big problem but unfortunately the best answer is that just have to try it and see.

    She said she’s already having this problem I presume from rinsing her hair in hard water. Won’t she still have an issue when she rinses her hair after this treatment?

    Finally, remember these alternate cleansers like clay won’t do a good job of removing residue from heavy conditioners or styling products.

    Share your experiences below!

    How to Feel Confident with Short Natural Hair

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    IG @trindingtopic

    by Jonna via BlackNaps.org

    Whether it's the result of big chopping to start your natural hair journey, for the convenience of care-free hair styling, or simply a part of your signature look, short hair has always been on trend for women. Personally, I’m fan of big, long hair on myself, but a huge fan of short hair on other ladies. While many ladies are concerned about losing their femininity if their hair is too short, there are lots of ladies in the place with style and grace, rocking short tapered cuts down to bald fades.

    If you’re looking for some tips for feeling feminine and confident with short hair, here are some ladies to share with you their tips on how to join Team #ShortHairDontCare:

    Continue!>>>




    Mimi’s Tip: A few things do it for me a fresh haircut, a red lip and just owning who I am and what I look like.

    Katricia’s Tip: I don’t care – that’s been my attitude with long or short hair. Some days I feel good and will put on a bright lip and other days I just walk out the house with a naked face and still feel great. My hair and makeup doesn’t define my femininity. – Katricia, Type4Naturals.com



    Ariel’s Tip: I’m learning that little things like throwing on a pair of earrings always helps me feel a little more feminine and put together. Plus, on days when I’m not quite feeling a red lip, a light pink lip gloss works just fine. It’s ultimately about being comfortable with who I am.

    Ebony’s Tip: Knowing I’m created in the image of a beautiful creator gives me ALL the confidence I need! And a bold lip is always a nice touch. Ebony, NaturallyFreeToBeMe.com


    Christian’s Tip: Knowing that how someone reacts to my life decisions has nothing to do with me. It’s BEYOND liberating knowing you ARE living for you!!

    Tamara’s Tip: Paired with your favorite earrings a short style is the way to go! – Tamara, SimplyTNicole.com

    Scarlet’s Tip: I get super glammified while rocking my short do.

    Scarlett of Wondercurl.com

    These ladies are undeniably gorgeous with their short cuts! Which of these tips resonates most with you?

    5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Natural Hair

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    by Michelle Thames of HappilyEverNatural.com

    Apple cider vinegar has amazing benefits for your hair and body and has been used to help promote healthy hair for a very long time.   When I first learned about it, I just knew that I had to add it to my regimen.  Apple cider vinegar has so many benefits, but I wanted to focus on 5 that are amazing for your natural hair.

    Continue!>>>


    Removes Buildup
    Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar may help remove buildup that results from the use of many different styling products.  I love to rinse my hair with ACV once a week to make sure my hair is clean of all buildup during the week. Make sure to dilute your ACV with water if it burns. I also love to use ACV in my Bentionite Clay Treatment which also aids in removing buildup from the hair.

    Helps relieve dandruff and Itchy Scalp
    I deal with terrible dandruff and Apple Cider Vinegar has really helped my scalp. ACV has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help dry and itchy scalp. The acids and enzymes in ACV help to kill the bacteria that cause many scalp and hair conditions such as dandruff, itchy scalp. You can use a simple ACV treatment for dandruff and itchy scalp. I apply non diluted ACV to the scalp and rub it in. I leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse. You can dilute it a little if it burns your scalp. Since using this remedy I have noticed less dandruff.

    Balances your Hair’s pH levels
    From research I have learned that hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9). After using shampoos that strip your hair, this can really help balance out the pH of your hair.

    Helps With Hair Loss
    Apple Cider Vinegar is known to stimulate hair growth. Apply a ACV rinse to your scalp leave on for 30 minutes and rinse. ACV is truly good for everything!

    Helps Hair Shine and Decreases Tangles
    Apple Cider Vinegar helps close the hair cuticle helping hair remain smooth and shiny. This also helps tangled hair by helping the hair remain flat to ease through tangles in the hair.

    Man, those are a lot of benefits. Are you team Apple Cider Vinegar?
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