Quantcast
Channel: Curly Nikki
Viewing all 4836 articles
Browse latest View live

Simon Biles Is Named AP Female Athlete Of The Year

0
0
Photo: Getty Images

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Simone Biles has had quite an interesting year. From dealing with cyber bullying to winning five Olympic medals. But things just got even better.

Continue Reading


The Associated Press released its annual AP Athlete of the Year Award, naming Simone BilesFemale Athlete of the Year and LeBron James Male Athlete of the Year. Earlier this year, Biles became the first woman to win four Olympic Gold medals in a single Olympics Games since 1984. She would become only the fifth gymnast to win this honor.

According to AP News, Biles received 31 out of 59 votes, beating out U.S. Olympic Katie Ledecky and Serena Williams.

Tuesday, she tweeted a response to some of the cyber bullying she's been experiencing around body-shaming. You all can judge my body all you want, but at the end of the day it’s MY body,” she wrote. “I love it and I’m comfortable in my skin.”

In November she released her memoir, Courage To Soar: A Body In Motion, A Life in Balance. The book expands upon her life growing up in Spring, Texas, winning 19 medals, 14 being gold, and how she relied on her faith and family to do what she loves.

Not too long ago, she opted out of a verbal commitment to join UCLA's gymnastic team in order to compete professionally. Her decision paid off. Congratulations to Simon Biles.

What was your favorite moment from Simon Biles this year?
********************
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

Lee Daniels Tells Actors of Color "Stop Complaining And Do The Work"

0
0

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

This is what Lee Daniels had to say in response to the #OscarsSoWhite movement.


Hollywood producer/filmmaker Lee Daniels (The Butler, Empire, Star) recently spoke with the New York Times about expanding after the success of Fox television series, Empire. And while Daniels touched on many things, it's one comment that's got many people in an uproar. It's his remarks about #OscarsSoWhite and it's purpose. In the interview he says:

"Go out and do the work," he fumed over oatmeal at his apartment. "Oscars so white! So what? Do your work. Let your legacy speak and stop complaining, man. Are we really in this for awards?"

"If I had thought that way - that the world was against me - I wouldn't be here now,"he added. "These whiny people that think we're owed something are incomprehensible and reprehensible to me. I don't expect acknowledgement or acceptance from white America. I'm going to be me."

But Daniels seems to totally miss the mark on this one. This is the same guy who's built his career off the success of Black actors, often times exploiting the community through hyper-extreme representations of our culture.  He's also the same guy who started a professional boycott after actress Monique failed to mention his name during her 2010 acceptance speech for best supporting actress.

He also seems to ignore hat #OscarsSoWhite was started due to for the second year in a row, all 20 actors nominated for awards were White. 2015 saw the release of record-breaking Straight Outta Compton and Creed, two films that definitely deserved to take home Oscars but didn't. 

What's problematic about this is, too often times, Black creatives like Daniels achieve a certain level of success, usually off the financial contribution and viewership of Black people, only to betray them once reaching said level of success. Daniels, a director who centers his entire career on our culture, has no room to throw us under the bus.

Read the full interview here.

What are your thoughts on Lee Daniels remarks?
*********************
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

Can You Over-Condition Your Natural Hair?

0
0

by Sabrina Perkins of SeriouslyNatural.org

It may seem impossible to even think about it but we can overdo just about anything. Conditioning our hair is a 'must' for naturals and most of us use way more conditioner than cleanser. From regular conditioner to deep conditioners we make sure to keep them on hand and to use them heavily.

We all know the benefits of a deep conditioning ESPECIALLY if one is applying heat, color or just living in this world with all its pollutants. But is there a such thing as over doing it? The answer to this is a resounding "YES!"

continue!>>>


Can you over-condition your hair?
I used to regard this as a nonsense term but when I did some research, I do now know that it is possible. A study done on nails (same keratin protein as hair) was performed to find out why nails get weaker with repeated water exposure. The study found that exposing nails to water for over 15 minutes (remembering that at 15 minutes the protein is saturated) led to the keratin coiling different from normal and this was linked to softening and weakness (BBA,pp 210-216,1999).

There are many naturals who will condition their hair for hours at a time because they like the softness that it develops. If you are in this group, you are someone who likes over-conditioned hair. The softness you are feeling is most likely related to the change in the keratin and you should be careful when handling your hair when it is that soft as it will be weaker until it has time to recover its stronger conformation. The Natural Haven

Basically, you will have complete absorption and benefits of a conditioner within 20 to 30 minutes and if you use heat it shouldn't be above 95°F. I am a heavy handed, over-conditioning Natural and will be pulling back from the overnight conditioning. With the lack of color and heat I apply to my hair I really don't need the conditioner on more than a few minutes. No wonder my hair won't do a damn thing the first couple of days after I wash it!

This is called hygral fatigue. This is what happens when the cuticle swells and contracts excessively, which is caused by the constant reapplication of water to the hair after it has dried. Since the cuticle is not designed to open and close this frequently, it causes the strand to weaken and eventually break. Some practices that may cause over-hydration are the maximum hydration method (MHM), overnight conditioning, re-wetting the hair each day, not using products that contain protein, etc.

Give hair a water break sometimes and realize a protein treatment is in order. Over-conditioning hair or hygral fatigue are one in the same so make sure to offset moisture with protein when you feel you may be fall prey to this problem.

Have you suffered from over-conditioning?

The L.O.C. Method: Crucial for Curls and Kinks

0
0


The LOC/LCO Method should be part of the Natural Hair Bible. It is a quick and simple way of adding moisture to your hair. It turns dry and frizzled ends into bouncy, moisturized curls. The products used in the video are proven to leave your hair feeling replenished and looking it too!

LOC is an acronym for Liquid, Oil and Cream. The Liquid is typically water based or just plain water. The Oil can be any of your choice, however for winter, I do suggest thicker oils like Coconut Oil which does soften the hair and conditions the scalp. The Cream is a creamy moisturizer which also helps to add more slip to hair when detangling. Check out some of my favourite products and methods below!

Continue!>>>



3 Things to do When You're Tired of Your Natural Hair

0
0

by Victoria Davis of ClassyCurlies.com

Give Your Hair a Break 
Install that protective style you've always wanted to try. I am a huge fan of mini twists, but if you aren't up for doing it yourself, go to a shop for twists or braids. Remember to be sure the stylist doesn't do the style too tight and always remember to care for your own hair underneath.

Continue!>>>


Put it up and...forget about it!
With all of these turban and cinnabun styles done with headscarves you can still be stylish while mentally giving yourself a break from you hair.  Just be sure to moisturize regularly and rock a satin scarf underneath the decorative head wrap!

Trim those ends
Part of the reason you may be experiencing difficulty could be a result of your unhealthy ends. Trimming your ends helps in the detangling process and cuts down on single strand knots.   It also makes the styling process a breeze.

3 Things to Help You Reach Your Hair Goals in 2017!

0
0


by Kanisha Parks of Shessaved.com

It’s official: 2017 is here to stay, so it’s time to hit the ground running with those hair goals! Whatever you want to achieve- healthier hair, longer hair, BSL, MBL, WL, (the list goes on) is definitely within reach. Practicing good hair habits and being consistent with your routine will get you to the finish line, and these three tools will help ensure a road to success!

It’s not about a magic product or pill, but knowing what works for you and your hair, and keeping track of your progress. By incorporating these three tools into my hair regimen, I’ve not only made progress with my hair but I’ve been able to see it as it happens by keeping track of my goals and growth.

I hope that 2017 will be a prosperous hair year for you, too! If you don’t already have these three tools, consider including them in your regimen:

Continue!>>>




1. HAIR PLANNER (JUSTGROWALREADY), $14.99
You don’t necessarily need a hair planner in order to achieve your hair goals, but having one has really helped me. I purchased my planner back in July and since then, I’ve been filling it with all of my hair goals, product purchases, and weekly hair plans.

You can also write down your hair regimen, which is super important in terms of hair growth. Developing a routine and sticking to it is far more effective than fruitlessly hunting for the perfect product.

Plus, if you’re a visual learner like me, writing down your hair goals and seeing them on paper somehow makes them feel more attainable. Down the road, you’ll be able to look back and see for yourself just how far you’ve come.


2. SCALP MASSAGING SHAMPOO BRUSH (VITAGOODS), $19.99
A lot of people like to use these scalp massaging shampoo brushes to shampoo their hair, (which is perfectly fine and wonderful). But after attempting to use mine to shampoo, I realized I hated it! I prefer using my fingers and really getting in there. It was like with the shampoo brush, I couldn’t tell what was going on.

But I love using it for scalp massages, which I do at least 2-3 times a week. Scalp massages are known to stimulate the scalp and help boost hair growth. Plus, after a long day there’s nothing more relaxing than this bad boy on my scalp. It legit feels so so amazing.

My sister actually gifted me my scalp massager, and it’s just the basic blue one. But Vanity Planet sells them in a ton of colors, including this adorable yellow, which is my favorite color. But if you’re not picky about the color, you can just pick one of these up at Walmart.


3. IONIC SOFT BONNET DRYER (GOLD N’ HOT), $37.79
There are at least five ways to deep condition with heat: simply wrapping a towel around your shower cap and relying on body heat, using a thermal cap, sitting underneath a hooded dryer, using a bonnet attachment, or a complete ionic soft bonnet dryer (mentioned above).

Each option has its pros and cons: body heat deep conditioning is minimal and not nearly as intensive as using real heat. A thermal cap like this one from HotHead Thermal Hair Care lasts up to 45 minutes and has to be microwaved. I love using my thermal cap when I’m feeling super lazy and don’t mind leaving my deep conditioner on a little longer because most likely, I’ll fall asleep.

Sitting underneath a hooded dryer requires you to be stationary (and it’s a little old school). A soft bonnet attachment gets the job done but honestly, the idea of attaching a bonnet to my blow dryer has always kind of frightened me a bit. It may sound silly, but I get scared the thing is going to blow up or something!

So that’s why I’m partial to the ionic soft bonnet dryer. Knowing that the bonnet is already attached and integrated into the technology of the ionic soft bonnet dryer somehow makes me feel more comfortable. Plus, it’s versatile- you can use it for deep conditioning or for setting styles and it’s portable.

No matter how you choose to deep condition, just make sure that you deep condition! I can’t sing the praises of deep conditioning enough. I think it should be an integral part of any hair care regimen, but especially if you’re looking to grow longer hair and retain length. Deep conditioning fortifies your hair and helps it stay moisturized.

When it comes to hair growth, remember that what’s really important is developing good hair habits that will keep your hair healthy- moisturized, shiny, strong, and resilient against damage. There are literally thousands of great hair products on the market but what’s really going to make the difference in your hair is just sticking to what works. For me, that’s maintaining a consistent routine, stimulating my hair growth, and deep conditioning.

WHAT TOOLS/PRODUCTS DO YOU USE TO HELP RETAIN LENGTH? COMMENT BELOW!


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

Kanisha is a Christian writer, author, and founder of ShesSaved.com, where she blogs about faith, natural hair, and more. Find her on Instagram @shessaved or for business inquiries, email contact@shessaved.com.

Countdown to Baby

0
0
'Drop something on floor. Object no longer exists to me.'

Hola Chicas, 

I've got about 30 days left and as my Gma would say, I've been 'busier than a cat covering up shit' with all the nesting.  I'm so hype! Can't wait to meet him! 

I've got some pretty dope goodies on the way from some of my favorite brands, and you know that when I win, you win! So stay tuned for giveaways!

Later Gators,
Nik


How A Brave 10 Year Old Overcame Her Obsession With Straight Hair

0
0


"Being around so many beautiful black girls and women who love dance really helped me feel super proud to be me."

Jade Jackson was just three years old when she stood on the toilet and declared, “I hate my hair!,” while frantically trying to pull it straight. It was the first sign that she and her hair were going to have issues.

Continue!>>>


Fast forward a few years and Jade was obsessed with the typically straight hair worn by her favorite Disney princesses. She went from wearing a combination of bangs and afropuffs, to wanting her mane straightened all the time. By age six, her mom gave her a kiddie perm to achieve the look she desired, and Jade was happy.

“I really wanted straight hair to help me fit in and give me confidence,” she explains.

Low self esteem was an area in which Jade had struggled since preschool. As the only black child in class, other kids would call her names like ‘poop.’ Sadly, straight hair did little to garner the acceptance she was looking for. In fact, things only grew worse as she got older.

According to her mom Crystal, “Though she was in the second grade, everyday was like the first day of school all over again because I had to give her a pep talk.”

When Crystal couldn't get any support from the other moms, some tried to blame Jade for their own kids' negative behavior. Finally, Crystal did something that had been on her mind for a few years. She began homeschooling her and it was a move that paid off because her confidence blossomed. To make sure that she would get the socialization she needed, Crystal also enrolled Jade in Dance Theater Of Harlem.

“Being around so many beautiful black girls and women who love dance really helped me feel super proud to be me,” says Jade. “But, I still felt a strong connection to straight hair.”

Ironically, her newfound confidence was due to the compliments she received because of her straight bob hairstyle. So, when it started breaking off, Jade was devastated.

“I couldn't believe it,” she recalls, “I felt my self-esteem going down all over again.”

When her mom suggested she cut it and go natural, she resisted. She couldn’t imagine life without her straight hair. But as the weeks passed and her hair kept breaking off, Jade reached a breaking point, too.

“I started thinking that maybe Mom was right. Maybe I’d be doing myself a favor. I always thought that straight hair was going to bring me up, but it never really gave me anything.”


On the day of the big chop, Jade was a basket of nerves. Her mom did the cutting- it helped that she was a hairdresser back in the day- and when she finished, Jade loved it.

Now 10 years old, and with the cutest little fro ever, she says, “I’ll never go back to straight hair!”


Crystal says her confidence shot to a level 10 after the chop and everyday, people compliment her. And yes, the girls at Dance Theater of Harlem love it, too!


If Jade could give a message to other African American girls she’d say, “I want them to know that they have power and they are beautiful.”

***********************************
Erickka Sy Savané is a freelance writer living in Jersey City, New Jersey with her husband and two kids. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or visit ErickkaSySavane.com.

5 Hair Habits to Leave in 2016

0
0
IG @nadz_complexity 

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

5, 4, 3, 2, 1! It's a brand new year. If one of your new year's resolutions is to have longer, stronger, healthier hair, there are a few habits you need to leave behind.

Continue>>>


Not using heat protection.
Sure, a silky blowout makes your hair look great, but high heat can cause major damage. Heat damage happens when hair has been so physically or chemically altered that it can't return to its original, healthy state. Direct heat can also strip hair of its moisture, resulting in dryness.

Shield your precious strands by cutting down on the use of heat and setting of all your heat tools to the lowest levels possible. Make sure to use a thermal protector on your hair, like Fantasia IC's Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum, or Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant, for an extra layer of protection.

Not deep conditioning.
If your curls feel dry and brittle or limp and lifeless, it may be because you aren't deep conditioning often enough. For most naturals, a weekly deep condition is enough to help prevent breakage and keep hair long and strong, but with trial and error, you'll figure out routine what works best for your curls. If weekly conditioning seems to leave your hair limp, stretch it out to two or three weeks. If your hair feels dry with once a week conditioning, step it up to twice.

While you're working out the frequency, be sure not to over-condition! Don't condition overnight or for longer than 30 minutes--over conditioning can actually make hair weaker. Look for conditioners with words like hydrating, treatment, restorative and strengthening on the label for a thick, creamy conditioner that fortifies your strands.

Not trimming your ends.
It seems silly to cut your hair in order for it to grow, but frequent trims can get rid of split ends and help make hair look longer and healthier. If your hair is breaking off, your ends are dull and damaged, or you haven't been using heat protectant (see #1!), it's time for a trim.

Regular trims should be part of your routine for keeping hair healthy. Trimming hair every 8-12 weeks eliminates damaged ends and helps you maintain your style. Waiting longer might turn your light trim turning into a big chop.

Not eating right.
A healthy diet, including foods rich in protein, iron, and other vitamins can keep hair looking its best. Vitamin C, Vitamin B7, and Niacin have been found to be essential for hair growth, but you can also find nutrients for luscious locks in everyday foods. Salmon is loaded with Vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote hair growth. Snacking on almonds can give you a boost in Vitamin E, which keeps blood flowing to your scalp and encourages hair to grow.

A daily biotin supplement can also help give your body the nutrients necessary for longer, stronger hair. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the growth of hair, skin and nails. A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, lean meats like fish, chicken or turkey, and 5,000 micrograms of biotin daily can help to strengthen your strands.

Not moisturizing.
Nothing's worse than dry, crunchy hair. Add moisture to thirsty hair with rich oils, and add butters and creams to lock it in. Natural oils like coconut, castor, olive, shea, and jojoba help seal in moisture and add shine. Co-washing and pre-pooing can help restore moisture to parched curls.

Whether you choose the L.O.C. (liquid, oil, cream) method, the Curly Girl method, the Max Hydration method, or any other way to infuse your hair with moisture, make sure to drink enough water to hydrate your hair from the inside out. You should aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day--so if you weigh 150lbs, try to get in 75oz throughout your day.
 ​
Cheers! Here's to healthier hair in 2017!


***********************************
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.

Why I Cut My Waist Length Natural Hair

Tracee Ellis Ross' Historic Golden Globes Win

0
0

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

This year's 74th annual Golden Globes was a magically melanated evening.

With people of color nominated in almost every catergory, #blackgirlmagic and #blackmanbrilliance was inevitable.

Continue!>>>


"Moonlight," a coming of age story about a young African American man in Miami, took Best Picture in the drama category. The deeply moving film showcased the star power of notable names like Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Janelle Monae; who stunned with a rhinestone adorned 'do.

Viola Davis was honored for her work in the recently released "Fences." Starring alongside Denzel Washington, the woman who taught us How to Get Away With Murder walked away with Best Supporting Actress just days after getting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Starring Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran, Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. as O.J. Simpson, the true-crime story that captivated the nation so many years ago was introduced to a new audience with The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. The Best television movie or mini series winner took viewers behind the scenes of the case that divided the country.

In the comedy category, Donald Glover beat out Black-ish favorite Anthony Anderson to win Best Actor in a comedy or musical. Glover's hilarious Atlanta would also take the top spot for Best Series, comedy or musical. He thanked “Atlanta and all the black folks in Atlanta” for “being amazing people.” And while a lot of us were rooting for Insecure's Issa Rae to take home her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy, we weren't mad when Tracee Ellis Ross --in a stunning, glittery Zuhair Murad gown--snagged it instead.

Ross celebrated her historic win with an inspiring speech. "This is for all of the women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas, thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important," she said. "But I want you to know that I see you, we see you."

Her win marks the first time that a Black woman has taken home the award since Debbie Allen won for Fame in 1983. Beating out other industry heavyweights like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Sarah Jessica Parker for the award, she spoke out about the industry, which tends to marginalize people of color.

"It’s an honor to be on this show, Black-ish, to continue expanding the way we are seen and known and to show the magic and the beauty and the sameness of a story and stories that are outside of where the industry usually looks."

***********************************
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.

How to Create a Healthy Natural Haircare Regimen

0
0

In the below pictorial and vid, Michelle Thames of HappilyEverNatural breaks down her healthy hair routine in hopes that it'll give natural newbies a place to start!  Enjoy!





Super Easy, Pre-Curled Silver Crochet Braids!

0
0

Zara writes:

I'd like to share this vid of Nicola talking about her super durable, gray crochet braid style! The hair is from "Latched + Hooked" and is super easy to use! Next time, I'll probably help her with the install!

This is a quick/stress-free winter protective style for any no-fuss natural. I hope you enjoy! 


4 Easy Steps to Maintain Your Crochet Braids

0
0


by Kanisha Parks of Shessaved.com

I’ve been wearing crochet braids for four weeks straight now and I am so in love with this style. Most people don’t even realize it’s not my hair unless I tell them, and the maintenance is so easy. And get this: I only used one pack of Jamaican Bounce hair (Urban Beauty brand, $7.99/pack) that I purchased at my local beauty supply store to achieve this look.

The beginning of winter definitely took a toll on my hair and I quickly realized I needed to do something about it. Crochet braids were my answer, and they are super easy to maintain.

I would wholeheartedly recommend crochet braids if you’re thinking about them. Here’s how I’ve kept mine looking good for almost a month now, which only takes 5 minutes (or less) a day:

1. TRIM THE FRIZZ.
In my opinion, this is probably the biggest key to keeping my crochet braids looking fresh: I always trim the frizz as needed, which is usually every 3-4 days. It’s easy: just gently look through your hair and trim any pieces that have become frizzy and therefore stick out like a sore thumb.

Overtime, through just everyday wear and tear, the weave naturally separates and sheds. Trimming the frizz helps your set look like you just installed it yesterday even after it’s a couple of weeks old.

2. OIL YOUR SCALP.
As with most protective styles, especially braids, it’s good to oil your scalp. I oil my scalp every other day to stimulate growth and to help my hair remain soft and healthy underneath the weave. My oil mix includes castor oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil, which all help promote hair growth and scalp health.

Always try your best not to get oil on the weave, as it can cause the weave to get weighed down. Naturally, some of the oil will probably get on the weave but as long as you’re careful, it won’t be much.I also never put any product on the weave, either, so that it won’t become greasy, (a rookie mistake I made the first time around!)
3. RESPECT YOUR EDGES.
Don’t neglect to slick those edges down with a little gel or edge control every now and then to keep them looking snatched. I usually lay my edges down every morning and set them with a satin scarf for about 10 minutes to refresh my style. A little goes a long way!
4. SLEEP WITH A SATIN SCARF.
I know, you’ve heard it a gazillion times, but this is super important! I barely ever slept with my satin scarf the first time I installed crochet braids and needless to say, they only lasted a week.

Your satin scarf will keep the weave from flying all over the place at night and frizzing up sooner than it should. it will also protect your braids underneath from drying out. I also have a satin pillowcase for extra security, which has helped tremendously for those lazy nights.

And that’s it! You’re well on your way to successfully maintaining your crochet braids for weeks!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR CROCHET BRAIDS, CHECK OUT THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEO FROM MISSNATURALISTA86:



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

Kanisha is a Christian writer, author, and founder of ShesSaved.com, where she blogs about faith, natural hair, and more. Find her on Instagram @shessaved or for business inquiries, email contact@shessaved.com.

We'll Really Miss You, Michelle

0
0
source: EPA/Kamil Krzaczynski

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

The countdown is on. In just a few days, we'll be forced to say goodbye to the best president some of us have ever known.

Continue!>>>


And while we'll miss Barack, we'll really miss Michelle. A wife, a mother, a lawyer, a fashionista, and a champion for women. "Through her four main initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls education." (whitehouse.gov)

In his farewell address, President Obama recognized her as he held back tears. "You have made me proud, and you have made the country proud," he told her.

She was our Jackie O. The definition of #blackgirlmagic. She set trends, put new designers in the spotlight, and always made us proud. "She had the air of a woman who could balance a checkbook, and who knew a good deal when she saw it, and who would tell off whomever needed telling off," said Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, describing the First Lady's regalness in a New York Times article.

When they went low, she went high. She never responded to the racist taunts or the comments about her body. She was always the picture of elegance, dignity, and class. "Eventually, she spoke up about the pain of the racist assumptions directed at her, but she waited until her husband could no longer be politically punished for her honesty....a tall, strong, elegant and seriously smart woman who happened to live in the White House," said Gloria Steinem. "She managed to convey dignity and humor at the same time, to be a mother of two daughters and insist on regular family dinners, and to take on health issues and a national food industry addicted to unhealthy profits."

Her ivy league education and her eloquent speeches showed she could hold her own in any room. "You can go to Princeton and Harvard, you can rap with Missy Elliott, you can be a mother and a lawyer and a powerful orator," said Rashida Jones. "You can champion the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, while also caring about fashion. You can dance with Ellen and also fearlessly remind people, on live television, of the reality of your position..."

As the Obamas leave the White House, Michelle Obama's impact is clear.

Black-ish star Yara Shahidi said it best. "Our FLOTUS has made a large impact in the initiatives that she's taken up, but her social and cultural impact has also been enormous. She's not just a gorgeous human inside and out, but also somebody that is effecting change and is as integral to the Obama administration as anybody making policy changes. That's why I love her. From the Let Girls Learn initiative to her Vogue covers, she slays it all."


***********************************
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.


Use This Ingredient to Retain Moisture in Dry, Brittle Natural Hair

0
0
 photo courtesy of Beemore


Lecithin is an essential component of every cell in our bodies. Lecithin is a basis in the structure of cells that prevents the hardening of cell membranes. It is a fat that can also be found in several foods including soybeans, meats, vegetables, and egg yolks. According to Drugs.com, “Lecithin is the common name for a series of related compounds called phosphatidylcholines.” Healthy cells lead to a healthy body and maintaining a body’s resistance to many diseases that take advantage of damaged cells. One of the most well-known benefits of lecithin is supporting cardiovascular health, but some even say it aids in weight loss and relief of arthritis. Lecithin is natural-occurring in the body. It can also be consumed either through foods or as a supplement. The majority of commercial lecithins sold in the market today are from soybean, sunflower, and grape seeds.

Read On!>>>
How does lecithin help with hair?
Lecithins are emulsifiers that are surface-active and water-loving. These fatty substances are often found in hair and skin products because of their main nutrients: choline and insotil. Choline and inositol are both important for healthy hair growth, as they are part of the B complex vitamins. Lecithin supports and enhances the required amount of protein for hair growth while improving the texture and look of hair by adding shine or luster. Its high concentration of fatty acids creates a barrier on the skin and hair that effectively captures and seals in moisture.

This moisturizing benefit makes lecithin perfect for persons suffering from dry, brittle hair. It adds shine, seals in moisture, and restores hair’s natural protective coating often damaged by styling, chemical applications, heat, or environmental changes. This is often why we find shampoos and conditioners utilizing lecithin to help improve the look and structure of damaged hair. Lecithins also help control the viscosity of liquids and help with product absorption into the skin or hair. They are highly conditioning and moisturizing for hair conditioners and masks. Not just for conditioning and moisturizing, lecithin helps to prevent fly-away hair for our straight-haired naturals.

There are dietary supplements of lecithin and of course food sources, but if you want the benefits of this natural-occurring ingredient, then you can benefit from these products below that use the emulsifying and moistening power of lecithin in their formulas.

Products with lecithin
LUSH Jungle Solid Conditioner
Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles
Curlisto Repair Styling Cream
Mario Badescu Lecithin Nourishing Shampoo
Regenepure Nourishing Treatment Hair Thickening Shampoo for Hair Thinning Treatment
Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

5 Tips for Unbelievable Length

0
0
IG @toneeeeee_

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

#Hairgoals. We all want strong, healthy hair, but we also want to have incredible length. Shrinkage is an ego killer--but here are 5 ways to get the unbelievable length you've been dreaming of.

Continue!>>>


1. Know, so you can grow.
Do you know your hair? Not just whether it's 4C or 3A, but really know it. What types of products does your hair love? Everyone should stay away from parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl), but how does your hair react to other ingredients? Before you start buying miracle oils, get to know your hair. What works for your girl may not work for you.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. And then moisturize again.
To hydrate hair and keep it growing, deep condition weekly. Deep conditioning brings life back to limp strands and revitalizes curls. hair that is regularly deep conditioned is more manageable, softer, and longer, because it's less prone to breakage. Deep condition weekly and keep hair healthy with oils like coconut and jojoba or raw shea butter. Massaging your scalp with castor oil also helps to stimulate growth. 


3. Get frequent trims.
Like rapper O.T. Genasis reminds us, sometimes you need to cut it. "Hair typically only grows about a quarter of an inch — to a half an inch max — a month," says celebrity hair stylist Mark Townsend. "If you wait so long that splits are causing your hair to break off high up on the strand, your hair will actually be shorter than if you get consistent trims."

4. Baby your hair.
That means no more daily flat ironing. No more sleeping without a satin pillowcase, bonnet, or scarf. No more using a bath towel to dry your strands--try a microfiber towel or "plopping" with an old t-shirt. To grow longer, healthier, hair, you've got to take care of it.

5. And don't forget to protect it.
Switch up the placement of your ponytail or headband. Those cute elastics that hold your puff shouldn't be placed in the same spot every day--that's how I got some of the worst breakage ever. Switch your style, and don't be afraid of protective styling. A 'do that hides your ends keeps them safe from breaking and shedding. Braids, buns, and even a properly installed weave can help to protect your hair.

Long, healthy hair won't happen overnight, but with these 5 tips, your growth will be unbelievable.

***********************************
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.

Do Hair Vitamins Really Work?

0
0
IG @iamangeldior

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

You've seen questions about them in the forums and pictures on the 'gram. Reality TV personalities, rappers, and models, pose with a bottle (or cup of tummy flattening tea) praise supplements that promise transformations of your hair from the inside out.

Continue!>>>


Claiming to "boost your hair's natural collagen" and help hair reach its "maximum capacity," these "specially formulated" pills say you'll have longer, thicker, shinier hair in just 3 months. But do hair vitamins actually work?

According to Medical Daily, we spend almost $176 million a year on supplements we hope will make our hair grow.

"They’re not made-up pills. Our bodies are already taking them in and they should be a part of our diet," says NYC celebrity hairstylist Devin Toth . "Taking them as supplements consistently ensures that those nutrients and vitamins travel through our bloodstream to essential organs, then to our hair follicles and cortex."

Most hair supplements contain a mix of biotin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3, which are all known to help hair growth--but a healthy diet that includes foods high in protein, iron, and other vitamins can also keep hair looking its best. Salmon is full Vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote hair growth and almonds can give you a boost in Vitamin E, which keeps blood flowing to your scalp and encourages hair to grow.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that vitamins will help with these problems, but in fact, they may be linked to internal issues stemming from the thyroid or chronic anemia," says Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. "Multivitamins or prenatal supplements help to fill gaps found in our diets. We tend to restrict carbohydrates or fats for weight lost or replace them with juices, but vitamins contain important nutrients like biotin, zinc and B-complex that help to enhance the health of our hair."

Hair supplements may promise to help your growth, but the vitamin industry isn't regulated as strictly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA classifies vitamins as dietary supplements, and manufacturers don't have to get the FDA's approval before those pills end up on shelves at your local beauty supply.

"While vitamin deficiencies — notably iron and vitamin D — can contribute to hair shedding, there just isn't data to support the efficacy of vitamin supplements...and people spend so much money on them," says dermatologist Marie Leger.

The bottom line? Be careful about any supplements you take. "Natural" doesn't always mean safe. People of color have been targeted by health scams in the past. According to Cariny Nunez, M.P.H., a public health advisor in the Office of Minority Health at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states "scammers know that ethnic groups who may not speak or read English well, or who hold certain cultural beliefs, can be easy targets,” Nunez says. For example, Native Americans, Latinos, Asians and Africans may have a long tradition of turning to more herbal or so-called “natural” remedies." Take caution when combining supplements with other medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter. (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm466588.htm)

"Vitamins and supplements aren't miracle drugs, they simply allow your hair to reach its full potential," Toth said "[They] maximize what the body is capable of. Your hair needs certain things to reach maximum capacity … that’s what vitamins are for."


***********************************
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.

CurlyNikki on The Doctor Oz Show This Thursday (Jan 19)

Designer Diaper Bag Giveaway!

0
0
Check my diaper bag swag! #ElizabethGreyAndJade


Hola Chicas!

Lily Jade gifted me another gorgeous diaper bag for Baby Boy Walton and you know we've got you too! Just follow this link to enter for your chance to win a $350 shopping credit for a bag of your own! The best part is that the diaper bag insert/organizer is removable-- so you can turn the bag into a dope shopping bag, laptop bag or carry on! Contest ends on January 30, 2017! Good luck! 

Later Gators,
Nik
Viewing all 4836 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images