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Rolling.

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 Hola Chicas,

So this is certainly one of my new favorite things!

Continue!>>>


Thanks to @mimausa for gifting me this ridiculously lavish stroller. It's truly a chariot fit for a Max. Full review coming soon! #2WeeksPostPartum #BabyBoy #AugustMaxwell


Later Gators,
Nik

p.s. I washed my hair and blew it back out with a little Apoghee green tea leave in.  I then created 9 bantu knots using Jane Carter's twisting foam (four knots down the middle like a mohawk and a few on each side of my head).  I left the knots in for a day (although they were dry within an hour or so) and unravelled to reveal this fro-y awesomeness.  To preserve I re-knotted (no product this time and only 5 knots) and tied on a scarf.  

This Entrepreneur Just Launched A Delivery App For African and Carribean Food

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Pictured, Boyede Sobitan, co-founder of Oja Express
Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com

Chicago entrepreneur Boyede Sobitan was having a hard time finding ethnic grocery stores in his city. His frustration led him to creating the app, Oja Express.
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The app has one goal, to allow you to order your favorite African and Carribbean groceries from the comfort of your home. Customers order their food through the Oja Express app, schedule a delivery and then a sprinter delivers the product at the scheduled time.

Sobitan, Nigerian, spoke with Ebony.com in the latest series called "In Our Cities." According to their site, the video series aims to "combat the negative images the mainstream media highlights in Black communities across the country by showcasing a fuller picture of people, places and projects aimed at improvement."

Like many others who find a voice through entrepreneurship, Sobitan was frustrated with some of the difficulties Nigerian families living on the SouthSide had finding key recipes to make some of their favorite dishes.

"The local stores here don't have the full compliments of ingredients we use to make our cultural dishes," said Sobitan. He cites Ghana yams as an example of a particular item that's been really hard to find.

Oja Express is available to download for free.


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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

#MomLife: A Few of My Favorite Things + a Giveaway!

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2/24/16 -- It's 75 degrees here in DC and I'm on my way to an al fresco lunch date with Dr.Daddy! Huge thanks to Airbnb for putting my parents up in a gorgeous house for an entire month (and picking up the tab) to make excursions like these possible ('cause I don't let just anybody keep my kids!). 

Hola Chicas!

Yesterday, I shared pics of Max's new ride (review coming soon) and today, I'm sharing two more of my #ChicMommy must-haves!

Continue!>>>


For your chance to win a DockATot and an Ollie World swaddle, leave a comment on @curlynikki IG 


Max is a good little sleeper, but having him close to me helps us both sleep better at night. The DockATot gives me added security when he's co-sleeping with me and hubby because he has his own little space! It's also dope cause he can chill out with us in every room in the house! Definitely a must-have item. The Ollie World swaddle was crucial on those first days in the hospital. Max is no longer a fan of tight spaces, but when he was, this swaddle was quick and easy to secure-- the stretchy material and big velcro tabs make all the difference!

This IG contest ends Monday (Feb 27) at 9pm EST. One lucky winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!


Chance The Rapper Buys All The Tickets For 'Get Out' At Southside Chicago Theater

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Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com
Chance The Rapper has bought all the tickets to see the new film Get Out for a day at a movie theater on the Southside of Chicago.

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Earlier today, Chance tweeted that he purchased all the tickets to see Get Out at the Chatham 14 Theater on 87th Street.

Chance is using his influence while also financially supporting the community he grew up in and educating them in the process. This year he won three Grammys for 'Best New Artist,''Best Rap Album' and 'Best Rap Performance.' But none of that has changed his stance on giving back to his community.

The film Get Out, Jordan Peele's directorial debut was given a rare 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes. It tells the story of a couple who have reached the meet-the-parents stage of dating. A weekend excursion between the interracial couple leads to a series of unfortunate discoveries as the family tries to adapt to their daughters dating preferences.

If you live on the Southside of Chicago, tickets are free all day courtesy of Chance at the Chatham Theater. All you have to do is show up.

Gotta love this guy.

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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

FAMU Set To Launch First 24-Hour Black News Channel In 2018

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Photo: Florida A&M University Office of Communications
Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com

Florida A&M University's School of Journalism and Graphic Communication is expected to launch the first ever 24-hour Black news network in February 2018. Named the Black Television News Channel, the network is expected to bring in over 100 jobs, drawing in an average of $30 million annually.

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On Friday, February 24th, FAMU hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony which included attendees such as FAMU alumnus and U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, who applauded the BTNC partners and owners former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts Jr. and former Tallahassee Mayor John Marks according to Tallahassee.com.

"For the first time, people will be able to tune into the Black Television News Channel and watch what is happening in America through another dimension and another story. Where else better for it to start than here at FAMU?," said Rep. Al Lawson.

FAMU students are expected to benefit from the networks presence on campus with offerings in digital media, virtual reality, broadcasting and networking. In 2014, FAMU signed an 11-year agreement to serve as the headquarters of the BTNC.

"This partnership is not only unprecedented change, it's game changing," FAMU interim president Larry Robinson said. "I believe this partnership will be among those that will be chronicled in history in terms of allowing us to reach a larger spectrum of individuals to tell them more about their own culture and perspective that they can appreciate."

The network will include distribution through DirecTV, Dish Network and Charter Communications.

It's goal is to provide a platform similar to what Univision and Telemundo have created for the Hispanic community. "We talk about the unemployment rate for African American males being like 15%, but guess what, the employment rate is about 85%. You don't hear from that perspective," says Tallahassee Mayor John Marks.

BTNC estimates an audience of 33 million during its initial launch in February. It has one goal: To offer information, education and entertainment for an African American audience.




What are your thoughts on the launch of this new network? What do you think is currently missing in the media that BTNC could possibly provide more of?
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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

Solange, A Tribe Called Quest To Headline Pitchfork Festival In Chicago

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Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com
Solange and A Tribe Called Quest will headline this year's Pitchfork Festival. The 12th annual festival will take place in Union Park in Chicago from July 14th-July 16th.

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A Tribe Called Quest will headline the festival on Saturday, July 15th with Solange headlining on Sunday, July 16th. Pitchfork has also teamed up with Solange's Saint Heron for on-site art instillations, film screenings, artist talks and more. The tentative schedule for the Saint Heron pop-up is as follows:

Thursday, July 13th @ Black Cinema House at the Stony Island Arts Bank – Saint Heron curated evening of film and discussion

Friday, July 14th @ Soho House Chicago – Poetry reading and discussion presented by Young Chicago Authors and Saint Heron

Saturday, July 15th @ The Promontory – Saint Heron Presents an After Fest Jazz Jam & Party featuring the select house band and special surprise guests

Friday, July 14th – Sunday, July 16th @ On-site Saint Heron Installation Space – Saint Heron will feature works from contemporary black art makers for the duration of the festival

Tickets for Pitchfork are currently on sale for $75/day or $175 for a 3-day pass. A layaway option is currently available and allows for attendees to pay the $175 fee over 3-installments. However it's only available until March 1st so you have to act fast to take advantage of it.

More artists are expected to be announced soon.

You can purchase tickets for Pitchfork Music Festival here.

What are your thoughts on Solange and ATCQ performing back-to-back?
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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

Here's How Pregnancy Can Wreak Havoc on Your Hair

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Photo by Shan_So_Rouged
by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life. There are so many changes to look forward to as your body prepares you for motherhood. As the weeks go by and a brand new life grows inside of you, so does your hair.

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Thanks to a surge in pregnancy hormones, many women notice thicker, shinier strands in those nine months.

According to The American Pregnancy Association, 90% of our hair usually grows at a normal rate, while the other 10% rests. After the resting stage, about 100 strands are shed daily through brushing and manipulation--but during pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen and androgen lengthen the growing phase, making hair thicker and more lustrous. "The hair basically stays on the head longer because there's a delay in the normal shedding process," says Dr. Jodie Silleri, a Cosmetic Physician and General Practitioner at enRich Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center. "The hormones tend to extend the resting phase of the hair cycle."

However, the bouncy curls you enjoy during your pregnancy may disappear soon after you welcome your bundle of joy. About 6 to 9 months after you deliver and your hormone levels return to normal, many of the thicker hairs will shed. “Our newly acquired mane starts falling out, and it can be shocking how much volume and luster we lose,” hair loss expert Maria Halasz tells Essence magazine. Some moms may even experience a condition called telogen effluvium, where the entire scalp sheds, causing hair to come out in handfuls. Talk about snatching edges!

"I have to clean out the drain halfway through a shower because so much is coming out,” says new mom Kara Faulkner-Lee. "Then I have to sweep the floor after I blow-dry because there’s hair everywhere—it’s that bad.” Although your strands may be shedding now, the good news is, it's not permanent. Within a year, your locks (and edges) will be back to normal. “In most cases, post pregnancy alopecia is self-resolving over time,” says Halasz.

Until your hormones even out, Vitamin E oil, castor oil, and fenugreek--which is also good for breastfeeding moms--can help restore your hair's thickness. “Things will go back to normal, eventually,” says Caroline Ruggiero, a hair specialist and co-owner of Capilia Truly You, a hair-loss treatment clinic in Mississauga, Ontario. “But if the hair growth—or loss—is significant or really bothering you..., you don’t have to just live with it.”

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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.

Senegalese Model Khoudia Diop Said She Once Felt Pressured To Use Skin Bleaching Products

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Pictured Khoudia Diop

Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com

19-year old Senegalese model Khoudia Diop has gained a lot of popularity over the last year on Instagram. To date, she sits at just over 400,000 followers. She takes amazing photos, but it's her beautiful glowing skin that's attracted attention from viewers worldwide.

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But at one point in her life, the 19-year old model wanted to bleach her skin. In an interview with OkayAfrica, Diop discusses what it felt like to live with darker skin at a young age. She also speaks on how many of her childhood bullies now ask her for advice.

"I struggled a lot with my self-esteem. I hated myself for years...the beauty standard is still like, the lighter your skin is, the more beautiful you are. It's very sad because it affects dark skin women so much that skin bleaching is a huge, huge problem."

Watch the video below and share your experiences/challenges with your skin below.

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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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


This Mobile Museum Is Celebrating Black History Month All Year Long

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Written by Mike Orie of Afrotrak.com

Black History Month may have officially ended in February, but not for this mobile museum.

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In 1995, Khalid El-Halim launched The Black History 101 Mobile Museum in Detroit. He credits a period of his life where some of the hip hop music he was listening to inspired the creation of the museum in a recent interview with Ebony Magazine.

“Listening to artists, including Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, Rakim, Poor Righteous Teachers and others raised my consciousness of the social and political realities of being Black in America,” he explains. “Hip-hop culture allows us to be unapologetic about who we are. With hip-hop culture being so bold, disruptive and grassroots based, I was able to carve out a niche for this project and challenge the way people viewed museums.”

According to its website, The Black History 101 Mobile Museum (BH101MM) is an innovative traveling table top exhibit depicting Black memorabilia spanning slavery to Hip Hop. The mobile museum is a cost effective approach to present historical artifacts to schools systems, communities, colleges and universities throughout the nation. The museum has over 5,000 rare treasures among its collection including original documents from historic Black figures whose contributions helped shape the United States. Artifacts in this unparalleled mobile collection represent items from the categories of slavery, Jim Crow era, music, sports, the Civil Rights and Black Power era, and popular culture.

It's received praises from Krs-One, Public Enemy and retired Detroit City Councilwoman, Barbara Rose Collins.

"My mission is to raise the consciousness of the human family by sharing artifacts that celebrate the contributions, achievements, and experiences of African Americans", states el-Hakim. "I want people to walk away as inspired as I've been as a collector and student of this history."

El-Hakim's mobile museum has traveled to over 26 states, 100+ college campuses and several K-12 schools. And despite being in business over 20 years, the museum shows no plans of slowing down. Just two weeks ago, it was awarded a grant by The Pollination Project, known for "seeding projects that change the world."

You can find information on booking the Black History 101 Mobile Museum here.
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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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

Crybaby

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love. 

Hola Chicas,

I don't know who cried more today- me or Max or Momma.

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Our month long Airbnb gifted family adventure has sadly come to an end. And I promise it felt like only a week! Everyone flew out early this morning and I miss them so much already.  Our extended family was a tremendous support-- cooking meals, sitting with me at the hospital (both stays),  taking Gia to and from school (thank you, Daddy!), taking night duty with Max, running errands for me, and babysitting both kiddos to allow Hubby and I some time to connect and reorient, etc etc! And the idea of doing everything without them just a block away seems daunting as hell. But alas, I've put on my big girl panties (traded them in for those mesh joints I've been rocking since I got out the hospital) and I'm ready to re-enter the world.  Check out the view from our final days in#WaltonAbbey!

Today (2/23), for the first time since Max was born, I walked down the block to the gorgeous home gifted to us by @airbnb #WaltonAbbey ! Gia's been staying down here with our parents and her Godmomma (they've been getting her to and from school) and visiting me, Dr. Daddy and Max at the loft. When she came home from school today, she found us on the couch and was so surprised! She kept saying, 'now, this house is packed!'

God Momma/Aunt Toney in the kitchen making magic!

Daddio and Max

Family dinner at #WaltonAbbey

down at our loft, my dad with my babies! 


Momma! 

#MaxChill 

Peekaboo! 


Huge thanks to Airbnb for picking up the tab on this special family time.  I am so blessed to have had my family here with me in D.C. for so long.  

Until next time, 
Nik

The Easiest Ways to Prevent Hair Loss Today

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IG @dr_kami

by Mary Wolff

Everyone wants beautiful, healthy hair. You spend time and money caring for your hair every day and you want it to look its best. One of the most dreaded fears of curly girls everywhere is the loss of their beautiful locks. Hair loss can happen for many reasons. The good news is there are ways to prevent hair loss! Find out some of my favorite tips to keep your strands full and beautiful.

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 1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals 
Your hair is made up of natural elements such as nutrients, proteins, and keratin. When you use harsh chemicals, these elements get thrown off balance. It leaves hair dry and brittle which means more breakage. If your hair is breaking, you are losing strands. One of the best ways to prevent hair loss is to avoid harsh chemicals that are in straighteners, dyes, and harmful additives.

2. Cut Down on Heat 
Heat can be a curly girl’s worst enemy. Heat is known to damage hair and if you are using heat on a daily basis, your strands are in danger. The use of a blow dryer is proven to weaken the proteins hair needs to stay strong.  One easy way to fix this is to change your washing schedule so maybe instead of washing hair in the morning, you wash it at night allowing it to dry while you sleep.Be sure to wrap it in a satin scarf or pineapple to maintain your curl definition at night while you sleep. Another option is to try braiding it while still damp for a put-together day look and then taking it down later on for a fuller bodied look after it dries. You should also wash your curls in warm water instead of hot since hot water dries curls out faster, robbing them of moisture. Remember, dry hair is breakable hair.

3. Choose the Right Products 
On the matter of dry hair, one of the best ways to prevent hair loss is keep your strands moisturized properly. To keep your hair moisturized, look for nature-based ingredients instead of something created in a lab. One of my favorites is argan oil. This oil really seeps the moisture into my strands to get rid of any dryness. Looking for a quick fix using an ingredient you already have on hand? Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers and leaves a nice shine for an added bonus.

4. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb 
 I can’t stress this one enough! Using the wrong brush for your hair will rob you of your hair before you even realize it is happening. The key to avoiding this sad fate is to use a wide-toothed comb instead of a bristle style brush.  A wide toothed comb lets you work through any tangles while minimizing strand loss.

Hair loss can be a troubling experience for curly girls. With these tips, an ounce of prevention is worth a head of beautiful curls!

Which Treatment Is Best for My Hair?

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IG @ebonybomani

by Mary Wolff

When it comes to your curls, you want to make sure you are giving them exactly what they need, when they need it. With so many products on the market, it can be confusing to know which one your curls need at any given moment. One of the biggest confusions for curlies is the ongoing question of do I need a moisturizer, refresher, or milk? Which treatment is best for my hair? Let’s take a closer look at this concern and find a curly girl solution!

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What Are the Differences Between a Moisturizer, Refresher, and Milk?

Moisturizers 
These formulas are designed to offer deep hydration to your strands. Curly hair is often more vulnerable to dryness and a good moisturizer is the best solution for this area of curly hair care. These products tend to be thick and creamy. They are packed with emollients and nutrients needed to add moisture to hair. One of my favorite moisturizers for daily use is Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner. It offers deep hydration without being too heavy.

Refreshers 
These products are designed to refresh your style without the heaviness of a moisturizer. It is lighter and often comparable to a water spray consistency. It is usually water based and has added nutrients to help curls look freshly washed and styled after a day or two. I personally like Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Coconut Water Curl Refresher because it is super lightweight and smells tropical!

Milks
These are aptly named because they offer a boost of nutrients, vitamins, and proteins just like real milk. The consistency is thicker than a refresher, yet thinner than a moisturizer. These products are intended to moisturize hair the same as a moisturizer, but while also adding strength to your strands. Most moisturizers only moisturize. When it comes to milks, I tend to use Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk. It has the added benefit of avocados to leave my hair strong and shiny.

Which Treatment is Best for My Hair?  
So, how do you know when to use which product?  Well, a good guideline is that as a curly girl, you need to use the moisturizer daily to avoid any dryness and keep hair hydrated. That one is a given.  For a refresher, you should use this one on hair that was washed 1-2 days ago, to give it that freshly washed look.  It can also be used as style prep to give hair an extra boost of moisture in addition to your regular moisturizer. When deciding if you need a hair milk, consider hair health. If strands seem brittle and dry, adding a thin layer of hair milk can give it extra nutrients it isn’t getting from your daily moisturizer. It should be noted that all three types of products offer hydration benefits, but they do so at different levels and consistencies.

For the best results, pay attention to the state of your curls. They will always let you know what they need!

Stop Believing These Hair Growth Myths

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IG @shinestruck

by Mary Wolff

When it comes to hair growth, there is a lot of information floating around. From magical potions to the best time to trim for faster growth, hair growth myths are alive and well. But how accurate are these hair growth myths? Well, let’s look at three of the top myths.

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1. Trim to Grow 
This is one of the biggest and oldest hair growth myths in the world. Cutting your hair regularly is good for your hair, but it has no impact at all on hair growth. The reason this myth continues to stand is because regular trims remove dead hair at the bottom of strands which makes them look fuller. The fullness is often mistaken for new growth. Hair growth happens at the follicle level so trimming the bottoms would have absolutely no effect on actual growth.

2. Fish Oil Makes Hair Grow Faster
There are claims that fish oil is a great way to help hair grow. The theory behind it is that the fatty acids prevent hair loss so they must also help hair growth. However, these are two separate factors. The fatty acids in fish oil that help prevent hair loss are not the same as the omega 6 that is needed for new growth. While fish oil is debunked as a growth myth, it still reminds us of an important aspect needed for growth. The foods we eat directly impact our hair’s ability to generate new growth. If your diet is low in protein and essential vitamins, it can be really hard to achieve the length you may want for your curls.

3. Frequent Shampooing Will Stop Growth 
Another popular myth is that washing hair too often will get in the way of new growth. This is similar to the trim to grow myth. When you wash hair, you will naturally lose a few strands in the process. Many people believe these lost strands are a sign that shampooing too often is a bad thing. Another reason people believe this myth is because hair growth starts at the follicle and you need certain natural oils to keep follicles healthy enough for new growth. Frequent shampooing is known to strip away these natural oils. This doesn’t mean you have to give up cleansing your hair in the name of growth. You can try a co-wash option of washing hair only with conditioner to get a clean feeling without stripping those natural oils away.

There are lots of myths out there about hair growth. Do your homework before buying into them and you can save yourself a lot of wasted time, energy, and money.

Superfoods to Eat Today For Healthier Hair Tomorrow

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IG @curlyproverbz

by Mary Wolff

Healthy hair starts on the inside. What you eat plays a big role in how your hair looks and feels. The foods you eat can either give you the nourishment you need to rock a beautiful head of curls or it can zap your strands of nutrients leaving hair dull, dry, and lifeless. So, what are the best superfoods for hair? Here are the top 5 hair superfoods you should add to your diet ASAP.

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1. Salmon 
This one should come as no surprise. Lean, healthy fish is packed with tons of nutrients needed to keep hair healthy. It has fatty acids like omega 3, iron, and proteins needed to rebuild keratin in strands. Salmon also has hard to find vitamins such as B12 and D which help keep hair strong. It is suggested to eat salmon 2-3 times a week for good results.

2. Eggs
Eggs are a top performer for your hair and is another superfood known for its protein. Like salmon, eggs are a great source of high-quality protein needed to encourage new hair growth while keeping strands strong. When trying to reduce breakage, this is one of the best superfoods for hair thanks to the biotin and B vitamins. Scramble up one egg a day for healthy, shiny curls!

3. Quinoa 
One of the more surprising hair superfoods that has become a health craze is quinoa. It offers protein benefits for strong hair. It also offers the hard to find vitamin E. This is commonly used in hair care products for its moisturizing power and ability to restore balance to the scalp. While using vitamin E rich products is good for your hair, it really packs from the inside out when added to your diet. This food can be added to salads and soups, as well as baked breads.

4. Almonds 
Looking to stop hair loss and encourage growth? This nut is packed with powerful properties to do just that. It has vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids in high quantities to help hair retain its keratin for stronger strands. Almonds also keep your strands moisturized and shiny. Still need more reasons to snack on these bite-sized powerhouses? They are loaded with hard to find zinc that helps with circulation for a healthy scalp. Your scalp is the foundation of a great head of curls.

5. Mangoes 
With all this talk of proteins and fatty acids, what about other important vitamins? Mangoes offer a good dose of vitamin C to make them a great addition to your next meal. Vitamin C gives you the nutrients needed to produce collagen which helps build hair structure.  It can also help with iron absorption for those with iron deficiencies. Iron deficiencies can impact hair growth.

It is important to remember that what you eat affects how you look. With the right superfoods, you can make sure your curls stay healthy and beautiful!

Tips on Coloring Your Natural Hair for Better Results

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IG @itssharib

by Mary Wolff

If you are looking to mix things up with your look by adding a touch of color or completely changing hues, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. Curly hair is beautiful but it can also be fragile and prone to damage. That’s why I have a few tips on coloring your natural hair to help protect your strands during this process!

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1. Skip the Bleach 
When getting hair colored, it is important to skip any highlighting or bleaching prior to getting an all-over color dye. These treatments make your strands more vulnerable to damage by breaking down protective barriers leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

2. Say No to Stylers 
Another one of my favorites tips on coloring your natural hair is lay off the stylers prior to a color job. The reason for this is because stylers can be hard to get off your hair with some of them requiring more than one wash to fully disappear from your scalp and strands. This will make it harder for the color to seep into your strands. If you are paying for a color, you deserve vibrant color, not so-so color.

3. Avoid Straighteners 
Temporary straighteners are a no-no before getting your hair colored because they weaken hair making it more prone to damage. These products actually weaken the protein bonds which is how they straighten curly hair. If they are damaging just from regular use, they are double the danger right before getting hair colored.

4. Do Some Deep Cleansing
The most important thing before getting natural hair colored is to make sure it is strong and clean. The night before you head to the salon, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess buildup left behind by products. The cleaner your scalp and strands, the better the color will penetrate strands. While it may be tempting to do a deep moisturizer, in addition to the deep cleansing, skip this step for now before a color session or risk a less vibrant color.

5. Adjust Your Hair Care
Once you have the color locked in, it is time to adjust your hair care routine. Colored hair is more fragile against breakage and using the right products will make sure strands stay strong. It will also help extend the life of the color longer. It is important to use products designed especially for color treated hair since your hair needs have changed. One of my favorites for my colored hair is Ouidad Color Sense Color Preserving Shampoo because it really helps keep my color longer.  A few other easy changes to make in terms of hair care are to step up your moisturizing game with your favorite leave-in product and to wash hair at a cooler temperature of water to avoid color loss prematurely.

Changing your hair is a great way for a fresh start. When it comes to coloring your curls, following a few simple tips can mean the difference between happiness and heartache.


What's The Issue With Ciara's Family Portrait?

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Yesterday, Ciara released a family portrait on Facebook. The photo was taken as part of a campaign with Harper's Bazaar. Ciara posted the caption "Just The 4 Of Us." And while it's certainly telling a story and capturing a moment, the photo seems to be getting mixed reviews.


The photo shows Ciara holding baby Future with Russell Wilson kneeling behind her, faced cover, holding the stomach in honor of their soon to be child. 

Here's some of the comments users were saying in response to the photo on social media.









What are your thoughts on the photo? Is there an issue with her son's nudity in the photo? 
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a 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 founder of www.afrotrak.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 Nappi Hour Is Changing The Black Happy Hour Scene in Chicago

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Photo by Nicci Briann, Nappi Hour Chicago, February 17, 2017. Nappi Hour is a place for us to "come let your hair down after work." 

In January 2017, Nappi Hour was launched by AFROTRAK as a place for "US" to "come let your hair down after work" in Chicago. And it may be carving it's niche.

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After two months of successful turnouts, Nappi Hour may be on to something. What makes Nappi Hour unique is its ability to draw a crowd to the dance floor between the hours of 5-9p.m. Sometimes you want to go out, but want to avoid late nights at clubs or buying bottles. With Nappi Hour, the party starts as soon as you're off work, and you're home and in bed before midnight.

 The music selection is centered around Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip Hop and other classic Black music.  On average, the event draws a crowd of 200 Black millennials, Africans and those who identify somewhere in between. Check out the recap from last month's Nappi Hour below.














All photos by Nicci Briann
If you're in the Chicago area, you can RSVP to the next Nappi Hour this Friday, March 10th.

What city should it come to next?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a 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 founder of www.afrotrak.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

Hair Tools and Accessories Every Natural Needs

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IG @brixbbyy

by Mary Wolff

You want your curls to look beautiful and healthy all the time. When it comes to hair care, it can feel like you need an army of support. From the right products to the necessary hair tools and accessories, you need a lot of stuff to ensure your best curls. Here are a few of my picks for necessary hair tools and accessories that every curly girl should have in her arsenal.

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 1. Hair Ties
Whether putting hair in a ponytail or a top knot, hair ties are a must have item. They allow you to quickly adjust your style to fit the situation or your mood. When it comes to hair ties, it is best to opt for ties that will be gentle and safe for textured hair. You should never use rubber bands if you can avoid it because they lead to serious breakage and unwanted damage. One of my personal favorites is the Snapee hair tie. This hair tie lets you wrap a single piece of material around your ponytail and then snap it into place. It allows you to create the right amount of pull or tension for your preference.  They are also gentle on hair so they are worry free!

2. Hand Held Mirror 
Styling your hair can be tricky because you can only see what is in the mirror in front of you. With a hand-held mirror, you can easily see the back of your head to make sure you didn’t miss any of your curls for a nice, even style every time. It is a beauty must-have.

3. Duck Bill Clips 
These clips have long mouths and easy to use handles. Why do you need them? Because they make sectioning off your strands so much easier! If you are detangling, it makes it easy to tell what sections are already done and keep them from getting tangled again. Simply twist your hair and pin away for easier detangling and styling.

4. Wide-Toothed Comb 
This one is probably a no-brainer for most curlies, but it is so crucial that it bears repeating. A wide-toothed comb is really the only safe way to detangle your hair. With regular brushes, you are cautioned against brushing hair while wet, but with the right wide toothed comb, you can work out those tangles without fear of losing precious strands. One of my favorites is the NuBone II Finish Pro Detangler Comb. It has nicely spaced out teeth to work through thick hair and it is approved for wet hair use.

5. Microfiber Towel 
A microfiber towel is another one of those hair accessories that if you aren’t using it, you really are doing a disservice to your curls. The fabric is made to be super absorbent and gentle so your hair can dry without worry of frizz or damage. The absorbent factor makes your hair dry faster for an added bonus! I personally like Aquis Diva Dryer towels because they come in fun colors and styles, but a basic microfiber towel is still better than using a regular bath towel.

Hair care is an involved process. With the right tools and accessories, make the process easier and your curls will reward you in the end!

CurlyNikki.com is Looking For More Writers!

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We're hiring some dope writers in the areas of beauty, natural hair, health & wellness, culture, fashion and entertainment.

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CurlyNikki.com is expanding it's team and we're looking for the best talent around the country. ASAP! If you have experience in journalism/blogging and are an expert in any of these areas, please email the following:

Resume
2-3 Writing Samples
Area of Interest
1 paragraph about why you believe you'd be a good fit.

All opportunities listed above are paid.

3 Classic Natural Updos Anyone Can Do

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Michelle Thames

by Mary Wolff

When it comes to curly hair, the possibilities are endless in terms of styles. An updo is one of the best ways to protect your hair from damage while still looking great. Here are a few of my favorite natural updos.

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1. The Low Bun 
This is so easy and gives you a polished look perfect for work. To create this look with your washed and detangled hair, simply pull all hair back in a low ponytail and continue wrapping strands around the center of the ponytail. Secure it with bobby pins and you have an understated and beautiful look. There are many variations on this look. Find a few interesting twists right here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxwl22qUvWU

2. The Top Knot 
This is like a low bun, but it is higher up on the crown of your head. This look is one of my favorite natural updos because it always looks great for both work and play. It lets you show off your curls without them being in your face. While there are many variations on this style, you make a basic top knot by pulling hair into a high ponytail on the top of your head. Then separate the ponytail into parts and wrap one section around the ponytail and then wrap the other section around the bun. Secure with a bobby pin to keep the hold. Here are a few of  my favorite variations on this look; http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/10-of-the-best-top-knot-tutorials-on-all-lengths/

3. Bantu Knots 
When you want a look that is fun and young, Bantu knots are a good choice. They are quick and easy to do for an added bonus. To create this look, separate hair into several sections. Apply a curl cream or setting cream to prevent flyaways. Twist a coil at the scalp level that will hold the shape. Don’t twist the entire section like this because you will be simply wrapping the strands tightly around the twist you created. Once the section is wrapped around the coil you created, continue twisting and wrapping the entire head. For a more in-depth look at this style, check out this guide; http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/bantu-knot-tutorial/

When it comes to natural updos, the key is to find a style that lets you still show off the beauty of your given texture instead of hiding it away. With these styles, you can do just that!

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