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#NaturalMoment Monday!
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From Big Chop to Hip Length with Jewellianna!- Natural Hair Growth
Jewelliannawrites:
Hi CurlyNikki community!
You may remember me from my glam idol feature! I recently created a "4 Year Natural Hair Journey: Hip Length from Big Chop" video that I would like to share with you.
The video is a month by month progression of my hair before my big chop to my hair now!
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Chenoia is Naturally Glam!
Hi, my name is Chenoia Bryant. I am program manager and doctoral student from Birmingham, AL.
How long have you been natural?
Since 2008
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
My hair had grown weak and was damaged from all the chemical processes that I was putting it through. All the women in my family had thick, luscious locks, so I knew that mine had to be hiding somewhere under all that over processing. I transitioned using braids, sew-in extensions, head wraps, lots of fedoras and wigs. I never did the big chop because I was so scared (for no reason) and just gradually trimmed off the straight, sad, flat ends lol.
Read On!>>>
How would you describe your hair?
It’s pretty ambitious. lol
What do you love most about your hair?
That it seems to be a conversation starter. I never really think about it much anymore, but when I do, it is absolutely awesome that I have met so many people and connected with such amazing energy through the coils that spring from my scalp. Who would’ve ever thought that you could build an entire network through 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 was cutting the last bit of those sad, damaged ends off. It was like a sigh of relief. My journey was very easy, primarily because I didn’t mess with my hair much aside from getting it braided up.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I still love head wraps, and hats have always been my thing. I can’t resist a good bun, and as you can see, I love rocking my ‘fro :0 )
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I have had great experiences being natural and would not go back to my pre-natural state. Being in the South has made for many interesting comments from folk that aren’t quite used to seeing colored hair in all its glory lol
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I love all the Agadir products, especially the Moisture Masque and the oil. I also use Aphogee’s protein treatment and this wonderful coconut oil I get from Whole Foods to deep condition. I would give the brand, but I never can remember it. I also put a bit of rose oil in with my argan oil sometimes, which adds another dimension to the lovely smell argan oil has (ladies, this is especially good for date night).
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Love RockYoRizos and Black Girl with Long Hair
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I have a quote that actually started as one of my tweets a while back. I used to tweet it all the time, but I don’t tweet much anymore which leads to me not sharing it as often as I should. But I want everyone to know: “You are beautiful; you are loved. You are worthy; you are worthy of all goods things. You are a good thing, and you are worth being loved.”
I have just started my blog, so it is still under development, but you can find me there at:
Blog - http://autruchenoire.com
Instagram – Chenoia
Twitter - @Chenoia
Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.See more at http://globalcouture.blogspot.com/ and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at globalcouture@aol.com.
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The Lucy: An Easy Turban-Style Headscarf Tutorial
#SoEasyEvenNikCanDoIt
Read On!>>>
She singlehandedly kept my state of affairs #flawless. Even in the high Cape Town winds- Lucy never budged, crawled up or unravelled. It defied all logic. At any rate, in case you missed it, here's the tutorial-
Like she said, if you tie it with half your ears hidden, that thang ain't going nowhere!
This is the I-was-supposed-to-do-my-hair-last-Saturday-but- my-twistout-was-so-dope-I-didn't-want-to-wash-it-cause-I-knew-It'd-never-happen-again-but-now-my-hair-is-too-busted-even-for-a-bun-and-I-got-ish-to-do-today solution.
Later Gators,
Nik
p.s. I found a clip of me meeting the lionesses for the first time! They had me shook but I was gonna get that shot! I was like, annnnnnd vogue.
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Scalp Massage for Healthy, Natural Hair Growth
by Nicole Harmon of Hair Liberty
You can massage your scalp to slowly stimulate hair growth. It's a great technique for areas that have thinned due to weaves and braids. The key to seeing results is consistency. Massaging your scalp a couple of times a week may not make a difference. Commit to a daily massage for at least a month for your best chance at success.
Read On!>>>
Step 1: Only use pure, natural oils for your massage.
Try coconut, olive, castor, avocado, almond, or jojoba oil.
Step 2: Use about 1 tablespoon of oil to lubricate the area of your scalp that you plan to massage. For an extra boost, add 2 drops each of rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, and thyme essential oil. That combination of oils has been proven to stimulate hair growth in a few small medical studies.
Step 3: Apply the oil, keeping your fingers planted and moving them in a circular motion. Just like when you get a light back rub or shoulder massage. Don't scratch. Scratching your scalp creates tiny cuts that can slow or inhibit hair growth.
Step 4: To treat areas with thin hair growth, massage for 2-5 minutes before every shampoo. For regular hair maintenance, a 1-minute massage is adequate. Use the time that you're massaging to relax. It may be your only chance all day!
Do you massage your scalp regularly? Share your experiences below!
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Hair Despair?- 8 Tips To Help Your Hair G-R-O-W!
by Rene Syler of GoodEnoughMother
I posted something on my Facebook page the other day, completely unrelated to this, and someone asked me when I was going to do another hair update. Of course as you know, I’ve written about it before but since I’ve reached another milestone, I figured it was time.
Four years ago, I put down the chemicals for good, after my hair started falling out after a serious illness. I decided that was it and I chopped it all off. What began was a journey of self-discovery, and metamorphosis that continues to this day. Here are 8 tips and tricks I learned along the way.
1. Use Natural Oils
I’m a huge believer in natural oils and have seen the benefits on my own locks. When I first BC’d (Big Chopped-cut off the remainder of my relaxer), my hair was terribly dry. I read about a technique called “baggying” where you use natural oils on the scalp them cover hair with a plastic bag for a few hours or overnight. That made a HUGE difference in my hair, alleviating the initial dryness. That’s also when I started using Jamaican Black Castor Oil on my scalp, something I still do to this day (you do get used to the smell). Coconut and olive oils are also regulars in my repertoire.
2. No shampoo!
No, nope, NEVER on this moptop! A lot of shampoos contain sulfate and sulfate is a curl killer! So I only use conditioner, which actually has enough cleansing properties to get the hair clean without stripping it of its natural oils. My hair never smells and once I said goodbye to the suds, my curls immediately started behaving better.
3. Clarify With Apple Cider Vinegar!
Now, here’s the thing; if you’re going to go the “no-shampoo” route, you’ll need something to get rid of the build-up that comes with the product you’ve been using. The problem is finding something that will get rid of the product without stripping the hair (clarifying shampoos tend to do if they contain sulfates). Instead, I use 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 2 cups of warm water. I just run it through my hair while in the shower and do NOT rinse out. I do this about every other month and it does a great job of removing product build-up.
4. Use Protective Styling
5. No Direct Heat!
ACK! I hear from women all the time who flat iron their hair every, single day, then wonder why it’s not growing. Direct heat, in the form of directional blow drying, hot irons and so forth, is bad, bad, BAD! Don’t do it! When I do straighten my hair (which is about once a year) I use a roller set and a heat protectant and a very light flat iron and even then I worry my curls won’t be damaged.
6. Use Proper Product!
Attention please! You do not have to spend a ton of money to find the proper product; in fact, I get most of mine from either the grocery store (natural oils, remember?) or my local drug store. But I do splurge at times, spending a bit more on Hair Rules and Devachan for curl definition. My new favorite? Shea Radiance Maximum Defining Curl Cream for my 3C hair.
7. Help Yourself!
Make sure you are exercising regularly (sweat is good!), drinking lots of water and taking a hair vitamin. I like ApHogee hair vitamins from Sally’s Beauty Supply.
8. Practice Patience
Do yourself a favor, don’t waste your money (or time) on products/routines promising 3 inches of hair growth in 30 days. That’s nothing but a sales pitch and a good one, if you fall for it. Hair grows about 1/2 an inch each month. Do the math; that’s 6 inches a year. Some people might experience more growth, some less but that’s about the average. The decidedly unsexy part is that it’s not just about hair growth but length retention, so the more you protect those ends and keep them from splitting (and having to be cut off), the more length you will see.
And that’s about it. I’ll have another update in March when I celebrate four years of being totally natural.. totally me! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them here and I’ll answer them as soon as I can!
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16-Year-Old Dajah's Natural Hair Story
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 1 year and four months.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
Transitioning for me began in 2011. I had been inspired by some Youtube videos of natural women. That is when I decided that I wanted to go natural. Best decision of my life! I was a transitioner. I had long hair, and I was not quite ready to part with it just yet, so I transitioned for a year.
Read On!>>>
How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as big, crazy, and tangle prone. I have a mixture or different curl patterns; loose on top, curly in the middle, and even curlier underneath that.
What do you love most about your hair?
How versatile it is, how much attention it gets me. I can wear it as big as I want and have people wondering, I can pull it back, put it up, the possibilities are endless!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
Most memorable part of my journey was finally getting rid of the 'dead weight.' My journey has definitely been both easy and difficult. I'm loving it though!
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles and current dos?
My favorite styles were bantu-knot outs and flat-ironing during transitioning. I was not quite ready to let go of the heat. My hairstyle now is the twist-out; it's my go to style. Every once in a while I'll do a wash and go, and very rarely do I ever straighten my hair. I last straightened my hair in August JUST for my mom before she left for Afghanistan.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My mom looked at me like I was crazy when I told her that I wanted to go natural. I was 14. When I finally cut off ALL of my relaxed ends, she didn't like it. My hair had shrunken up, so I had a moderate sized Afro. She kept pulling the back down to where she could see some length! My mom got over it though, she likes my hair, now.My experiences have been pretty awesome (outside of home). I wear my hair super big and always get compliments.
There was this one time where I foolishly wanted to get my hair straightened at the Walmart salon (smh) the lady had the nerve to say that I should get a perm. I brushed it off and was thankful that I had no breakage or heat damage. Never again.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
It hasn't let me down yet! I wash every week or every other week with a medicated dandruff shampoo, condition/ deep condition after, I put my hair in small, medium, sometimes large twist for a few days, and wear a twist-out for about a week. Sometimes I switch it up.
My favorite products are Tressemme Naturals conditioner, Virgin Coconut Oil and Olive Oil, Beautiful Textures: Tangle Taming Leave In Conditioner, Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter, Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer, and ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Pack.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Black Girl with Long Hair, Curly Nikki, various tumblr sites (any really). Youtube: Naptural85, NaturalNeiicy, MahoganyCurls. Those are just a few of my favorites. I have many!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
LOVE your hair, what others think about you or your hair doesn't matter and should be the least of your worries. Do you and love you.
Where can people find you for more information?
On instagram : dajamykal
Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.
Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at globalcouture@aol.com.
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Shelli of Hairscapades- A Wedding Story
Shelli of Hairscapades writes:
On December 12th, I tied the knot with my love at a ceremony and reception aboard the Explorer of Seas port-side in Bayonne, NJ. To be honest, I always imagined that I'd elope. I never dreamed of my wedding day nor had I any desire or interest in planning a big, elaborate wedding. Add to that the facts that I'm the consummate procrastinator who hates planning anything and am also super
Read On!>>>
So, about 3 months ago, we decided on a wedding date and honeymoon trip. At about 70 days out, we decided on doing the ceremony and reception onboard our cruise ship prior to embarking ... then kicking all of our guests off and sailing into the sunset on a 10 day honeymoon to the Caribbean. LOL!! Royal Romance took care of a lot of stuff like the venue (obviously ;)), the officiant, the photographer, the reception menu, the cake, the flowers, and the coordination of events. Then, with a lot of help and far too many purchases on Amazon and Etsy, Wei and I took care of the rest with LOTS of assistance from my two sisters and bestie.
Now, although I said I never dreamed of my wedding day, there were four things that were important to me: my dress, my bouquet, the locale, and great pics. I always imagined a flowy, romantic dress a la a Greek goddess or woodland fairy/nymph. I always wanted calla lilies. I always wanted to get married on a beach. And I always wanted beautiful pictures to capture it all! Three (and a half?) out of four ain't bad, right? LOL!!
So, my dress was a custom ivory and sand silk wedding gown designed by Arlinda McIntosh for Sofistafunk the Skirt Company. I had no desire to spend hours in stores trying on tons of dresses. So, I figured, why not contact my designer friend Arlinda?!? I went online and started googling "Greek goddess" wedding gowns and came across this gorgeous Gladiator dress by Australian designer Anna Campell. I showed Arlinda some pics and we set about designing my look with some definitive Sofistafunk flavor thrown into the mix.With this whole natural hair blogging thing, how I was going to wear my tresses had also become a priority! So, of course I had to reach out to my stylist Tameeka McNeil-Johnson aka Jaded Tresses. Initially, I had settled on a winding braid style on straightened hair that I had been eye-balling for a year. But, when the trial of that hairstyle produced less than stellar results due to my fine, layered strands, I went back to the drawing board. I quickly identified a goddess-like curly updo as my hairstyle of choice and fell in love with it. The big bonus was that I was going to wear my hair in a natural style, not straightened, for my wedding day! My newly coined "Braid n' Twist n' Curl" was the perfect foundation for the style. Tameeka made a few custom, henna red colored clip-in extensions to add some dimension and contrast to the updo. Then, we used an old piece of trim that I had picked up a couple of years ago as a double headband to complete the look. The final look was totally me (and I knew Wei would approve as he likes when my hair is up and off of my face :)).
Invitations, peacock feathers, shoes, shoes clips, jewelry, make-up, hair accessories, favors, guest book, jumping broom, cake topper, family dinner ... wedding planning ... even small wedding planning ... is a lot of work!! Whew! And they weren't kidding when they said you'll probably spend 2x your intended budget! DANG!! LOL! Did everything go perfectly? No. There was some confusion with the check-in process, it was freezing, my nose started to run on my make-up, and I had no tissues. There was no iron in the stateroom, so my sister had to use a hair dryer to try to get the wrinkles out of the bottom of my gown the best she could, but there were still some left. We couldn't find the cake topper, but discovered it in the room with me when my sister was looking for her cell phone. I forgot to put on my Batman garter belt!! Nooooooo!!!! There was a looongggg intercom announcement over part of the ceremony, and our officiant was stumbling over her words and at one point said "Partners in crime ... uh life." :/ LOL!!! But, at the end of the day, we didn't break the bank, I felt like a princess, we got to celebrate this important day with our close family and friends, and we got great pics to capture it all (and as long as the pics look like everything was fabulous, that's all that really matters, right ;)? LOL!!). So, yeah. It was worth it and I'd do it all again!!
(See more pics from our wedding "album"here)
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"In Nigeria, Queens of Africa steal a march on Barbie"
LAGOS (Reuters) - With a booming economy in Nigeria and more black children than anywhere else in the world, Taofick Okoya was dismayed some years ago when he couldn't find a black doll for his niece.
Read On!>>>
The 43-year-old spotted a gap in the market and with little competition from foreign firms such as Mattel Inc, the maker of Barbie, he set up his own business. He outsourced manufacturing of doll parts to low-cost China, assembled them onshore and added a twist - traditional Nigerian costumes.
Seven years on, Okoya sells between 6,000 and 9,000 of his "Queens of Africa" and "Naija Princesses" a month, and reckons he has 10-15 percent of a small but fast-growing market.
"I like it," said five year-old Ifunanya Odiah, struggling to contain her excitement as she checked out one of Okoya's dolls in a Lagos shopping mall. "It's black, like me."
While multinational companies are flocking to African markets, Okoya's experience suggests that, in some areas at least, there is still an opportunity for domestic businesses to establish themselves by using local knowledge to tap a growing, diverse and increasingly sophisticated middle class.
There's no doubt about Nigeria's economic potential. Economist Jim O'Neill has this year popularised it as one of the "MINT" countries - alongside Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey - that he sees as successors to the first wave of emerging markets he dubbed the BRICs (Brazil, Russia and India and China).
With around 170 million people, Nigeria is Africa's most populous country by far, and its economy is growing at about 7 percent, vying with South Africa as the continent's largest.
Several multinational firms have been here for years. Drinks group Diageo, for example, now sells more Guinness in Nigeria than in the beer's traditional home market of Ireland. South African grocer Shoprite has seven profitable stores in Nigeria and plans to roll out hundreds.
While Western economies struggle, the appeal of emerging markets for toymakers is clear. Between 2006 and 2011, developed countries saw toy sales grow just 1 percent a year, versus 13 percent in emerging markets, according to Euromonitor data.
But in Nigeria, basic goods aside, consumerism is in its infancy, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
"When it comes to sectors like spirits or beer, or even cement, all the international players are already there," said Andy Gboka, London-based equity analyst at Exotix LLP Partners.
"Other sectors, such as toys or less-developed industries, provide a huge potential for local companies."
TAILORED TO LOCAL TASTES
Mattel, the world's largest toy company, has been selling black dolls for decades, but said its presence in sub-Saharan Africa was "very limited". Furthermore, the firm does not "have any plans for expansion into this region to share at this time," according to spokesman Alan Hilowitz.
There are good reasons for foreign companies to be cautious.
While Nigeria sees thousands of births every day, two thirds of children are born into families unable to afford anything off the shelves of most toy shops.
Multinationals also cite poor infrastructure and corrupt port authorities as reasons for steering clear.
South Africa's Woolworths pulled out of Nigeria last year, blaming supply chain problems, though analysts said it also misread the local clothes market.
The longer companies such as Mattel wait, however, the more time Okoya has to build his business and shape consumer tastes.
At a small factory in Lagos' Surulere suburb, his workers stitch brightly patterned West African fabrics into miniature dresses and "geles" - traditional head gear.
Nigeria's three largest ethnic groups of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa are represented in the "Queens of Africa" range so far, highlighting the growing sophistication of consumers - and the need to tailor products to local tastes.
The dolls go for between 1,300 Nigerian naira to the special edition 3,500 naira, while cheaper "Naija Princesses" sell for 500 to 1,000 naira apiece. Okoya makes a profit margin of about one third, and as well as selling at home, is increasingly shipping to the United States and Europe.
He plans dolls from other African ethnic groups, and is in talks with South Africa's Game, owned by Massmart, a part of Wal-Mart, to sell to 70 shops across Africa.
Like Barbies, Okoya's dolls are slim, despite the fact that most of Africa abhors the Western ideal of stick-thin models.
Okoya said his early templates were larger bodied, and the kids didn't like them. But he still hopes to change that.
"For now, we have to hide behind the 'normal' doll. Once we've built the brand, we can make dolls with bigger bodies."
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CN Says:
"For now, we have to hide behind the 'normal' doll. Once we've built the brand, we can make dolls with bigger bodies."<<<< And hopefully the textured hair will follow soon thereafter!
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I Was Missing My Life. Saving It for Later.
by GG of AllTheManyLayers
Work without inspiration was like sex without love. Once I got a taste of the real thing, I could hardly tolerate the monotonous bump and grind.
I remember the waiting.
Waiting for the meetings to be over. Waiting for 5 o’clock. Counting down to Friday. Waiting for payday. Dragging my way through quarter-end rush. Spending the year-end bonus in my mind before I received it. Waiting for my 2% raise. Estimating how much would make its way into my pockets after taxes. Money, the only reward.
Read On>>>
January. Waiting for my W-2. Waiting for the meetings to be over. Waiting for 5 o’clock. Counting down to Friday. Years went by this way. Surviving instead of living. Settling instead of choosing.
I was missing my life. Saving it for later. That elusive day in the future when I would earn the right to catch my breath and stop the song and dance. When I looked at my kids, I didn’t see them. I saw feed, bathe, hug, kiss, put to bed. I saw homework and story time blocking my recharge, my writing and my solitude.
I remember the guilt.
Too tired to listen to their minutia. Too drained to allow them to be children. I expected them to act like adults. Be quiet. Hurry up. Annoyance and promises. Mommy will read you a story tomorrow.
I strung together the moments of clarity. This is life. This is love. These are your blessings and you are missing them.
I argued with my inner critic and my dreamer. One said, There’s no other way! The other said, Yes, there is!
I remember waiting for permission.
Someone rescue me, discover me, take a chance on me. Pay me to write, for God’s sake. Validate me. Just keep writing, said the dreamer. Do it for the love, the money will come. Pitch. Network. Write. Repeat. Something had to give.
I waited for a sign. I neglected my day to day. Work without inspiration was like sex without love. Once I got a taste of the real thing, I could hardly tolerate the monotonous bump and grind. I wrote to fuel my fire. Aroused, I craved more. I couldn't wait.
I remember the knowing.
I knew when it was time to leap. Waiting for the last day, the last hours, the last minutes. Counting down to freedom. Waiting for the first day of my creative life. Taking my kids to school. Structuring my days around their pursuits. Witnessing them, reading to them, pouring courage into them.
I started living my way. Writing books. Sowing seeds. Giving thanks for my blessings before I received them. Estimating how many people I could reach and how much soul I could share. Learning how to create my own opportunities. Purpose, my favorite reward.
January again. Constructing the present. Dreaming the future. Inspired work and meaningful moments. Hugs and kisses and story time. I pray that years will go by this way. Always creating and becoming.
Work filled with inspiration is worship.
A heart filled with courage is unbreakable.
A life filled with love is fulfilled.
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Tamera Mowry-Housley Big Chopped! Her Stylist Gives Big Chop Advice!
Tamera Mowry-Housley has a lot of change happening in her life right now. The end of her reality show with her sister Tia, her new talkshow The Real, and now, a new 'do! Just last week she was pledging her love to her long, wavy locks, but the other night we knew something was afoot when she tweeted a picture of her hair on the floor, "This is happening right now. Thanks @ShaiAmiel for my beautiful cut. Can't wait to show y'all pic.twitter.com/IZk0dIt3x8."
Read On!>>>
Tamera has been transitioning since last year, and lucky for us she's been Instagramming pics of her transition hairstyles along the way. Perhaps she was inspired by the New Year to embrace a whole new look too!
If you're considering your first (or second, or third) big chop this year, Tamera's hairstylist Shai, of Capella Salon in Studio City, CA, says this is what you can expect:
"It's an exciting fresh start! You have to commit and be prepared to have all your healthy hair. It will react better & will be easier to control since you won't have different hair textures. You will feel a big relief because you won't be spending money on cleansing, conditioning & styling dead hair that doesn't want to curl."
If you're feeling intimidated by the thought of styling your freshly big chopped curls, don't be. Shai says just "Wash & go!" That's what he did with Tamera, because she wanted "something simple and playful. I gave her a vintage style bob that resembled early century hair. Her curls will give it that old fashioned look."
"She can diffuse for added bounce but I think it's gonna be an easy wash & go." From what we can see on Tamera's Instagram, she's already having fun accessorizing her new easy look.
Before You Big Chop
Step two in your big chop preparations? Shai says you should "do your research to find a stylist you trust and see if they've done this. Read up their reviews and see if they have pictures of their work. They say a picture is worth a thousand words."
Once you've found a style and a stylist, be sure to snap a before and after selfie of your big chop to share on our NaturallyCurly Facebook page, our community loves before and afters. What did Tamera do right after her big chop?
"She gave me a big hug and said it's 'the bomb.' She kept looking at herself in the mirror and playing with it. She couldn't keep her hands off it. She grabbed my phone and took a lot of selfies; that's a good sign. She posted it on Instagram as soon as she arrived at her house and it was late!"
We have a feeling this isn't the last celebrity big chop we'll be seeing this year.
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CN Says:
#TeamBob in full effect! I keeps mine tight ;)
For my interview with Tamera, click HERE.
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MEET THE CURLY CAREGIVER SCHOLARS- Spring 2014
Congratulations to the Scholars and thanks to all that participated. There will be another round soon, so stay tuned!
Meet the Scholars-
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Read On!>>>
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Inspired by African, Mediterranean and Ayurvedic hair care traditions, Qhemet Biologics creates high quality hair care products for conscientious naturals and anyone who desires healthy hair and a healthy scalp.
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Nicole Byer's Natural Hair!
For about a year now, I've been quickly becoming a big fan of the bubbly, witty personality on MTV's Girl Code, Nicole Byer.
As if this show isn't funny enough, Nicole definitely adds a bold perspective on everyday topics pertaining to young women, like dating, guys, and makeup.
Nicole is known for telling us like it is on Girl Code. She might be a lot of things, but afraid isn't one of them.
Read On!>>>
The other day as I was indulging myself in a recent episode from this season, I noticed my fave cast member missing something in her interviews. Her curly wig was gone! Now Nicole was sporting a platinum-blond TWA. As if she couldn't become any bolder.
And I'm not the only one who noticed...
"Just saw you take your wig off on Girl Code...Awesome! I like your natural hair and that color looks good on you."- Tiffany Owens
"Saw Nicole's natural hair for the first time... she's a beautiful woman." -Kevin Rowe
"I just saw you take your wig off and you look great! Rock your natural hair girl!" -Becca Gordon
"As many others have said, you look great in a wig...but you look AMAZING with your natural hair!" -Kimberly Notgrass Symock
The curly community is definitely rooting for you, Nicole! Now, more than ever, I am a fan of Nicole and her comedic spins on things we all deal with as ladies.
Even though she wasn't afraid to hold back before, now Nicole seems freer and I'm almost certain that this season, she will up the ante, wig-free and without shame!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MTV& INSTAGRAM
QUOTES VIA NICOLE BYER FANPAGE
Are you a Girl Code fan?!
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Think It's Dandruff? Think Again!
by Audrey Sivasothy of The Science of Black Hair
Think it’s Dandruff? Think Again!
Everyone has had to deal with dandruff at one point or another. And let’s face it, those flakes are just never welcome! For most of us, a quick washing with Head and Shoulders, Nizoral, Selsun Blue, or some tea-tree inspired something is enough to clear up most flake flare ups— but sometimes dandruff can be, well . . . not really dandruff. If you’ve used every dandruff treatment in the book and still can’t seem to beat the flakes, it might be that you are really fighting something other than dandruff.
How do you know if your dandruff is just dandruff, a false alarm, or a real symptom of something else entirely?
Read On>>>
The Real Deal
Before we talk about the dandruff false alarms— let’s talk about real dandruff. Sometimes dandruff really is dandruff. Real dandruff is believed to be caused by excessive growth of a fungus called malasezzia. Malesezzia is naturally found on the scalp in non-dandruff sufferers, but the fungal population is out of control in those who are plagued with dandruff. Experts are not quite sure why malassezia multiplies on the scalp, but many attribute its growth to having excessive amounts of oil on the scalp from infrequent cleansing, having a compromised immune system, poor diet, or simple hormonal changes in the body. In most cases, a standard shampoo regimen will clear up dandruff in a few weeks. Common shampoo active ingredients include zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, tea tree and other tingly active ingredients. For stubborn cases, the active ingredient in the shampoo may need to be rotated for best results (for example, using zinc pyrithione shampoo during weeks 1 and 2, and a selenium sulfide-based shampoo in weeks 3 and 4).
The False Alarms:
Dry Scalp
One commonly mistaken dandruff lookalike is plain old dry scalp. Some products have a knack for drying out the scalp— shampoos are a common culprit. Regularly using a soap or shampoo formula that is too harsh (usually sulfate-based) will lead to scalp dryness over time. Other dry scalp instigators include weather changes, using water with a high mineral content or pH, and using water that is too hot. Those who chemically treat their hair with relaxers, texturizers, or hair coloring products and those who overdry their hair when blowdrying may also run into this kind of problem as those treatments/techniques tend to dehydrate the scalp. If you aren’t hydrating your body from within by drinking water, you’ll also tend to have dry skin— not just on the scalp— but all over. Proper diet is also key to maintaining the skin— and essential fatty acid and Vitamin C deficiencies are common triggers of dry, itchy scalp You can add more fish, citrus fruit, nuts and leafy green veggies to your diet to work around this, but know that it can take three months of good nutrition or more before the results improve.
Product Buildup
Product buildup and less than thorough rinsing can also lead to dandruffy looking conditions! Conditioner is the number one culprit here, and in kinky-curly hair (or relaxed hair with considerable new growth) conditioner can become “trapped” near the roots upon rinsing. If efforts aren’t taken to gently agitate or free conditioner that has settled close to the scalp, you will be in for an itchy, flaky mess once the hair dries. In my experience, this type of buildup is also oilier and gummier— like a gross, icky blanket on the scalp. Gels, serums and oils can also create sticky films that combine with sebum and regular debris to produce what looks like flaky, dandruffy scalp conditions.
Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sometimes real dandruff can be a symptom of some other scalp condition— and making a distinction between plain dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can be tricky. What really helps distinguish the conditions from one another is the degree and kind of flaking you tend to get. In psoriasis and seborrhea, dandruff is usually the main symptom among other symptoms like redness and crusting, for example. Psoriasis tends to produce thicker, drier looking scales of skin than seborrhea does— and it also tends to appear on other parts of the body (knees/elbows). Seborrhea tends to produce an oilier kind of flake. Fortunately, treatments specifically targeted for basic fungal dandruff can help clear up outbreaks of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. A quick visit to the dermatologist will help you figure out if your dandruff is just dandruff, a false alarm, or if you’ve got a dandruff as a symptom of something else.
Do you deal with dandruff? How about any of the false alarms?!
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Preventing Single Strand Knots to Retain Length- Natural Hair Care
Q: Many of my strands have knots along the length, especially on the ends. Is this an inevitable part of being natural? Can I prevent them?
Nik: I wish there was an easy answer to your question but there really isn’t. The consensus is that single strand knots come with the natural hair territory. They’re also commonly referred to as ‘fairy knots’ because they’re so impossibly small, that only a fairy could’ve tied them! While some believe them to be a benign issue, they drive me nuts and I have no choice but to seek them out and snip them off.
Read On>>>
For those of you that have no idea what I’m talking about, good for you! They unfortunately have plagued me since going natural. They’re so strange and unfortunate… a single strand of your hair, actually ties a knot in itself! Ridic. I hate the way they feel and they always get caught on adjacent hairs and cause even more tangling than usual and I just… I can’t… so I snip them, or else I snap them off with my finger nails. Ratchet. I know. This is a very annoying problem — one of which a resolution has yet to be found.
Although I haven’t found a routine to eliminate the knots completely, the below tips will most certainly help you reduce the situation and keep them at bay:
-Minimize wash and gos!: Leaving my hair to dry unmanipulated and shrink fully, no matter the leave-in or styler, eventually leads to knot city. I never experienced more knots than when I was wearing wash-and-gos regularly.
-Seal ends (with a butter or oil): Remember to use a water based moisturizer first, sealing in the goodness with the oil. I find that the layer of oil really helps to smooth and calm my hyper-curly ends. Others have reported success with aloe vera gel to smooth the cuticle and prevent knotting.
-Stretch ends: Straighter ends have a harder time coiling up on themselves, and thus a harder time forming “fairy knots.” I stretch my ends on rollers when I prep for my signature style, the twist-n-curl.
-Protect ends: Buns helped a bit, but the knots were still there. Twist-out, then bun for best results. You could also rock twists, or braids or any other style that keeps the hair stretched and protected. It’s also important to protect your hair from the elements. Humidity causes my hair to take on a rough texture and the resulting shrinkage leads to knots. Also, I avoid windy situations. I don’t let my hair blow in the wind while driving down the highway, or even wisp about on windy days out doors. I’ll end up with a mess of knots!
I hope this helps! Please feel free to share your experience with fairy knots and what if anything has worked for you!
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Happy New Year: Natural Hair Resolutions!
by Bonnie of TheCulturePine.com
Happy New Year Beautifulss!!
My, what a year 2013 was - blessings enough for a decade! After coming down from the highs of seeing in the new year and feeding hungry tummy's for our first Christmas, I am ever thankful for God's grace for reaching such major milestones, and welcome 2014 (and all the adventures it brings) with open arms :)
Read On!>>>
Over the last couple of years I seemed to have abandoned any resolution making, until a friend challenged me on it. I'm one of those people that decide on change when change is ready; so making this and that resolution seems so cliché to me!
I did however decide to make some less serious hair resolutions instead. Welp...here we go!
Stress Free Curls
Sometimes I stress so much about my twist out not being defined enough, or thinking all hell will break loose if I don't deep condition this week. Let it go. Breath. Just love my hair for what it is!
Curb Product Junkism
The number of products I made up so much noise to purchase that end up on the back of the bathroom shelf is unreal. Self control? Will power? I WILL get to know you this year.
Henna Crazy
I LOVE the reddy tones henna adds to my hair but I have adopted a 'aintnobodygottimefordat' attitude to getting henna'd up. I will definitely try to up my Henna game this year!
Keep My Hands Out of Baby Boy's Curls
I just can't help but play in that beautiful head of hair!
What are your resolutions?!
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Reyna is Naturally Glam!
My name is Reyna and I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m currently in graduate school for
School counseling. I earned my Bachelors degree in Psychology from Miami University (OH). My hair journey has had its ups and downs, but I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. I love it.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been 100% natural for 2 years.
Read On>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I was a transitioner, 17 long months. I decided to transition because I was scared of the big chop. For some reason, I would always say “that wouldn’t look right on me”. But looking back, I do wish I would have started my natural journey with a TWA. And as of late, I’ve actually been considering exploring that option, you never know ;)
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part was the moment when I was actually noticing the growth everyone else saw but I didn’t. It’s easier now that I’m finally learning what works for my hair and what doesn’t. But transitioning was frustrating. I was really focused on what worked for others, instead of trying to figure out my own regimen.
What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
I really liked braid-outs as I was transitioning. That’s actually still my favorite style. I did like two flat twists going to the back into a low bun, or actually any bun.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My mane receives so much attention when it’s big and flourishing. People want to touch it, pull it, grab it. I sometimes get those “now why didn’t she do her hair this morning” stares, as well. My family was slow to warm up to my natural hair. They didn’t understand what natural actually meant, especially my Asian mother. But they got use to it. My dad still might hit me with an, “Oh, what’s up, Angela Davis?”. Sometimes I’ll throw on a curly wig or use some Marley hair in my bun, and my mom always has to ask if it’s my real hair or not.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I deep condition weekly, usually with a simple mixture of conditioner, honey, and olive or coconut oil. I recently purchased @CourtneyNaturalHair’s deep conditioner. LOVE! I really like my steamer, I’ve seen such a tremendous difference in my hair since investing. I co-wash weekly as well. The conditioner I’m pretty partial to these days is the Aussie Moist. Moisturizing and sealing is so necessary. I really don’t shampoo wash often, maybe twice a month, so I can’t say I have a favorite. My go-to moisturizer is Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter. Walgreens had a Buy 1, Get 1 Free sale, I stocked up! I keep it simple with the oils; EVOO, EVCO, and Grapeseed. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is incredible for thickness, I hardly use it anymore, but starting this journey it really helped promoting growth and thickness. At night, I usually just do 2 french braids to the back. But if its like a weekend and I’m feeling fancy or know I’m going to release the beast (my fro), I’ll do 4 braids to the back for better definition, and pick it out for fullness. Then I just tie it up with a satin scarf. Sometimes I’m lazy, or at my man’s house, or both lol and so I keep a pillow with a satin pillow case both at home and there
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I really enjoy the articles on Black Girl Long Hair, they’re very informative. Of course CurlyNikki. I’ve been following Taren’s natural journey since when I was still getting relaxers, I absolutely love her. My soror Jade Kendle (LipsticknCurls) has the most amazing curls ever. I’d love to meet her. Shameless Maya, despite having cut off her amazing locs, is still one of my favorite naturals. Megan (ulovemegz), has always been one of my favorite YouTubers, and she’s not even natural! We graduated from the same high school. ItsMyRayeRaye, NaturalNeiicey, MissNikkiMae; I could actually go on and on with a list of my favorites, especially on Instagram, but I’ll keep the list short.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I’m not like a Natural nazi lol I respect everyone’s preference. I’m not against relaxed hair by any means. I was relaxed myself for 10 years, and you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t cute. For those thinking about going natural, transitioners, and big choppers, just keep doing your research and be patient.
Where can people find you for more information?
I have an instagram for my hair, @manilafro. To keep up with more of my personal life, follow @reynaciara, or both!
Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.
Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at globalcouture@aol.com.
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4 Ingredients Not to be Afraid Of
Sometimes, reading the ingredient list of a natural hair product seems more like a sci-fi marathon, or a trip back to 10th grade chemistry. Maybe it's a little bit of both.
While there are some controversial ingredients to be wary of, there are a few that sound absolutely terrible but in fact, are innocuous. Or even better, they turn out to be great for your hair. Here are 4 ingredients you don't need to fear:
Read On!>>>
1. Polyquaterniums
Polyquaternium 11, 57, 10, 37....the list goes on.
If you've ever picked up an anti-frizz or styling product, there's a high probability that it contains at least one of the quaternary ammonium polymers, affectionately known as "polyquats."
ARE THEY SILICONES?
Although some like to lump these polymers into the same category of silicones, they serve quite a different role on the hair. Polyquats are film-forming by nature, which means they will effectively coat the hair - blocking humidity, preventing frizz, and providing curl defining/retention.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
Polyquats are also known conditioning agents. Because they are positively charged, they stick to the most damaged areas of the hair, smoothing them out and helping cuticles lie flat. Along with conditioning the hair, they promote shine, ease of combing, and improved elasticity. Just make sure to clarify your hair according to your individual schedule, because some polyquats can cause buildup. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you!
PRODUCTS
Get your polyquat fix with products like TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier, and even DevaCurl No Poo.
*Fun fact: the numbers behind each polyquat isn't related to anything scientific. It is simply indicates the order in which the polyquat was registered with the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients.
2. Cetrimonium Chloride
I'm sure cetrimonium chloride sounds like nothing positive. But I assure you, it is.
WHAT IS IT?
Like most scary sounding ingredients, it is actually a cationic compound and conditioning agent designed to stick to the hair and improve softness, manageability, reduce frizz, and static.
It also helps soften the cuticle layer, and helps the cuticles lie flat. Cetrimonium chloride can also act as a gentle surfactant - meaning if your conditioner contains this ingredient, it will make a pretty snazzy cowash product. Where cetrimonium chloride really won me over is how it stands up to heat.
STRENGTHENS & PROTECTS
According to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, when products containing cetrimonium chloride are used in the hair (the low molecular weight allows it to penetrate the hair shaft) and heat is supplied via curling iron, flat iron, or blow dryer, it actually strengthens the hair and helps protect from heat damage.The protein chains in the hair crosslink with the cetrimonium chloride, making hair even stronger.
PRODUCTS
To reap these benefits, look for conditioners and heat protectants that contain cetrimonium chloride like: L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, and AG Fast Food Leave On Conditioner.
3. Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Whether you ascribe to the Curly Girl Method, or some other variation of natural hair-ism, you've probably made it a general practice to be alarmed by anything that contains the word "sulfate."
I understand, considering the fact that sodium, ammonium, and other lauryl and laureth sulfates are incredibly harsh detergents with a propensity for drying, frizzing, and wreaking havoc on natural hair. However, behentrimonium methosulfate is not one of the bad guys.
THE MILDEST DETANGLER
In fact, behentrimonium methosulfate (if you're feeling friendly, BTMS for short) is an incredibly gentle, surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed aka canola oil. It is actually one of the mildest detangling ingredients around, and helps provide slip in some of your favorite conditioners.
Behentrimonium methosulfate does not cause buildup, and is non-irritating to the scalp. It is a great cowashing ingredient, conditioner, and is actually derived from something you probably have in your kitchen.
Not so bad, right?
PRODUCTS
Get your BTMS fix with products like Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner, and AG Recoil Curl Care Conditioner.
4. Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
I dare you to say that three times fast! I'm kidding, I can barely say it once and even then, I'm sure I'm mispronouncing it.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine sounds scary for two reasons: one, the -propyl ending is reiminiscent of isopropyl alcohol, that naughty drying alcohol that lends itself to snapping damaging and breaking natural hair.
Two, the dimeth- shares the same first 6 letters as dimethicone, a common silicone used in hair products. Anti-cone naturals may mistakenly associate this ingredient with a cone, when in fact, it is not.
In actuality, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine is touted as a silicone replacement, often used in place of or in conjunction with silicones in many conditioners. It is a cationic surfactant (positively charged) made from the rapeseed (more canola!).
WHAT DOES IT DO
Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine binds to the hair, helps correct the negative charge of shampooing (like most conditioners), helps detangle, reduce flyaways and static, and helps smooth the cuticle. Unlike some silicones, it does not cause buildup.
PRODUCTS
Products like Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner, and tgin Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner contain this ingredient.
Hope this helps!
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Addicted to It.
by Shanti of AroundTheWayCurls
I am not a gadget person. I barely know how to use my computer. It has taken me a long time to jump on and ride the wave of Instagram. I am that paranoid conspiracist that refuses to allow certain apps on my phone because they request all of my information. I just recently took FB off of my phone so that I don’t waste precious time scrolling and “liking” dumb shit that people I don’t know post about.
Read On!>>>
Even with such firm resistance, I still find myself mid conversation with someone I love pressing that brown camera icon and watching other people’s lives pass by vertically by the swoop of my finger.
Last month, I found myself in bed at night, exhausted and with intentions of closing my eyes to escape my thoughts and I would pick up my phone after being beckoned by some beep or buzz. “Nothing but stupid spam.” Twenty minutes later I found myself on FB or instagram scrolling, falling into the deep dark rabbit hole of Lashontae’s page. My chest would fill with a strange kind of feeling. It was a feeling like I had bees inside my chest, anxious, ashamed, like wanting to get up and run but feeling paralyzed. I couldn’t put the phone down even though something deep within me was screaming for me to stop immediately.
What I found to be the most interesting about this phenomena was I was in a dark place emotionally last month. I didn’t want to think or face the emotions that were swirling within me like a hurricane. So I found myself fixating on the outer world. Distracted. Obsessed. Wanting. Neglectful.
I watch as I see so many others doing the same thing everywhere with heads down, shoulders slumped, ignoring chatty friends, expectant lovers, needy children, fleeting family time, bright sunny days and the bond of eye contact.
What is this? Escapism?
I am working on denying myself of this strange addiction and learning to be present with others and most importantly myself. Instead of watching the memes, food, hair, bodies, and blessings of others I will be mindful of me no matter how uncomfortable that may be.
How Does Social Media Make You Feel?
Answer Honestly, I am Interested to Know.
CN Says:
Totally addicted. It's one of my resolutions for 2014. While in South Africa, most days, I'd look up from my iPad long enough to find Hubby, Tamron, Johnny and Moshe all fully engaged in their various social media outlets as well. We'd joke about it, discuss the facts about it as a form of escapism, even went so far as to ban technology from a meal or two... all to no avail.
For me, I have this compulsive need to refresh my email. Sometimes my body goes through the motions and I'm not even aware! It's bizarre and it has to stop! #GotstaDoMoBetta
For me, I have this compulsive need to refresh my email. Sometimes my body goes through the motions and I'm not even aware! It's bizarre and it has to stop! #GotstaDoMoBetta
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JUMBO Bun Tutorial- Natural Hair Protective Style
Watch as MikaLishauna shows us how she achieves a jumbo bun by adding a little hair underneath her own.
How do you create your JUMBO buns?
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