Search Results: Devri Velazquez
We tend to discuss stories and share links about hair – even in our off time. Here’s what we were talking about this week.
50 Years Behind The Salon Chair
Donna Nozzolillo celebrated her 50 year anniversary behind the client chair this week. She is owner of downtown Lakeport’s oldest hair salon, 28-year-old salon Nozzolillo’s Parlour…Read the full post here
1- Minute Video Covers Black Women Hairstyles From Past 100 Years
The audience has spoken, and now Cut Video has listened! Last week they released a 1 minute video on their YouTube channel of hairstyles covering each decade from 1910 to 2010…Watch original post here
Dove’s Latest Campaign Has Us In TEARS
Earlier this week Dove premiered a video for their #LoveYourCurls campaign, aimed at teaching young girls with textured hair to embrace and love their curls. Even if you have pin straight hair, you’re liable to shed a tear or two…Watch the video here
6 Confessions of a curly-haired girl
Writer and actor Lori Ferraro recalls her childhood as a child coming into her own and how life was much different than her straight-haired peers. “Then, puberty hit. And my hair got curly and gigantic…In photos, my head is usually double the size of anyone else’s.”…Read full post here
Demetria McKinney Shows Off Her Natural Hair
Real Housewives of Atlanta’s newest addition has appeared in a few episodes, and thus far, only sporting long weave. This past week, however, the singer-actress rocked her curls on social media with a newfound pride…See more here
Leaked Sorority Email Shows Members Aren’t Allowed To Wear Wavy Hair
A few days ago, an email between sorority members of University of Southern California’s Alpha Chi Omega Chapter was leaked and published by Jezebel, and many onlookers not affiliated with the association are quite shocked at what they read in this confidential chain of emails. From eyebrow thickness, to flatter stomachs, to visible hair color roots, an anonymous initiator gave her group’s “PNM”s (potential new members”> a heads up on the physical appearance requirements of associating with the Alpha Chi Omegas…Read more here.
“Struggle.”
Why do we refer to our natural hair journeys as a “struggle”?
Sure, in comparison to others, our hair might look completely different than the girl’s curls on the commercial or TV show we watch every Monday, but have you ever thought to yourself–what if she saw your picture and thought, ‘I wish my hair looked like that… I love that cut… My hair isn’t as long as hers… My curls are limper than hers and can’t hold styles like hers do in these pics…” My point is, the grass simply is not greener on the other side. And it never will be. Who made said girl in commercial the ultimate goal for all things hair?
Lest you forget a major reason for chosing to return to your natural roots in the first place.
Stop comparing.
Someone will always have longer, curlier, straighter, thicker, shinier, coilier, more defined, frizzless, fuller hair than you. And yours will always be more than the next person’s.
Your journey will also be completely different than theirs, too. You will inevitably–and indefinitely–encounter various product, haircut, ingredient, regimen, technique, hairstyle, and hair color issues throughout that simply do not work for YOU. Every ‘mistake’, ‘slip-up’, or failed routine/technique is all an integral part of understanding the magic it takes to make you…truly, you.
Start embracing.
The beauty of living with natural hair is the very thing we tend to forget on a day to day basis. We are freed from the cage that is society’s antiquated standards of beauty. Let us remember that and continue to move forward in our experience of self love and acceptance, rather than taking steps backward and setting boundaries and limit within our own lives when it comes to our personal beauty and hair.
Meditate on your personal decision to return to your natural roots in the first place. No one held you against your will and begged you to stop relaxing your hair. You made the decision all on your own, so live with it.
Why did you start the journey in the first place? Ask yourself that. Focus on that.
It’s OK to be self-serving sometimes, especially with our bodies and minds. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal should zoom in on healthiness, happiness, and emancipation from certain limits our peers (friends, family, coworkers”>, mainstream media, and society have placed on us without our consent. We are free of what once prohibited us, let us remember and embrace one another as we all continue this magnificent journey of self-discovery.
My name Romance, from Cleveland Ohio. I am an executive assistant. I’ve been natural for 3 years, on November 1, 2011, I began a journey that would forever change my outlook on beauty and its standards. I cut my relaxed, shoulder length hair into a small, curly afro. I was inspired by my curlfriends in the natural hair community. The positivity energy and encouragement kept me going.
I didn’t know where this journey would lead, but I knew where I wanted to go: A place where I, along with women of all ages, stages and walks of life, could embrace our natural beauty.
My Holy Grails
- Honey Hair Chile Lush Custard
- Aunaturals (Au Rebelle”> LCO KIT 1
- As I Am CoWash
- Lottabody Setting Lotion
My routine is simple.
I pre-poo the night before, wash/deep condition and style using the LCO (leave-in, conditioner, oil”> method. Let’s face it. Maintaining natural hair isn’t always easy. I’ve experienced the highs of the perfect twist out or rod set, but I also know the lows of hair breakage, dryness, and all-around bad hair days. If you follow the same routine and stick with products that work for your hair, that will prevent breakage, dryness and bad hair days.
My biggest tips for healthier hair growth is take the TIME to care and maintain your strands. It takes time to properly care for your hair and your hair is worth it.
Dealing with natural hair haters
I often feel that those who were once naysayers and non-supporter are now believers. Seeing is believing, Right.. I’ve learned to embrace my natural hair texture by being creative and versatile which allows me to show others that you can achieve any look while being natural.
Starting the Castor Oil Challenge
I started the castor oil challenge because I tend to get a lot of question on how I get healthy long hair. One contributor is castor oil. If you properly and consistently use castor oil, you’ll notice growth and thicker hair. I love getting my fellow curlfriends together and challenge them to take charge of the health of their hair. What better way to motivate and encourage one another than the #heycurliecastoroilchallenge?
Follow me–and join my challenge!
As the brutal cold weather reared its head, I said to myself, Devri–it’s time to let your natural hair hibernate for a while.
No, I didn’t big chop. I just opted for another protective style… Havana Twists!
What are Havana Marley Twists?
Similar to Marley (Kinky Twists”>, Havana Twists are created with the same type of hair but secured into the scalp using the Invisible Root Method. One cannot tell where the added hair begins and my real hair ends. And I love it. In true protective styling form, my natural curly texture is completely sealed and tucked away, thus preventing breakage (split ends”>, and over-manipulation that I tend to do to my hair. It’s getting a real treat with these twists, let me tell ya.
Installation
I used about 7 packs of Zury marley kanekalon braiding hair in 1B (jet black”>–at 5 bucks a pop plus $80 installation, you definitely will get your money’s worth with this super versatile protective style. My beautician separated each small section of my hair into 2 equal pieces, placed the braiding hair in the middle through my natural hair’s two-strand twist. She separated the strands to help them blend in with the added hair, and then two-strand twisted the rest downward in a clockwise motion. With the ‘bend’ of the added hair, she started twisting down in the opposite direction for about 2 or 3 inches. She repeated on the other side of the twist in the opposite direction as well–this lets the twist look as natural as possible.
If you’d prefer your ends to look more natural and not just bluntly end, dip them into boiling water, or sleep with flexi rods overnight for a natural curl. Since I wanted my ends to be straight, I simply used the flame from a lighter to seal them together so that they do not unravel.
Maintenance
As mentioned above, I used a lighter to seal my ends. However, after many days of sleeping on the twists, they are sure to unravel or loosen up over time. Use a spray bottle with water to mist the unraveled ends and take a dollop of a gel or edge tamer to retwist the hair down. Twirl the very end around your finger to ensure that it does not come apart again for a while.
It’s important to let your natural hair breathe, every once in a while–especially if your ultimate hair goals include the healthiest, longest hair possible. This style takes little manipulation in keeping up with your hair, and allows it to grow in peace for up to 3 months if maintained properly.
Have you rocked a protective style this winter? I’d love to hear your experience. Let us know in the comments below.
I am an aspiring television personality coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico but now out here in Atlanta, Georgia.
Currently I’m a patient representative at a hospital. My name is Sherelle Fox but I prefer to go by Shereal Fox. I would like to classify my hair type in the 4c category because it is very coarse and I don’t have an actual curly pattern, but it is still amazingly flawless. I think the thing I love the most about being natural is the fact that I feel free, yes it was a big decision to make but I don’t regret it one bit!
As a child, I was stripped of my choice of relaxing my hair, being so young it was commonly done so it is like being reintroduced to my real texture and it has been a pleasure!
I know that everyone has a different opinion of what “being natural” is but I feel as if perception is everything and defining that for yourself will help. I have been natural for about a year now, after a fews months of trying to save my permed ends, they had to go; I ended up doing an official “big chop” sometime at the end of last year.
I do length checks every time I take my hair out of a protective style, which varies between weeks and months (depending on how long I wear that style”>. I did my first official length check and trim on Halloween where I got it done in a salon, it was washed, blow dried and silk pressed; I was very happy with my results!
My go-to style
I love to rock the twist outs from flat twists with bantu knot ends (flantus”> and also flex-rod sets. I love to use the Love Lotta Body with Coconut and Shea Oils Wrap Me Foaming Mousse, it is “Ahh-Mazing” the first time I used it, I fell in love; easy to say, it was love at first use. After using it, it didn’t make my hair hard or feel funny; it was really soft and smelled oh so good! I think that we all should use a protective style every once in awhile to give our manes a rest; I just love the idea of the styles.
As far as protective styles go, I have done, marley twists, kanekelon twists, twists with my natural hair, crochet braids with Jamaican braid twist hair, lace-front wig over corn rows, and french braids.
I feel that the best way to preserve your hair at night is to make sure you wrap it in some form of silk wrap or bandana, if you’re a crazy sleeper like me you definitely something that will stay on your head throughout your “sleeping journey”.
If you all would like to follow Sherelle Fox on social media, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @SherealFox.
I had been coloring my curly hair every 6 weeks for a year straight, and a few months ago I noticed a brassy dullness in between touch-ups.
I’ve had other colors in the past year… almost every other month my curls have been soft black to burgundy to platinum blonde and every hue in between. At the end of 2013 I colored my hair for the first time since being natural and I guess you could say I kind of went color crazy after that.
I’ve had other colors in the past year… almost every other month my curls have been soft black to burgundy to platinum blonde and every hue in between.
Now it is December. My hair has truly has gone through the trenches. I’ll admit, I got a little too carried away in the madness and excitement of styling versatility and slowly slipped away almost completely from actually caring about the health of my hair in its natural state. I mean after all, that is why I chose to return natural.
After giving myself a hot oil treatment, deep conditioning, and clarifying a day or 2 prior to coloring, I decided to reach for the Creme of Nature Intense Black.
I must say, I’m in love with Intense Black versus the “soft black” color. Why? I still feel that intensity I felt while dyeing my hair crazy rainbow colors earlier this year. But at the same time, now my curls look more natural, and most of all, healthier. This color in particular contains argan oil, so immediately after coloring I applied the oil to seal in moisture and add softness.
During this cold, brutal winter season, I will focus the light on actively caring for my multi-textured hair–I solemnly swear to NOT miss a wash day. Or a deep conditioning day. And now, I can let my new growth grow out peacefully without feeling the urge to recolor and, perhaps, re-damage the healthy, luscious curls I once had.
Will you be coloring your hair this winter? Let me know!
My name is Breanna Rutter and I am an entrepreneur.
For the time being though, I like to call myself an Internet Hairstylist since I teach hair care and hairstyling to the world through the internet.I have been natural or technically had my last relaxer since September 2010. The time after having your last relaxer would mean that you are natural (or post relaxer”> but I wouldn’t say I was natural at that point just yet for a number of reasons. I decided shortly after my honeymoon to the Bahamas in September 2010 that I wasn’t going to relax my hair anymore.
The main reason I stopped relaxing was because I was tired of the relaxer treatment irritating my sensitive scalp. From that time on, I never relaxed my hair again nor did I take care of it in its natural state because I refused to trim my ends.
Even though I knew how to take care of my natural hair it wasn’t growing properly because of my lack of properly trimming my ends. Ever since I was a young girl, just like many others, I always had to get my hair relaxed so that it was manageable enough for my mother to style and maintain so even at a young age, caring for natural hair was not “natural” and that was passed down to me.
I was doing everything right except for trimming my ends because I thought I could go against the grain and let my hair naturally take course and because I was so stubborn, I wasted 2 years of hair growth.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a passion for this.
I distinctly remember someone always getting there hair done every weekend whether it was my mom getting hers done or one of her friends doing someone else’s hair at my place. Every time someone was getting their hair done, I was always right there “helping” by passing the comb, hair grease or hairballs and barrettes. When I started seeing more women and girls wear braided extensions it was like a whole new world for me and I was so excited! I had a million and one questions to ask like, “how does it stay on?”, ” does it hurt?”, “is it heavy?”, “do you really need to use this much hair?”
I went on and on and even though I knew I was annoying, I couldn’t help it because I wanted to learn everything about hair so bad. After a while, I couldn’t “help” anymore and it really made me so sad lol so I would use scrap hair when they were finished to practice on a doll head I had at the time to imitate what they did. I still never got braiding down at that point until I was in my pre-teen years.
I focused on learning how to style hair and I finally got it down. Don’t ask me how my first braid looked though, it was tragic haha!
I created a YouTube channel simple because I wanted to help people all around the world learn how to do their own hair in a variety of styles.
I could have very easily taught people in my city or travel to teach others how to do their hair by offering braiding and weaving classes but I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to help people learn how to do their own hair online because I personally wished that someone was there for me and helped me to learn how. Sometimes just a little bit of help is enough for someone not to give up on their hair.
No one taught me how to do hair or even teach me how to take care of hair for that matter. If hair wasn’t my passion, I would have never taught free hairstyling tutorials or made books to help people.
Then came the creation of my hair care manuals & DVDs
I get emails every day from women and men who need help with their hair or their children’s hair and I try to help everyone as much as I possibly can. That’s why I created hair care books and DVDs because everyone has unique hair needs and wants. A teenager may want to learn how to do Senegalese Twists, a young adult may want my Transitioning Hair Care Manual and a father may want my Children’s Hair Care Manual. In short, I created my channel for people who needed help with caring for their hair because I wished something like this was there for me when I really needed it.
For so long there has been a cloud of unwritten rules floating over the natural hair community making women feel as though they can’t color, wear weaves or heat style their hair if they are a “true natural” and this thinking has made hair become boring.
Wearing extensions becomes detrimental to your hair if you don’t prep your hair before installs or add moisture to your hair while you are wearing it styled. In terms of color and heat styling as well, you shouldn’t color if you aren’t willing to increase your moisturizing efforts or heat style if you aren’t adamant about stretching your hair and using heat protectants before using heat on your hair. Do what you want to do and whatever you do, make sure you are knowledgeable about caring for your natural hair in the state you would like to wear it.
Find me online
(And get a free digital copy of my manual after signing up online for my newsletter!”>
Hair Care Website http://www.HowToBlackHair.comOnline Store http://www.
Instagram @BreannaRutter http://www.instagram.com/
Twitter @BreannaRutter
Facebook @OfficialBreannaRutter
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I’m Naya Jones, a holistic practitioner, community organizer and graduate student based in Austin, Texas.
Sometimes people ask me how such different areas of my life connect. As a holistic business owner, I am committed to carrying on the legacy of Black women soulpreneurs who grow not just clientele–but healing community. As co-founder of a food justice organization (Food for Black Thought”>, my partner Kevin and I facilitate workshops with youth and adult groups to foster a more just food system. As a PhD student I explore Black Diaspora healing ways and food traditions. My passion for listening to people’s stories, and my passion for social justice, connect these “branches” of my life. I love to read, hike, journal, meditate, have potlucks with friends, and travel. When I really veg out, I can indulge in British TV mysteries or sci-fi.
Rootwork
Rootwork helps folks “get rooted”, in touch with inner peace, connected with each other, and in tune with ancestors. We offer retreats, one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and outdoor excursions infused with Black Diaspora music, history, and healing ways. Our broader mission: to promote socially just holistic wellness. In that spirit, we specialize in programs for Black women and communities of color who face serious health disparities and possess rich traditions of healing.
Afrobeat Meditation™ is the heart of Rootwork. A monthly tradition, this class is guided meditation + intuitive movement to Black Diaspora music. It’s a homegrown offering unique to Rootwork, born out of my personal meditation practice of 10+ years. After sitting or lying down in meditation for a decade, I started to move, sway, and stretch. My body wanted to move with inner peace! Then I heard Afrobeat music for the first time while visiting Brooklyn in 2012. I came back to Austin, Texas with the beginnings of Afrobeat Meditation™. This year I’ve watched Afrobeat Meditation™ classes grow in size and across age groups. Our youngest co-healer (aka participant”> was 12, and our eldest so far has been an 84 year old grandmother. She joined us with her daughter and granddaughter. We had three generations in one room, and I knew that this was the power of this work. Our classes are more like ceremony. We bring people together, move in circle, open with sage, and welcome ancestors.
The beginning of my mission
In 2000, I began a simple meditation practice. I breathed in three counts (1-2-3 breathe in”> and breathed out to three counts (1-2-3 exhale”>. This practice helped me cope as an incredibly stressed out, overachieving college student undergoing culture shock. I was one of few students of color on my college campus, and I came from a working class background. I attended a predominantly white, wealthy school. While I was deepening my meditation practice, I was also expanding my social awareness.
I learned more about Black history.
I read Gloria Anzaldua’s La Frontera/The Borderlands for the first time. I began to protest social injustice on campus. I was on fire! From college onward, I began practicing other meditation and spiritual practices with teachers in Texas. These practices expanded my desire to know my ancestors’ stories; the sense of connection I felt during meditation made me more aware of social injustice and imbalance. I felt even more passionate about addressing it. I took longer and longer hikes at local parks. I connected intensely with ancestors. One morning I woke up and just knew: it was time to facilitate meditation with the broader community. My first class was in 2008, and I’ve facilitated meditation (sitting, guided, and movement”> with youth and adults ever since.
What Inspires Me
Music inspires me. I bring my love for cumbia, downtempo, Afrobeat, Afro-pop, blues violin, trance blues and other genres into Rootwork. I’ve also met inspiring holistic practitioners on my path. They support me daily as Black, Brown, Chicana, and indigenous/Native American healers who do spiritual work wherever they are – at home, in the university setting, in the corporate world, or on the road. From them I’ve learned how to connect across distance in simple yet powerful ways – and still feel like part of a community.
Books inspire me, too. I like to begin the day by reading or with a quote. Sister of the Yam by bell hooks is one of my favorite books that continues to inspire me and Rootwork. Right now I’m also exploring two books gifted by dear friends, The Wild Feminine and Woman Who Glows In the Dark. And, our dog Josh inspires me when I need it most. Sometimes the challenges facing the planet can feel incredibly heavy. Feeding, walking, and spending time with him keeps me grounded. Playful. Present!
My goodness, what a journey it’s been.
Since I was a little girl people would ask where I was from and where I was born. My father is African-American and my mother is Chicana (Mexican-American”> and White. At home I was taught “Love sees no color”, but the world seemed very preoccupied with my racial/cultural background. From an early age, I realized the world does see color. From an early age, I noticed how my father and I were treated differently when we were together, compared to the glowing service my mom and I received. Then there were the compliments. People we didn’t know would stop us on the street to express how gorgeous I was. I remember strangers asking to touch my hair, to touch my curls.
As a child I basked in the attention. I felt special. Looking back, the compliments gave me a sense of false superiority. While I was complimented on my “good hair,” I was learning that being “too” Black was a bad or unattractive thing.
What I learned in school confirmed this message. In grades K-12, I did not learn positive, inspiring history about my Black ancestors. I learned little about Mexican-Americans/Chican@s in Texas. And women were near absent. None of my identities were nourished or affirmed.
Growing up I excelled in school but felt alienated from my peers. I coped creatively. I wrote, drew, and played the piano. I competed in writing competitions that allowed me to express my feelings or debate social issues. My room at home became an artistic sanctuary. On one hand, I learned how to treasure healing solitude. On the other, I lacked understanding of my personal and collective history.
Rootwork comes from my journey as a Black woman with a mother of White/Mexican descent. I didn’t always, but now I do understand my on-going racialized/cultural journey as a gift. What a gift to understand Blackness as expansive. Diverse. Global. My journey with identity has taken me to Veracruz, Mexico and led me to teachers of diverse spiritual traditions. I am grateful.
I am a creative spirit who loves to laugh and likes to ask, “What are you waiting for?”
Social issues
I’m concerned about how stress is impacting women/of color – and specifically Black women – in our daily lives. Stress from taking care of everyone but ourselves. Stress over that promotion in the workplace or over those racial/sexual jokes at work. Stress from worrying about our family members when they leave the house because of police violence against people of color. Stress because our neighborhoods are tragically underfunded. Financial stress from losing employment, or from employment being uncertain. What concerns me further is how the stress of being a woman, let alone a Black woman, is little acknowledged by health institutions. Therefore we’re not getting at the “root” of dis-eases that disproportionately impact us.
For example, when discussing dis-eases that rank high among Black women, the focus tends to be diet or lifestyle alone. I witness this focus as a graduate student, holistic practitioner, and community organizer. But stress has also been linked to the very same dis-eases impacting this group (high rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, death from breast cancer”>. I’m concerned that interventions are focusing on one aspect of health, without considering the full picture. Without the full picture, what exactly is being treated? What social or economic issues are addressed–or not?
Furthermore, advice for managing stress tends to focus on personal life incidents alone, or on changes that can be made on the individual level. Being Black and/or Brown and/or woman and/or queer in the United States can be incredibly stressful – if not traumatic – because of persistent injustice in this country. For those of us who know stress in this way, we know it is more than individual. We experience tragedies and hardship collectively on a regular basis. We’ve seen lately how a traumatic incident that impacts one Black person or family, for example, can deeply concern the broader Black community. The deaths of Trayvon Martin, Renisha McBride, Michael Brown come to mind.
Other systems of healing, such as curanderismo from Mexican/Mexican-American traditions, understand that wellness is multi-dimensional. Wellness involves historical, physical, social, spiritual, and environmental factors. Stress can come from any of these sources, and stress can affect the mind, body, and/or spirit. I’m passionate about folks who have long experienced health disparities really, truly being well – from this holistic perspective. I’m inspired by feminists of color who consider wellness in this way, Patricia Hill Collins, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, AnaLouise Keating, and Jacqui Alexander among them. Scholars such as Dr. Naa Oyo Kwate (Rutgers University”> inspire me, as they explore the impacts of racism on Black immune function and psychological wellbeing. Grassroots circles among comadres, Sister Circles, and Sacred Women circles inspire me.
Through Rootwork, I share self-care practices like meditation because they are one way to sustain wellness for ourselves.
650X365″ src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/wd_NayaJones_5-2-650X365.jpg”>I’ve been meditating on the quote, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for”, and I believe it. When we practice meditation ourselves and with our families and communities. We can cultivate our wellness from inside out, using practices that are always available to us. Meditation just requires breath. And practices like meditation can help sustain us when we take personal action or collectively address social injustice. This is what mediation gives me: clarity and self-care for inner and outer work.
You deserve time for yourSelf, without apology.
With myself and with other women I meet, our greatest challenge can be saying “no”, “not right now”, or making time for ourselves – without apology. Too many of us feel guilty. Obligated. Exhausted. Overworked. Women of the Root! Please take time to stop and listen to your body. If the answer is “No” or “Not right now” or “Maybe”, notice the relief you feel when you say so. I’ve found that by saying “No” and taking regular retreat time for myself, more aligned people and more aligned opportunities come into my life. Energy starts to flow!
In five years…
I see myself drinking a cup of tea as I prepare for a healing circle and book signing. I’ve traveled to another part of the United States (or another part of the world”> to share Afrobeat Meditation with a growing community. I have a newly published book I’ll be sharing, too, about how to live a more liberated, passionate, authentic life. As I review the schedule for the day, I feel calm.
I know that I am exactly where I need to be, and that the women who were called to this gathering are meant to be there. Spiritually I feel centered, inspired, and full. Physically, I feel well rested. I’m supported by friends, my partner, my family, and the Rootwork community. Mentally, I feel aware of my ancestors and spiritual guides. I’ve completed my doctoral degree, and I am completely immersed in Rootwork. Rootwork sustains me abundantly. I’m sole manager of my time. I’m living an inspired life!
Stay in touch!
Visit our website at www.root-work.com. Follow us on Twitter @rootworkaustin Find our growing Black Women Get Rooted™ Meetup community on-line. For exclusive monthly inspiration, offers, rituals, and recipes/recetas, join our e-mail list at connect@root-work.com. You can also bring Rootwork to you. Explore our guest workshops on radical self-care and more, here.
When I met eight-year-old Calissa Allison and seven-year-old Ta-Niya Davis behind the scenes of the African Pride Dream Kids video shoot, the first thing I noticed was the two girls’ excitement in straightening their naturally curly hair. Much to my surprise, their moms watched on completely worry-free as hair stylists applied, washed, straightened, and blow dried their daughters’ textured hair straight. I caught up with Calissa and Ta-Niya on their lunch break from shooting all day.
How long have you worn your hair curly?
“All my life,” both girls replied with bright smiles on their pretty little faces.
What do you like most about yourself?
Calissa: “My mom is black, and my dad is white. I love my curly hair and my eyes.”
What do you enjoy about this experience?
Ta-Niya: “I get to wear my hair down. And I like being a star!”
From this conversation, I took away a clear understanding of the confidence both Calissa and Ta-Niya carried about their own unique looks and personalities. It was obvious that their mothers were the source of their amazing self acceptance. Naturally, I shimmied over to Nichole and Anntionette to get the deets on their tips for raising such confident, beautiful kiddos.
My favorite thing is that Calissa’s hair straightens within only one hour. Then it will revert right back in four weeks with no damage.
What do you appreciate most about the Dream Kids Texture Manageability System?
Nichole: “My daughter is a gymnast, so she has to wear her hair slick back in a ponytail sometimes. My favorite thing is that Calissa’s hair straightens within only one hour. Then it will revert right back in four weeks with no damage.”
Anntionette: “We have more versatility with styling. Her curl will come back in just a few weeks. I have even recommended it for my niece…I’m telling everyone about it!”
What important piece of advice would you give another mother whose child wants to temporarily straighten their hair?
Nichole: “Research, research, research. Figure out what works for her. Be diligent so your child will understand later.”
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This post was sponsored by African Pride Dream Kids Texture Manageability System.
I have never met a natural who wasn’t into protective styling.
A plethora of benefits come with it–faster hair growth, length retention, protection from elements of the weather and styling tools, and not to mention, they are convenient for those with busy lifestyles.
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Like every great thing, however, comes a list of rules to abide by in order to achieve what is desired. I consider myself simplistic in terms of my hair routine, so my list won’t be as long as some– lucky for you. Make the most of your next protective style with these 3 rules of thumb.
1. Deep Clean
Even if you are a low or no-poo girl, it is crucial to rid your scalp of product and dirt build-up before installing your next PS. On wash day before my styling, I opt for . During my actual protective style I like to use DevaCurl No Poo–all I do is shake and spray my scalp a few times to absorb the excess oils and dirt, since I’m not able to do a thorough wash while I have twists or weave. I like the Curl & Shine Conditioner for detangling and adding softness to my natural hair. Fresh out of the shower, I will spritz a leave-in like ApHogee Moisture-Rich, and seal with an all natural blended oil or serum like Rasa Namaste and Nubian Heritage Grow & Strengthen.
2. Low manipulation
The night prior to, I multi-pineapple my hair (since the normal pineapple method usually flattens the back half of my hair”>. A braid-out or twist-out is not entirely necessary since most of your natural hair will be tucked away within the added hair the next day, anyway. Stay away from the flat ironing or blow drying beforehand, as well. All of that extra pulling, tugging, drying, and twisting will wear your hair out by the time the styling process takes place. This might lead to weaker hair, which in turn ends up in breakage.
3. Moisturize from root to end
I live for a blended oil that protects my hair, seals my ends, and hydrates my scalp. I am sure to not saturate my scalp minutes before styling, as this can result in a more difficult time in adding hair or braiding. However, I do massage my scalp the night before (and after wash day”> with a blend of essential and carrier oils to promote hair growth while my natural will be tucked away for the following week or two.
Believe it or not, every hair brush is not created equal. Forget the stigma you are used to hearing about the dangers of using one on your wavy or curly hair, because these 10 brushes are made specifically to cater to what textured hair needs.
Have you tried any of these?
10 Brushes Your Curls Will Love
Conair Anti Static Thermal Round Brush, $7.77
also available in drugstores
For annoying flyaways and frizz in humid climates, use a water-based curl smoother like the Yes to Coconuts Curl Defining Cream and create softer curls with this anti-static round brush.
Ion Golden Wood Paddle Brush, $9.99
also available at Sally Beauty Supply
This paddle brush is ideal for thick wavy-curly hair. Its wooden handle is comfortable and its boar bristles will add shine to the hair when paired with a serum like the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Perfecting Serum.
Revlon Curl Collection Ceramic Styling Brush, $19.99
also available at Bed, Bath & Beyond
This brush warms while in use, for extra defined curls that last hours.
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Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush, $9.99
also available in drugstores
Whether your curly hair is wet or dry, this brush is great for detangling pesky snarls and knots, adding definition and manageability.
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Macadamia Natural Oil Vent Brush, $12.80
also available at Sears
100% natural boar bristles paired with high heat-resistant nylon pins make for a winning curl combination in this brush.
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Sephora Collection Dual Boar Travel Brush, $7.00
also available at Sephora
For on-the-go detangling and smoothing, this brush is compact, making it convenient for traveling purposes.
Michel Mercier Detangling Brush, $14.99
also available at Bed, Bath & Beyond
428 bristles equally disperse pressure onto hair for safe detangling especially thick, curly and coily hair.
John Frieda Volume Curls Hair Brush, $12.99
also available in drugstores
This tourmaline, silicone-infused hair brush is perfect when paired with a refresher spray like Ouidad’s Climate Control Spray for smoothing frizz.
Phillips Teaze 3, $4.99
also available at Sally Beauty Supply
Nobody can go wrong with some hairspray like TIGI Catwalk’s Look-Lock and this three-row brush. The Teaze 3 makes parting and teasing hair a breeze.
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Goody Start.Style.Finish Vent Brush, $5.09
also available in drugstores
Smooth frizz and style your curls without getting a hand cramp. Vent brushes are great for quick drying, too!
Introduce yourself!
Hey curl friends, my name is Jasmine Winters, also known as Jd. I am a Houston Native, photographer, and preschool teacher.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for about 1 year, and 9 months today.
Do you ever get tired of your natural hair?
I think like most naturals, we all have bad hair days, and days where we may just be tired of our curls. But I must say, it’s never to the point where I am tired of my natural hair.
What are your favorite products and styles right now?
Right now my favorite products are Truly You Super Soft Butter Blend for my twist, and Ouidad Moisture Infusing and Refreshing Spray to revive my curls in the morning. My go to style that usually never fails me is a twist out, and when it’s not in a twist out, I’ll rock my puff.
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What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a natural?
I will say my biggest challenge that I’ve faced as a natural was in my beginning stages, my self esteem was really low. I didn’t know what to do with my hair, and it didn’t make it any better that some of my family members, and friends did not agree with me going natural. I started jazzing myself up more with makeup, and also my wardrobe. After a while, I didn’t care what people thought of my decision with my hair. I embraced my hair, and it took off from there.
What is the biggest reward you’ve received?
The biggest reward I’ve received so far is that my curl friends tell me over and over how big of an inspiration I am to them, and how I’ve encouraged so many to go natural. I want to continue inspiring and uplifting women.
What piece of advice do you wish every young woman knew about themselves?
You have a secret power that you were born with, and it’s just waiting to be released, find it, and use it, such as your confidence. Embrace every curl, kink, and flaw.
How can we follow you online?
Follow me on Instagram- @JD_Winters
Up until a month ago, I had never tried clip-in extensions before. I was hesitant at first due to my theory that too much hair will not enhance, but rather deflect my hair’s natural beauty and texture. But one day I came across Big Chop Hair by City Samuels, and I rummaged through her photos, blogger testimonies, and vast online presence when I made the decision to finally step even more out of my hair comfort zone and give these human natural hair extensions a try.
First impressions
As I mentioned I am a new to hair extensions, so you can imagine my fear in attempting to put these into my curly hair on my own. To my surprise, installation time was about 30 minutes and it was fairly simple.
The process
All I did was pop the clips open and attach them close to my scalp, snapped them close to secure, and continued.
Altogether I used 1 1/2 bundles and to me, that was just enough to keep my natural look while achieving the fuller, longer curls I’ll admit sometimes I wish I had.
Giveaway Alert!
I have 2 additional bundles that I did not use–and I am giving them away! Simply leave a comment on this article and follow @BigChopHair to enter. You may also either write me @DevriVelazquez to enter.
This giveaway ends Friday, September 19.
And right now, BigChopHair.com, is offering free shipping with discount code NaturallyCurly!
Have you tried clip-ins to enhance your natural hair? What was your experience? Let us know, and share your photos!
Our Q&A Section allows our dedicated curly community members to post, ask, and answer questions all things hair related. Stop by and engage with others like you–and earn points while doing so! Member divergent46 posted this question:
Question:
I have no idea why but my hair is basically crimped on the roots then pin straight on the ends! The underlayer of my hair has some spiral curls but my hair was never this curly at the roots. It was kind of loose curls throughout my hair…Mousse only makes the roots even curlier and the ends straighter…it’s too frizzy for almost any hairstyle and I only like putting heat on it from a salon.
Answer:
Sounds to me like your hair has experienced either heat or chemical damage. When is the last time you straightened or relaxed your hair? And how often do you do so? If your answer is once a month or more, your hair is most likely damaged.
Put the flat iron down.
Hair that has been over-processed by heat styling tools (like a flat iron or curling wand”> are susceptible to breakage, thinning, and brittleness. Over time, it lacks the amount of strength, moisture, and elasticity it needs to curl and stretch properly. But if you absolutely MUST straighten, know that hair burns on a setting of anything over 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While blow drying, press the “cool” button quickly for a flash of cool air to seal your cuticle and give your hair a tiny break from the heat styling.
Big chop.
Realistically, the only way your roots will look just like the rest of your hair is if you start fresh and cut the damaged ends completely off. You can gradually do this by installing sew-in weave, marley twists, or other protective styles which veil the natural hair for a while as it grows out.
Your hair routine
If you notice some product build-up in your scalp, it’s ok to wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Or try leaving pure Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV”> in your scalp for about 30 minutes, then rinse. I do this once a week, depending on how dirty my hair is. Use a moisturizer intended for those with heat damaged hair (those random straight hairs you have”>. Once a week, restore and strengthen your hair with either a DIY protein treatment or a good deep conditioner. Leave it on for about 40 minutes, then rinse and condition. For styling purposes, add a curl activator to enhance your natural curl and help it blend in with the damaged hair.
Have a wavy, curly, or coily Q?
Ask me a question about your curly hair and I’m more than happy to help! Visit the Q&A Section of our site and click “Devri” on the Ask An Editor drop-down menu.
Blue Ivy Carter’s hair is natural. She is a child who cannot defend herself. Oh, and her mother is singer Beyonce and her father is rapper Jay-Z, so she’s basically music royalty. You’d take these facts into consideration before coming for someone, right?
Apparently that means nothing for model and longtime girlfriend of Chris Brown, Karrueche Tran.
I really did wake up like this, because my parents never comb my hair.
On BET network’s 106 & Park countdown during a live taping Monday, Tran provided a Blue Ivy impersonation in a skit entitled “Top 6 Things Blue Ivy Thought At The VMAs.” She said, “I really did wake up like this, because my parents never comb my hair.” This was followed by the live audience half cackling and half booing her, to which Tran bellowed, “Sorry Blue! I love you.”
Who is to blame?
According to Karrueche’s team, she was informed of a script change only moments before she and her co-host went on hair, due to the timeliness of the VMAs and the producers wanting to insert the skit into the show (filmed on August 25th.”> She was given the script on the scene and had no time to look over it for her better judgement–or lack thereof.
We (and the ENTIRE world”> think little baby Blue Ivy was the most adorable, overjoyed little girl, cheering on her mom from the audience and later joining dad Jay-Z on stage to congratulate Beyonce with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
Aside from us gawking at her uncanny ability to keep winning us over with any and everything–what does the Queen Bey herself think? Beyonce has yet to sound off on the constant controversy and conversation surrounding her daughter’s natural hair.
BET’s commercials and campaigns often provide uplifting messages and products targeted directly toward young women with naturally curly and coily hair, so these hate comments towards the natural hair community are a marked contradiction, and one that won’t go unnoticed.
Is BET bitter or–nah?
On June 29th, Bey was set to perform alongside Jay-Z as part of their BET Awards performance line-up. However, the network ended up resorting to airing a clip recorded at their recent On The Run Tour. At the VMA’s however, Bey shut it all the way down, performing 16 of her songs for the world from her self-titled fifth studio album. The reasons are unclear as to why Beyonce and Jay-Z didn’t attend the BET Awards but we’re guessing the network’s producers still haven’t let go of their grudge with Queen Bey, and are coming for her by any means necessary–even if that means attacking her daughter’s hair.
Recently we’ve noticed an uptick in the number of people criticizing Blue Ivy’s hair on Facebook pages, social media, and traditional media outlets and we hope to be a place for supportive naturals to have their voices heard. By this stage we think it’s pretty clear where we stand (but just in case, we fully support any man, woman or, in this case, child’s right to wear their hair natural without coming under scrutiny”>, but we want to know how you feel about Karrueche’s comments. Let us know in the comments!
Wearing a protective style is a great way to protect your hair from damaging elements of the climate–in the summer, the sun; in the winter, the chill. Either way, it’s only effective as you let it be, not matter which time of year you rock it. I hid my curls away into some Marley twists for a couple of weeks– and these are these are the surprising facts that I learned from having them.
1. They’re not expensive.
Some of you are reading the previous line and judging me. But for all you protective-styling newbies (like myself”>, you’ll come to find out that packs of Marley hair are only about $6 bucks a bag. I used 6 1/2 bags of Freetress Equal marley braiding hair. My stylist charged me $80 to install.
2. Installation time is only a few hours.
For those of you who get sew-ins regularly can feel me on this. It’s not fun to sit in one place for hours at a time with your head tilted in all sorts of which ways. Whenever you finally get out the chair your neck is halfway crooked and the sun’s going down already. Not with these bad boys.
3. They open your mind to new options.
Even though I had my hair in twists and not faux locs, it was still pretty easy for me to see myself with other new styles like long, beautiful locs in my hair. I’d been considering locking my curly hair in the past, so this gave me a useful visual.
4. They give you more styling versatility.
Because my hair was temporarily thicker, longer, and different colors (I used 3 different colors from the same brand”>, I was able to play around with different styles that I normally couldn’t with my real natural hair. It was a fun to play dress up.
5. They’re a mini detox for your hair.
As mentioned above, I only rocked the marley twists a little over a week. Still, that was plenty of time to give my hair a chance to breathe, replenish from the sweltering summer heat, and call me crazy but I feel like I even noticed some slight new growth after taking them out.
My name is Melissa Etienne but everyone calls me City. I wanted to supply the natural hair community with protective styling options that helped us maintain our natural look for a reasonable price. I’ve been natural myself for a little over a year but I did my big chop in September 2013.
I started Big Chop Hair because I’ve been in the hair industry for a long time and I know high-quality hair. I had been exposed to this hair that I knew other people would want but didn’t know how to get. I felt the natural hair community didn’t have many human hair options available to them.
Whatever you do to your hair is your choice. Nobody can tell you how to be you.
I’m different from other companies because I’m out there for everyone to see. I’m not a secret person, I’m not hiding, everyone sees pictures of me, they see pictures of my family, they’re able to call me, they’re able to text me and have one-on-one conversations with me.
Another thing is pricing, I have great prices! And aside from my great prices, I also work with people. Someone might text me or call me and ask me for a discount code and that’s not a problem for me. It can be hard to get back to all of the people, but I do make it my priority.
The reward is seeing how happy everyone is once they receive their product. I get so many happy emails and texts from people. They send me pictures, tag me on Instagram and all these things make me so happy because I love seeing that I am supplying these wonderful women with a wonderful product that they love!
Your hair should make you happy. Do whatever you want to your hair. Wear it the way you feel like wearing it. Wear it straight, curly, colored, weaved or wild, what ever you do to your hair is your choice. Nobody can tell you how to be you.
Visit my website and social media to see what everyone thinks of Big Chop Hair:
MsJacenta1 posted a video review on Twisted Sista Urban Therapy. Psst…They’re participating in CurlyNikki’s August Giveaway
What she used
[prodmod]Her routine
1. Cleanse & Condition using the De-Frizz Conditioner.
2. Shake and spray the 30-Second Curl Spray, saturating the hair.
3. Rub the product in with a flat palm in a constant clockwise motion on your entire head.
4. Pat about 2 dime-sized amounts of the Curl Activator cream on the entire head. Rub the product in using the flat palm clockwise motion again until curls are equally defined.
Have you tried these products?
Let us know! Head over to our Products Section and leave your review for the NaturallyCurly community!
Watch the video
This review was not sponsored.
