Search Results: Devri Velazquez
I have fine, medium to high density 3C hair with a particular trouble spot that I have dealt with for quite some time now. I have been wearing eyeglasses for nearly 20 years now, and I’ve had a hunch that my glasses were causing a bald spot behind my ears. So I decided to research my condition in the event that others, like me, are experiencing this and share my hunch.
Women are susceptible to pattern baldness, too.
Often times people assume that pattern baldness only occurs in men and is a reaction to repetitive behaviors like wearing baseball caps everyday. However, women are susceptible to pattern baldness, too. Thinning hair in women can be caused by a number of factors, like hormonal changes (menopause”>, medications, and heredity.
What can you do about it?
If you frequently wear tight ponytails or headbands you can mitigate your hair thinning issues by choosing a different hairstyle. But if, like me, you have to wear prescription glasses out of necessity, the solution is not so simple. Here are the remedies that I have found success in for my own problem area, you can adapt this to suit your needs if you are experiencing thinning on other parts of your head and scalp.
Every so often I use a scalp serum to help promote thicker, healthier hair growth in the places in which I feel I can use it. Apply and massage the oil directly to your scalp at night before bed along your entire hairline. If you don’t want oil dripping down your face while you sleep, use one of the following oils as a pre-poo on wash day.Look for products containing these scalp exfoliating oils:
- Castor oil
- Tea tree oil
- Sweet almond oil
My product suggestions
- Pre-poo: Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew Scalp Repair
- Styler: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Edge Treatment
- Sealer: Simply Organic Sweet Almond Oil & Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil
How do you repair thinning edges?
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New year, new ‘do. Or, perhaps, new hue. Whether you’re a wannabe redhead or an ice queen at heart, this year’s trends will satisfy your inner daredevil. Ahead, six inspiring photos of curly girls with gorgeous color-treated hair. These are the shades that have been taking over Instagram feeds, inspiring the curly-haired everywhere to go for it.
Ecaille
Stylists who do this hair color on their clients choose a select few pieces of face-framing hair strands, coloring them one tone while leaving the rest of the hair as-is. This is a perfect fit for wavy and curly hair, as it gives the color even more movement. The pros pair colors like golden brown, burgundy, and sandy brown for a more natural, sun-kissed appearance. Ecaille looks gorgeous on round faces and beige-tan complexions.
Pale Red
If you have a natural reddish-brown hue, you won’t have to do much to embrace the pale-red trend we’ve been seeing. The shade is deeper than the strawberry-blonde and rose-gold trends of 2014, yet subtler than burgundy or crimson, causing blue or green eyes and freckles to stand out in a flattering way. This is a safe way to experiment with color on your curls if you’re new to dyeing your hair, since it doesn’t require the harsh bleaching of other looks on this list.
Icy White
This growing trend is an edgier, fresher take on the double-processed blonde of 2014. Many curlies and naturalistas would cringe at the thought of bleaching their already-fragile coils, but, thankfully, with the invention of Olaplex, more stylists are able to achieve this color on their clients with minimal damage from bleach and other chemicals. You can keep your icy white from getting brassy if you use it with purple shampoo — this combination helps maintain the hue’s freshness.
Indigo
Blue hair isn’t a drastic, in-your-face look left to the Kylie Jenners of the world anymore. The growing blue-black trend is both subtle and daring. If your workplace is accepting of creative colors, but you don’t want to go full-blown superhero, then this is your ideal shade. And, the night sky is dark blue — so this is arguably a color found in nature, no?
Deep Brown
Unicorn colors aren’t for everyone (or every workplace”>, and neither are biweekly root touch-ups. Low-maintenance naturals who prefer to let their curls speak for themselves will find going deep brown ideal. Perfect for women with pale skin, this shade won’t wash out your features. It’ll also give your hair a healthy sheen and complement the warm tones in your skin.
Gray
Friends and family may not get it, and it’s not the most flattering color for the majority of skin tones — but that’s not stopping us from attempting the gray trend in 2015. It used to be really difficult to achieve the hue, but Pravanajust made it a little easier with its first gray dye, ChromaSilk Vivids in Silver. If you’re ahead of the curve and already went icy white, then take your color to the next level with gray this year.
Are you going to try any of these color trends this year?
Nigerian actress launches #SoNapptural campaign
Sylvya Oluchy and Seun Oloketuyi have teamed up for a dynamic campaign/photoshoot titled with the hashtag #sonapptural to showcase women with beautiful naturally coily hair. See more photos from the shoot here.
Did QVC mock their model’s natural hair live on air?
In a Dooney & Bourke bag presentation, QVC host Sandra Bennett commented, “You might look back and think, why did I wear my hair like that? But you like your bag still” when the camera switched to curly haired model Michelle.
We feel the quote was taken out of context, nonetheless the many women took notice and weighed in. You can judge for yourself by watching the video (now removed from QVC”> here.
Viola Davis, Tia Mowry, and more show off naturally curly hair at SAG Awards
On January 25th, the annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards showcased an array of beautiful stars, and Viola Davis, Tia Mowry, and Lupita N’yongo did not disappoint. We love that we can now see real, behind the scenes images of stars getting ready for the Red Carpet on their Instagrams!
Lupita likes us, she really likes us!
We loved Lupita’s updo so much that we had our Account Manager Kami try it out, with help from our Graphic Designer Priscilla. We were cracking up at the sight of Kami taking client calls while Priscilla patiently twisted her hair. It was all made worthwhile when none other than Lupita herself shared our tutorial! If you’re #TeamLN too, check out the tutorial.
News anchor resurfaces after being fired for wearing natural hair on air
In a HuffPo Live interview last week, former KTBS meteorologist Rhonda Lee recalls the discrimination she experienced for having hair that did not appeal to a “wider audience” on air. Watch the full interview here.
Aussie’s hilarious viral video sheds light on girls’ hair dilemmas
Hair care brand Aussie rekindled the Sh*t Girls Say flame with this lighthearted video showing a tall man in a wig posing as a girl who just won’t shut up about his (her”> hair. Incidentally, Aussie’s Moist Conditioner has long been a curly cult favorite (oh the slip“> so we like that they can make us laugh and make detangling easier.
Watch the video
Hello my name is Janae from Nae2curly. I am a Detroit native who loves her city! I recently received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. I love natural hair, social media and making people smile.
The transition period
I have been wearing my hair in curly styles since the summer of 2012. My friend Lanicia actually inspired me because she decided to transition. She rocked some curly styles which made me want to do the same.
Even though I only got perm on my edges I still wanted to “transition” and rock curly styles. I also needed to cut off my damaged ends that I caused due to stress.As time went on I watched other natural hair gurus on YouTube. Some of the first ladies that I subscribed to are NaturalMetra, Iknowlee, CharyJay, MariaAntoinetteTV and Naptural85.
I have too many products that I love.
I rather mention my top favorite brands who are Carol’s Daughter, Mielle Organics, Bee Mine, Eden Body Works and Motions. My favorite curly hair style is the Twist and Curl, High Puff and Perm Rod Set. I also like to stretch my hair before styling. At night I would wash my hair and put flat twists all over my head. The next evening I would then style my hair in any style that I am in the mood for. I found that stretching my hair reduces drying time, lengthens my hair and creates more volume.
First AND last impressions matter.
The most important thing I have learned from wearing my hair natural is that I am able to express a new side of me that I didn’t know was there. I also grew to love the look of big hair on me as well. I have learned that my hair styles actually have an impact on others and to also make sure my personality matches it. I always try to make a great first and last impression on anyone I meet.
Never get discouraged if you don’t master a style the first or second time. Love YOUR hair. Be your own hair inspiration.
Follow me
Hello curlies, my name is Kiara. To the natural hair world I am known as Goldennlocks.
I am a full time mommy to two awesome little boys, a fiancé and a part-time retail associate who plans to go back to college this fall for Early Childhood Development. I’ve been wearing my hair in it’s complete curly state for the past two years now. But I did transition for two years as well. So my journey to curly has been four years total, with no intention on going back!
Okay, so my inspiration ranges.
My initial reason for going natural was watching a Beyoncé concert special on Thanksgiving in 2010, one of her dancers had beautiful curly hair. I was in awe! Immediately I went to YouTube and searched “Curly Fro”.
My initial reason for going natural was watching a Beyoncé concert special on Thanksgiving in 2010
One of the first videos that came up was PrettyDimples01, and from there I kind of just went from one video to the next. Then what really sent me over the edge was after my last perm, I had also dyed the sides of my hair blonde (think skunk”> which lead to my hair falling out. I was pretty over it at that point. So PrettyDimples, Taren Guy, NikkiMae, CurlyNikki, TashiraMone, IvyCharlain and Naptural85 became my role models for natural hair.
My hair is about four different colors right now. Sad, I know.
It’s suppose to be a golden blonde with lighter blonde highlights. I’ve had my hair colored for going on 3 years now. I usually dye my hair once a year. At first I was doing it myself. I was really stern on not allowing someone else to mess up my curly hair that I worked so hard to grow out. If anyone was going to mess my hair up, why not it be me? Which was my way of thinking until recently. I finally went to a salon last year and had my hair professionally colored. And I have to admit it was one of the better decisions I’ve made since going natural.
To keep up with my color, I deep condition every week. Bleach as we know can be very drying to your hair. So deep conditioning is a must. I also do protein treatments after my hair has been colored. And as of last year I have implemented the LOC method into my regimen. Which has been a life savior for my colored hair.
My holy grail products would have to be Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing smoothie, Coconut oil and my new fav has to be Shea Moisture JBCO Leave-In as well. And my go to style would be my twist and twist-outs. That style is pretty fool proof for me at the moment.
[prodmod]Watch my twist and curl tutorial
…and keep up with my natural hair journey!
Ok, so unless you’ve been living under a rock –a nice, warm rock on Mars– then you’ve probably been shivering from the winter blizzard. Unfortunately, just because of the sudden onset of frigid climate, we don’t all have the luxury of stopping our daily lives and staying bundled up in bed all day avoiding it. For the 99.9 percent of us who don’t, here are some words of advice for keeping your mane in check through freezing temps.
1. Seal in moisture
In colder climates, your hair tends to lose moisture faster than in warmer ones.
Do your normal daily hair routine, but this time focus especially on your ends since they are the oldest part of your hair (and driest”>.
Try a hot oil treatment. We like Arbre de Vie Shea Hot Oil Treatment and VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works but if you’d rather stay indoors and try cooking up your own concoction, try this soothing homemade recipe instead.
Gels like Curls Curl Gel-les’C and Curly Hair Solutions Gel are great for smoothing fly-aways and keeping your curls looking fresh and moisturized all day without feeling hard. Or if you’re not a gel fan, go for a smoothing lotion like Curl Junkie Curl Assurance or Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls.
2. Clip your split ends
It is important to get a trim every few weeks, depending on your curl pattern.
If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to go ahead and cross this task off the to-do list. If your stylist is booked, or the past holiday has you strapped for cash, try trimming your own hair.
Check out reviews for local salons with our Salon Finder database.
3. Opt for a quick protective style
Been eyeing that YouTube video of a cute hair tutorial and want to try it? Now is the perfect time to try it out. This will keep your ends safe from the harmful elements of the environment. Not to mention, protective styles benefit hair growth and and help to seal in moisture.
Here is curl inspiration from our favorite vloggers:
- Luxy Hair– Type 2
- Veronica Meza– Type 3
- Mahogany Curls-Type 3/4
- 4C Hair Chick-Type 4
4. Put a lid on it
Protect your tresses from damaging cold air and wind with a hat, head wrap, or baseball cap. Spray some static guard inside the lining of your hat to prevent frizz and flyaways. At night, sleep with a satin or silk head scarf or on a pillow of the same material. This will help prevent static cling, knots, and breakage.
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Above all, stay warm and stay safe in these dropping temperatures! Are your curls struggling in the blizzard?
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.
December 22-January 19
Happy Birthday Capricorn! It’s your time to outshine everybody else and have the spotlight completely on you. What will your hair and beauty say about who you are this month?
You, Capricorn can be passive sometimes, and tend to sweep things under the rug when your opinion matters most
You, Capricorn can be passive sometimes, and tend to sweep things under the rug when your opinion matters most–if you only want a TRIM and not a drastic cut, let it be known before your hairdresser reaches for the haircutting shears.
Qualities You Possess
- You are a go-getter.
- You can be extremely passive.
- You are classy and elegant.
What does this mean?
Because of your go-getting attitude towards life, you are constantly on the go, and always feeling the need to impress others around you. Your appearance tends to be polished and exceptionally put together. If you have an interview or before your next meeting, search YouTube or The Twist for hairstyle ideas to wow your onlookers. Do not forget to keep some emergency hair items in your bag–static cling sheets for frizz, a serum for baby smoothing flyaways, and a handful of bobby pins just in case your twist-out loses volume later in the day.
Your family, friends, and coworkers are used to seeing you with a classic, sleek, sophisticated hairstyle–so don’t be afraid to switch it up this time around. Ditch the usual wash-and-go or twist-out and try faux locs or a textured pompadour. These styles can still be cute and classy. Going for something more on the edgier side? Consult your local hairstylist, first. Do not attempt to go platinum blonde at home if you have no prior experience in this.
If you muster up the courage for a change and make a trip to the salon, make sure you are open and honest about what you want. You, Capricorn can be passive sometimes, and tend to sweep things under the rug when your opinion matters most–if you only want a TRIM and not a drastic cut, let it be known before your hairdresser reaches for the haircutting shears.
“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.
NaturallyCurly editor and writer Devri Velazquez has been dealing with a rare autoimmune disease and chemotherapy treatments for the last three years. Previously, Devri has bravely shared her story with our community in her series for NaturallyCurly, “Devri’s Hair and Health Journey.” Speaking from experience, and from the heart, these are the four things she feels should never be said to chemo patients.
Cancer or not, if someone is experiencing some kind of trauma to their body or mind, nobody likes to feel undermined and overlooked.
1. “I can relate.” (and you are not sick”>
Let’s be honest. Now is not the time for you to tell your story, “I know someone with your illness, and they died.” We are individuals with our own personal stories, so I’d recommend letting the person speak about themselves when it comes to their current situation. Bringing a distant friend of a relative of a friend just does not matter, right now, and will probably backfire and make the person feel even more alienated than they already probably do.
2. “It was probably caused by ___”
Say what? We didn’t choose to bring this on ourselves. And we refuse to think so. Being sick is completely out of someone’s control–cancers and rare diseases can happen to anyone at any time (trust me, I’m one of them”>. With that being said, I personally will never allow anyone to tell me this happened because of something I did to myself in a past lifetime.
3. “You look fine, though.”
Cancer or not, if someone is experiencing any kind of trauma to their body or mind, nobody likes to feel undermined and overlooked. Just because we are holding it together on the outside, does not substitute the agonizing pain and exhaustion our bodies are feeling day in and day out.
4. “What is your prognosis?”
No, no, no! We are people with actual beating hearts and crying eyes. We are not a novel you just picked up off of a shelf to gawk at with curiosity. If anything, I will let you know what my diagnosis is, and if you are interested enough or not, you may research the illness yourself. This question is beyond tactless, and should never be presented to someone who is ill.
Have you or a loved one been affected by cancer or another illness? Blog about it today in Curls for a Cure.
