Search Results: Devri Velazquez
Image Source: @devrivelazquez
Upon returning to New York City after taking two months of what I like to refer to as a city-dweller detox, I wanted to immerse myself back into the culture of the beloved city in a big way. That’s when I learned about a new Airbnb Experience that was offering a tour of Harlem, a neighborhood in the popular burrough that I hadn’t yet fully explored in my two years of living here. I figured, this might be the best way to dip my feet into the richness of it all.
On a brisk Wednesday afternoon, I sat down with tour’s curator, Mikaila, for tea at a cute local and black-owned shop with vibes as warm and hospitable as the tea itself. The Fashion Anthropologist greeted me with a contagiously vivacious demeanor that instantly encouraged me to put my guard down and become all ears for a day of education, inspiration, and honest conversation in good company. When asked what all entails the role of a fashion anthropologist, Mikaila simply explained it like this: “I help people understand the cultural context of why you wear what you wear. Hair is part of our fashion identity.”
As Founder and CEO of The Common Thread Project, the fashionista and naturalista who has spent the past decade living and working in New York City knows a thing or two about the impact the Harlem Renaissance had on the nation’s natural hair movement and Black culture as a whole. But first, she dove into her introduction with these important factors to consider as a preface for her guided Airbnb Experience through the neighborhood:
Hair is our culture, it’s our history, it’s our politics.
The history of Black hair is so rich. We don’t really appreciate the dynamics, the history of our hair. It started on the continent of Africa and came here. For example, the Himba tribe from Namibia, always wear dreadlocks. The girls wear their locs in their face to signify age. When they hit puberty, they wear their hair out of their face.
When the Middle Passage started, Africans started braiding seeds into their daughters’ hair to help them along their journeys. Slave traders started shaving their heads off as a way to prevent this from happening, but to erase their identities. The shape and form of cornrows came from slaves who worked in cornfields. Those types of signatures make me want to scream inside — look at how functionality, history, tradition, and employment come together in one hairstyle.
Everybody has a hair journey.
“Mine was very much influenced by my mother. I was never allowed to have a perm (my mother is old school Jamaican.”> I was very resentful of that, especially in high school. There were so many periods in my life where I felt like I didn’t have control over my hair. I became 5’11’ at 11 years old.One of the ways my mom aged me ‘down’ was by braiding my hair in childlike styles — a lot of bubbles, barrettes, and plaits. From Africa to today, we’re going to realize how much our hair is tied to our ancestry.”
Your hair is your language.
“It says so much. We need to be thinking more critically [about it]. A lot of times, Black women will sabotage their hair for a look. If maybe Black women understood the importance in the conversation of themselves, we’d take better care of it. It’s a conversation of who I am. I just want you to be conscious of whatever decision you make, and informed. Is your hair a story that you want to tell the world?”
There’s a whole industry behind hair envy.
I admitted to Mikaila about a folder on my phone that is dedicated to hair of women from social media whose hair I ‘admire’ while I know that it can be toxic to my own mental health and self-acceptance. She says, “As Black women, whatever works for you, works for you. People want to be tied to their past. Hair is our DNA. We all want to know who we are. It starts here (points to head”>.” What I remembered in my talk with Mikaila was the true beauty in our uniqueness, especially as women of African descent. Our hair is ours.
If you plan on visiting Harlem, be sure to check this out. You will become more informed about the history of Black hair while taking a walking tour through popular hair shops and Salon Beleza, a Brazilian-owned hair salon catering to embracing natural hair. On Airbnb Experience, type in Harlem fashion and hair tour and people can book it. Or click here to go straight to the experience.
A new category of hair styling tool has emerged. It has been seen at stores like Michael’s, local beauty supplies, Amazon, and more. Type 4 naturals everywhere have been able to achieve defined twists–and even start dreads–with this innovative hair sponge, also sometimes called a twist or loc sponge.
What makes it so different from a regular sponge? It contains tiny suction holes on the foam side of the sponge that, when used on damp hair and spun around, grab the hair and twists a tendril, piece by piece.
What would normally take hours sometimes is now reduced to only minutes with the help of the twist/loc hair sponge. Online, mostly men and those with short, tapered cuts are using a hair sponge to define their coily hair.
Before
After
What would normally take hours sometimes is now reduced to only minutes with the help of the twist/loc hair sponge.
Vloggers and barbers use these:
- Twists Hair Sponge, $4.99 on ebeautyusa.com
- Black Ice Magic Twist Sponge, $6.72 on wigtypes.com
- Fresh Loc Sponge, $10 on amazon.com
How to twist your hair with a sponge
- Apply your twisting styling product all over your head at once–we like Darcy’s Botanicals Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream.
- Use sponge and go in a circular motion across your head.
- Add a small dollop sized amount of styling pomade like SheaMoisture Three Butters Styling Pomade to secure the look.
What not to do
- Use it on straight hair. This specific product is meant for naturally textured, coarse hair.
- Use it on dry hair. To avoid breakage from the friction of the sponge material, style with slightly damp hair.
- Press heavily on the hair.
- Spin in different directions. Keep your direction of spinning consistent throughout the entire head.
Watch these tutorials
Hair sponge hack: make your own
Demi Suave shows you in his video.
Have you used a twist/loc hair sponge before?
Devri is the NaturallyCurly Social Media Producer and has a mix of 3c / 4b curls. She prefers volume over definition and focuses on hair health vs length. These are her Editor’s Choice picks for this year’s Best of the Best.
These days, I keep my Wash Day simple and straight to the point. I used to care a lot about volume, growth, and length. Now, my main area of focus is hair health. I want a clean scalp, moisturized curls, and if the growth or length come along, that’s great, too.
First thing’s first, dry detangling my hair lightly before getting into the shower. I use my Curly Hair Solutions H20 Water Bottle and finger comb through fairy knots and shed hair. Then, I use a moisturizing cleanser that won’t strip my scalp, using the pads of my fingers to gently penetrate and remove build-up from the gritty New York City environment. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo is a water-based cleanser with hydrolyzed rice protein to help with curl elasticity and natural shine. Most of the time I use my detangling brush to help get the shampoo deep into my scalp (trust me, it feels great”>. Next, I apply a generous amount of conditioner to my strands in about four to six large sections, distributing it with my palms. I work through each section through a raking technique that helps gently detangle without pulling hair out. My holy grail for years has been DevaCurl One Condition Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner because it’s great for a dense head of curls that craves extra moisture like mine.
When I get out of the shower, I apply some oil to my scalp so it can replenish any lost sebum from shampooing. Righteous Roots Hair Rx contains 11 oils like castor, sesame, and jojoba, to invigorate the scalp, encouraging healthy hair through anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Massaging it in for 2 minutes using the pads of my fingers, I brush a little extra on the crown of my hair. I plop my hair onto a microfiber towel and walk around with it on for about 20 minutes. This is a great time to put on makeup, cook, or check emails. Then, I moisturize and seal my ends with a heavy twisting cream like Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter to provide hold that will last for days to come. I either pineapple or twist my hair in four large two-strand twists, then wrap my head with a satin scarf and place a satin bonnet over my length. The next morning, I finger fluff using some water and styling cream to get my shape round and voluminous. My favorite styler is the DevaCurl Supercream because it smells great, it encourages natural curl clumping, and will keep my definition in place for at least two solid days between my next Wash Day.
What are your wash day holy grails? Let us know in the comments below. See the full list of Best of the Best winners here!
In honor of Women’s History Month let’s celebrate innovative women with curly hair of all ages, who are making history. Women with curly hair are impacting the world in all industries. Here are five women who are challenging the narrative and showing the world that the future is curly, fearless and resilient
Marsai Martin
Image source: Getty Images
The Black-ish actress, Marsai Martin is going to create scripts for Universal. At 14-years-old, she is the youngest professional to have a first-look deal with Universal. She is also the youngest executive producer to have a deal with a studio for a studio film. Marsai will be an amusing filmmaker, producer, and creator. Her acting experience and talents in combination with her new creative positions with Universal will blow audiences away. As a filmmaker, producer, and creator Marsai will be working on the films StepMonster and Little, which she will also be starring in.
Lindsey Day
Image source: @lindseydayy
Lindsey’s drive and desire to see immense representations and diversity of black women unleashed her innovative power. Lindsey is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder for a print publication called CRWN Magazine. CRWN Magazine brings the versatility and beauty for natural hair of black women to the publication industry. CRWN Magazine goes beyond just black hair. It celebrates black women holistically by featuring inspiring photos, dialogue, concepts on culture, lifestyle topics, and more.
Mikaila Ulmer
Image source: @mikailasbees
14-year-old Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade. Mikaila’s fascination and love for bees inspired her to become a bee ambassador, to create something to help them. This award-winning lemonade can be found at Whole Foods Market. It also can be found at natural food delivery companies, food trailers, and restaurants. Mikaila’s Me & the Bees Lemonade sells out at events for young entrepreneurs. Mikaila donates a portion of the lemonade’s sales profits to organizations that are dedicated to saving honeybees. Outside of selling lemonade Mikaila serves as an educator at workshops about saving honeybees, stays active on social entrepreneurship panels, and still gets her education as a bright student.
Marley Dias
Image source: @iammarleydias
14–year-old author and activist Marley Dais launched #1000BlackGirlBooks, a unique book drive that focused on gathering 1000 books about black girls for black girls as readers. 9000 books were collected, which spread awareness about diversity for children’s books. Marley is the author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You. Check out her book out here! Marley is currently being nominated for activism by The Shorty Awards, which recognizes and honors the best organizations and people on social media platforms.
Marah Lidey
Image source: Photography by Kim Li
Shine co-founder Marah Lidey is making her mark in the tech industry. Shine is a mobile app that includes goal challenges, affirmations, gratitude prompts, motivational text messages, and audio meditations. Marah was driven to build something to provide support and insight for everyday struggles that people face. Shine allows users to explore calming tools for anxiety, self-love, self-care, burnout, dating, and much more. You can start your free trial here!
Women with curly hair are incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The world needs women with curly hair to bring creativity, change, awareness, business, and support to all industries and all people.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we created something extra special for you so that you can take this reminder with you wherever you go. Check out our downloadable wallpapers below for your ihone or laptop.
What other innovative curlies do you know about that are making an impact on the world? Let us know in the comments below.
“Loving yourself is important every day of the year — Valentine’s Day is no different.”
photo of yours truly by @skinnywashere for The Curl Revolution
Of course, it is the one holiday that is reserved for spending quality time and money to shower that special someone in your life with love, however, this holiday doesn’t have to mean forfeitting your own personal needs and boundaries for the pleasure and satisfaction of another’s. Here is my quick and simple guide to loving yourself, first and foremost, on Valentine’s Day.
1. Take yourself on a spa day.
Self-care is radical, and one way to do it is by preparing for your cute Valentine’s Day date night with a spa day. If I know that an event or special occasion is going to require a ton of output on my behalf, I like to pamper myself hours in advance with things like a facial, a mani-pedi and a massage. Depending on the size of the event — like if it required a bunch of walking around or something strenuous — I will schedule a follow-up appointment for myself days after. Another way to decompress for a full 24 hours before your special day with bae is by taking a day trip somewhere that has a retreat fit for a queen. Hop on the train and go somewhere in the nature; bring a book and visit some local shops. Schedule a fun activity for one or go see a movie, come back home just in time for date night.
2. It’s simple: do something that you love.
A date shouldn’t be one-sided. The fun part of dating, for me, is allowing my partner to get to know the many layers of my personality. Stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then can be rewarding, but it also pays to stick to an activity with an outcome you are familiar with. As a person living with a chronic illness, it is imperative for me to scan any sort of occasion ahead of time to know where my mental and health boundaries will have to be put into practice. Compromise is a necessity when dating someone, but the right person will also be interested in doing what you want to do, as well.
3. Play dress-up and do good for the community (at the same time”>.
Even though Valentine’s Day is typically meant for a special day between you and your companion, it’s important to remember to show love to your community and the environment. One way to cross multiple boxes off the checklist while preparing for a fun day with bae is by supporting local charities through thrift shopping. Thrifting is one of my personal favorite things to do, because I can have fun playing dress-up with one-of-a-kind or rare fashion pieces while being resourceful and getting to keep some extra cash in my pocket for Valentine’s Day festivities.
Loving and caring for yourself is essential and nourishing to the soul. Read some of my latest essays about these things:
What My Dad Taught Me About Self Love
How to Spring Clean Your Soul… And Let Go
The 7 Apps I Use for Maintaining Self Care
We are always searching for the more natural, safer, effective alternative to store-bought hair products and treatments. The following all-natural cleansing ingredients are known to clarify pores in the scalp, alleviate dryness and dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. For those on a DIY kick since becoming natural, these ingredients should be considered while finding a homemade replacement for shampoo. If you would rather buy a shampoo than make one yourself, below is a list of products that contain these effective natural cleansing agents.
Tea Tree Oil
Curl Chemist Tonya says “Tea tree oil is an effective solvent for sebum and other dirt or oily buildup on the scalp and hair, so it can be used to help provide a clear, clean surface that can absorb moisture and conditioning products more readily.” Much like benzoyl peroxide but with less harsh side effects, tea tree is recommended for usage only if dissolved and diluted with a carrier oil first. Read the 411 on Tea Tree Oil here.
Apple Cider Vinegar
When used as a hair rinse, apple cider vinegar (ACV”> can be used to gently cleanse the hair and remove product buildup. It balances the pH of your hair and scalp. It has a pH of about 3. If you add an acidic rinse like apple cider vinegar to the hair, it will further reduce the pH of your hair strands. Making your hair slightly more acidic will close the cuticles of the hair, making the layers lay down flat. Read about 4 other popular hair rinse ingredients.
Sugar
Known as a natural exfoliator for dead skin cells, sugar is often used as part of facial masks. It’s helpful for dirty scalps, too. Sugar helps to remove dead cells, relieves an itchy scalp, and can prevent premature hair loss by allowing blood flow to circulate to the scalp, which promotes growth. Read more easy DIY sugar recipes here.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil works well for skin and scalp conditions. There are many clarifying shampoo recipes made with Rosemary oil for this reason. It helps balance natural oils in your scalp. The antioxidant powers of vitamin, iron, and calcium in Rosemary essential oil support collagen levels help promote shinier hair, a fresh-feeling scalp, and hair growth. Read 8 other effective ways to use Rosemary.
Rapeseed
Rapeseed oil comes from the black seeds of the rapeseed plant, Brassica napus, which is part of the Brassica family just like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Dry hair doesn’t stand a chance against this oil’s unsaturated fatty acids that coat the hair shaft. Rapeseed oil is light, penetrates the scalp, and has an excellent ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats, for anti-inflammatory effects. Read more about this amazing oil here.
Black Pepper
According to DNA India, black pepper is rich in Vitamins A and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other anti-oxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases. For us, this means black pepper has exceptional growth stimulating and dandruff fighting abilities. Here is an easy to follow DIY root stimulating recipe using black pepper.
Bamboo Extract
When added to shampoo, bamboo extract works hard at removing buildup. Some products with bamboo extract deliver nutrients to the hair follicle to further improve the vitality of your strands as it is being produced. 70% of this grassy wonder is comprised of silica and can also be taken in powder or pill form.
Neem
A natural, gentle dandruff, psoriasis, and dry scalp reliever, neem oil also is effective in removing head lice from your young one’s scalp. There are plenty of natural hair products made with Azadirachta indica, the scientific name for this evergreen. Read more about Neem oil here.
Moringa Oil
This famous tree oil is popular in the hair industry for being antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. It not only cleans the scalp but will help in alleviate scalp irritations like dandruff. A quick fix for all hair problems can be whisked away with a few drops of moringa oil blended with coconut oil. Read Sabrina’s full article on Moringa Oil and a list of product recommendations here.
Willow Bark Extract
White willow bark is an excellent inclusion in a hair care product for someone with really oily hair or a dandruff prone scalp. Cosmetic Scientician enthusiast and author Susan Barclay-Nichols says it makes for a great addition to a DIY clarifier for those with oily hair. Willow bark contains the highest concentrated form of salicylic acid found in nature. This acts as an exfoliator for skin and scalp, and the tannins are astringent.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to my salon hoping to have my brownish hair color lifted a few levels. Initially, I didn’t think to let the colorist know of my previous henna dye and natural lightening sessions that I had conducted at home earlier this year.
Unbeknownst to me, henna dye is completely permanent–as in, it will not allow even bleach to penetrate it for a color correction or new hue. This was big news to me–and somewhat upsetting. Had I known the impact a couple of henna treatments would have on my hair color curiosity, perhaps I wouldn’t have even gone near the stuff.
After a forty minute dye job, my roots totally took the color. They are now an auburn color, while the older parts of my hair (the henna dyed ends”> remain their brunette-black color. The colorist suggested I come back in a few weeks to try again, but was honest in letting me know that this may only cause damage to my hair rather than correct the color over the henna dye.
Pictured above: My auburn roots and darker, henna-dyed ends
Luckily, there is a safe way to remove henna dye from your hair if you find yourself in the same tough spot I am in. Though this is also quite unpredictable, it may work for your curls. Everyone’s reaction is different, depending on your hair and the henna or hair dye you’ve previously used. So before you try this method, you should take the variability of its results into account. In my personal case I figured, “it’s worth a try, right?”
What I’m using
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Argan oil
- Unrefined coconut oil
- Sulfate shampoo
- Plastic shower cap
- Co-wash or gentle sulfate-free cleanser
Directions
- Combine equal parts extra virgin olive oil, argan oil and coconut oil.
- Apply the oil blend from your scalp to the tips of your hair. Leave some leftover for a near future touch-up.
- Leave the oil in overnight (cover your head and with a plastic shower cap and secure with a head wrap so there is no oily mess on your pillowcase the next morning”>.
- Remove the oil treatment by saturating your curls with an undiluted sulfate shampoo, massaging it well into your scalp.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly and then follow up with your usual co-wash.
Remember
Note, this will take a few processes until you start noticing your real hair color coming back. I don’t want my curls to be super oily and limp throughout the week, so I have been using this method every three to four days. I’m hoping that the henna will be completely removed from my hair within the next two months – I’ll write a follow up article and post my before and after photos for you then!
Have you had your hair dyed with henna before? How did you have it removed? Share with us in the comments below! This article was originally posted in 2017 and has been edited for grammar and clarity.
PICTURED: CURLZ AND THE CITY
Not all stylists have mastered the Deva Cut, but the curly hair specialists on this list got these transformations so right.
The Deva cutting technique is the most popular method for cutting curly hair. Most traditional trimming techniques are designed for straight hair.
The Deva Cutting technique is the most popular method for cutting curly hair. Most traditional trimming techniques are designed for straight hair. The Deva Cut, however, allows for those with curly hair to wear their natural texture but still maintain their hair’s uniquely uniformed shape and volume.
The exclusive cut requires stylists to endure training and become certified in the technique before being given the permission to call themselves a “Deva Curl Specialist” or even a “Master Curl Stylist.” Naturally wavy, curly, and coily hair has a ‘spring factor,’ which is best observed on dry hair. This is why the Deva stylist sculpts the clients curl by curl on dry, unaltered wash and go hair.
If you’d like to see what a Deva Cut can do for curly hair with your own eyes, check out the amazing before and afters below. We’ve also provided links to the salons if you see one located near you!
RELATED: Find a Curly Hair Salon Near You
Curl Bar
Toronto, ON, Canada
See more before and afters on their Instagram, @CurlBar.
Diaspora Salon
Baltimore, MD
See more before and afters on their Instagram, @DiasporaSalon.
Georgia Pedro
Brasil
See more before and afters on her Instagram, @GeorgiaPedro.
Red Cottage Salon
Long Grove, IL
See more before and afters on their Instagram, @TheRedCottageSalon.
The Curly Hair Studio
Portland, OR
See more before and afters on their Instagram, @TheCurlyHairStudio.
Salon Decadence
Saginaw, MI
See more before and afters on her Instagram, @HannahSmithStylist.
Leslie Braswell
Decatur, AL
See more before and afters on her Instagram, @LesBraswell.
Mia at Devachan Soho
New York City
See more before and afters on Mia’s Instagram, @mia_devacurl.
Starresha Renae
Chicago, IL
See more before and afters on her Instagram, @thecurlwhispererchicago.
Have you had a successful Deva Cut transformation?
The Natural Hair Movement is an era of fearless, beautiful men, women, and children sporting their hair in its natural state. For those of us who want to stay true to our roots and still have options for changing up our personal style with no chemical shame, these 21 hairstyles (in no particular order”> are some of the most popular in the world among the #teamnatural crowd.
Two-Strand Twists
This look is a must-try when going natural. It’s super easy to style and will help your curls stay fresh for longer. Here is a simple tutorial for creating two-strand twists.
Twist-Outs and Braid-Outs
After a day of wearing twists or braids in your hair, undo them for a whole new style! As a natural, these are an essential style for attaining volume and hold in our curl patterns. Depending on the products used and the size of the twists or braids, this look varies and is extremely popular among long and short-haired naturalistas alike.
Finger Coils
The clean, polished look of finger coils gives us an innocent play on Shirley Temple circa 1935 in The Littlest Rebel. These ringlets are super playful, fun, and a gorgeous way to display fresh coils.
Flat Twists
The flat twist has been around for a long, long time. Even before the natural movement started taking flight, many used flat twists on our relaxed and weaved hair to protect it from damage and over styling. Nowadays, naturals have turned this once juvenile look into one that can be adorned with an elegant flower or other hair accessory to jazz it up. Watch J Mayo show us her a creative updo using flat twists on her type 4 TWA.
Wash-and-Go
This is probably the most popular of the bunch because it is usually considered the easiest hairstyle for naturalistas. Watch this video for tips on achieving maximum curl definition right out of the shower! The best part of a wash-and-go? It can work beautifully on all hair types from loose waves to tight coils.
Box Braids
Janet Jackson made this hairstyle popular with her role in Poetic Justice, and we’ve been hooked ever since. Box braids take us naturals back to the 90’s when style was a perfect blend of sass and beauty (think Dionne in Clueless”>. Watch NaturallyCurly editor Gerilyn get braids for the first time!
Marley Twists
This protective style earns its name from its island vibe, and is popular among curlies in the warmer months of the year. If you can handle long installation time (usually 6 to 8 hours”>, marley twists are a great way to flaunt your natural hair.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots will get you the definition and voluminous curls you aspire to. Learn how to craft this protective style for an easy way to retain moisture while looking cute and ready for a night out on the town!
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRESH LENGTHS
Pineapple
The pineapple method was created by the curly community right here on NaturallyCurly.com! A lot of us use the pineapple method to protect our curls while sleeping. As the natural hair community continues to grow and boast of its pride for our hair, more curlies are leaving the house with a pineapple and no worries! It’s a fabulous and simple look when there’s not a lot of time in the morning to style.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADELYNN DE LA ROSA
Curly Bob
Not everyone wants to be team “long hair don’t care” — and the bob has the sophistication and sexiness to prove that short, curly hair is awesome, too. Sometimes referred to by stylists as the stacked or angled bob, this style is popular during hotter seasons when we need to get all those heavy curls off our necks! Before you chop, be sure to find a salon that specializes in natural hair.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CELMATIQUE
Curly Bangs
If you’re craving a dramatic change but without straightening or losing length, bangs might be for you. In the past, we only saw this cut on straight hair or children, but as all naturals know, there’s nothing curly hair can’t do. More curlies are trying the look as a simple way to add some flair to their regular styles. Use these photos as inspiration for your curly bang transformation!
PHOTO COURTESY OF OHWENDYOH
Blowout
Whenever you need a trim or just want a fluffier, fuller head of hair for the week, the blowout has you covered. There are many different kinds of blowouts—Dominican, Japanese, and Brazilian are among the most common.
Heatless Waves & Curls
Want the look of a blowout without the potential heat damage? Believe it or not, re-texturizing hair does not necessarily call for hot styling tools like a flat iron or curling wand. When us curlies feel like changing up our hair’s natural texture temporarily, we turn to easy-to-use tools like perm rods, flexirods, or Curlformers. Here are just a few of the ways to try a new look without permanently altering your curl pattern.
Fro-Hawk
Growing out your TWA (teeny weeny afro”> can be tedious for the impatient naturals out there. The frohawk is a great way to hide the awkward middle stages of growing your natural hair out by pinning it up into a faux hawk and pairing with some big hoop earrings for a street chic look.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEVEEN OCTAVIA
Afro
We adore the ‘fro for tons of reasons. To us, it epitomizes the era of true texture positivity and self-love. To add to the fun, us curlies have our own code for the types of afros we are rocking: from the TWA to the BAA (big a** afro”>. They say the higher the hair, the closer to heaven…then Aevin Dugas must be holier than thou.
High Curly Puff
This high puff will give you the most height and volume your curls have ever seen. Paired with your favorite professional or date night outfit, this curly ponytail will show off your natural curl pattern while keeping your hair up high so it doesn’t overshadow your whole look.
High Bun
While keeping your curls out of your face for some exercise or attending important meetings with colleagues, the high bun is versatile for many occasions. It’s a classic protective style that doubles as a nifty way to mask split ends.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYJAH
Space Buns
Space buns are a frisky and cute take on a classic updo. This look is a great option if your curls aren’t long enough to pull into one bun. With short hair, try wearing two buns at either side of the nape of your neck instead of up high. For long-haired naturalistas, you may also use a weave hair bundle similar in texture to your natural hair to get the look while still rocking your coils and protecting your ends for the day.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTUALLY ASHLY
Ninja Bun
This ‘do is yet another take on a classic bun, but made more modern and edgy with free curls in the back. This fierce updo lets you show off some height with a topknot while still rocking your natural curl pattern. Follow this tutorial for product and styling tips to get the perfect ninja bun.
Goddess Braid
Extremely similar to the halo braid, the goddess braid is a chic and sophisticated look that a lot of natural brides are sporting. In a few simple steps, you can achieve a regal updo that’s perfect for your next event.
Dreadlocks
Affectionately called ‘locs’, naturalistas all over the world have made this lifestyle commitment to a process called “locking”, in which natural hair is twisted and held together on a regular basis until the hair strands eventually stick together as one big strand. The length and thickness all depend on your maintenance and the type of locking process you choose. Of course, patience is above all, as it may take years to get your desired results.
We live in the era of do-it-yourself
If you aren’t quite sure what you’re doing, there is likely a YouTube video tutorial for that. But what about those who went to school, spent the strenuous time and money perfecting and honing a craft for a certification or degree? When it comes to popular YouTube vloggers, bloggers, and online social media personalities, there’s quite a debate erupting. The conversation noticeably picked up steam within the community after this episode of LA Hair showed a young woman coming into the salon after wearing a quick weave for months, neglecting her natural hair underneath. She admits to learning how to do her own hair from YouTube, and stylist Terry Hunt joins the rest of the crew in wagging a finger at the young lady. In his interview for the episode, he calls it a “modern-day crisis” and orders the client to “Stay off of YouTube” before storming off in utter disbelief.Since I am neither a hairstylist nor YouTuber, I will gladly play devil’s advocate in this debate. I came across these three opinion videos–on YouTube, ironically–which spell out three different stances on the topic.
Watch their videos:
AfrikanHairGod: Hair Stylists Vs. YouTubers
Naturally Glam TV: Natural Hair Beef
Marquita83: Natural Hair | Professionals vs. YouTubers
To sum it up
Viewers, take the meat and throw away the bone. According to Narada, YouTube as a video forum for expert advice, should be taken for what it is. Vloggers have their helpful suggestions, and then perhaps unnecessary ‘fillers’ which might blend the boundary of opinionated advice vs. hard facts. The viewer should utilize their sensibility in determining what can be done at home, what is right, and what advice should be sought by a professional.
Stylists, welcome clients with open arms. Jonna says that “women [with textured hair] want to feel empowered, not dependent.” Nobody wants to feel shunned or looked down upon for choosing to keep their hair in its natural state. Since some salons do not offer a welcoming feeling to curly-haired people, this often causes us to resort to our computers and sometimes unreliable sources for advice.
Vloggers, reference your source. If there is a known master of the technique or style, Marquita will make sure she mentions it within her video. She doesn’t believe in falsely claiming expertise.
NaturallyCurly World, where do you stand on this topic?
PHOTO VIA @PEKELARILEY
We have been loving all of the short haircut inspiration in our feeds lately (our own Social Media Manager Evelyn is rocking a purple tapered cut herself”> and we know that when you have short hair, you have special styling needs. We get a lot of questions from our short haired community members, so we enlisted the help of curly hair stylist and salon owner Evan Joseph to weigh in with his expert opinion. NaturallyCurly community member Erin.Whitse just posted this question for us, here is what Evan had to say.
Question:
I recently cut my hair into a tapered TWA. It’s not quite long enough to two-strand twist so I rely on products that bring out my natural curl definition. Upon initial research, I saw my TWA natural using ECO styling gel so I started trying it out on my hair. It works well at defining my curls and providing hold but I don’t like the flakiness, crunch, and stiffness it leaves behind. Also, I live in an area where the air can be pretty dry and it affects my already moisture resistant hair. I’m looking for styling products for my TWA that will also help add and keep my hair moisturized.
Styling creams will certainly offer lots of definition and hydration to a short curly haircut. Just make sure it is silicone-free.
Evan’s Answer:
Styling creams will certainly offer lots of definition and hydration! Just make sure you are using a Cream Styler that is silicone-free. The key to getting definition is more about how wet your hair is when you add your product. I recommend:
- Add a generous amount of styler to your hair when it is dripping wet, immediately after rinsing your conditioner.
- Once you have stepped out of the shower with hair divided into quads–from ear to ear and from the middle of your forehead down to the nape of your neck. Clip the sections up and away (if the sections are long enough”>. Starting with the sections in the back, take one-inch sections.
- Spray each section with water before adding styler. Work your way upward section by section until you reach the top of your head.
- Do the same in the front two sections working from the ear up to your part. Glaze styler over the surface of your hair, lightly blot with a microfiber towel when finished (just enough to stop any dripping”>, and let it dry completely before touching.
- Loosen up with finger at the scalp once dry.
Do you have a question for curly hair expert Evan Joseph? Leave it in the comments below!
Photo by @_emmadc
Sometimes embracing something new is not all it’s cracked up to be. A lot of time consuming trials and tribulations will come with returning to your hair’s natural texture. It might get frustrating at times, but it will most definitely be worth the effort. Utilize these tips will help the transitioning process to be smooth and simple.
1. Trim your ends.
It’s time to part with your split, dry, damaged, and overly heat-processed ends. There are tons of great stylists in your area waiting to do that big chop!We recommend doing some necessary research on a professional close to you who specializes in cutting your specific hair type, texture, length, etc.
2. Deep condition and moisturize regularly.
Your hair has been lacking moisture. It’s time to nourish it from root to tip! Deep conditioning smoothes your hair’s damaged cuticles and allows it to suit up for growing out natural without chemically processed assistance. The LOC Method is great for retaining moisture for days on end.
3. Lessen your heat tool usage.
Direct heat will worsen your hair’s natural texture, no doubt. Make sure you minimize your heat usage, and pay close attention to applying heat on your relaxed or chemically processed hair (since it’s already particularly fragile”>. A safe–and soothing–alternative to heat is warming up a wet washcloth and wrapping it around your edges. Steamers are great, too.
4. Start experimenting with product cocktails.
Our wavy, curly, and coily hair doesn’t come with a go-to care package. Sometimes, we need to look around and figure out for ourselves what works for our hair. There are many factors to consider for your hair, so it’s important to do the necessary research and then experiment with different products for your curls.
5. Keep your scalp clean.
In order to give your natural hair texture a fair chance, it is crucial to keep your scalp as clean as possible. Many curlies practice the No-Poo method, or swap out their regular shampoos for one that is sulfate-free and less harsher on their hair.
Sure, transitioning takes time and patience in order to receive the best results, but it’s definitely worth it. Returning to your hair’s natural roots (literally”> can be so rewarding in its abilities to set your mind free, let you step outside of your style’s comfort zone, and bond with a whole new community of exquisitely diverse and outstanding individuals in the same boat as you.
Are you transitioning? Let us know how we can help you along your journey in the comments below.
The world of natural hair has always been a community.
Most of us are more than happy to share our experience with one another about what worked for our curls. With the powers of the internet (and YouTube in particular”>, the scope of the natural hair movement has grown drastically in recent years. If you are not already following a few natural hair YouTubers, you are missing out on some helpful information that could make a difference in the vitality of your own head of curls. Here are 10 natural hair YouTubers the NaturallyCurly community loves.
Hey Fran Hey
Francheska knows a thing or two about healthy and conscious living. Her easy to follow homemade hair and skin recipes say it all. For the naturalista looking for an all-natural remedy for anything from menstrual cramps to detangling curly hair, this channel is a one stop shop for living your cleanest life possible.
Hair Romance
No day will be a bad hair day if you subscribe to Hair Romance on YouTube. This wavy girl has beautiful and intricate hairstyle tutorials that will dress up any outfit or occasion. Complete with various hair hacks for adding volume to limp hair and flair to a boring style, this channel is for the wavies of the world.
ItsMyRayeRaye
Bright, fun videos that highlight hair and makeup unboxing and tutorials on curly girl Raye Boyce’s page. From tips on perfecting the smoky eye to making a huge jumbo braid, she doesn’t disappoint for teaching us how to serve Instagram-worthy looks.
The Chic Natural
With a steady following already, this video blogger covers a wide range of topics including fashion, beauty, and hair care. From step by step tutorials on how to achieve the latest hairstyles to how to create a variety of makeup looks for all occasions, The Chic Natural offers tons of tips and tricks to help you look and feel your best. Her bubbly personality and know-how definitely earn her a spot on the list of natural hair YouTubers to consider.
Jewellianna Palencia
Subscribe to this fashionable page for tips specific to those wanting to maintain long, naturally curly hair. Jewellianna also offers various tips for beauty and fresh fashion hauls for the everyday millennial woman.
Journey to Waist Length
Another YouTuber covering a range of topics, Journey to Waist Length takes viewers through her hair journey while offering tips on par with the current fashion and skincare trends.
NaturalNeiicey
Since 2011, YouTuber Shaneice has taken us along for her journey to healthy natural hair that is long and flourishing. Her videos also dabble in fashion, beauty, and even technical advice for those needing help editing their own YouTube videos.
Naptural85
Whitney has been on YouTube since 2008, making her one of our favorite veterans in the natural hair game. Now married and with two kids later, she gives plenty of advice for maintaining an all-natural lifestyle, including unboxings, DIY recipes, and hairstyle tutorials easy enough for even the beginner natural.
SunKissAlba
Join Alba and her flawless curls as they dive into the things it takes to keep up the healthiest, most fulfilling life possible. In addition to hair care videos, this bilingual vlogger also shares her business endeavors for young entrepreneur inspiration.
BlakIzBeautyful
Also referred to as KinkyCurlyCoilyMe in the natural hair community, Jenell B. Stewart has made a big impact on naturals everywhere with her videos showcasing coily natural hair. She doesn’t only give her audience hair tutorials, but also provides a platform for topics regarding afro textured hair that can be helpful to community newcomers.
CharyJay
Her perfect haircut, her beautiful hair color and coils make CharyJay a recommendation for naturals looking for the best product regimen for their color-treated curls. If you deal with shrinkage and dryness, her reviews are a great go-to choice.
NaturallyCurly
But of course! Our channel provides a platform for women with waves, curls and coils with a much needed dose of comedy and lightheartedness! Here, the natural community can get product information that is relevant, tutorials, and crazy hair hacks from our NaturallyCurly editors spanning the entire texture spectrum. Check out our weekly Watch and Go series where we review a movie or show we’ve been watching while doing a wash and go tutorial on camera.
Last September I was on the hunt for a style that could help me give my breakage a break.
Before mustering up the courage to go get a trim and grow out my damaged color-treated hair, I asked my stylist to give me some Ghana braids. They helped my ends blend, grow out to a more comfortable level that allowed me to keep my length when I took them out to get a cut.So, what are Ghana braids?
Also known as Banana braids, straight-backs, or cornrows, Ghana braids are considered a protective style in the natural/curly hair community. The history goes back to none other than Africa and gained momentum around 500 B.C. According to essayist As Peters for Culturally Situated Design Tools, “Hieroglyphs and sculptures dating back thousands of years illustrate the attention Africans have paid to their hair. Braids were etched into the back of the head of the majestic sphinx.” This hairstyle survived the Middle Passage and made its way to Western civilization.
While the straight-back styles were originally in honor of various religious, kinship, social status, age, and ethnic groups, the more intricate zig-zag, curvier lines attributed to a sort of act of defiance and peaceful protest among slaves–especially when their masters would encourage them to relax or straighten their textured hair. Upon the capture and selling of these people, most were forced to shave their heads as a result.
The first Ghana braids were seen in Hieroglyphs and sculptures
The history of Ghana braids goes back Africa around 500 B.C. in honor of various religious, kinship, social status, age, and ethnic groups. The first Ghana braids were seen in Hieroglyphs and sculptures from that era.
Today in 2018, we are seeing more women of various ethnicities and races rock Ghana braids and cornrows than ever. However, many don’t understand the history behind the iconic style. Ghana braids also transcend a wide array of ages and can be beautifully adorned with hair jewelry like wooden beads, metal rings, or a single flower tucked behind the ear. Most hairstylists start with their client’s natural hair braided from the front/hairline all the way to the back, where additional extension hair can be added for length and thickness. That’s what my stylist did; since I used this as a true protective style, I wanted my ends tucked into some extensions. I also wanted my normally shoulder-length hair to go down past my back for a week.
The necessary scalp upkeep
No combs or other styling tools are necessary while wearing Ghana braids. They pretty much take care of themselves–just wrap hair at night with a satin bonnet to keep the cuticles smooth and shiny longer. One thing I did to get the most out of this protective style was add a root stimulator and a dry shampoo to my regimen (it is not recommended to wash hair with Ghana braids”>. This is what my roots enjoyed:
- DevaCurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser – It absorbs my excess oil and build-up and is botanically-infused to promote scalp health.
- Ruutos Hair Growth Elixir – Coconut, Castor, and Jojoba Oils are the first 3 ingredients listed. It is a soothing treat for my itchy scalp.
- Zenzela Leave-In Conditioner – It contains hydrating aloe and natural clarifying willowbark extract, which I spray my scalp with and gently massage for nourishment and exfoliation.
Watch these helpful Ghana braids tutorials
Have you tried rocked Ghana braids before? Show us on StyleNook or Instagram.
This article was previously published and has been updated to include new imagery.
We all want to make a good first impression.
And let’s be honest: we know the corporate world tends to be a judgemental space to those who choose to wear their hair naturally curly, coily and wavy.
Sometimes we’ve got to bite the bullet and conform to some extent to get that dream job. Hey, there are bills that need to be paid! There are children that need to be fed!
These days, that good first impression doesn’t necessarily need to be made in person anymore. Social media platforms and career networking websites like LinkedIn help employers spot their potential candidates from a distance.
Here is a list of popular natural hairstyles found on LinkedIn profiles that have been helping curlies and naturals get jobs in Corporate America.
Flat twist-out
Flat twisting is a technique used for stretching and defining the hair that’s similar to a twist out or braid-out. The difference between a flat twist-out and a two-strand twist-out is that with flat twists, the hair is lying flat against the head. It is ideal for those with Type 3c to 4c hair with high density and porosity. See how Janell Stephens does her flat twist-out to perfection.
Braided Bang Updo
All you need is a pack of braiding (kanekalon”> hair from the beauty store that blends with your natural texture, along with some bobby pins, and two minutes. This style is polished yet edgy and is best suited for those with coarse, high porosity curls and coils. You can learn more about how NC editor Devri Velazquez does her 2-minute twisted bun updo here.
Side-swept Heatless Waves
This effortless hairstyle is professional and sexy, accentuating natural waves by practicing safe heat styling, for a look that still feels like you! See how this type 2b wavy does it without causing permanent heat damage.
Sleek Bun
With some edge taming gel, a detangling brush that is easy on naturally curly hair, and a leave-in conditioner, this hairstyle adds just the right amount of class for the perfect selfie. See how type 3c Shannon creates a sleek bun on her curls.
Flexi Rod or CurlFormers Set
If you want to get rid of frizz but keep your volume and definition, go for a flexi rod or CurlFormers set. This look is ideal for all hair types, but especially for those with Type 2a wavy, low density hair to Type 3b curly hair. See how Rocio does her CurlFormers set with mousse and a leave-in conditioner.
Wash and go
Who says you can’t rock a wash and go without making a good first impression for a potential employer? See how Michelle Thames keeps her coils smooth and shiny for the headshots she needs for that dream position using shampoo and the LOC Method.
How did you wear your naturally curly hair to an interview?
We want to see pics! Like us on Facebook and show us what style you rocked to land the job.
Starting over again with short hair doesn’t have to be a scary thing. In fact, it can be incredibly empowering for not only your physical appearance, but also your inner confidence.
Coco Chanel once said, “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.”
Do you believe this saying to be true?
I recently spoke with three NaturallyCurly editors, Cristina, Gerilyn, and Alexandra, asking them this question as a kickoff for a meaningful conversation about their big chop and transitioning journeys starting over again with short hair. Here’s each of their take.
Cristina Cleveland (@cristinacleveland“>: I don’t know if it’s true for everyone, but I found it to be true for me.
Cutting my hair to me was a rejection of the beauty standards of my friends, family, and strangers — anyone who isn’t me. When I was younger I would have agonized over whether other people liked my hair, asking everyone’s opinion before I cut it and then worrying about reactions afterward. But when I cut my long hair off I only cared about how I felt — and I loved it!
Gerilyn Hayes (@gerilynhayes“>: In my experience, this is absolutely true.
Alexandra Wilson (@queensconquer“>: Yes, I most definitely believe this is true!
When I cut my hair two years ago, I was going through a major transition in my life and was in need of change. I had recently graduated college, started my own business, moved to a new city, let go of some toxic relationships and felt it was the perfect time to break free from my past in order to become the woman I envisioned myself of being: bold, fearless, care-free and magical AF.
How did you convince yourself to finally take that plunge and do super short hair?
CC: I thought about it for a long time. I knew it was what I wanted but everyone kept telling me I was going to regret [doing short hair]. Then I made my appointment, and the day of the stylist told me they had to reschedule – which may have been a blessing in disguise. By the time my real appointment came, I was so ready to get rid of my hair, I couldn’t wait another moment.
GH: Although it felt random at the time, hindsight tells me that a series of events led up to the cut. Having thought about shaving my head for years, I never gave it any real thought until I was on the cusp of my Junior year at Texas State. When I made the decision to shave my head skin-bald, I was in an emotionally heavy place. I just wanted to let go of my old self, feelings that no longer served me, and make a fresh start. That one decision, to let go by cutting it all off, completely changed my life.
AW: I kept seeing so many beautiful short haircuts leading up to my cut and I felt that it was a sign to go for it! So, I started a short hair inspiration vision board of a few hairstyles I had in mind to show the stylist. Then, when I went home to Houston that Summer I did some research and found a stylist that was reasonable, experienced and knowledgeable and booked her. It truly was a risk because I had never booked with her before, but I checked out her Instagram and saw her work and took the leap of faith — shout out to Cici for doing my big chop!
Were you nervous once you were in the chair or were you excited about what was about to happen?
CC: Both! What added to my nervousness and excitement was that Evelyn was filming it, so there was no backing out.
GH: It is difficult to explain. Looking back, I just remember thinking, “Well, here we go!” As the curls on my head began to fall away, I saw my scalp for the first time ever, and that is when I got excited. It was like getting to the root of my soul, peering in, and letting the entire world see the real me, with all my imperfections, blemishes, and pain. It was truly liberating.
AW: I was beyond excited for a fresh start and a new look! I had a vision of what I wanted and I trusted her to work her magic.
How did you keep yourself from getting bored with your short cut while your hair grew back out?
CC: I knew the grow out was going to be tough so I actually had a grow out plan. When I reached the awkward length where my hair started flipping into a mullet, I bleached it platinum blonde, then when my hair was in a short bob I dyed it purple. I thought the blonde would keep me preoccupied so that I wouldn’t be tempted to cut it, but it turned out that my hair was so damaged I had to cut it all off again later. In hindsight it kind of prolonged my grow out, but it was definitely fun!
GH: I continued to shave it for about a decade, but when I got a little lazy and let my hair grow longer than usual, I would wear head wraps and large accessories. When I stopped shaving my head and let my 4Cs do their thing, I would rock a black hat; sometimes I still do!
AW: My hair grew back pretty fast, so at first I wanted to keep it short so I would get a haircut every two or three months to preserve my short hairstyle. I would rock a sleek straight pixie, curly mohawk, and a curly pixie. Once my hair grew put longer, my go-to method was the finger coil technique to hide the longer hairs and have a defined look. Now, I’m over the short hairstyles and have been rocking protective styles such as braids, sew-ins and headwraps to let my fully grow out.
You experimented with a ton of different products throughout your short hair journey. Which products were the most reliable and why?
CC:
Actually what I used most was water. Every morning I would dunk my head in the sink and just let the running water wet the top of my hair completely. This is because when I woke up every day my hair would be sticking up and out in all sorts of directions, and it was so short that I could re-wetting it and starting from scratch only took a couple minutes. I also used a travel-sized flat iron or bobby pins a lot to flatten the back and sides of my hair down to my head (since they naturally stick out instead of down”>. Aside from that, I used small amounts of curl creams like AG Beach Balm for hold. I talked about my process more in this video.
GH:
- Africa’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil is the #GOAT because at any given moment, you can massage your scalp with it and smell like a heaven-scented goddess. It is still my go-to for scalp massages, foot rubs, facial massages, and body oil.
- When my hair became long enough for protective styles, I would set Bantu Knots and Two-Strand Twists with Ampro Gel (literally any of their gels”>. The one that really stuck with me because it didn’t make my hair hard or crunchy was Ampro Styl Olive Oil Styling Gel.
AW:
- Kinky Curly Knot Today is by far the best detanglers ever made! It provides amazing slip and I like to use it a leave-in as well.
- ORS styling smoothie is one of my holy grails for a styling creme that nourishes my hair with protein and nutrients plus it defines my curls effortlessly.
- Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner because every transitioner needs a good deep conditioner in their wash day routine and this is my favorite! It leaves my hair feeling so soft and scalp refreshed and clean.
What advice would you give to a woman thinking about going shorter but still on the fence about taking the plunge?
CC: Before I cut my hair I had visions that I would cry and feel ugly with short hair, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I felt my absolute most confident when I had my hair short because it was an external sign to the world (and myself”> that I love myself and I don’t care what anyone thinks. Yes, there were days when my hair was doing weird things, but I just had to laugh it off and find new ways to make it work. If you’re really that worried about it, my advice is: it grows back! So just enjoy every stage. (Can you tell I’ve been feeling the urge to go short again?”>
GH: Don’t worry about what other people say or think about your decision because, ultimately, it is your decision! However, be prepared to tell people that it is not okay for them to touch or rub your head for good luck because germs — unless that’s okay with you — and carry a warm hat or hoodie with you to movie theaters (you’re welcome”>. You must also be prepared for the moments your look will cause onlookers to have whiplash. Most importantly, have fun!
AW: If it’s been on your mind for a while, go for it! If you’re unsure about how it will look on you, try a wig first. Gather some hairstyles that would work best for your hair type and face frame, research a stylist in your area, and be clear on what you want your hair to look like and tell your stylist your expectations and how you’ll be wearing your hair and let the magic happen!
NC Community: Are you nervous about taking the big chop plunge?
Our editors are here to answer your questions. Leave a question or comment below for one of us, or if you have already done the big chop, let us know what your experience was like. Like us on Facebook – NaturallyCurly
When I first saw one of my hair twins on social media, Kilsi Rodriguez, I only knew her as what everyone else did online: @Le_Frosie.
We were both Afro-Latina with similar curl patterns, and being a recent transplant of New York City, I was interested to get to know her work outside of Instagram selfies and hairstyle tutorials. Months after wrapping up the nationwide Rizos on the Road Tour with bloggers Ada Rojas and Rocio Mora, I have become more curious than ever in joining forces with other strong influencers in the Afro-Latinx community to continue making waves and breaking chains. Turns out, Rodriguez was doing the same. Get to know Kilsi Rodriguez — Le Frosie — in her own words.
Growing up I was proud of being Dominican but nothing else, I never identified with being Latina or Afro-Latina.
I had no idea my hair could curl or that I had any type of African decent. I lived in a predominantly Italian neighborhood but went to a school that was very diverse. Who I was culturally wasn’t something I ever focused on or embraced. I thought everyone was the same and that there was nothing special about my heritage. It wasn’t until college when I experienced my first incident that opened my eyes to who I was and that the color of my skin and my accent were factors that people paid attention to. I remember being angry that I knew nothing about who I was, my culture, my roots, the word Latina. As time passed in college, I educated myself as much as possible about my culture. I broke down the misconceptions of what it meant to be Black and began to identify as Afro-Latina.
When I started Le Frosie, I knew I wanted to one day have an event.
Event planning is something I enjoy doing, I planned multiple events in college and I currently plan events for the high school I work at, but I wanted to make sure I had a purpose and that my event could be a direct reflection of me. I started a hair club at the high school I teach at because so many girls were coming up to me asking me questions. After a month or so I starting thinking about how amazing it would be to have clubs like this at all schools. Especially since it took me until I was in college to even know that I was and until I graduated to embrace my natural hair. That’s when I decided to start planning Afros & Rizos. I wanted to make sure it was inclusive and interactive. I modeled the event after a lesson format that is considered one of my best practices and I named it Afros & Rizos because I wanted to include women whose hair is natural but may not curl. I threw my first event and realized that I wanted to continue to impact lives. I had been to so many curly girl events and none of them had a social responsibility. I didn’t want to just follow that trend. I want to use my platform to impact lives and helping high school girls and boys embrace themselves through free programming and events just hit home on so many levels.
The most challenging part is getting sponsors to see your vision.
It’s been difficult to get a presenting sponsor but I think companies need to see things in action before they commit, but I am a very determined person and I want to make sure I raise enough money to offer the free events to high school students.
As I mentioned before, I am a business and marketing teacher. I teach entrepreneurship and I am helping my students develop business plans. I’ve used all of my Afros & Rizos planning as an example to teach them the steps of a business plan; they are more excited than me for the event series to happen because they want to attend the free high school events. Their excitement and interest is what fuels me!
I think that mainstream media has come a long way but still has a long way to go. We are accepting of natural hair but the representation of all hair textures is lacking. I still find myself searching for a Latina with kinky hair being shown in the media. I believe representation matters and if we want to have confident women, it begins with our girls and the best way to achieve it — through representation.
Upcoming events
We have our three events: SUNY Old Westbury on Feb 23rd, Syracuse University on April 21st, and the NYC event July 27th. We are planning to launch our 1st high school event in October! Also, I want to expand from just [organizing] events and programming to mentorship opportunities and scholarships in the future.
Follow Kilsi on Instagram @Le_Frosie and visit AfrosAndRizos.com for more information on her initiative.
What (or who”> inspires you everyday?
For any of the us, the answer would include our mom. From her constant support to her unconditional love, she is a huge reason for why some of us do what we do for the world. Without Mom’s love, who would we be? The better question might be, where would we be? I recently spoke with USA Bobsled Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor as part of Procter & Gamble’s latest release for their Thank You, Mom series: Love Over Bias. Here’s her story.
Lots of things inspire me.
Of course my parents and family come to mind, but I don’t get to see them everyday. So if I had to narrow it down to one thing, it would clearly be my husband Nic, who is also a world class bobsledder. He is an amazingly supportive husband, and also an amazing coach, trainer, therapist and all around partner.
My mom knew I had an Olympic dream to play softball, but that got derailed. She saw bobsled on TV and knew I had the right physique to have potential in the sport so she said, “Hey, you could be good at that, maybe that’s the ticket to the Olympics.” And guess what? Mom was right.
The minute I realized this could be possible and that maybe, one day, take me to the Olympics, I was all in!
It is the foundation of the confidence I have to take on the world. Any challenge it may throw my way or I may choose to pursue, derived from a lifetime of unconditional love she and my father gave to me, which has made me the person I am today.
I have felt different and alone countless times.
I am of mixed race and ethnicity and I’m a big, strong and powerful woman who has competed with and against girls, boys, women and men my whole life. I’m different in lots of ways and proud to be so. My wish is to be part of a growing voice of people, of all people, who believe in the general goodness of people, and believe that being a good person has nothing to do with all of the things that makes us different. I want to be a loud voice in that. I want to be part of drowning out any noise made by haters, and I want to part of helping people reshape narrow minded views.
We are absolutely bombarded with media coverage of the things that divide people.
Sadly, that sort of thing is everywhere. See this film. Share this film. Talk about this film. Because if there is one thing that I believe we all share, every single one of us, everywhere, around the world, one thing that connects us all… it’s a mother’s love. Everyone understands that.
[do action=”youtube-video” videoid=”JSWyrR4gXkw”/]
When the world sees differences, a mom sees boundless potential. For the Winter Olympics 2018, we’re honoring a mom’s role in helping her kids overcome the world’s bias. Just imagine what the world could be if we all saw each other through a mom’s loving eyes. Thank you, Mom.
Read next: How This Olympian’s Mom Taught Her to Disregard the Odds
Learn more about P&G’s series here.
