Search Results: Devri Velazquez
New York Fashion Week 2017
Known as a whirlwind for the biggest names in popular clothing and mainstream beauty, New York Fashion Week is seldom known for giving what has been long considered unconventional hair the attention it deserves.
In this day and age, unfortunately, natural hair is still pretty low on the priority list when major labels, stylists and designers are considering the presentation of their next NYFW presentation. And that is precisely why NaturallyCurly decided to create our own fashion show, Texture on the Runway powered by Sally Beauty. This past Thursday, September 7th, we took over the luxurious stage at Gotham Hall and dedicated an evening to the intricacy and beauty that curly textured hair is known for.
Instead of encouraging hairstylists to reach for the straightening irons, we brought together six brands of various well known hair care favorites in the community, put them on one stage in one show, and told them to bring forth their unique take on the true diversity in naturally curly hair.
When I heard Mielle Organics would be part of the TOR 2017 lineup, I was giddy with excitement. Having met CEO and founder Monique Rodriguez years ago when creating a healthy hair care brand for curly girls was a mere idea posted on social media, I couldn’t wait to see what the rapidly successful brand had in store for hundreds of us in New York City on that special night.
Singing an ode to magical black girls everywhere
With holy grails such as Mint Almond Oil, Avocado Hair Milk and Detangling Cowash, the brand puts healthy, naturally glowing hair for every texture at the forefront of its mission statement, so when I sat down with lead stylist and Mielle Organics educator, Key Glover, it made perfect sense why the theme for their Texture on the Runway show was called Cranes in the Sky.
An ode to magical black girls everywhere, I think we can all agree that when Solange’s hit album A Seat at The Table came out, it provided us with much needed comfort and encouragement we weren’t getting enough of as a community, especially women with tighter curls and coils. Mielle Organics’ take on Cranes was just as lovely and comforting, complete with a harpist and more glitter than my big glowing soul could handle in a night filled with so much safety and joy.
“Solange is very versatile with her hair styles. She is very free in terms of wearing different hairstyles such” -Key Glover, Mielle Organics Lead Hairstylist
The best part of the show?
Although you would think that the sparkling and flowy outfits and the long, complex, textured braids did it for me, I threw my hands up in utter happiness when Monique and Key graced the stage to inform the audience the debut of their latest collection, Pomegranate & Honey. Made for type 4 coily girls, this line was used on each hairstyle showcased by the brand at Texture on the Runway, making all of us fall in black girl magic and black boy joy just a little bit more at the end of the night.
Stay tuned for Mielle Organics’ new collection, Pomegranate & Honey, to be sold at Sally Beauty at the end of the month. In the meantime, shop your MO holy grails in their online store.
This post was sponsored by Mielle Organics.
Photos courtesy of Corey Reese Photography
Attending a major music, food and arts festival at the wind-down of the summer comes with big decisions — you know, like How will I wear my hair? and Who will I get a selfie with? But seriously, the fun and versatility of having naturally curly hair is something that never gets old, especially in situations like these.
Returning for its second year, The Meadows Music and Arts Festival is coming to New York City with an exciting multitude of headliners including Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nas, Gorillaz, Future, Erykah Badu, Weezer and more taking over Citi Field in Queens on September 15th-17th. Here are the burning questions on my mind as I prepare for The Meadows Festival.
How will I wear my hair?
At recent major festivals I’ve rocked box braids and fluffy undefined ‘fros, but I am considering switching it up again. One thing is for certain, even an outdoor music and food festival won’t have be forfeitting the health of my curls over their look for the sake of trendsetting fashion alone. I also know I will be toting my Tausii Co. bag to keep all my hair ties and mini bottle of curl refresher secure. Let me know what your suggestions for styles are.
What will I eat?
Let me tell you about this food lineup though. I better not find out where Dough’s Donuts is hanging or else all of my photo opps are going to have me looking like I’m a 10-year-old kid who is getting my reward after behaving at my dentist appointment.
Which artists will I watch?
There are so many good artists, so much amazing music. I will have went to rockstar heaven once I enter the fest. Who will it be? Red Hot Chili Peppers are, quite honestly, one of my favorite bands of all time and I am considering how much I’m going to love the shoes I have on when I see the size of the crowd and what I am willing to do to pummel through it in order to get a good view. If you catch me zoning out to the likes of Future just know that sometimes, I channel my inner trap star and in that moment, I clearly don’t care who’s watching.
I was fortunate enough to grab my ticket before I knew they’d be selling out like slices of Roberta’s Pizza, but I was just told that tomorrow, September 1, is the deadline to purchase tickets while avoiding rush fees on wristbands. Grab your your passes here before it’s too late.
Will I see you at The Meadows?
Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be there! Follow me on social media @devrivelazquez for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes of all the festivities.
Photo by @stylefeen for NaturallyCurly.
So many festivals happen during the hotter seasons, and many of them are held at outdoor venues.
Although they are meant to be an enjoyable time, it can get hot and exhausting if you fail to care for yourself first. Not to mention, the mixture of loud music, alcohol, and super-hype attendees can make a festival seem like a playground of anxiety for a large portion of the population. And as lit as they can be, events like Afropunk can certainly be overwhelming at best when it comes to putting self-care at the forefront of the day. Being an avid festival-goer myself, here is how I survive and thrive.
Eat and drink when necessary.
I start every morning with a latte, but considering the amount of sugar it can contain and how long I plan on being out in the sun for a show that day, it may be worth skipping and replacing with a green smoothie instead. That way, I know I’ll get an equal fix of both sweetness — a la fruit sugars — and real, lasting energy by way of the smoothie’s green vegetables to boost my vitamins, minerals, and fiber intake.
Drink plenty of water, and do not ignore your body when it is telling you that you are hungry and about to pass out. I will never miss an opportunity to eat a slice of pizza or a taco from a food truck during a festival, even if it is slightly greasy and extremely overpriced. Food is nourishment, and it is important to feed yourself, especially while burning energy and being on your feet for hours on end.
Protect your ears and eyes.
Have some stylish sunnies in your purse in case the sun in sweltering and in your face the day of a festival. Another dual purpose option is a cute umbrella — if it rains, you’ll be covered as well. And seaking of the sun, bring a portable battery-powered fan to keep you cool, too. I always bring a pair of cheapearbuds from the drugstore since I like getting up close and personal near the performers.
Wear the right stuff.
Wear sunscreen 30, and go the extra mile of protection by keeping your beautiful curls tucked in a headwrap or underneath a hat. Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing that you might not mind getting a little dirty. I once wore a brand new pair of shoes and ended up in a mosh pit; needless to say, the show was memorable but my shoes were done for by the time I got back home.
Ignore the idiots.
Every event has a few buzzkills, but you don’t have to be affected by them. I’ve witnessed my fair share of stupid people attempting to disturb the peace, but that doesn’t mean I had to pay any mind to their behavior. If your mind is feeling uneasy and craving a moment to yourself in a busy crowd, never hesitate to step aside and duck off for a bit in between sets. Stand in the shade, go drink some water, and close your eyes for a bit (if possible”>. Give your brain a break, and just relax. After all, festivals are intended to be a sort of vacation from everyday life.
Last but not least, stay present.
There is a rare chance to see and hear great performances from amazing artists, so allow yourself to appreciate it. Put your phone down and don’t worry so much about posting to your story. Yeah, that’s coming from me. Even though I am notorious in my circle of friends for being the one who Snapchats and Insta-stories everything, I am certainly mindful of how much time I spend on my phone during festivals. Nothing beats the experience, the chance to be in a place with like-minded individuals, so the texts and mindless social media scrolling can wait.
Most importantly, have fun!
The NC crew will see you at Afropunk 2017!
Read our advice on how we slayed Curlfest 2017 here.
Follow me@devrivelazquez / photos of yours truly by@photo.jay
Unexpected trips to the ER are never fun.
For these four women, frequent hospital stays are the norm and having constant bed head is just another pain to deal with. In the chronic illness community, we refer to ourselves as “spoonies” and being one myself for 6 years now, I can attest to the amount of pain — physical and emotional — that having a random and incurable disease can bring about. The last thing anyone is pain wants to be bothered with is their hair and beauty, but as women, we sometimes find that an innate characteristic, and it’s OK to want to feel beautiful at a low moment.
Below, 3 of my spoonie friends and I share how we deal with annoying hair and beauty issues — and just low self-esteem in general — when fighting for our lives in the hospital bed.
Devri
- Diagnosis: Takayasu’s Arteritis, Ascending Aortic Aneurysm, Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease
My beauty secrets on flare-up days
I have learned to enjoy the mask that a cute headwrap provides. On mornings that have me feeling physically weak, I have to utilize the little amounts of energy that I do have in the smartest way. I can admit that it does get pretty challenging when my body is tired because I tend to ignore the immediate needs of my curls like moisture, or a good detangling session. However, I pick right back up on the good days and ensure that I feed even more attention to make up for whatever I neglected.
As far as my skin and hygiene are concerned, hospital stays have been difficult in the past. One hack that I have learned during overnight stays are to use one of the hospital chairs to prop myself in the shower so that I don’t have to stand up while bathing.
I usually have my mom or a friend help wash my hair and cleanse my face. I rely heavily on my toner and green tea moisturizer to refresh my face, especially if I know to expect some visitors throughout the day.
I have felt ‘ugly’ a few times throughout the years of my diagnosis.
With constant weight fluctuation, extreme weight gain, acne, brittle hair and an overall sense of fatigue and frailness that have not left my body in 6 years, I have spent plenty of time questioning myself in the mirror through tears. Now I have learned to get a better grip on my feelings, as I understand that this is just how my cards were dealt and I will have Takayasu’s for the rest of my life. I might as well embrace the beautiful story it has given me to share!
Visit my personal blog, Pretty Sick Chick
Karolyn
- Diagnosis: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
My hospital beauty routine: minimal and protective.
In the ER, or during hospital stays, I sweep my hair into pigtails to keep it from getting tangled or needing to be brushed. When I’ve had to do EEGs or sleep studies, I would bring silicone-based shine serum like Frizz-Ease because the silicone breaks down the glue; I massage it into the wads of glue on my scalp and dissolve them without damaging my hair afterwards. It reduces the stress of the process, and makes showering afterwards easier.
For my face, I focus on skincare, so I’m comfortable with a bare face, or smearing on a bright lip gloss to draw attention to everything I’m telling my doctors I need.
[quote cite=”Karolyn”] Accepting that my core remains the same regardless of how I look has been key to breaking down other people’s reactions to how my body looks as it changes through illness and loving myself through it all. [/quote]
My body is going to change with my health, and I can’t control that.
Accepting that my core remains the same regardless of how I look has been key to breaking down other people’s reactions to how my body looks as it changes through illness and loving myself through it all. Community is everything, and every day brings surprises. The more you can adapt to change, the better life will be.
Follow Karolyn on Instagram @karolynprg
Jenni
- Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, Depression, Hypothyroid, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Asthma, Rosacea, IBS, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD”>
The biggest challenge regarding my physical appearance while being sick
Fatigue changes how much I am able to do. I’ve had to develop lots of strategies to save time and energy so I can still go out and feel like I look presentable… even if I feel awful. for me, it’s a self-esteem saver. So even on really bad days, if I’m going out, I try to put my hair up in a cute clip or headband. I’ll put on mascara, and sometimes I will use a tinted moisturizer and that’s it – that may be all the energy I can put into makeup on that day. I also go many days without washing my hair; my stylist has cut my hair in a way that enhances my natural waves, so I can wash and go, which saves me energy on using a blow dryer, which can feel extremely heavy on bad days.
On flare-up days I use a tinted moisturizer to even out my skin — my rosacea is relatively mild, so most of the time I don’t need foundation to even out my skin tone. A little mascara helps my eyes look bigger and more awake. Some days, that’s all I’ll use: tinted moisturizer and mascara.
For my hair, I’ll use products like dry shampoo, a curl activator, and oil to scrunch up my waves and give them some body and shape — I love Davines products. My haircut accentuates my natural waves so I can do this without washing my hair — my stylist totally gets me! I may dampen my hair so I can reshape some of the waves, but that’s it.
The key to making myself feel pretty
Realness: last winter I was so sick with an upper respiratory bug that my asthma went bonkers and we went to the ER. I kept coughing so hard, for so long, but I was hooked up to machines and I couldn’t get out of the hospital bed. I wet the bed. I felt so embarrassed, although I knew the hospital staff had seen it all (they don’t care”>. But I felt so gross; it was bad enough to be so sick and vulnerable, but that added a layer of embarrassment. I wound up confined to my house for many days after that, and normally I think I would feel like a total slug… but I didn’t want to! So I made sure to wash my face every day, and put on cute PJs, even if I wasn’t going out. Sometimes it’s not even about thinking about your looks — it’s about finding clothes that fit great and feel good, so you’re not adding any more aggravation to what’s already a really difficult situation.
Subscribe to Jenni’s free newsletter, Chronic Babe. (photo courtesy of Alix Kramer”>
If I’m going to be at home in bed, I might as well be fabulous.
- Diagnosis: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS”>, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS”>, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Histamine Intolerance (suspected Mast Cell Activation Disorder”>
One time when I felt ‘ugly’ for being sick
“I was in the hospital once so I could be monitored while taking some new medication. At the time, I was pretty much intolerant to the world and I nearly passed out whenever I ate. I pretty much couldn’t eat. The nurses were convinced I was in for an eating disorder and started telling me the reasons that I felt the way I did was because I wasn’t eating. It was incredibly frustrating that I wasn’t taken seriously or believed (even when in hospital”> because of my appearance.”
My approach to hair and beauty during a flare-up
I lack any skill when it comes to hair and makeup, and it’s taken me 28 years to start really paying attention to it! Although, whenever I was really unwell, my mum would treat me to a blow-dry at the hairdresser to cheer me up. I’ve recently got really into Korean skincare — thank goodness my intolerances are mostly behind me now — and I can’t even describe how much of a change I notice in my skin. I look so much healthier, and it has made me feel so much more confident in myself, even during a flare. When I used to have a bad day or week or month, looking after myself used to go totally out the window, I’d brush my teeth and only shower if a friend was coming over.
Getting into a skincare routine, and making sure I do it every day, twice a day (no matter what”>, has been a lovely way to realise that even when I feel crap, I deserve to look after myself and my appearance, and it makes me feel a lot happier. And I don’t think that’s shallow.
For the first time in over 15 years, I’ve started to embrace my naturally curly hair…
And I find that even getting in the shower on a bad day and letting my ringlets fall down just makes me feel better than staying all greasy in bed. i’ve still got to learn how to keep those curls in overnight, because I hate how awful it looks in the morning. I don’t really wear makeup when I’m home alone, but if people come to see me, I’ll put on concealer, foundation, blusher, mascara, and a bold lipstick. I can always see in my face when I’m particularly poorly, so covering up ’sick me’ with makeup makes me feel more like myself. I don’t often paint my nails, but when I do, it always perks me up, and it is something I want to start doing more regularly.
How I talk to ‘Sick Natasha’
It reminds me that there is more to me than how my health has me feeling. Oh, and I’ve bought lovely pyjamas, because if I’m going to be at home in bed, I might as well be fabulous.
Listen to Natasha’s podcast, Spoonie Pyjama Party
I want my children to see me creating my own path, being my authentic self, living around the world, living through my heart.
Bueno! My name is Diauni, and I am currently living in Envigado, Colombia.
I am an alchemist. I prefer not to be called a healer, rather, I am a catalyst for healing and empowering people to live heart-based lives. I guide those in need of spiritual cleansing, healing, and connection, to light, back to themselves. My business is called @theheartdoula. My vision is one of vibrant, abundant, and honest lives that stem from heart consciousness. I aim to provide support in the creation of a life that synchronizes with the heart space utilizing a holistic approach: psychology, spirit work, and tangible goal setting. It has given me such immense joy to witness those I have helped actually doing the work to make their dreams, their realities. I am deeply grateful to have helped so many people.
The key: self-healing.
My desire to work with spirit came through an almost suicide attempt. I was in school studying psychology, simultaneously studying myself. I was aware of the ways in which the brain maneuvered, how trauma manifested itself, how neurons connected and fired, how different areas of the brain were triggered in survival situations, how environment affected the ways in which we learned, how we desperately needed to relate to other humans, how we found and solidified motivation. I took all of this information and constantly self-applied, until I realized everything occurring physically, had to be occurring on a deeper, spiritual level. In the midst of all of these processes and epiphanies, I began to meditate, as a coping mechanism for all of the stress and anxiety I was experiencing, and consequently, I realized I could talk to spirit. Through clairaudient channeling is how I do my work, for myself and my clients. Years of soul work and psychology, led me to the understanding that this is my heart’s calling, my purpose in this lifetime.
Being a mother has brought extreme precision and clarity to the ways in which I decide to live my life.
It has completely altered my values. I used to believe that a full time job and a higher education was the solution, until I began to see constant struggle, even from those with accolades, and that struggle wasn’t always necessarily physical, but spiritual. There seemed to be an unspoken prerequisite, that in turn for these supreme awards of the world, there must be a blindness to alternate realms of this reality. I could not bring myself to trade. Although humanity’s suffering is vast and complicated, we do not have to choose to participate in this conditioned way of being. I want my children to see me creating my own path, being my authentic self, living around the world, living through my heart. I want them to truly know and trust themselves, to always follow their hearts, to know that this world is theirs, to know that they are free.
Oh. I always knew I was different from others.
I was an extremely sensitive child, but I really knew once I was in college. I began to crave complete isolation. I would retreat to my room to do rituals and ceremonies, when I was supposed to be in class or at work. I would have panic attacks in my car. I knew that was spirit guiding me, saying, “This isn’t where you are supposed to be.” I kept a lot of my writing private. I didn’t talk in depth with my family because they didn’t believe in God. When I tried to talk to friends, they didn’t seem to understand. I was on a whole other wave. I did have an online community on Twitter, with whom I could confide and who I learned a lot from. I’m grateful for that tumultuous time. I learned a whole lot about who and what I am.
Beauty is befriending your heart.
When I lived in this isolated reality, I was free to create, come and go, and be who I pleased. I could be in denial about what I wanted. I could take accountability for what I chose. I could be selfish and uncompromising. Once I got into a relationship and had a child, the darkness really began to surface. I realized that all of my faults needed to be understood and worked through if I wanted my family to thrive. I need to be accountable for how I feel, what I think, what I say, and how I choose to behave at all times. I need to listen to my heart and know that I can do anything I say.
Know that you are the creator.
You create, define, and give life to every single thing in your reality. Self-imposed limitations are merely a form of victimization. Take back your power. The universe is a sea. It will move for you. Start doing magic! Get into ritual work! Once you begin to believe in your magic, you will begin to believe in yourself, and your self is divinely guided and sacred. All you have to do is tap in.
The universe is a sea. It will move for you.
Beauty is in the heart. Did you know that your heart literally has an electromagnetic field around it? Your heart is a magnet. It attracts the vibration that lives there. Beauty is befriending your heart. It’s recognizing your heart’s voice. It’s walking in your heart’s calling. It’s aligning with your heart’s desires. When I see people doing this, changing the world with passion and love, I swoon. It’s absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. Being the end all, be all creator and bowing in service to your heart, is beauty.
“I am that I am.”
This is the most powerful choice of words one can use. It solidifies to the universe an all-encompassing vessel. Every morning, I recite affirmations in alignment with my heart and for my highest good. They truly keep me grounded, sane, loving, and out of survival mode. Because even when we have little, we are truly abundant. Focusing on — and being grateful for — what we have, brings more of it and makes space for expansion.
Follow Diauni on Instagram @TheHeartDoula and read her blog, The Heart Doula, here.
Read The Moment That Embracing My Colors Wasn’t an Option Anymore
My favorite part of myself?
My smile. I smile uncontrollably and I think I look my best when I’m smiling. In the past I’ve worried that people would think I’m fake or not genuine because I’m always smiling, but I’ve learned to let those thoughts go, along with anyone who feels that way.
My personal style is evolving.
Right now, I’m most drawn to menswear, so that means button-down shirts and slacks with loafers or sneakers. I always like the men’s side of the store better than the women’s. I used to love tiny jewelry, the smaller and more understated the better, but now I’m having a moment with wearing big statement earrings with minimal clothing. So I would have to say my personal style is always evolving.
Childhood insecurities…I had them. Of course, didn’t we all?
I remember 5th grade was my turning point from being a confident, outgoing young girl to feeling insecurity and self-doubt. My family had just moved to the US from Oman, a country in the Middle East that at the time had no malls, no pop music radio stations, and no cable. I remember being teased for my clothes and told I looked like a clown. I couldn’t figure out where everyone was getting the same clothing and why everyone knew the same songs; it felt like I had moved from another planet. Eventually I discovered the mall and the radio, stopped wearing my old clothes and started listening to Spice Girls and memorizing the words so I could join in with the other girls.
My mom allowed me to get one Billabong sweatshirt, which I wore almost every day.
It was my security blanket for fitting in with the other kids. I was also teased and called “Miss Perfect” for being too studious, I had asked for extra writing assignments because I loved writing, but after the teasing I stopped putting so much effort into my schoolwork in an attempt to be cool. That lasted through high school. I wish I hadn’t reacted to being teased by changing or abandoning parts of myself just to fit in, but as I’ve grown older I’ve stopped shopping at malls, listening to pop radio, and embraced my ‘perfectionist,’ studious personality.
There have been small but impactful moments along the way that put me in my place when it comes to these superficial insecurities. I danced ballet in high school so I would go straight to ballet class after school for classes and rehearsals on weeknights and all weekend. Ballet is challenging when it comes to body image and self-esteem because you spend day and night in a mirrored room in skintight clothing, which is as good as being naked. You spend hours staring at your body and other girls’ bodies, all lined up in a row doing uniform movements while being poked at and prodded by instructors yelling “suck that in” and “tuck that under.” It’s not an environment that’s conducive to embracing your body’s unique features.
Ballet is challenging when it comes to body image and self-esteem because you spend day and night in a mirrored room in skintight clothing, which is as good as being naked… It’s not an environment that’s conducive to embracing your body’s unique features.
In recent years I’ve been practicing yoga and while it has its similarities–the mirrored room, the tight clothing, the rows of people creating beautiful shapes with their bodies, I’ve found the tenets of yoga to be in total opposition to everything I learned in ballet. “These postures are merely a suggestion, do what feels good for your body, it doesn’t matter what it looks like, just how it feels to you.” In yoga we practice giving gratitude to our feet for carrying us around all day, to our hands for all that they do, etc. It’s hard to hate your crow’s feet or any part of your body when you think about all of the opportunities it affords you. I’ve learned that for me gratitude is the best weapon to fight resentment or discontent with my body.
I think [the beauty industry is] marginally better than it was 10 or 15 years ago, but flip through any magazine or watch any TV show and the ads and editorials still make most of us feel ‘other.’ Growing up I used to love magazines for the style and design inspiration, but I always felt worse about my body and the way I looked after reading them. In my early 20s I chose to stop reading magazines and watching cable TV entirely, and I noticed I immediately felt significantly better about my body image. That was just my personal experience at the time, but now that I’m more informed I know there are countless academic studies that prove the negative effects that magazines and TV ads have on women’s body image.
I’ve learned that for me gratitude is the best weapon to fight resentment or discontent with my body.
Self-love is something I actively work on every day.
I love myself more now than I ever have before, but it’s taken a lot of thought work to get here. I still have a very critical inner voice that never really goes away, but for me it’s about being able to counter those negative, impulsive thoughts that originate from the left frontal lobe of the brain with more positive reasoning of the right frontal lobe. Like when I come out of a meeting thinking “you didn’t do that very well,” I try to reason with myself, “Did you prepare as much as you could? Did you give it your best effort? What went well, and what could you do differently next time?”
That negative voice of mine will probably never go away, but I’m working on building up the positive one.
This was one of my New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve been blogging about the progress I’m having changing my brain on my personal blog, Fuji Files. For me it’s about being very tuned in to my personal strengths and values. I value my curiosity, my love of learning, my appreciation of beauty, my kindness and my prudence. Having a strong grasp on these helps keep me out of the comparison trap on social media or when I’m feeling intimidated by all of the amazing women I meet and get to work with. Of course I’ll still have those thoughts, “she’s so good at that, why can’t I do that?” but instead of spiraling into a dark place with that, I just try to acknowledge that–“yes, she’s great at that, and I’m great at other things.”
I love myself more now than I ever have before, but it’s taken a lot of thought work to get here.
Being confident and comfortable with yourself creates the space and energy for you to start building others up.
When I feel insecure about myself, I’ve noticed that I become too self-involved to notice what those around me may be going through. When I think of all of the hours, months, years I spent worrying that my boobs were too small, my skin was too acne-prone and my hair was too big, I think “what a waste of time!” There’s nothing I could have done to change my body, that energy could have been spent being more productive. That’s why I think it’s worth the time investment to learn to love yourself, I think it makes you better equipped to contribute to your friends, family and the community around you.
How do you cultivate inner confidence through your ‘imperfections’?
We’d love to know. Tell us on Facebook and share your experience below.
Follow Cristina on Instagram @fujifiles
Photos by @monique_rdz
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Renee Engeln, PhD, calls it “an epidemic of beauty sickness.” I couldn’t agree more.
650x” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/YT_devri-brio-Photography-2-650x.jpg”>“You have internalized this notion that your body is always on display for other people,” she mentioned in a 2013 TED Talk. “When you are beauty sick, you cannot engage with the world because between you and the world is a mirror; you cannot seem to put it down.” The author of Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession With Appearance Hurts Girls and Women often refers to a woman’s self-loathing and constant need for comparison alongside other women who we perceive to be ‘beautiful’ as “self-objectifying.” From the fine, silky hair to long lashes, naturally thick brows, the perfectly chiseled cheekbones and plump lips, since childhood we have been conditioned to think that only one definition of beauty exists. And we tend to place an emphasis on outer appearance rather than studying or caring to build upon inner confidence.
To me, your soul defines your beauty.
Personally, I’ll always prefer associating with a woman who does not make me question my wardrobe choices and hairstyles while rocking her uniques one with an unphased chill that will not compromise my own over an obviously insecure and uncomfortable woman who puts down others in the process of covering up her own self-hatred. I feel vibes before I pay attention to your shoes or your physical characteristics.
Many women have allowed societal conformity pressures to live in their heads so long that, over time, they have actually convinced themselves to believe that their appearance dominates everything else and that physical ‘perfection’ is the key to success.
Be honest with yourself. Are you “beauty sick?”
There are also women who claim that magnifying the desire to be as ‘beautiful’ as possible is empowering. Having the choice of what to wear, from makeup to clothing, and feeling like the decision was made on our own with intentions of pleasing ourselves makes complete sense to me — if it were completely true. I’ve heard and seen plenty of women proclaim with an utter definitiveness that wearing heels all the time or getting botox were solely for their own desires. And I say, do what you do!
However, let’s also reflect upon each decision we make and who we are really trying to impress, here. While I do think that many women — including myself — adorn ourselves with whatever we want to with zero regard to outside opinions, the majority of women still have a distorted sense of self-worth. Many women have allowed societal pressures to conform to live in their heads so long that, over time, they have actually convinced themselves to believe that appearance dominates everything else and that physical ‘perfection’ is the key to success.
Consider your influences
Think about the shows you watch, the social media pages you follow, and the family or friend’s company you keep. If they leave you feeling more insecure at the end of each session, or thinking more about your body and less about your mind and soul, stop entertaining these things. That’s when they should stop becoming entertainment in your own life. Re-focus by replacing them with affirming podcasts and pages that will keep you on the track to positivity. I personally enjoy @soulpick, @melanin.art, Black Girl in Om, and Myleik Teele’s podcast, MyTaughtYou. The point is to surround yourself with the most well-rounded positivity as possible.
So, can physical beauty actually be a form of power… or not?
If you ask me, it all depends. Like I just mentioned, you have to sit and reflect as an individual about the sartorial choices you make on a daily basis. “What kind of power expires when you are 30?” Engeln asks. “What kind of power is inversely correlated with the attainment of wisdom and life experience?” Perhaps your craving to fit into a ‘civilized, well-mannered’ society holds too much weight and space in your brain. And if that is the case, let that dead weight go. Actually embrace what you were made to be at each moment in your life. Once you feel the release you will be able to form your own definition of beauty, you will wonder why you ever cared so much.
Read more from Devri
When Your Curl Envy Becomes Dangerous and Unhealthy | Race, Age & Beauty: Why I Think Halle Berry is the Epitome of “Fine Wine”
Follow Devri on Instagram @devrivelazquez | photos of Devri taken by @briophoto
It started with the thick, bushy eyebrows we shared.
I was maybe 4 years old when I first recall getting bullied for them — my cousins called me names because of how hairy I was. Because of this I was allowed to tweeze my unibrow and shave my legs and arms at a young age. And while my parents didn’t necessarily want me to have to place so much value on the opinions of others, I also was fortunate to have been blessed with a support system that ultimately wanted me to be happy and comfortable in my own skin.
My dad and I would give each other a funny look from time to time, scrunching up our foreheads at each other like we were pouting. This was his way of making it a point to encourage me to be proud of that ‘flaw’ of mine. I also have a crooked smile similar to his, which the family teased me about. Any physical characteristic that I was obviously insecure about, he would make sure that I knew they were exactly what made me me and no one could take that away.
I can honestly say that I have never doubted my sense of worth because of my relationship with my dad, and his relationship with my mom, his queen. Their example of love taught me to accept nothing less than the respect of a princess.
I appreciate my dad’s approach to parenthood.
One thing my dad always made sure to do in the household was to keep an honest, open conversation about life experiences. Early on he broke down the barriers between a typical authority figure and child — instead, I viewed my father as a sort of wise guiding force who allowed me to make my own mistakes and experiences along my personal journey. Yes, there were moments of scolding discipline, something any child should succumb to whenever they do something bad. Still, my dad made each one into a valuable learning lesson. My parents humbly admitted to my sister and I that we didn’t come with instructions, and this was just part of the process for everyone involved. My father’s ability to remain vulnerable as a human being rather than pretend to have all the answers definitely lowered the pressure I sometimes placed on myself.
After he helped me see my own value, I demanded that same treatment everywhere I went.
My dad taught me to stand up for whatever it was that I believed in, no matter how unpopular my decision was. I questioned a lot, I expected a lot; whether it was in the classroom or in a relationship, he helped me understand from an early age how I deserved to be treated by others. I can honestly say that I have never doubted my sense of worth because of my relationship with my dad, and his relationship with my mom, his queen. Their example of love taught me to accept nothing less than the respect of a princess.
Above all, my dad taught me how to let go of fear and just love.
From all of the cultural gems he shared with me in music, books, film, food, art, and travel, to his fearless yet practical approach to everyday life, I truly admire the way my dad views life and the people in it. If he had 5 bucks in his pocket and we walked by a homeless man sitting on the ground, by the time we’d get to the car his pocket would be empty.
That is just who my dad, Adrian Velazquez, is.
If I can only hope to live with an open, smiling heart even half the size of his, I would be pretty proud of myself in this lifetime.Happy Father’s Day!
Write us on Facebook – NaturallyCurly, and follow me on Instagram @devrivelazquez for more inspiration.
My name is Ada Rojas and I am a New York digital influencer and entrepreneur. Both of my parents are from the Dominican Republic and I was born in the Bronx, NY. I am first generation Dominican-American.
How @AllThingsAda started
I’ve been blogging for 7 years now. I used to love reading fashion and beauty blogs, but couldn’t relate to any of them because none of the girls looked like me. None of them were women of color. None of them had hair like me, or curves like me. I didn’t see myself reflected in the online community that I loved so much so I decided to start my own blog. When I was younger people would always ask me about my curls or makeup and my friends used to always ask me for style advice when putting their outfits together so I knew it was definitely something that I would enjoy doing since it came really natural to me. I just wanted to share my passions on a little corner of the internet and talk to other girls that looked like me. Down the line, I eventually got into making videos and things just grew from there. It’s been seven years and not a day goes by where I’m not thankful for where this road has lead me.
I’ve been a natural all of my life. I come from a single family home of six and my mom couldn’t afford to send us to the salon weekly for blowouts. Getting your hair done in my house was definitely a luxury so I had to learn how to take care of my own hair because I didn’t have a choice. I was doing braid outs at age young age because that was the only way I could manage my hair. When I got to college my roommate had a flatiron and I borrowed it from her once to do my hair. After that I was instantly hooked and started straightening my hair repeatedly. I got heat damage and stopped wearing my hair curly because it looked terrible. I found the natural hair community on youtube in 2010 thanks to friend and was able to transition back to healthy curls. Thank goodness there is a lot more info and product options for curly hair now than when I was younger.
Representation is so important!
It’s the entire reason I starting blogging. It’s a huge part of why I still continue to do what I do. I love who I am and everything that makes me Ada and a lot of that has to do with the fact that I can identify with others who look like me and come from where I come from. Representation matters. What we see around us, especially what our youth sees, positively or negatively shapes our expectations for ourselves and each other.
I definitely learned to be comfortable in my skin over the years. I remember attending an almost all-white middle school in Florida with a small percentage of people of color and feeling really different compared to the other kids. I couldn’t understand why my hair was so different, or why body was so drastically different from the other girls. As I got older I started learning more about my culture and the history behind our people and where we come from and it just made me so proud to be a women of color and be comfortable in my own skin.
Fast facts about me
- My career inspiration: I’m such a huge fan of Myleik Teele and truly think of her as a mentor in my head. Everything about her is so dope to me and as a fellow entrepreneur I really appreciate her hustle and lust for life. I’m so inspired and influenced by women who are resilient, witty, and passionate and Myleik is it.
- My biggest role model: Selena Quintanilla will always be a queen to me. Her life was short but she lived it to the fullest. I love how aware she was of her influence and how she used it to spread nothing but love and positivity. She worked hard, but was kind and humble no matter how famous she was. She was proud of her roots and where she came from and used it to unite people and bring them together. With her passion and dedication she conquered the American Dream and brought her family along for the ride. The fact that she has been gone for more than 20 years and continues to have an impact on the community just as much as she did then if not more just shows that her legacy will live on forever.
- The most valuable lesson I have learned in my adult life: to trust your struggle. Every single hardship that I have been through has molded me into the person I am today. Sometimes its really hard to trust that what you are going through is for the best, but I believe there is always a reason for that season and in order to thrive in the next you have to thrive in the current. I believe in pushing past the struggles no matter how hard they may seem and making that lemonade.
I want to meet people in person and connect a face to the name. I want to give you a hug and know how your day is going. I don’t know if it’s a Latina thing, but I just love to interact with people in real time.
Ada is going on tour with Rocio Mora (@RisasRizos“>!
Click here to RSVP… it’s gonna be a good time!
Follow Ada on Instagram @AllThingsAda and subscribe to her YouTube channel, All Things Ada
Read Curly Content Creator RisasRizos Has a Surprise for Her Followers!
My name is Rocio Mora and I am based out of the beautiful city of New Orleans. I am a full time digital influencer and entrepreneur, as well as founder and content creator behind RisasRizos. I am Afro-Latina from my mother’s side; I am half Honduran and half Mexican.
How @RisasRizos started
I’ve always had my curls but I never quite knew how to style it or care for it. When I was introduced to a straightening iron in middle school, I’d straighten my hair as often as possible. I didn’t think anything of my hair or particularly my curls until I lost my curls to heat damage. For me it was a “shock loss” rather than a gradual loss. Literally, I straightened my hair for one New Year’s celebration, went to wash it the next day expecting it to curl again, and came out of the shower with my hair stick straight. I swore, someone did brujeria or voodoo on me! It was then that I did everything possible to get my curls back–and now, I fully embrace it.
I started my YouTube channel in the Fall of 2014. I had lost my curls to heat damage a little over a year before then but through lots of research and trial and error, I got my curls back and they were even healthier than before. I had several friends and family members ask me what I did to get my curls back and finally a friend of mine suggested that I just do a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube. After my first video, I had comments and subscribers from people I didn’t know and at first I thought it was members of my family recreating accounts to make me feel better but sure enough, it wasn’t! When I noticed that some of the questions that people had, I created answers based on personal experience along with new videos. That is basically how it started!
Fast facts about me
- My Holy Grail: SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie never fails me.
- My celeb inspiration: Gina Rodriguez. I just want to tell her how incredibly inspiring she is. She is kicking ASS as an actor, a leader, an activist… and she just so happens to be a woman and a Latina.
- Most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my adult life: Prayer works… seriously, prayer can get you anywhere.
- What keeps me from getting overwhelmed: 20-minute power naps during the day–and coffee to keep me up until 3 or 4 am when it’s really necessary. Oh, and did I mention prayer?
It’s one thing to have a conversation with your community about something that means a lot to you, but it’s another thing to have in person and in-depth discussions with people who can relate to you.
There are times where one might feel alone, not knowing that others can relate to or understand what they are going through (like hair”>, but knowing that there is a community out there filled with people who get you makes being a part of the community so much greater! Plus…free hugs!
Rocio is going on tour with Ada Rojas (@allthingsada“>!
Rizos on the Road is the most anticipated natural hair tour of 2017, giving the curl community across the country an opportunity to meet Rocio of RisasRizos and Ada of All Things Ada while celebrating hair. Style tips, hair demos and curl talk will be the highlight of the tour in 6 different cities across the US including Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.
Click here to RSVP… it’s gonna be a good time!
Follow Rocio on Instagram @risasrizos and subscribe to her YouTube channel, RisasRizos
ECOCO’s Eco Style is arguably one of the most popular styling gels for transitioning naturals–but things just changed.
Known for providing some of the most trustworthy curl definition and elongation for transitioners with limp and frizzy hair, Ecoco just released two updates to their famed Eco Style Gel less than a week ago. “If I have to be on an island by myself, Eco Style is coming with me–that’s how tough I rock for Ecostyler,” says YouTube content creator CurlDaze. Per product junkie protocol, we have searched near and far and cannot seem to get our hands on the already sold-out additional stylers, but there is plenty of buzz online generated by those who were lucky enough to grab a jar or two.
Here is what we know so far:
- The jar of green gooey stuff now includes a jar that contains castor oil and flaxseed, and one with coconut oil.
- Both are considered on ‘level 10’ for hold.
- The consistencies are thicker than the original Eco Style, with different fragrance. Many bloggers claim to enjoy the flaxseed scent.
- Your coils will be softer and free from a gel cast. Unlike the previous Eco Style gel, these will not leave you with the stiff, crunchy, noodle-like elongation that many transitioners tend to confuse with healthy curl definition.
- The new formulations might not be ideal to cocktail with. Some YouTubers have mentioned that they noticed some residue when using the product in conjunction with an old favorite like the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
- They can be used as edge tamers, like most Ecoco stylers.
How to get your best results
- On soaking wet, washed hair, section off your coils into quadrants, focusing on one at a time.
- Finger twirl the product into your hair from the root to tip. Diffuse your hair on low heat on the warm setting, focusing on each quadrant.
- Lightly mist your edges with a spray bottle of water.
- Comb in a gentle upward, swooping motion.
- Smooth back with a gel-coated palm.
Watch these reviews and tutorials for more results:
Thinking about picking up one of the new Eco Style gels?
Let us know which jar you use, and post your results on StyleNook.
In the age of viral photos and social media, those hoping to satisfy their craving for staying on trend can go awry when they don’t possess the proper knowledge needed before trying a product. We feel the itch of curiosity for a new look, but when budget factors in many seek to go the most affordable, cost-effective route.
Boxed, store-bought hair dye has always been an accessible route for young people who don’t have the resources to book an appointment with a professional colorist, which brings me to the latest public visual to bring light to the dangers: Tylah Durie. The Australian 16-year-old was hospitalized this week after attempting to tint her eyebrow hair and lashes at home, which gave her severe chemical burns to her eyeballs as well as an extreme allergic reaction to her face and eyelids.
“My eyes had blown up like huge balloons,” Durie told Yahoo! Beauty. “I was screaming and crying. My mum said I looked like a frog because my eyebrows were folded over and my eyes were horribly swollen.”
What causes an allergic reaction?
The chemical p-phenylenediamine, short for ‘PPD’ in the hair and beauty industry, is an organic compound often found in permanent and natural hair dyes to assist in preserving the life of the color after multiple washes and styling. While it is considered to have a low toxicity level, PPD is a known irritant and allergen. It is important to do a patch test before applying a product containing PPD to your scalp, skin, and hair. According to dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, severe hair allergic reactions affect about one in 250,000 people. “To be allergic to something, usually your immune system has to come in contact with it and decide it doesn’t like it,” she says. “Depending on how sensitive your system is, the allergy may develop more slowly than others.”
Tylah isn’t the only recent victim of a hair dye job gone wrong…
Back in August the internet went crazy for the “Chillest Korean Dude Ever,” who documented his horrible salon coloring experience in an unfortunate string of images which showed the world an allergic reaction literally ballooning, right before our eyes.
How to avoid having an allergic reaction to your hair color
Fortunately, both people started showing signs of improvement, but of course, everyone should aim to avoid the above scenarios altogether. This requires spending time doing the following things:
1. Always do a patch test.
This is necessary, especially when you are attempting to dye your hair at home. Experts at Renee Rouleau say “the side of the neck is a good starting point for true compatibility because it’s thinner and generally more reactive. The idea is that if it can be tolerated on your neck, then you can feel confident that it will be okay on the face. Also, should you encounter a negative reaction such as an itchy, red rash, you might want it to appear on the neck rather than on your face.” Wait 24 hours after a patch test to ensure that you do not have a reaction, as allergies develop more slowly for some than others. Do not skip this step.2. Research the ingredients label.
Don’t assume that because a product is sold in stores that it will be safe for you to use. Our bodies react to chemicals in different ways, and people with compromised immune systems should take extra precaution, as they are at risk for not having the ability to fight off infections or allergic reactions as easily.
3. Keep up with new formulations from your favorite brands.
Just because you have used a brand once (or many times”> does not mean that you can blindly trust that it will work for you. Brands are regularly reformulating their products, so make sure to stay aware of current package labeling.How to alleviate an allergic reaction
- apple cider vinegar
- aloe vera
- oatmeal
- baking soda
Have you ever developed an allergic reaction to hair dye?
As all of my thrifted items enhance my freedom of expression, I am able to hold parts of myself that I so desperately want to keep in this crazy world.
Pops taught me the art of the thrift
I picked up the habit of thrift–I call it an art–from my father during my childhood. He taught my sister and I how to look for good deals in clothing, home decor, and other items, by taking our time perusing locally-owned shops and doing comparisons before committing to a decision.
It gives me a chance to escape…
Even if it’s for a short period of time, I enjoy the story that each thrifted piece of clothing tells. I especially like taking on a new persona each time I wear it. Thrifting lets me take on a new persona each time, which is why it will never get old. Finding the perfect pair of pants or picture frame is the best feeling ever because to me, it feels like I am closer to completing the puzzle than I was before discovering that item.
…while preserving the sacred parts of myself.
Some people I know like to take an old vintage thing and essentially destroy it to call their own, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, part of the thrill of thrifting for me has been to collect and preserve the item just the way its original owner would have liked. On the other hand, I understand that it was something that the said owner was OK with getting rid of, so in a way, I am turning one man’s trash into my personal treasure–therefore, I will cherish it with the utmost dignity and respect. This is my self-care… it’s so necessary.
How do you practice self-care?
Watch other self-care rituals from some of our editors here.
Subscribe to NaturallyCurly’s YouTube page here
Follow Devri on Instagram @devrivelazquez | photos taken by @Monique_RDZ
Although it appears effortless at times, trust me when I say that being a fearless black woman is no easy feat. One thing I find incredibly powerful is being able to show support to like-minded women within the community so that we can all continue to strive to work towards the purpose for which we were placed on this Earth to fulfill. It is so necessary. I recently sat down to chat with WEtv star Mushiya Tshikuka of Cutting It In the ATL and here, I break down her advice into five must-know tips for balancing the operation of a successful black-owned business while maintaining a happy home.
I woke up one day knowing what my purpose was: to inspire and build women with confidence and self-esteem so they can know they can achieve their own purpose in life.
My mom knew how to do hair and initially taught me how to do hair, but she didn’t do it as a profession. She’s actually a French professor. But I started doing hair when I was small, like 12 or 13 years old.
It all started with my parents…
My attitude and in-your-face style came from my parents and being at home. They always told me I could do whatever. “You look stunning today,” my mom would tell me. This confidence has translated into a [sense of] fearlessness and confidence to do anything I want to in life. I know how it works–but guess what, I want to do it this way.
And now, I’m running a thriving brand.
I am from Congo but I came to the states about 15 years ago. I went to Canada then worked in New York to create my brand name and further my career. What I love about [settling down in] Atlanta is that it is an open city–you can make it whatever you want. Atlanta is a great place to lead a worldwide conversation.
Everything we do for The Damn Salon is outside of the box. It is a full experience–it’s about an attitude, a confidence, and that is what makes Damn, Damn! From the hairstyles, to the walls, to the way we market the brand: everything is Damn. We are always expanding, and the empire is going strong! With kinky curly extensions on the rise right now, Runway Curls is being carried in over 500 salons.
Keeping a happy home life is critical for success.
As a busy woman, the keys to a happy family unit include five roles you need to play for your husband: the trophy wife, the maid, the slut, the friend, and the business partner. We, as women, ask for complicated (and sometimes psychotic”> requests. We run the world, and we define the dynamic of the relationship by giving a man these simple things that he requires.
At home, I am obsessed with cooking for my family and eating a healthy cuisine–I am not a fan of eating at chain restaurants. Some of my favorite dishes include seafood, lobster, scallops, crab…I love a good fillet mignon.
The only difference between you and me is that I KNOW I can.
I want to use my platform to build up powerful women.
I woke up one day knowing what my purpose was: to inspire and build women with confidence and self-esteem so they can know they can achieve their own purpose in life. I take every opportunity and platform that is given to me to fulfill my own. The most important meaning is to inspire other women to be great and love themselves. My goal is to just to have bigger and great platforms to do so on an even bigger scale.
I always aim to have daily, weekly, and monthly resolutions. A lot of things don’t change for ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. Take your greater purpose and break it down into [granular] tasks you can–and will–accomplish. In my twenty-five years of experience, I can say one of the things that inspires me the most is affecting people, instilling hope and belief in oneself. It is a powerful tool. I see that I have the ability to stand in front of a little girl, and it is powerful.
Everything is authentic–including my doll and hair extension companies.
Even my dolls are accurate representations of little black girls. I knew that if I had this same problem, there are others having the same problem, so I decided to create a line of dolls for girls like mine. Our dolls have 100% naturally kinky hair from the collection, which has solved so many problems for customers.
We move so fast and we work so hard with this, so I see many things happening in this movement. The Runway Curls line is close to my heart bc a lot of women wear extensions, so I say, let’s celebrate our hair! I only have kinky hair [in my line because] it is super important that the hair requires the same amount of care as our real hair. Someone can seamlessly blend the extensions with their own hair instead of having to press that section of the hair; it is versatile.
The key to a fulfilled life is philanthropy.
My kids were part of the process of doll-making. They drew the doll on a white board when we went to the designer with our ideas. They were excited when they chose the material, and I even named the dolls after them.
This is what it takes to achieve complete happiness. One of my passions is singing. I always attach a song to everything I do. I did one called My Natural Girl about a girl who is greatness personified. All she invokes is greatness. I wanted mothers to hear the song so they could know the power of speaking words. It’s for both of them.
Follow Mushiya on Instagram @mushiyatshikuka and Devri @DevriVelazquez
I have dyed my hair a total of four times and I have cut it twice. The reason is because, like most people, I got tired of it looking a certain way.”
Undoing decades of being brainwashed into thinking that your natural hair was somehow incorrect and needed to be fixed is one hefty habit to break.
Once you overcome that hurdle and make a full transition into wearing your unaltered hair with confidence, it can also be a bit exhausting keeping up with the ever changing trends in hairstyles, product options, and techniques talked about and passed around within the community. Dealing with these things could make anyone want to give up on their journey–and rightfully so. Just ask Ambria, a YouTube creator who can thank the natural hair community for gaining leverage in the world of social media influence.
“I went natural in May of 2012 and since then, I have dyed my hair a total of four times,” says Ambria. “I have cut my hair twice. The reason is because, like most people, I got tired of it looking a certain way.”
Ambria blames part of her dissatisfaction in returning natural on her obsession with length retention.
“The first couple of years of being natural I was all about length, and figuring out what type of styles I could accomplish. Then after a while, I became more focused with the health of my hair, but I still wanted to try something new.”
After switching gears to focus on the health of her texture still didn’t satisfy a craving for change, Ambria did another Big Chop. “I decided to cut my hair–into a tapered cut–and I began playing with color.” While this did the trick for a while, she quickly realized the constant maintenance that now came with the modifications.
I soon realized that having color in your hair means you have to constantly make sure your hair is moisturized…I failed to do that to the best of my ability.
Still, Ambria wasn’t ready to quit her natural hair just yet.
“To combat this, I cut off about 2 to 3 inches of my ends, which got rid of some of the color, but not all. After a while, I noticed that twist outs did not look good on me like they used to, even if I switched around products.” Once Ambria hit the styling plateau with her natural hair, her momentum had slowed down. “Pretty soon, I began wearing my hair up, tucked away or just refrained from styling it all together. I knew how much I loved my tapered cut so I decided I would get it again, but this time I would go even shorter!”Is Ambria done with natural hair for good? Nope.
Just three days ago the YouTuber Big Chopped yet again, and now feels a boost of confidence as a result in her TWA. “So, Saturday, May 7th, I got a haircut and it’s not in a TWA and I couldn’t be more happier! I feel more like myself than I ever have! I think I’ve found the style for my personality and lifestyle! “
Since the above video was posted, Ambria has continued to embrace her TWA! Below, watch her latest tutorial geared to other naturals hoping to ease their own ‘awkward phase’ in hair length.
My Dominican mom always felt that having my hair blow dried was more beautiful because no one walked around with what she’d call “un pajon.”
Growing up, it was not easy embracing my natural hair.
My Dominican mom always felt that having my hair blow dried was more beautiful because no one walked around with what she’d call “un pajon.” Whereas my dad, being Salvadoran, thought it was beautiful and different since everyone on his side of the family had straight hair. I was always confused.
SunKissAlba on YouTube really inspired me to start embracing my natural hair. Seeing her before and after pictures and listening to her talk about her journey really inspired me to start my own. I am happy I did.
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What the natural hair scene is like in D.C.
There are a lot of proud natural women where I live and that really warms my heart. Whenever I see another curly girl, I am always sure to compliment her so that she knows she is beautiful. Curly girls just click, ya know?
You can make eye contact with another curly girl and instantly y’all are low key curlfriends, haha! Many of my girlfriends now embrace their natural hair which is always a plus, too. I think curly hair is so beautiful, especially all of the different types of curls–uniqueness!,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”7″>
The biggest lesson I have learned in the past year
I learned to love myself and that putting myself first more often than usual isn’t selfish, nor conceited of me.
Overall, this embrace has made me more positive about my own beauty. I feel more confident now with my curly hair than when I decide to straighten it.What I wish I could tell my younger self
Don’t stress out all the time. It will eventually take its toll on you girl, so calm down!
How to keep up with my journey
If you’d like to keep up with me, follow me Instagram, snapchat, and twitter @beyondhercurls. You can also visit my fashion and hair blog, Beyond Her Curls.
Read next
I transitioned to change my Dominican family’s perspective on natural hair
I returned to my Brazilian curls roots–once I moved to America
Whenever there was a hair conversation in grade school, I never failed to hear a girl say “my scalp is like a sponge, so I have to grease it everyday.” Following that statement she would eyeball my hair and (not so”> subtley hint that I should invest in some Dax to do something about the flakes on my shirt. Little did they know I have a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Did it ever make me self-conscious? Only when people would beg to pull flakes out of my hair. Awkward much?
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition where your sebaceous glands overcompensate in oil production. It has been attributed to environment, general health factors, genetics, and irritation from a yeast called malassezia. In case you are wondering, yes malassezia is a categorized under the genus of fungi. Is it due to lack of hygiene? Not at all. The condition has been passed on genetically in my family.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition where your sebaceous glands overcompensate in oil production.
The biggest setback in attempting to stabilize my condition was going on an oil frenzy. Although a flaky scalp is commonly associated with dandruff, if you are faithfully oiling your scalp and still experience intense flaking and itching, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. Applying scalp oils with the intentions of leaving them on will only agitate the inflammation.
An increase in how often you cleanse is essential to reducing the accumulation of flakes and dissolving the excess sebum on your scalp. Below are steps to maintaining a clean scalp and moisturized tresses.
MORE: Does an Itchy Scalp Equal Hair Growth?
5 Scalp Care Tips
- Hot oil treatments: Apply oil to your scalp, cover your hair with a processing cap, and allow it to sit for 10-15 mins while either under a hooded dryer or with a warm towel. This will loosen the flakes from your scalp. Gently use the pads of your fingers to agitate scales that may be adhered to the scalp. This can also function as a great pre-poo.
- Cleanse: Co-washing will not be sufficient to remove the flakes, sebum, and the hot oil treatment. It is best to use a shampoo to lift and remove the dirt and oil. If you need a potent shampoo I suggest trying some formulated with containing coal tar, pyrithione zinc, or salicylic acid help to effectively clean the scalp. Make sure you focus on the scalp and do not overly smooth the cleanser down the length of the hair. Rubbing it along the length can cause excessive dryness and rough up the hair shaft.
- Deep condition: The shampoo will refresh your scalp but leave your hair feeling like it was put through a shredder….forward and reverse. It is inevitable that the cleanser will rinse along the length of the hair, so it’s best to follow up with a deep conditioner in order to reinforce and seal in moisture.
- Do not oil (or grease”> your scalp: If seborrheic dermatitis is a result of your scalp overproducing sebum then last thing it needs are additional oils irritating the inflammation. The hot oil treatment helps to loosen the flakes before cleansing but oil should not be applied with the intentions of not cleansing off.
- Create a cleansing regimen: Straight-hair ladies are usually encouraged to shampoo more frequently than curlies, but that is not ideal for curlies. It will only be through trial and error that you customize your regimen according to how quickly oil and flakes appear on your scalp.
What’s next?
Haven’t seen a specialist yet? Here are 15 situations where you need to see a trichologist.
This is what my wash day with seborrheic dermatitis looks like.
Here are 3 things you should never put on your scalp, according to a trichologist.
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This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Here are the top 3 trending crochet braids styles to try this fall, as well as 6 tips for maintenance and protection.
I recently caught up with Twin Cities, Minnesota-based freelance hairstylist and makeup artist, Sheri T. (@beautybysheri“>.
A self-proclaimed crochet braids connoisseur, Sheri shared with me her top-requested crochet protective hairstyles, as well as must-know tips for making them last longer while keeping your real hair truly protected.
The 3 top crochet braids trends right now
- Crochet twists: I’ve pre-twisted and curled the twists prior to installation. I think they’re unique and chic on the ladies.
- Jumbo feed-in braids: A classic for many women, natural, relaxed or transitioning.
- Versatile crochet braids: They allow for putting the installation into a ponytail, giving a more natural appearing part.
Which hair type are crochet braids better for?
I personally find it easier to work with natural, more textured hair for the reason that it is textured. The hair has a bit more grip and I feel I can manipulate it more easily than relaxed hair.
How long should a good crochet install last?
A good crochet braid install can last from a month to about a month and a half but this is also with adequate maintenance.
How can a client maintain their style?
I suggest moisturizing their hair, especially their scalp. I advise wearing the hair into a ponytail at night and/or putting on a satin bonnet or scarf to sleep.
Explain your “knotless part crochet braid” technique.
The knotless part of a crochet install is a method of installing the hair that allows for the part made to appear as if it is coming from the client’s root and scalp. This method hides the knot created from crocheting and gives a more natural appearing install. It is great especially when installing hair similar to the person’s natural hair texture or curl pattern.
How do you suggest a client keeps their real hair protected during an installation?
I always advise a client moisturizing their hair daily and if not, to do so every other day. A quick spritz to the hair and scalp [followed by] an application of the oil of their choice via a bottle with a pointy-nose nozzle.
What’s your secret for the perfectly curled crochet twists?
The trick is to give the hair ample time to dry. With good time, the hair can retain a strong, long, staying curl pattern. It is also best to curl prior to install.
Want more?
Follow Sheri on Instagram @Beautybysheri or Facebook at Beauty By Sheri.
Read my step-by-step process of maintaining Marley twists.
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