Search Results: Lauren Murray
You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly offices. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagrams, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair!
Who doesn’t love a good off the shoulder maxi dress that is breathable, stylish, a solid color, and has pockets?! Talk about jack of all trades! This dress was the perfect outfit for my day, because it allowed me transition effortlessly from day to night! Without changing up my accessories, I was still able to be fully me in my comfort chic aesthetic, while also being on trend with my tassel earrings.
For this particular hairstyle, I chose to rock an updo, because this Texas heat ain’t no joke! Plus, whenever I’m serving a little shoulder action, I like to highlight the neck. It’s my best feature in my opinion haha. To achieve this style, I slicked my hair upwards using Eco Styler Gel, and then used about 50 million bobby pins to hold it in place (I’m still pulling out bobby pins”>.
The dress and earrings I am wearing are from Haute Dimensions, a black-owned and woman-owned boutique in Houston, TX, and my shoes are from Target, which are on sale right now!
As an evolved shopper over the years, my shopping habits have definitely changed than from when I was younger. If there is a clearance rack, I’m there. Lol Trust, I’m headed straight to the back of the store for the deals, and then making my way to the front to check out the new styles. I find that fashion evolves so much and history repeats itself, so I also look at my grandmother’s and mother’s closet for inspiration. Thrifting has also singlehandedly saved my wardrobe as well! I created a Pinterest board based on my personal aesthetic and how I would like to dress, and then from there I look for those items and similar silhouettes when I’m out thrifting. Always a win.
When I’m out shopping, the first thing I gravitate towards is the pants rack. I LOVE PANTS! Lol I’m such a jeans lady also, so that’s what I’m looking at. To wear this dress was HUGE! I went with this choice because 1. It has pockets, and who doesn’t dig functionality? 2. It’s black, which we know I dig far too much, and 3. It gave me the most comfort, while also being super stylish with the off the shoulder detail. Winning all the way around.
I also tend to be very casual in my dress attire, and will wear minimal accessories. I loved that this outfit allowed me to be a bit dressier in my style evolution, and also the color from the earrings plays along nicely with my skin-tone. I don’t mind dressing up, but I definitely prefer to go for a laid-back casual look that easily be switched from day to night with the addition of a bold lip or a bootie.
How do you dress for your style?
I’d love to know.
Follow Lauren on Instagram for more style inspiration @whatsuplauren_
Photos by Cassandra J. Klepac
Our favorite writer, girl next door, awkward Auntie, owner of Thursdays, Shondaland developer, and storytelling powerhouse, Shonda Rhimes, is leaving ABC for Netflix, according to several media outlets.
So what happens now?
Shonda, producer and creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “How To Get Away with Murder,” and “Scandal” which currently stream on Netflix now, and also author of “Year of Yes,” an NC bookclub read, and several other shows will be making the switch to Netflix after 10+ years with ABC to pursue more creative freedom and flexibility in her storytelling.
The move is an “opportunity to build a vibrant new storytelling home for writers with the unique creative freedom and instantaneous global reach provided by Netflix’s singular sense of innovation” Rhimes said in a statement. She went on to say that “the future of Shondaland at Netflix has limitless possibilities.”
Major props to Netflix for bringing the #GOAT on board.
I am excited to see where this partnership leads and can only imagine the level of viewership that Netflix is about to achieve. This is huge news also, since Disney just recently announced they will be pulling all of their content from Netflix in order to pursue their own streaming service. As the battle for online television occurs, I’m standing with Netflix. Plus, who knows what original content Shonda is planning to create that I will instantly become obsessed with.
Let’s all stay afloat on this, and let me know if any of you want to meet for Shonda marathons. I’ll bring the wine, Gladiators!!
How do you feel about the switch? Let us know in the comments.
Follow us on Facebook to see what we’re talking about right now.
Alright y’all. You now have permission to keep your coffee addiction alive, because it can actually help your hair!! Caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood flow to the scalp and aids in the regeneration of hair follicles can help hair grow even longer. Often consumed orally, through coffees, teas, and in pill form, we know caffeine can help wake us up from our drowsy state, increase our mood, and rev us up for the day. But the same benefits can occur to our scalp through the use of coffee as a moisturizer. Caffeine, a byproduct of coffee, works to regenerate the scalp tissue by increasing blood flow and allowing more nutrients to be released into the hair follicles. Coffee grounds can also be used as a scalp exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and buildup. Just be sure to wash your hair thoroughly, after doing this method. Check out your ingredients list on your products though and see which ones contain caffeine. You might be pleasantly surprised!
1. Shea Moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Hair & Scalp Weekly Therapy
Encouraging hair growth and scalp stimulation, this weekly treatment by Shea Moisture contains caffeine as a direct ingredient in its product list. This wonder product also works to smooth strands, repair damage, and discourage frizz in the hair strands by coating your curls, waves, and coils with a myriad of herbs, keratin, and peptides.
2. Curl Junkie Coffee – Coco Curl Creme
Listing caffeine as one of the first ingredients and even in its name, this product works to moisture the strands while also being able to be used as a styling product. Check this one out for a little bit of a hold, but not necessarily wanting a gel.
3. Carol’s Daughter Lisa’s Hair Elixir 7-in-1 Complete Conditioner
This product literally is magic in a bottle, as it works to condition and moisturizes your hair 7 different ways!!!
4. Shea Moisture Dragon’s Blood & Coffee Cherry Volume & Lifting Spray
Alright Wavies, If you are looking for a boost in your hair volume, try out this line! It is known for lifting the roots and adding height to hair.
5. naturally smitten Hydrating Hair Custard
My favorite product on this list hands down due to the texture and consistency! Whenever I am looking for a bomb twist out, this hair custard is the way to go.
So how do you coffee?
What do you think about the use of caffeine as a scalp stimulant and moisturizer?
We want to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback with us on Facebook!
You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly offices. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagrams, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair!
As someone who is a lover of all things neutral, I feel like my best self in a crisp white shirt and a solid pair of mom jeans. When mom jeans aren’t available, I lean to my second fave, the denim skirt. I found this skirt at Goodwill in Houston, and snatched it up immediately! As a plus size woman, sometimes it can be hard to find good denim that skims over your curves while also making you look fashion forward. And don’t get me started on wearing white! This is a new development for me. As I continue on in my style evolution, I find comfort in choosing styles and shapes that complement my body, make me feel powerful, and also have a minimal palette because then I know it will match everything. This is the perfect office outfit for me because it was quick to throw on, it features a mule (which I LOVE”>, and my glasses are the only color pop I need. :”>
My shirt is from Old Navy. My skirt is thrifted. My glasses are from Zenni Optical, and my shoes are from Ross. My earrings are really special to me because they are by a black-owned and woman owned-business in Houston called Tribe & Sol.
By far my signature color is dark black, light black, soft black, etc. Ha! It’s honestly just black. Colorful clothing really overwhelms me, and it would take forever for me to find something to wear, so I chose to go the “uniform” route and focus on only buying black clothing. When I am not in black, I tend to wear a lot of whites, denim, taupe, and grays. It makes the getting dressed process really easy in the morning when I am pressed for time.
Right now, my closet is going through a transition, as I am dressing for stylish comfort. I don’t own many dresses, but I have pants for days. I would consider myself to be a maximalist, as once I find something that works, I am rocking with it and never letting go and will buy several pieces that resemble each other. I also really enjoy thrifted fashion, because it allows me to take modern styles and try to find the thrift version of it, leaving me to become more creative in my clothing options.
In 5ish words, my style would be described as “That Cool Aunt, Easy, No-Frill, Streamlined, & Efficient”.
With my style being so streamlined right now, I do actually find a lot of inspiration and have been looking at ideas from plus size style blogger Gabi Fresh. Ya’ll, I am obsessed with her!! She dresses so perfectly for her body type, knows how to kill every outfit in various colors, and just designed her own line of plus size clothing with fellow blogger Nicolete Mason, called Premme! Hey Gabi & Nicolete, if you have any extra clothes, holla at ya girl!
How do you dress for your style?
I’d love to know.
Follow Lauren on Instagram for more style inspiration @whatsuplauren_
Photos by Cassandra J. Klepac
Melissa Chanel, curl influencer, blogger, and Cantu’s National Beauty Ambassador recently sat down with me for a few of her favorite tips on how to make your back to school curl care easier. Cantu is one of our featured brands at Texture on the Runway 2017, powered by Sally Beauty. You can find Cantu’s products at Sally Beauty, our exclusive retailer sponsor for Texture on the Runway. As we gear up for back to school season, Melissa and I discussed dads and ponytails, college and hair stylists, how to style your hair for the school year, and a peek into what you can carry in your bag to preserve your style!
Hi, Everyone! I am Melissa Chanel, Cantu’s National Beauty Ambassador and I’ve been natural for 9 years! I started my natural hair journey when I was in school. As I was attending college, my stylist at the time was like “Hey Melissa, I can get your hair straight without putting a relaxer in it” and that’s how it started. And after graduating college, I didn’t have this stylist to go to anymore, because she was in a different state. So, then it was like ok, let’s see how my natural hair pattern is. Cantu was the first product I used because it was in my local store. Ever since then, I never looked back. I started a blog sharing tips and tricks with my followers about natural hair, and I’ve done everything from cutting it off, to coloring it, to letting it grow back, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
L: So recently, Cantu has come out with a line of products for the whole family?
M: Yes, we want everyone to know that Cantu is for the whole family. We have a kid’s collection, we have women’s, and we have a new men’s collection launching. We try to be a one stop shop for the mom who is looking for something for her, her husband, and her child.
As we prepare for back to school season, her top tips included detangling, moisturizing, protecting your strands, and reviving your hair.
1. Detangling
Detangling the hair and using a curl cream on the strands in order to make the styling process a tad bit easier was Melissa’s first tip. For dads who are possibly styling their child’s hair, Melissa offers these words of wisdom:
“A detangler is going to save your life! Detangling [before washing will make wash-day] 100% easier. Cantu has an amazing Care For Kids Conditioning Detangler. It detangles hair and helps with making and it actually won a NaturallyCurly award in 2015. I know some adults prefer the kid one to the adult one, so detangle hair before you wash it. This will help the wash day be smoother.”
2. Moisturize
Moisturizing the strands to ensure healthy hair is all the ways at the top of our curl list. Melissa’s take on moisturizing curly hair involves utilizing the Care For Kids Curl Cream as your styler.
“Get a good curl cream. Ponytails will be the easiest style you can do or two pigtails. Use the curling cream after you condition as it helps define and defeats the frizz. So, the curl cream will be your next best friend. Use it after the detangler, define the curls, and help hair get into a ponytail or 2 pigtails. For little boys, try the Care For Kids Styling Custard, because you want a product with a little bit of hold. I would use a detangler (if necessary”>, a curl cream, and then the styling custard.”
3. Protect
Once we have our style set, we have to know how to protect it at night. I am a huge fan of the satin pillow case myself, as my satin bonnet falls off consistently. Melissa suggests to “use a satin pillowcase or a satin bonnet, and also have a water bottle with just water. The next morning, mist [your child’s] curls to rejuvenate and revitalize and bring their hair back to life.”
4. Revive
Lastly, after a rough day at school, not to mention recess, your child’s hair is sure to sweat out! Melissa and I discussed her preferred methods of style revival and how she keeps her curls looking fresh. One of her favorite product lines features Apple Cider Vinegar, and it specifically works to provide relief at your roots and control oils. “Cantu has a line of products that are about refreshing your style. The refresh collection consists of a Root Rinse, a Root Release, and a Dry Co-Wash, with this line being perfect for college students that are protective styling. Our hair produces so much oil, so revival is important to keep hair full and shiny.”
For children, she recommends sticking with the kid’s based line and then transitioning to adult products once they hit the age of 13.
Her last words of advice for parents of curly kids, and curly women and men in college:
M: “When I first started [working in the hair industry], I would tell young people that when you find something that works, stick to it. You don’t have to be a huge product hoarder that tries 50 million products. If you find something that works, use it. Also, get trims regularly. Don’t be afraid to cut your hair. Healthy hair is good hair, so you want to make sure you’re trimming, deep conditioning and if you find a product that works, stick with it.”
One thing to keep in your backpack is the Curl Come Back Spray, as it revives hairstyles that may have fallen throughout the day. I, personally, am a fan of carrying around a spray bottle of water and hair milk whenever I am worried about my style falling. “This spray redefines, moisturizes, and restores the curls.”
Thank you so much to Melissa for speaking with me, and I am looking forward to seeing Cantu Beauty at Texture on the Runway 2017!
For more from Melissa, you can follow her @melissachanel and at her site melissachanel.com, and for more on Cantu’s new lines look for them at Sally Beauty.
What do you think about these back to school tips? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook!
Sponsored by Cantu.
Pekela Riley won “Hairstylist of the Year” at the Curlbox Awards in Las Vegas, an event that recognizes vanguards within the beauty industry during the Cosmoprof Beauty Trade Show.
Over the past year Pekela has been a key hairstylist for numerous national hair care brand campaigns and activations including Loreal, Mizani, Revlon Creme of Nature, and Curlbox. To date, Pekela’s work has also been featured in numerous popular print and digital magazines including Essence, People, Ebony, Sophisticates Black Hair, Hype Hair, and NaturallyCurly.com. Her salon in Florida is called Salon PK.
Recently, I had the chance to speak with her for an in-depth convo about her presence in the natural hair community and her CurlBox 2017 Stylist of the Year win!
How did you feel when you won the Curlbox “Hairstylist of the Year” Award?
I was really excited! I felt moved and a sense of honor to be recognized in a room with so many other power players and industry leaders pushing the needle of excellence in the beauty industry. It was an amazing assembly of black excellence and #BlackGirlMagic that I was extremely proud to be a part of – the event was all about us! I felt the love, excitement, and honor – especially due to the fact that the award I won was based on votes cast amongst my peers and market base. I didn’t know that I won until I heard my name announced – so of course, you know I was grateful and lit lol!
What does this award mean to you?
It means a lot because I felt like it was given by people who earned the right to validate it because they are engulfed within servicing our community and continuously strive for excellence. Curlbox has that direct communication with the real consumer and woman – who voted for this award. To me, it was the equivalent of a “people’s choice” award.
What things stand out in your career and in this past year that put you in a position to win this award?
I’ve been blessed to work with fabulous companies and people that showcase texture, like Revlon, Creme of Nature, Loreal and Mizani. I’ve also had the pleasure of being highlighted and featured amongst many publications and bloggers, becoming a more valuable thread in the natural hair dialogue.
In addition, I’ve been able to curate a constant stream of accessible imagery from Salon PK because we create it all day. All of which is a testament to hard work and dedication.
What is unique about your skillset as a hairstylist?
The range of my skill set! Whether it’s long hair or short hair – natural, relaxed, or extensions, 2B to 4C, or a variety of cuts and colors across the spectrum, my clients and hair brands I work for feel confident they can achieve an array of imagery options with me as the key stylist.
How do you continue to be a trendsetter within the beauty industry?
I organize my inspirations and make sure I’m naturally inspired to move the needle within my industry. When I truly tap into that natural passion place of styling and beautifying people, I can consistently operate in a zone where I’m inspired and motivated to be at the top of my game, by achieving looks that allow my client to feel and look the way they want, to be at the top of theirs. I also keep in mind that I’m a service provider, so I go above and beyond to humbly operate in a space of service.
Congratulations to you Pekela!!
If you’d like to visit Pekela at her salon, Salon PK is located in Jacksonville, Florida. You can book an appointment by calling 904-636-0787 or emailing CustomerCare@salonpk.com.
To see her styles, follow her @salonpk!
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You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly offices. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagram, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair! #OOTD
As a current remote editor for NC, I am often in “sweatpants chic” with the top bun to match. For the days I travel into the office though, I do like to show out a bit and rock a bold lip, whatever glasses or accessories style I am digging at the moment, and of course a solid pair of hoop earrings. Our office culture is quite casual, with everyone having the opportunity to showcase their own unique style, which can be really refreshing to see. Traveling to Austin from Houston has allowed me to create a style experiment for myself allowing me to showcase the different facets of what I like to wear, based on how I want my travel experience to be!
My top and bottoms are from Haute Dimensions Boutique in Houston, TX. My shoes are from Target. My glasses are from Zenni Optical, and my earrings are from my mama!
Tell us about your hair, what products are in your hair? How did you style it?
Oooh, this hair. For this fit I did a very quick wash and go, with a huge focus on finger detangling and finding products with multiple uses. In my hair, I have the Aunt Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Leave-In Conditioner as a leave-in and detangler, EcoStyler Gel for hold and frizz control and a little of the Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Hair Oil.
How do you like your clothes to make you feel?
I LOVE for my clothes to make me feel like I can breathe like I know what I am doing, and like I am creative in my endeavors. I tend to allow my outfits to have one punch of dynamism in them, whether that be an accessory or a dashiki shirt, and then keep the rest of my fit muted. My clothes should make me feel like a boss.
Is there a person, designer or character who inspires your style?
My ultimate style icons right now would be Alex Elle and Nikisha Brunson. Their styles are how I envision mine to be within the next couple of years or so. Both women radiate confidence through their simple clothing and don’t put too much fuss into accessories. They also have very visible arm tattoos, which I am incredibly obsessed with. Their styles seem very curated to their personality types, and they exude a sense of carefreeness yet togetherness in what they wear.
Tell us about your closet!
I consider myself to be that of a minimalist in the style category, as I often don’t rock many accessories, and choose to let my silhouettes speak for themselves. I own a ton of black. Lol (so I always have a lint brush on me”>. Most of my clothing shapes are very loose and breezy, and I tend to gravitate towards a solid pair of mom jeans with a good white top, and either a mule or my Vans. :”> #sneakergirlforlife
How has your style changed over the years?
I’ve definitely been in transition for the last couple of years, as I am learning to allow myself to wear what I feel comfortable in, instead of what is in style. I do gravitate towards neutral colored clothing items, very light materials such as cotton, linen, and silks, and clothing that I can move around in. Don’t get me wrong though, I live for a good pair of heels also, and will show up and show out when necessary. :”>
How do you rock prints at the office?
I’d love to know.
Follow Lauren on Instagram for more style inspiration @whatsuplauren_
Photos by Cassandra J. Klepac
Davia, Creator of Redefine Enough & The Affirm Podcast, is a trauma counselor and mental health therapist based in Austin, TX. She is such a positive spirit with an incredibly infectious personality, and she prides herself on making mental health discussions relatable and engaging. We sat down recently and chatted about all things mental health, self-care, creating healthy boundaries, and the demystification of mental health. Having conversations like these are so necessary because women, especially, are taught not to discuss their feelings. The DSM-IV definition of mental health has also changed drastically over the years, as it used to only encompass a small array of emotions. The case studies and research used in previous studies were geared towards middle aged white women, with all testing conducted by middle age white men, effectively leaving out women of color altogether.
Thanks to Davia, therapists like her, and the overall increase of access to educational resources for our emotional health, we can change the narrative on how to cope with our emotions and live our best lives. Peep our discussion below!
Lauren: So how did you come up with the concept and the name behind Redefine Enough? What inspired your name?
Davia: This came from my personal journey that I knew was similar to other women. I did so much, but I felt like it was never good enough for other people, and I had all of these expectations that were being imposed on me, and some I did impose on myself. I got to the point where I said screw that? I am good enough, and I am just going to be me, and you need to take it or leave it.
Now, that’s not to say that I feel that way all of the time. As a human, I still get nervous about being vulnerable and transparent, but I think my mental health has grown. I’m going through more as a trauma therapist, but being able to be vulnerable and build strong relationships has been really freeing. I wanted Redefine Enough to have a community that says you are enough and we got you.
L: It’s like you have created this sacred space, where people can come and realize they aren’t by themselves. Can you speak more on how your environments can play a role in mental health and mental illness?
D: Whenever I hear the phrase you are a product of your environment, I think it is half true and half false. You can put two people in the same exact environment and they can respond totally different, and some of that just means a different level of resiliency. But I do want to be careful about my language. Our environments do impact us, but we can make shifts as we grow older. I think it is really important, once you are in a place where you are actually safe, that you learn what your needs are. Noticing when you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable, what makes you feel safe. Take notes and be aware of those things that bring you good emotions. So, if you say when I’m around this person I experience joy, take heed of that, and recognize the goodness of having that in your space. Just being mindful of small things in your environment, whether that is spatially or emotionally.
L: So with self-care, what is positive self-care and what is negative self-care?
D: So therapy is positive self-care, and sometimes people try to substitute positive self-care in place of therapy. When we break it down, we think about energy drainers and energy gainers. That’s how I think about self-care. What gives you energy? What is restoring you? More than likely it is not about that bottle of wine after work. But I would say to go deeper with self-care. Don’t get it twisted though. Sometimes, self-care just means saying no, implementing a boundary, and saying yes to resting and relaxing. I think once we get stuck there in that “relaxation”, it can become an issue because we are just treating the surface. Deep healthy self-care is figuring out what restores you and what puts you at peace. That means learning healthy boundaries, learning how to say no to people also, learning how to fuel yourself with the right foods and deciding if something is a healthy coping skill or an unhealthy skill. Even having a clean room makes a difference in how you feel. Just remember, everyone’s self-care plans look different because we all have different needs.
L: Is it also ok to take a day off when you feel like crap?
D: Of course, take your time to feel it! You don’t have to rush through your feelings, and you don’t have to rush to feel good as well. So, we live in this “I need a quick fix society” where it’s like I dealt with it, so it should be gone by tomorrow, and that’s a very high expectation for us to impose on ourselves. We don’t have to rush to be ok. I don’t want someone to stay in that place though. It’s ok to honor when you’re sad or angry or hurt.
L: I do this all the time too, where I’m like “ok, felt it, and I’m moving on!”
D: And then we get mad about it when we aren’t over it!
L: Mental health does not equal mental illness right? So, say someone is realizing that they need a bit of support on their mental health journey, what are some signs they should look for when finding a therapist? How do they even know that therapy is ok?
D: Well, I will say is if you have not figured out a healthy way to get to your desired area of life, then at that point it is ok to reach out to someone else that has an actual background to support you and with that, I always let people know that with therapy there are so many different options. There are so many different forms and ways that people can help you, that it doesn’t just have to be mental health in regard to navigating depression, anxiety, or a diagnosis. If you are feeling stuck, and you want to figure out how can I break this pattern that I have been dealing with my whole life, that’s therapy. It’s helping you get your best life.
L: Which is positive self- care!
D: Right, See! Thank you!
L: I think you hit on something really huge when you mentioned having a friend to talk to or reaching out for support from a therapist. Being vulnerable with somebody can be super scary for people, so can you speak to that? Why is vulnerability something that freaks people out?
D: It does take a level of vulnerability to just call up a friend, whether you are having a good day or a bad day. I think our society is so focused on having superficial relationships, and there is a fear of judgment because we put only good things on social media. We don’t talk about, oh I got laid off, someone broke up with me, etc., so as a result, we hide those things, because we learn they aren’t socially acceptable. If we could tap into the courage to just be human and vulnerable, there can be so much freedom there, because we are being reminded that we aren’t the only one. Vulnerability connects us and frees us from those unhealthy thoughts.
L: So, should someone get a therapist or a life coach?
D: Lol! I will always be pro therapy, but you have to get the right therapist. I do get that question a lot and usually what I ask people is what are you seeking? For some people, I can just tell they are scared of therapy, and I’m like don’t be scared boo. We don’t bite. When thinking of therapy though, a therapist can do what a life coach can do and more.
L: Let’s talk about your podcast “Affirm”. What sparked the idea? How is it going?
D: So, I always knew that I wanted to make mental health a normal topic in households of color. And what better way to do this than from someone who has studied this and experienced it. I can bring my personality to talk about it in a way that isn’t so frightening. I wanted a way to talk about mental health, because we all have it and it shows up in each and every one of our lives, so let’s put it on the table instead of it being the elephant in my room.
L: Why are affirmations important? What does it do to someone’s sense of self if they can dedicate time to be with themselves?
D: For me personally, affirmations are a reminder of the things I can seldom forget or diminish about myself. And so, right now. I have one on my desk that I can say whenever I am beating myself up about something, and then I can look to something and it helps ground me and remind me. For me, it’s a positive reinforcement for me to get it from my head to my heart. Not everyone is wired that way though, some people can care less about affirmations. But for me, it’s a reminder of who I am and who I am aspiring to be and giving myself some compassion.
L: Do you have an affirmation for the Naturally Curly readers?
D: The affirmation would be two words: I AM. With those two words, there is power in the fact that you are here, you are alive, and breathing, and these words capture everyone and the beauty that we all share.
Thank you, Davia, for chatting with me and sharing your words of wisdom with the Naturally Curly community! I always leave our chats so inspired, and a little bit more self-aware than before, and hopefully our readers feel the same. To keep up with Davia and her work, check her out at www.redefineenough.com! ( I hear she will be embarking on a yoga certification next!!!”>
Naturally Curly, how do you practice self-care?
Share your favorite methods with us on Facebook!
For more on my mental health journey, follow me on Instagram @whtsuplauren!
I am a person of the people. All of my friends know that I will shower them with compliments all day long, and when they thrive, I thrive.I love seeing others put on, and I will rep you all day long… Until it came time to recognize me, and I just couldn’t do it.
It felt almost egotistical in a way to be nice to myself, and I just couldn’t seem to recognize the magic within.I am my own worst critic by far. Over the past 2 years of my life between stressful relationships, career transitions, and overall growing into my womanhood, I began to feel extremely detached from myself and whom I was perceived to be.
1.
When I first started writing for NaturallyCurly, it was because I was deeply inspired by the women whose articles I had read, whom I presumed to have amazing confidence to share their stories. Over time and many many articles later, I learned that real confidence comes from being vulnerable with your being, putting your work and your story out there in hopes that it can heal someone else while also healing yourself, and just living day by day and being your best self.
2.
Y’all, I don’t take selfies for anything. I am always the person behind the lens capturing someone else in their best light. But what if I flipped the role? Should I start saying yes to selfies? Well, I was dared by my NC team to start taking Selfies for Self-Love as a way to
1. Break me out of my selfie shell and
2. Develop a consistent practice of speaking better to Lauren.
To be honest, I was super fretful of this challenge and didn’t know how it would turn out.
3.
I will say these selfies are a collection of bad camera angles, no makeup days, in-the-moment clicks, definitely filters, and taken over a 2-week timeframe because some days you just really don’t feel like being cute for the gram. They are me in my rawest form though, and I feel beautiful in each and every one of them.
4.
During my selfie experience, I really harnessed my power as a Body-Positive warrior and embraced every bit of glitter that makes me me. Some of my selfies are with friends, and some are just my face, but here I am: aware and visible to the world, but also loving myself and embracing my melanin, hair, size, and personality. I might not be the finest or the prettiest (these things are so subjective anyways”>, but I am beautiful in the best of ways, radiating from within, and I will continue to be a champion of all that is self-love and my “Laurenisms.” I invite you to enjoy my naked moments with me and hope you are inspired to embark on your own selfie journey.
5.
I was having a real good eyebrow day here! LOL
6.
I invite all of the NaturallyCurly readers who are feeling some type of way about themselves, to try out selfies for self-love for 5 days. See how it makes you feel afterward. What did you learn? What did you gain?
7.
8. My Favorite Selfie of Them All – Some of the NaturallyCurly Team!!
How do you feel about selfies for self-love? How are you practicing body-positivity?
Over the next few weeks, some of our contributors will be sharing their experiences with the body posi movement. Check out Facebook for their stories, and share yours!
Let’s break the internet with our selfies!
Here, at Naturally Curly, we are no strangers to the Pineapple method, as it one of our faves to protect our curls, coils, and waves when we sleep. From one huge pineapple to several small ones, the pineapple method has always been a consistent go-to for bedtime curl protection, and sometimes we even rock our’s throughout the day! So what better to celebrate National Pineapple Day, than with a compilation of some of our curlfriends rocking their up-do’s!
What is the Pineapple Method?
The Pineappling method is one of several ways to achieve frizz-free and defined hair to extend your style longer. By plopping the hair on top of the head, and securing loosely with a scrunchie or tear-free hair-tie, and then tying a scarf around your edges, this method keeps hair secured at night, leading to an extended style the next day! For more information on pineapples, and how we style ours, check out this to how- to for creating your pineapple! Alex, one of our Content Editor’s, strongly appreciates her pineapple noting that “It definitely preserves my curls, and I have sensitive skin so wrapping my hair up at night and putting it in a pineapple is also really good for keeping my skin free from extra oils.”1. @jadashairdiary
This is Jada’s 4th day hair! Look at those curls!
2. @gomesamara
- Photo Courtesy of @gomesamara
3. Style Nooker @amandarrwalker
4. Style Nooker @AngelDemure
5. Style Nooker @Ariana.Atwat
How do you rock your pineapple?
We want to see your pics!
#HappyNationalPineappleDay
The summer solstice occurred yesterday, which means astrologically the wheel of the year has turned. This portion of the year is significant to honoring the light covering the earth, embracing our inner light, and recognizing the cyclical nature of the seasons and life itself.
2017 is also a one year numerically, meaning it is the beginning of a new cycle, symbolizing starting anew.
I started 2017 in bed, conducting a tarot reading, determined to make 2017 my year of saying yes to relaxation and recognizing my higher self. Last year was a hot mess, but Nah, 2017 would be different. It would be my personal year, my year of honoring my relationship with me, developing my self-care practice, and most importantly loving Lauren in all ways. Elevated in my thoughts of how I envisioned the year to look in front of me, I just knew that every day would be filled with positivity and rejoicing, as I felt closure on the previous cycle of my life, and fully welcomed this new time. How often though do we get a little overconfident about something, and then become completely blindsided when our expectations aren’t met, or we feel disappointed if something doesn’t pan out quite how we planned? Right?! This was the beginning of my 2017. Yes, I accomplished a ton, but home girl’s self-care was lacking majorly.
So, I am taking a pause, and recharging. Earlier in the year, I came up with these Zen Commandments as a way to establish my self-care for 2017, but I have found that I need them now more than ever. I share these with you in hopes that you find some of the light I have found, and that it jump starts your cycle of self-love. We all deserve this, so let’s reclaim our light and rock the remainder of the year.
Detoxification & Letting Go
It’s time to let go. Scream, shout, Dance it out! Do whatever you have to do. Give away those incentive pants. Throw out those expired hair products. Repurpose your vibes, and recognize what it is you want to offer to yourself and to the world. Feel all of your being, and cultivate it.
I enjoy detoxifying through my senses. So, whether that be taking a physical bath and imagining the warm water wrapped around me like a tight hug or doing a juice cleanse while I physically try to imagine the tastes of what I am drinking, detoxification is so necessary for my mental and emotional health. I also practice detoxification on a daily, with trying to reframe my mind during times of high-stress. It’s so easy to go down the rabbit hole of negative self-thoughts when you are having a stressful day. But what if during those times of high-stress, we said something nice to ourselves? Detox your brain and thoughts with a quick “I’m a work in progress, and That’s Ok”, and continue on with your day.
Feel Everything
How has 2017 been for you so far? Have you felt joy, pain, sorrow, happiness, zealousness, anything? Have you allowed yourself to feel at all? Do you have something that you have been meaning to clean house on, but you just can’t seem to bring yourself to follow through with it?
Once we allow ourselves to actually feel then we are becoming whole within our truest selves. One of my favorite blogs, The AstroTwins, discusses the importance of recognizing our shadow selves, honoring our not so lovely traits, and learning to work with them, because after all, it is a huge part of our being. I have learned that I am a huge crier when I am frustrated, angry, and or just burnt out. In the past, I would push these emotions away and not deal with them head-on, because I thought it made me feel weak. By allowing myself to feel though (and several months of therapy and self-care”>, I can now say with confidence that I have been embracing my shadow side about 45% more (still a work in progress y’all”>, and I am honoring ALL of the traits that make me unique.
Recognizing Your Magic
Look. We are all magical in our own way. We all have glitter in our veins, and we are all bright lights who have something to contribute to the world. Your contribution doesn’t have to be small, and it doesn’t have to be large. Your physical presence and your being holding space in the universe is enough a contribution in itself. So, say yes to staying conscious and say yes to being ALIVE. You are killing it every single day, even when you don’t think you are. Your light is worthy, and you are everything you have ever needed. As Shonda Rhimes would say. “Stand in the Sun, and Dance it out!”. Love yourself for making it halfway through 2017, and embrace yourself for moving on to the next half. We got this!
How are you resetting for 2017? What self-care methods are you engaging in?
Share your thoughts with us on Facebook!
For more on my journey, follow me at @whtsuplauren
From spray bottles that add moisture to shower caps to protect against it, there are so many tools a curly needs to stay on top of her hair. When it comes to a curling irons though, knowing how to clean your curling tools is very important. Curling irons can easily pick up dirt from regular handling. They are also notorious for taking on a thick, disgusting coating of buildup from hair products, ranging from hairspray to heat protectant. But have you ever considered cleaning your curling iron? Oftentimes, we forget this task, mainly because we don’t know how. Here are 8 tips though that you can use on to clean your curling iron and keep your curls in check!
1. Turn it off!
There are some that say it is easier to clean a curling iron when it is still a little on the warm side, due to the products being able to melt off. You run the risk of painful burns with this method though. Let’s avoid this altogether, and just turn off our irons when we are cleaning them. Cleaning a cold curling iron with the right tools mentioned above will definitely get the job done without heat thrown in the mix.
2. Never submerge the curling iron in liquid
You could potentially mess up the electrical components by submerging your iron in water or a cleaning solution. It is better to take your paper towel and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the paper towel, and then rub down the entirety of the curling iron, paying special attention to any plates, heating elements, or areas with excessive buildup. Skip the water, and use the following cleanser instead.
3. Use rubbing alcohol
It is common to hear that you can use an all-purpose cleaner, but these can be a little too abrasive for the surface of your curling iron. It is also incredibly hard to get all of the cleaner off and you may end up with it in your hair; and Girl, who wants that to happen? Rubbing alcohol is great solution for cleaning because it evaporates on its own and won’t leave behind a strong smell.
4. If the iron isn’t that dirty…
Stop here. The rubbing alcohol in Step 1 may be enough to properly clean it. If you are working with a lot of product buildup though, it may be best to obtain a commercial cleaning solution from your nearest professional beauty supply store or use tools to remove the buildup.
5. Use a toothbrush and a paper towel
A paper towel will be needed to clean the larger parts such as the handle, but a toothbrush is really useful for getting into the nooks and crannies of your iron. Toothbrushes are also strong enough to remove caked on product without scratching the surface of the iron.
6. Make a baking soda paste
To tackle tough buildup, combine a mixture of baking soda and enough water to create a paste in a small bowl. Using the toothbrush and the mixture, scrub the areas with the most buildup until it comes off.
7. Wipe it down
Next use a wet paper towel with just water to wipe away any rubbing alcohol or baking soda mixture left behind, along with the buildup.
8. Thoroughly dry your curling iron
You never want to use a wet curling iron because it is a serious safety hazard! Always make sure your curling iron is thoroughly dry after a cleaning, before use. I would even go so far as to say, after drying it with a towel, let air dry to give any small water droplets a chance to evaporate.
So the next time you need to clean your curling iron, try out these tips. Cleaning your curling iron can be a breeze; it’s just about knowing the right methods to keep your tools lasting for a long time and your curls looking right!Know of any other ways to clean your curling tools? We want to know!
Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and head on over to the NaturallyCurly Facebook to see what we’re talking about right now.
So long are the days of the thin brow, as Microblading continues to take the beauty industry by full force. The highly sought out sister to cosmetic tattooing, Microblading is a less invasive yet slightly more permanent alternative to achieving fuller and thicker brows. Over a few sessions, brows are shaped, ink is deposited into the skin through tiny scratches, and your brows are at maximum Solange status with minimal effort outside of your appointment for up to 18 months. I had the chance to speak with Maggie, Master Technician & Owner of MPressive Faces in Houston, TX where she shared her story with me on how she became involved in the beauty industry and what sets her salon apart from the competition. MPressive Faces is her beauty baby and specializes in permanent makeup application and 3D Microblading techniques. At MPressive, brows are the focus and Maggie and her team of brow gurus are killing the game.
Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you come up with the idea for MPressive Faces?
“The original plan when I first began Microblading was to just do it for fun and as a hobby. Just something to do in the summer as I am much more known as a Professional Golf Instructor. Once I saw the demand for it, I started to market myself HARD. News stations caught wind of my service and they all jumped to do stories on my service. A little publicity never hurt anyone, right? Which in turn worked out for me as I was booked 2 months out after my first week of working.”
What motivated you to work in the beauty industry, especially with something that is such a new trend?
“I have always wanted to do something in the beauty world. Whether is was a service or a product, I knew I wanted to do something. I’ve always been into cosmetics, beauty, and makeup. At the time, I felt like I wanted to do something that helped women (and men”>. I suffered myself from thin brows. I knew that if this could help me, then I could help a lot of individuals with this service as well.”
Can you microblade your hairline lol?
“No you can not microblade a hairline, however, there are other micropigmentation techniques out there that can give the illusion of a fuller hairline. (Which we do offer”>.”
How long does Microblading last after the session is over?
“Typically about 8-18 months. However, do keep in mind the actual longevity of microblading will be determined by how well the client cares for their brows while they are healing, their skin type, and how active they are. (Sun, sweat, beach etc.”>”
How does a typical Microblading procedure go and how long is one session? How often are touch-ups needed?
“The procedure is usually a 2 hour block time. The first 20-30 minutes is pre-numbing the area, then we spend about 30 minutes getting a precise and accurate measurement of the brows so that they are more sisterly, then the rest of the time is the actual microblading. We do use more numbing during the procedure to make it as comfortable as possible. You also get one free touch up as part of your service because you are expected to lose some pigment during the initial healing phase. But after that, typically an annual touch up is all that’s needed to maintain brows.”
If someone has a low pain tolerance, how can they ease the pain of the procedure?
“We use several numbing agents before and during the procedure so it is virtually painless. Just think, scratches. Haha Yes, we numb you for scratches.”
Has anyone with sensitive skin ever had an allergic reaction to microblading before? What are the risk factors for someone that does have sensitive skin?
“There are not many risk factors associated with Microblading as it’s merely a less invasive form of tattooing. The only allergy issues you may run into is the iodine solution or latex gloves. However, we use another prep solution if the client is allergic and we use non latex gloves.”
So what is the aftercare process like after a session?
“The aftercare process is no different from that of a tattoo. No touching as they are open cuts, no direct water, and ample amount of ointment will suffice for the aftercare.”
Are there any microblading alternatives for a beauty guru on a tight budget?
“At MPressive Faces we do have different Brow Technicians that charge different prices depending on your level of comfort when it comes to experience. We have our Brow Techs and Master Brow Tech. So if you are looking for a technician that charges less, then our Brow Techs would be the go to. However, if that is still out of your budget, then you may want to stick to the pencil or powder.”
I know it has to be pretty impactful to have this procedure done. What has been your most memorable reaction from a client after a session so far?
“I have had all types of clients who have different medical issues that caused them to lose their eyebrows. Some have lost their eyebrows due to cancer and chemotherapy/radiation, alopecia, and trichotillomania (stress disorder where an individual pulls out their own hair”>. Some have not seen there face with brows in years. So to give them back that sense of self and give them brows is very fulfilling and rewarding in itself. There have been moments where tissue has been passed around and hugs that lasted longer than 3 minutes.”
Where do you see beauty trends going in the future?
“I think the beautiful full brow will always be in style. Unlike the super thin 80’s-90’s brow that came and went. A lot of women are paying for it now. These days, as long as you have brows, wifi, and good credit, YOU’RE GOOD!”
Current song you’re vibing to at the moment?
“At this very moment, Focus x H.E.R.”
Favorite beauty habit you have?
“Super quirky, but I don’t think there is a better beauty habit than drinking plenty and I mean PLENTY of water.”
Want to know more about Maggie & MPressive Faces? Check her out @MPressiveFaces & @ShePlaysGolf.
For more interviews like this, sign up for our Naturally Curly newsletter!
From hot comb chats to transitioning stories, talks about hair have and will always be defining moments in the lives of African American women.
Hair Tales: Regina King from MADFREEtv on Vimeo.
Hair Tales: Tasha Smith from MADFREEtv on Vimeo.
Hair Tales: Mara Brock Akil from MADFREEtv on Vimeo.
Have a hair story you remember from your childhood? Let us know in the comments!
Peep the rest of the Hair Tales video from Michaela angela Davis’s channel on MADFREEtv.
Women deserve to be celebrated fearlessly and complimented often, and in a time where loving your fellow woman as a peer and as a completely admirable human being, we are continuing to create positivity around our womanhood. Compliments from other women can be among the most genuine and most memorable experiences in our lives, and then intention behind these compliments make them stick that much more. So hold your girl gang real close, tell them you love them, and share these 20 words of affirmation with your babes to remind them and yourself just how much women matter and just how much the world needs our magic. #NaturallyCurlyCelebratesWomanhood
- “I am proud of you, I value you, I support you and I love you.
- “You have good energy/Your aura is so bright/Your vibe is so dope.
- “I’m glad to have you in my life.”
- “You make me laugh. You are so witty.”
- “You’re such an inspiration.”
- “You make me want to be better at XYZ…”
- “I love your hair. Your curls are so beautiful.”
- “I appreciate your optimism. You have a positive spirit.”
- “You have an unsurmountable work ethic.”
- “You are incredibly wise, and I appreciate your knowledge.”
Photo Courtesy of CreateHer - “You are fearless in your endeavors.”
- “You matter.”
- “Your aesthetic is everything! What a look!”
- “I admire your confidence and body positivity.”
- “I really admire how you stand by your ideals and beliefs.”
- “You are incredibly encouraging.”
- “You are talented, and the world deserves your work.”
- “You’re an amazing mother/partner/friend/lover.”
- “Your skin is perfection!”
- “You are unapologetic in your being and your fierceness is inspiring.”
What are your favorite compliments to hear?
Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?
It is also ok not to be everyone’s cup of tea, because you are not a woman that only exists for the appeasement of others.
Unequal representation as inclusion in the fashion industry is an idiosyncrasy that is slowly being called out on a major level
Unequal representation as inclusion in the fashion industry is an idiosyncrasy that is slowly being called out on a major level but needs to be spoken of constantly in order to eradicate the cultural biases imposed by the fashion industry with its idealistic beauty standards that often do not include people of color. As the industry continues to thrive, trends are set, and style is an ever changing construct, we still have to look through the formidable lens that does seek to be an active voice against societal issues today. We saw Tyra Banks break many barriers as a Black model. We saw Naomi Campbell also break these barriers before Tyra, and there have been other women of color who continued to shine their #blackgirlmagic all down the runway. Yet, cultural appropriation is still a thing (cue Marc Jacobs“>, and with the further distinguishment of the fashion industry from black issues, a stance must be taken.
A TEDxUniversityofNevada Talk by model Ebonee Davis highlights these topics of unequal representation. Ebonee broke into the industry at 18 years old, but upon her entrance she was immediately cast aside. Her features were seen as a challenge and her skin seen as a “look” that most campaigns had no capacity for. In her talk, she mentions that it is time for America to lose its disillusioned, romanticized version of beauty and to begin to create actual imagery of people of color that celebrates our melanin, while also speaking out on the matters we face.
Her statements were echoed by Houston, TX style blogger Shayla Janel, creator of Wear My Chic and Slay For a Change. Shayla turned heads last year at NYFW, with her stand-up approach to this conversation. On the back of her pink sequined blazer was the statement, “Vogue Doesn’t Care About Ebony Issues.” Her response to this call-out was “Vogue doesn’t care about Ebony issues is a metaphor about my perception of fashion. Vogue is a representation of the fashion industry and Ebony issues is reference to the excessive police brutality that has plagued our country.” Her crew also wore similar outfits causing major and much needed waves.
Shayla further stated that “I feel the continuous portrayal of lack of diversity is dangerous. Representation is important especially for easily impressionable young girls. I always have found irony in the fact that fashion is suppose to be new, refreshing and groundbreaking. Yet, their representation is centuries old. I think these fashion houses need to be called out…”.
With this industry, there is also a forced assimilation occurring for brown & black people into standards that were never meant for them to embrace. So the question remains, How do we practice full out inclusion and representation in a society that only wants to utilize the cool parts of us, but never the whole? Or a society that can make waves with the introduction of a plus size fashion show (THANK YOU!”>, but not have a platform for political activism in the face of black issues by non black or brown people? We have done it before, with (PRODUCT”> Red or even just recently with designers taking a stance on the political state of America. But the day is now here to also discuss the plight of minorities also. Shayla’s advice to fashion itself stems from her favorite quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “There comes a time when silence is betrayal. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Ebonee’s advice is to have the media recognize the role it plays in the spreading of awareness about different ethnicities, and how the media needs to recognize that it can shape equal representation in fashion.
Thank you both to Ebonee & Shayla for using your voice and your experiences as a catalyst to create change, for being unafraid, inspired, and unapologetic about your black skin in the fashion industry, and for being visual representations of #blackgirlmagic! We see you!
To find out more information on Slay For A Change, check out Shayla’s social media below:
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IG: @randomandchic
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Website: randomandchic.com, slayforachange.com
Right before the new year I declared over my life that 2017 will be the year of unapologetic self-care.
Right before the new year I declared over my life that 2017 will be the year of unapologetic self-care. While 2016 was a complete travesty for most of us, quite a few us are looking at 2017 with a the refreshed mindset we need in order to reclaim our light.
However, to accomplish real inner change, self-care is and will continue to be the move.
By having even the most minimal of self-care practices, you are allowing yourself the space to decompress and feel, leaving you with the ability to feel even more connected and centered with yourself. Though sometimes it can be overwhelming to seek new ways to practice whatever makes your soul feel good, the answer is to turn your current routine into moments of relaxation.
Take wash day, for instance!
We all have one, and whether yours lasts for 30 minutes or a full day, you probably take part in this practice at least once a week. Wash Day appeals to every sensory experience that self-care provides, yet we often fly through this process as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next task. Sometimes, we even use Wash Day as a time to multitask to get as much done as possible, thus focusing less on the task at hand. But what if you shook up the narrative a bit? What if we actually became really mindful of our movements, our process, our time, and our strands?
Wash Day can be a new moment to practice setting new intentions over your future hairstyle while allowing you uninterrupted time to melt away the stress of the day.
On your next styling day, try jamming out to a banging playlist. Smell your coconut oil, massage some into your scalp, and let yourself go! Take Wash Day as a time to vibe out, thinking about that rejuvenated confidence boost you are going to have after those Bantu knots come out!
Here’s my personal Wash Day playlist, tailored just for the naturally curly girls of the world.
2017 is your year, and Wash Day is your day.
Now go out and enjoy your new day of self-care with this curated playlist. Happy listening!
Follow Lauren on Instagram @leauxren
