Search Results: Nikki Walton

Original hair idol and music legend Amel Larrieux is On the Couch with CurlyNikki. And just for the record, this one’s for me, not for y’all! I’ve been fawning over her hair for years, and it was amazing to finally chat about her iconic curls and waves. Enjoy!

Amel & CurlyNikki Curl Up

CurlyNikki: How long have you been natural?

Amel Larrieux: I’ve been natural since I was 17. When I was a teenager, I used to get my hair relaxed, and when I turned 16, I stopped and had my hair twisted, and it locked up. I had locks for two years. I cut them off when I was 19, and my hair has been completely natural ever since.

CN: Why did you stop getting relaxers?

AL: I got really involved in African history and my roots, and I was very Afrocentric at the time. I wore big head wraps and I was studying a little bit about Rastafari and hanging out in Harlem on 125th street — back when it was very much a time when people were talking about our culture — lots of Black owned book stores. It influenced me a lot and I realized that relaxers were not for me.

Also, my mother has always been natural, so I think that I kind of went through the prerequisite “straightening my hair to fit in with other people.” But by the time I was 17, I was finding my individuality, and a part of that was being natural.

CN: How would you describe your hair?

AL: I have two very distinct grains. The top part of my hair is a thicker, coarser grain with corkscrew curls and the bottom part is almost completely straight. You can’t treat both parts the same. I’ve only encountered one or two stylists that know what to do with it, which is why I usually do it myself.

CN: I came across an old interview where you discussed your hair routine and products. It’s several years old and I wonder how your regimen differs from that time? I remember some old school products and lots of braid-outs.

AL: It’s basically the same, except that I’ve been using organic products for the last six years. I don’t use any of the old school stuff anymore because unfortunately, they don’t have the best ingredients. Plus, there are so many more organic things available now than there were before. Everything from your hair, your skin, leads back into your blood and your body. Everything that I put on me  now is basically organic.

I still wash my hair every week unless I’m really busy. I have very curly corkscrew hair, and sometimes I’ll let it air dry naturally. I usually braid it. Every night I braid my hair, because if I don’t, it’ll lock up! The curls are so curly that they lock together very quickly. My secret is moisturizing it before I braid it. It’s also about the products that I use.

I deep condition every time I wash my hair for around 10 to 15 minutes. After applying the conditioner, I’ll put on plastic wrap or a plastic cap and sit in the sun or just keep it on as long as possible. My favorite deep conditioners right now are Kerastase Oleo Relax, Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Tropical Rich Mask and the PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Mask. I also like the PhytoSpecific Kukui Oil Shampoo.

I try to get my hair trimmed twice a month. I don’t wear my hair long anymore. I just prefer to have it shorter. I pretty much keep it at shoulder length now. I may wear it long again one day, but for now, I really like it at my shoulders because it’s really modern, easy and fun!

I have a person who knows how to trim curly hair. She actually can trim my hair without giving me split ends. She makes my hair look better every time she trims it. I appreciate this because many stylists can make matters worse.

CN: You mentioned Phyto, Kerastase and Bumble and Bumble, what other products are you digging?

AL: Using the best combination of products is an ever-changing thing. I won’t stick with the same thing for more than four months because my hair kind of becomes immune to it, so I switch around.

I love the PhytoSpecific brand. It’s one of my favorites and I always come back to it. I also like Shea Moisture, which I know is Black owned and that makes me very happy. I love the Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk. I love it so much that I don’t even know what to do. It works so well. It repairs any and all problems. I use it at night before I braid my hair.

I am a person that likes my hair frizzy and wavy, not a person that’s concerned about it looking silky and curly. I grew up on Chaka Khan and Diana Ross — I like big hair. I like frizzy hair. I think it’s beautiful and it looks like a cloud! It took me many years to embrace that part of my hair. I’m not into gelled looking hair, and these products don’t make my hair look gelled or defined. They make them soft and wavy, like a beautiful cloud [laughter].

CN: Can you tell me more about your night time braiding routine? Do you wet your hair before applying the Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk?

AL: I apply it to my dry hair. I’ve learned that water is my hair’s enemy. That is one of the reasons why I stopped wearing my hair naturally curly all the time. You know, like when you get out of the shower and let it air dry? I had to wet it every day and it really dried my hair out. The braiding works better for me.

CN: What would you tell a woman who is contemplating going natural?

AL: Well, it’s such a personal thing. As Black people, we have so much weight, so much luggage, baggage that comes with it all — all the stuff we’ve been through for decades, how we’re not right, in terms of our beauty and our attributes. Every commercial is like, “get rid of frizz, relax your hair,” and I know it’s for white people as well, but still.

I know how extremely intense it can be for someone to make the change and then feel the reactions from people. When I cut my locks off and had hair that was one inch long, the kind of reactions I got from people I knew and didn’t know — it was astonishing. It was astonishing that my hair mattered that much. That it made such a difference that they had to give me their opinion — that they were so offended or whatever.

I just really believe that people have to do what’s right for them in their own time. It’s definitely more time consuming. We all have different hair, and some might find that braiding their hair is not the thing, that they have to do knots at night, or pin curls at night. Someone else might let it be completely free and natural. I just really want women of color to feel good about themselves without having to compromise or without having to fit into someone else’s standard of beauty. And sometimes it’s a really long road. Everything in our society has been anti-black anything for many years, so it’s totally understandable.

CN: What projects are your working on?

AL: I’m mixing my new album that will be out early next year. It’s going to be called “Ice Cream Everyday,” and I do spot dates all the time. I’m not doing a full-length tour right now, but I love to do live shows, they’re so much fun!

Final Thoughts from CurlyNikki

Later, we discussed her curl’s objection to being watered too often and how I can totally relate. My hair seems to do better with these dry sets — applying product to my dry hair prior to twisting. It stays moisturized for much, much longer and gives me that soft, perfect ‘cloud’ like frizz she was talking ’bout!

Actress, comedian, producer and writer Kim Wayans is On the Couch with CurlyNikki! A talented member of the famous Wayans clan, Kim shined on “A Different World,” and delivered uncanny impressions on Fox Network’s “In Living Color.” She’s also appeared on the big screen with roles  in “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Juice in the Hood” and “Juwanna Man,” to name a few.

But today we’re here to take a closer look at them celebrity curls! Ladies, I present to you, Kim Wayans! Enjoy!

CN: It was so amazing to connect with you on Twitter! I’ve been a fan since Miss Benita!

Kim: Thanks Nikki! I love your website. I read your celebrity interviews and have learned so much about working my natural hair from CurlyNikki.com. It’s really a tremendous resource, and whenever I run into a sister with her natural hair, I’m always sure to tell her, “Be sure to go to CurlyNikki.com!”

I was just talking to a woman in New York that wants to transition, she’s scared, but she wants to, and I told her, “You need to get on CurlyNikki.com and read the stories of women who made the transition because it’s going to inspire you and give you the courage to go on and lop that off and start from scratch!”

CN:Wow! Thanks Kim! That’s such an amazing compliment. I’m happy that you find the info helpful and I’m very grateful for the free pub! 

Kim: It’s an amazing website. My girlfriend Robin Robinson, a die hard CurlyNikki fan, turned me onto it. I had to mention her ’cause she’d be on me if I didn’t!

CN: Your natural hair is some of the most luscious I’ve ever seen atop a celebrity head. Give me your story!

Kim: I’ve never had a perm. My mom didn’t have that — we all wanted one of course, because everybody wanted the hair that swung, and this didn’t swing [Laughs]. She was very much about loving your natural hair and said to all of us girls that when you turn 18, you can do whatever you want with your hair, but right now, in this household, there’s gonna be no perming. So we just had to tie sweaters on our head and swing those from side to side [Laughs].

So I never got a perm and when I left home, I never really wanted one. I would hot comb my hair or wear braids because I really didn’t know what to do with my natural hair. I just knew that I didn’t want to put chemicals in it.

Like back in the day on “In Living Color” and “A Different World,” I wore it pressed and then I graduated to braided styles and wore that for many years. And when I got tired of the braids falling out in the swimming pool [Laughter] — you know, you’re thinking you’re all cute and everything, and then an extension falls out — I looked up and my hair was floating in the pool! A guy was like, “Excuse me miss, I think this is your hair!”

So that, plus I was just ready for a change. I didn’t want to be a slave to the braids anymore. I just got the urge. I wanted to rock my natural hair without the braids, without anything.

CN: What’s your current routine? How do you achieve that luxurious curly fro?

Kim: I do my hair once a week. I don’t use shampoo anymore, that’s something I learned from your website. I use DevaCurl No Poo and I find that to be really amazing because it doesn’t strip your natural moisture and oils. It works well because it keeps my hair feeling very moist. I also learned that I shouldn’t be yanking a comb through this bush and that I should be using my fingers as much as possible.

I’m so happy to be talking to you because I’ve benefited so greatly from your website. It’s just a gem. I can’t sing your praises enough. As a culture, we don’t learn how to do our hair and that’s why there’s such an aversion to wearing it. That’s why so many women are like, “I don’t know what to do with it and therefore I perm, or therefore I braid, because I don’t know what to do with my own hair.”

We don’t grow up learning how to do our hair, we grow up learning how to do somebody else’s hair — Caucasian hair. Those little combs and brushes don’t work on this. So you find yourself yanking out your hair and having such a difficult time, and when you learn, you learn that your hair is different and requires different treatment. And when you grasp that and get the proper tools to do YOUR hair, it become a breeze. It becomes fun and not a huge hassle.

CN: It’s a re-education.

Kim: It is! It’s a total re-education. So back to my routine, now I have a Ouidad Comb. I first use my fingers and go through my hair and separate it into about 5 large braids. And then I saturate my hair with a conditioner, put my little plastic cap on and let that sit in my hair for a couple of hours.

If I have errands to run, I’ll slap on baseball cap so I can run around. I let that percolate up there for a few hours and if I have the time, I’ll even leave it in over night and then the next day wash out each braid, cleanse with Deva NoPoo using luke warm water, and do a final cold water rinse — something else I learned from your site.

I pat dry each section with a towel and gently remove excess water. Then I take virgin coconut oil with some jojoba oil and a little raw Shea butter and mix that together and put that on each section, re-braid back into the big 5 braids, put on my satin cap and then I go to sleep to let it dry overnight.

I also sleep on a satin pillow case, which is something I didn’t know about growing up. It’s something else I learned from you, and it just makes such a difference. You wonder, “Why is my hair dry all the time? All the oils and moisture I put in it…” and then you realize the pillowcase is more moisturized than your hair and that’s crazy! So that satin pillow case really helps a lot.

The next day I let the braids out, lightly take my fingers and work it a little bit and let it do its thing for the rest of the week.

CN: What about night maintenance throughout the rest of the week? Do you re-braid?

Kim: I put my satin bonnet on it and just sleep. In the morning, I take that off and re-fluff. Some times, if it needs it, I’ll take a little more of that coconut oil mix and squeeze it through to give it some extra shine. And that’s it!

CN: You mentioned DevaCurl. What other brands are you liking?

Kim: I love Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter. I also love Jane Carter Solution. She has a Hair Nourishing Serum and a spray, liquid Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner. I like both of those and use those from time to time. I also love her Nourish and Shine. My hair likes heavier solutions, it’s my friend. You put some in at night and by the morning, it’s absorbed and your hair feels great.

If I want to change up my look, which I rarely do, I’ll pull my hair back into a bun. And that’s another good thing about the conditioning. If you condition over night, you find that you get a lot more stretch the next day, which makes it easier to pull it back into a little bun. Or, sometimes I’ll just do two piggy tails, which is my husband’s favorite. He just loves that. I like it too.

And that’s about it. I’d love to learn how to twist my hair though.

CN: Your skin is so clear and smooth. Dish! 

Kim: Thank you! Coconut oil! If I can’t eat it, I try not to use it on my skin. It’s free of chemicals. It’s also excellent for removing makeup. Lately, I’ve been doing some publicity stuff for my new film, “Pariah,” and coconut oil is wonderful for removing makeup. It leaves me so soft and moisturized afterward. I have very sensitive skin and can’t use a lot of products. I love Aubrey Organics, it’s an all natural skin care line and I love their cleanser.

CN: What’s new? What projects have you been working on?

Kim: I’m in a film called “Pariah” that I’m really proud of. It opens up the 28 of this month in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and then they’ll roll it out to other cities after that date.

It’s an amazing film. It’s a coming of age story about a young lesbian struggling with her identity and I play her mother who is having a difficult time dealing with her sexuality. It’s beautifully written and so relevant to what’s going on these days. It’s good for opening up dialogue and will hopefully help to change some lives. The director is a young, black woman, a protege of Spike Lee who is actually one of the executive producers on this movie. Check out “PariahtheMovie.com” to see a trailer and get more information.

We had a lot of fun. We premiered at Sundance this past year and then we went to the Toronto Film Festival as well. Focus Feature bought the film and they’re distributing it. The cast is wonderful. It’s a portrayal of an African American family in a way that we rarely ever get to see. And you know I really hope people will come out and support this because on so many levels, it’s a beautiful film. It’s a universal film. You don’t have to be gay or black to be affected by it and to resonate with a a lot of the different themes that are going on in the project.

Another great thing is that all of the cast is natural, even the director Dee Reese and producer, Nikisa Cooper! So we made quite the statement going from town to town promoting the film. People were like, “Hold up, wait a minute, the naps have arrived!” It was really, really great.

I also have a collection of children’s books that my husband and I write called Amy HodgePodge. We just got a deal with a production company that is trying to do animation with the project. We have 6 books out on the market right now, published by Penguin, and it’s a delightful story about the trials and tribulations of a multiracial 4th grader, starting regular school after being home-schooled her entire life.

CN: What was it like growing up in the Wayans household? 

Kim: Amazing. There were 5 girls and 5 boys. I loved growing up with a big crazy family. We didn’t have much in the way of material things, but we didn’t need it with all the joy, love, fun and creativity. I didn’t realize we were poor until I went off to Wesleyan University. I woke up one day and said, “Wow, we were poor?” [Laughs]. It’s great having a family like that.

CN: Where did you fall at in the line?

Kim: In the middle, the forgotten middle child. But in a family that big, there really is no middle child!

CN: Are the rumors true? Is “In Living Color” coming back?

Kim: Yes! Keenan is doing a reboot of “In Living Color” with a fresh new cast. So Ms. Benita will not be blowing up the spot [Laughs]. I may make a guest appearance, but it’ll be a new cast because the whole point of this is to help talent that’s out there now — talent that doesn’t have any place to showcase their skills. And the same way “In Living Color” served as a launch pad for myself and Jim Carey, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Lopez — the list goes on and on. This reboot will do the same for a whole new generation.

I’m also working on a pilot for a sitcom that I wrote with my husband and that my brother’s executive produced. It’s a modern day telling of what it was like growing up Wayans, and I play the mom of a large brood growing up in a NYC Project Development. It’s from the mother’s point of view, showing what it was like for she and my father to raise us there.

Final Thoughts

Ladies, help Kim out! After the interview, we discussed her desire to try twists and twist-outs. She’s never even created a two strand twist and I shared a few tips, but she wants to hear from you!

• How do you create your twists (wet, damp or dry”>?
• How do you keep them from unraveling?
• What are your favorite products for hold and shine?

I LOVE VH1’s “Basketball Wives!” I sit and watch in amusement and sometimes horror as these ladies go about their day to day lives dodging gossip and accusation like bullets. Anyway, one afternoon while tuning in to the first episode of “Basketball Wives LA,” I caught a glimpse of a stunning bronzed woman with blond locs, piercing eyes and the most luminescent complexion I’d ever seen. It looked like she literally glowed! I was taken by her style and her “I am too grown and too fabulous for the cattiness and the fighting” attitude. She became my favorite, but then she wasn’t in any more episodes!

Last week, I got the opportunity to interview Tanya Young Williams and found her to be just as delightful as I imagined. We talked about her projects, her charity works and projects, her hair, and her time on the show. Read on!

Tanya Young Williams On the Couch

About being the celebrity spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

I had the opportunity to go on the CBS Early Show and actually offered commentary on Mel Gibson and his alleged domestic violence. Having a history of dealing with domestic violence, the producer said, “You really should align yourself with the National Domestic Violence Hotline so that your voice and message can empower others.”

After a year and a half of communication, they asked me if I would be a celebrity spokesperson. I felt that would be the greatest opportunity because the more people you can help with your story, the more lives you can possibly save and the more family dynamics can be improved.

Her advice for women who may be in abusive relationship:

If you’re in a situation where a person makes you feel less than yourself, that’s not good. Love doesn’t hurt. If you are in an abusive relationship, it’s important that you have a friend that you can trust completely to talk to. It’s important to have that support system and someone that you can talk to and be 100 percent comfortable with. Also, you have got to have an exit strategy. Where can you go if things get very bad? Is there a safe place for the children? Do you have any money put away? Everything is about strategy when you are ready to get out of an abusive relationship. Also, call the National Domestic Violence Abuse Hotline for help. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.

About her book, “I’m Tired! Carry Your Own S#!t (Oops, I Mean Bags”> A 7 Day Journey to Peace, Passion and Purpose”:

It’s a self help book for people who have been carrying other peoples baggage for so long, that they have forgotten about their own passions and their own purpose. It’s a workbook and an easy read. You actually go through seven days of asking yourself questions that you’ve probably forgotten the answers to: Who were you when you were happy? Who were you when you weren’t stressing and carrying other peoples baggage? Essentially, what baggage are you carrying that doesn’t belong to yourself? This workbook is very dear to me, I am very passionate about it and anyone who has read it and has responded to me has said that it has helped change their life. I believe that each of us was created for a specific/unique purpose, and the goal of this book is to allow you to tap back into your God given purpose for your life. Love yourself enough to buy the book because it will change your life.

About her hair journey:

I’ve actually been natural for many, many years, but have worn my hair in the dreads style for eight years. My hair before that was just wavy. During the early 80s, I was an athlete and I was getting it wrapped. But you know what that’s like, I’d get my hair wrapped, and the second I’d run up and down the floor, I would perspire and my hair would revert to being wavy again!

At some point, I believe I was in college, I said, “You know what, I can’t do this anymore.” At the end of the day, I couldn’t keep my hair the way I wanted it to look, so I had to change and say, “Enough with the wrapping.” The thing is, I didn’t want to have a perm, and there was a period of time where people were doing a thing called texturizing. I would texturize it to make it straight, and then I would wrap it and I thought it looked fabulous! But, if it rained, or I perspired, I was done, so two and a half hours in the salon was wasted!

About her locs:

It wasn’t easy! My hair is naturally wavy and curly, so me wanting to have locs was not easy, but it’s still something I like! Because my hair was thinner, when I started twisting it, it became heavier and took on a fuller look. It’s just something I like! I use Aubrey Organics products as well as Kiehl’s Care products. Another thing that I do is apply vitamin E to my scalp.

About her daughters (Tryumph 8 and Whizdom 7″> and how she cares for their natural curls:

Both of my daughters have wavy/curly hair like mine. I am very fortunate to have two very good girls, but the only time we don’t get along is in the morning when I’m combing their hair [laughs]. “Mommy, are you hurting us on purpose? No, I’m just combing through your curls!”

When I was younger, my mother would put Johnson and Johnson No More Tangles in a jar with this very heavy cream called Baby Cream, and she’d shake it up! So of course, years later, we’re laughing like, “She was making Carefree Curl Moisturizer before it even came out!” But as moms, you continue to test and see what works in your childrens’ hair. I laugh because my mother did it when we were little, and that was just what mothers do. Even with my two girl’s hair, I’ve gone through so many different products to find out what works best for them. It’s really tough to find products for children’s hair that is curly, not coarse.

My favorite product to use is Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel. I am trying to find other products though. I have been having a difficult time finding things that will not weigh down their hair — others are too fragrant. Maybe your readers will have some suggestions!

On that gorgeous glow and fit physique:

[laughs] As for that “glow” that everyone says I have, I feel that it’s just the spirit of God that’s inside me. I don’t eat red meat and stay away from sweets, though I love Champagne [laughs]. For exercise, believe it or not, I don’t have time to visit the gym! When I play with my girls, that’s when I exercise. I put them on my legs and do leg lifts and lift them up. They think it’s fun, and I stay toned!

On what she expected when she joined the cast of the “Basketball Wives of LA”:

When I met the producers, we talked about focusing on the lives of basketball wives as moms and business women. Though it’s glamorous, there’s more to being a basketball wife.

On whether or not she was accurately portrayed on the show:

I actually only watched the first show and haven’t watched since, so I honestly don’t know how I was portrayed.

On her absence from the reunion show and whose idea was it for her to not be included:

Both myself and VH1 decided that it would be best if I was not a part of the reunion. It was a mutual and amicable decision.

Do you communicate with anyone from the show?

I talk to Jackie about business and I also talk to Imani on Twitter.

On whether she’ll be returning for another season:

No, I have other projects going on right now. I am a Legal analyst for KTLA, write for the Huffington Post, and am a Celebrity Spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It was in the best interest of all involved that I did not return.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be bummed, though dolls! Even though she won’t be returning to the BBWLA cast, she promises that she’ll be back on the small screen in due time! At the end of our interview, I promised Ms. Tanya that I would send out an APB on product recommendations for her two beautiful daughters. They need products that will moisturize, but not weight down the hair. Also, what products would you all recommend for effective detangling?

Acclaimed actress, comedienne, and fellow curly, Wanda Sykes took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with CurlyNikki and offer her curly hair tips, favorite products and amazing career. Enjoy!

On her curly hair state of affairs:

Wanda Sykes: The state of affairs? At this moment, everything is nice, peaceful and harmonious in my hair world. Everybody’s getting along [Laughter]. I just had it done last Friday, my stylist Lisa Deveaux, did a nice deep conditioning treatment and straw set for me that should hold up for a week to ten days. I’m in a good place with my hair right now.

A couple of weeks ago my stylist was out of town and one of my best friends was here visiting and did some twists for me — she flat twisted my hair. She did about four, and although it took my hair forever to dry, I really liked the look. That, and the French braid-outs. It’s a good tip that I picked up from your website as far as what to do when you can’t get to your stylist for a full, clean straw set, but need to look presentable. The twist and braid outs look really nice and are a great option.

I told my wife to watch what my friend was doing and was like, I’m going to need you to learn that [Laughter]! We haven’t tried yet, but I’m like, if you f*ck up my hair, there might be a problem. I’ll let you know how that works out [Laughter]. I’m like, how can she not know how to braid, they call it French braid and she’s French. Come on, you should know how to do this!

On hair mishaps:

Sykes: My family recently got back from France. We weren’t in Paris, we were, like, way out in the country, and I was really serious about rationing out my products. It was hot and a little humid, but not too bad, so every morning I would have to wet it and apply my products to wear it down.

For, like, the first two hours, you know, when your hair is still a little damp, it’s nice, but as it begins to dry, it starts creeping up and it gets tight. You know, like when your hair wants to make a fist or tries to stand up and testify [Laughter]?! I would then put a little more product in it to keep it moisturized and soft, but it was funny because I had to ration it, thinking, “How many days am I going to be here? How much product do I have left?’

It was ridiculous and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to find Mixed Chicks over there. It turned out okay though, and I ended up using a lot of headbands and hats.

On her favorite products:

Sykes: Besides the Mixed Chicks, I’m still loving Fast Food and a curl definer called Recoil both by AG. I also enjoyed the samples you sent me last time and find that, right now, the most important thing is keeping the moisture in my hair. My hair is very dry and has the tendency to soak up water and products, so I’m still looking for that perfect moisturizer.

On the NaturallyCurly community:

Sykes: Be patient! Wearing your hair curly is a commitment. It’s trial and error, and you have to find what works best for you. I’m telling you, once you can get into a groove and you know what works, it’ll be such a time saver. When I go to get my hair done, or when I twist or braid it myself, yes, it takes a while, but the style lasts a while, and I don’t have to go to the salon that often. It’s a huge time saver, and it’s just easier.

On making others laugh:

Sykes: I noticed that I could make people laugh in junior high. Before, I would say things and would end up either getting a beating or put on restriction [Laughter]. I had all the right premises, but I just didn’t have any punch lines. So, it wasn’t until junior high that I was like, hey, OK, now this is funny. We’re laughing!

After college, I was working a regular job, bored to tears and I knew that there was something else for me to do. And, something just told me to write down some jokes. I did and entered a talent contest I heard about on the radio. I did some stand up and everything just made sense from that point on. I’ve been doing it since 1987, almost 25 years now!

On Unforeseen Challenges:

Sykes: I think my view, on life, is that there are always challenges. So there wasn’t anything that I didn’t expect. The most challenging part for me is the travel – to have to get on the plane, and be to this place by a certain time. And that’s the thing, I’ve never been good with time, and I’ve never walked into a meeting and not had to say, “Oh, sorry I’m late!” That’s my opening line — I think when I die I’m going to put that on my casket. I’m going to make sure the coffin shows up a half hour late to the funeral. It would be very appropriate.

On new projects and upcoming tours:

Sykes: I’ve been on vacation and enjoying family, but now it’s time to get back to work. I’ll be kicking off my tour in Hawaii next month. For dates and times near you, check out WandaSykes.com. You can also check me out on “Ice Age 4.”

Final Thoughts

Read CurlyNikki’s original interview with the Queen of Comedy, Wanda Sykes.

If you follow hair blogs and forums, then you must have come across the recent pics of actress Malinda Williams from her photo shoot for “Denim” magazine. One word—stunning. I always loved her cropped ‘dos and pixie cuts, but she’s seriously rocking this TWA. You probably remember the gorgeous and talented Malinda from Showtime’s “Soul Food,” or from her big screen roles in “Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” and “The Wood.” I was super excited to get her On the Couch, dishing on her hair and providing words of encouragement.

CN: The CN community is a huge fan of your work and your new look! Can you please share a brief history of your hair?

MW: My hair story is anything but brief! I’ve always loved my hair. I remember when I was 8 or 9 years old, I would beg my mom to let me do it myself. And she did. I grew up caring for and styling my hair and actually wore it natural until I turned 16. Around that time, I had to get braces and I was absolutely miserable… truly in angst at the thought of it! My mom, seeing how upset I was, said, “Well, let’s do something special.’ I got my braces on, and right after the orthodontist appointment, I went straight to the hair salon and got my first perm. From there, I was pretty much back and forth between permed and natural until recently.

CN: Are you still your own stylist?

MW: I actually went to cosmetology school right out of high school… it was the one thing I always wanted to do. I feel that if I hadn’t become an actress, I would definitely be a hairstylist. And that’s so ironic because I played a hair stylist character on “Soul Food” for so many years. It’s a huge part of who I am. It’s sort of ingrained into my personality. I have a lot of experience with my own hair and knowing what works for me, so yeah, I primarily do my own hair.

CN: Tell me about your most recent transition.

MW: Last year, around this same time, I decided to grow my perm out. And it was really very simple for me because my hair was already short. That’s the beauty of having short hair… I grew out the relaxer rather quickly, snipping pieces off here and there. I wasn’t planning to wear it curly necessarily, but definitely chemical free. So in order to help me grow it out, I put a weave in it. Now, I’ve worn weaves in the past, but I have a hard time wearing them [laughter]. I always feel like something is on my head! I think it’s great that we have the ability to change our hair whenever we like, but there’s something about wearing a weave for me that feels very uncomfortable or unnatural. So I knew my time wearing it was very limited.

Once I decided I was at the point where I had enough new growth that I could comfortably cut it off and wear my natural hair, I took the weave out. Although my hair had grown considerably, I still wasn’t satisfied with the look. Meaning, it was still in between—too short to wear straight, but not long enough to wear the curly look I wanted. I was really at a loss for what to do. I was even tempted to pull out some clippers and buzz it all off and rock it bald, but I thought better of that and decided to cut it really short. I cut my own hair—I cut it down and wore a really tight fro for a while. It grew on me and I thought… “This also is me’. You know the song by India.Arie? I realized that no matter how I choose to wear my hair, I’m still me. I love that.

CN: What do you love most about being natural?

MW: The thing that I love about our hair is its versatility. I completely use that versatility to my advantage. I just try to have fun with it. People tell me different things… I’m very involved in social media and keep up with what people tweet about me, and some love my hair long, some love it short, some love it curly, and some people love my hair straight. I love my hair all different ways. Simply put, I love my hair. Because I love the versatility of it, I love it whether it’s straight, long, curly… what have you. It’s really just about what I’m feeling at the moment. And in this moment, I’m natural and totally happy. We have such a gift in that we can do all these different things with our hair. Our hair dances, our hair shrinks up, it’s curly, it’s straight and sleek. I think the one thing that I’ve done is embrace my hair in all of it’s different states. Not just natural… not just permed… whatever I’m feeling at the moment.

CN: What new and exciting things are going in your career?

MW: I’m about to start filming this summer with Russ Parr. He has a film called “35 & Ticking” that’s coming out in July, and it’s really funny and amazing. He’s starting production on his latest film this summer, and I’ll be working with him.

Last year, I completed an independent film with Chris Rock called “2 Days in New York”. It’s a sequel to a film we did called “Two Days in Paris”. I hadn’t worn my hair natural in a while, but I rocked it in the film with Chris Rock. I’m not sure when it’ll be released but keep your eyes open!

CN: Any thing you want to share with the CN community? Words of encouragement?

MW: Your website is beautiful, Nikki. Thank you for providing this space to celebrate our versatility and beauty.

We are very versatile by nature. Our hair is just one aspect of that versatility. I think, again, to embrace yourself in every way that you come, is the key to embracing your beauty. I was actually a little worried about my recent photo shoot. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed this, but sometimes our natural hair just doesn’t photograph well. You can’t see the depth and the dimension. You can’t see all the waves and coils. So I was a little bit skeptical, but I wanted to represent who I was at the moment and also represent that other side of us that is not rocking the weaves, or wearing the flat-ironed hair. The side of us that is beautiful naturally. What’s funny is that the editor asked me how I was going to wear my hair and he said that would be great… he was totally supportive. I’m so happy with the way it turned out and it showed that you don’t have to be weaved up or pressed and dressed to be beautiful. I’m glad that the photo shoot demonstrated that well.

If someone is thinking of transitioning or big chopping, hopefully the pictures are inspiring. I know hesitancy can come into play because we aren’t shown these images. We usually see straight, pressed hair, or flowing curls. I wanted to show myself, natural, rocking a little afro and still be considered beautiful. Our hair is unique to us! Who else out there has the ability to rock an afro!

I was in New York City last year… around the same time that I was still wearing the weave to transition back to natural. I remember riding down the street, looking at the women as they passed by, trying to get an idea for what I was going to do with my hair. I was amazed. Eighty percent of the women that I saw had someone else’s hair on their head. It was kinda disturbing to me. I feel that if you’re always wearing someone else’s hair, are you not happy with your own? Why aren’t you happy with your look? It’s not about me championing the cause for natural hair, because trust me, I’ll go and do what I want to do in a heart beat depending on what I’m feeling. But I do feel that if you’re wearing weave much of the time, then the problem is much deeper, and you need to find the point at which you love yourself and embrace yourself first. If that still means you want to rock a weave, so be it. But you have to make sure you’re embracing who you are and loving who you are.

It’s about freedom. My hope is that you’re not walking around in any state, be it natural, permed, or weaved, feeling like you have to do that to live up to some standard of beauty that someone else has set. It has to be about what makes you feel beautiful.

If you were a child in the ’90s, you probably watched “Sister, Sister,” and you probably wanted one of three things: a twin sister, a huge hat with a flower pinned to it, or bouncy curly hair.

About two weeks ago I was excited to see Tamera Mowry’s tweets and pics. I managed to catch up with her and get her to spill the deets! Can I just say… she is absolutely amazing. A genuine person with a beautiful soul. I’m proud to know her!

Her Hair THEN

I was born with very, very curly hair. And as a kid I didn’t know any different. I was just like, okay, this is my hair. I never noticed that other girls had straight or wavy hair, it was just my hair and I liked it.

My mother did our hair until we hit junior high, and it was always so pretty and smooth. She’d comb it and put it in braids every night, and finally, when at 13, she was like, “Girls, I’m done; you need to learn how to do your own hair.” So that’s when I realized how difficult naturally curly hair could be… getting that balance right is tricky! You can either put too much product in it and weigh it down, or too little and end up with dry hair, and we all know that curly hair needs moisture. It took me a very long time to figure it all out… I’m still trying to figure it all out! But I basically had a pretty solid routine by the time I got to college.

The “Sister, Sister” Days

While filming “Sister, Sister”—which stretched from my high school years through college—my sister, Tia, and I were both completely natural. And then came “The Phase”. Curly hair was associated with ‘cuteness’, while straight, sleek hair was seen as sexy and chic. We bought into this, and started getting blow outs every two weeks. This damaged my hair. Bad. It’s so weird, when I look back on that time and that transition, all I can think is that I should’ve left my hair alone. In the process of straightening it, coloring it, manipulating it… I damaged my curls so bad and now more than anything, all I want is my healthy hair back. I want to be bohemian chic [laughter]. I think naturally curly hair is different… it’s so unique and beautiful in a world where straight hair is king. I really think it helps us stand out.

Her Hair NOW

So blowouts were the staple until 3 years ago when we decided to start wearing weaves to protect our hair from the demands of work. We were doing a lot of filming and weave just made sense. I recently took the weave out and got color and a Brazilian Blowout. The Brazilian keratin treatment was the biggest mistake of my life. I know there are some girls who love it and tout it as ‘life changing’, but it did absolutely nothing for me. My hair fell out and I’ve basically had to start all over again. It thinned out really bad. That, plus the color… complete disaster. I’m currently transitioning and in the process of completely growing my hair back out. I’ll rock the occasional clip-on if I want some versatility, but I’m really pushing toward totally healthy, natural curls.

I love Terax Creama Hair Conditioner and the entire Komenuk Bijin line. These are all sulfate and paraben free products that are helping me pamper my curls.

Her Natural Hair Routine

I wash my hair with the Komenuk shampoo, condition with the Terax and then rake through a little Karite Anti Frizz Therma Active as a leave-in. That’s pretty much it. I’m doing my best to baby it so it can grow. My hair was almost down to my butt… it was so long, all natural. No extensions, no nothing. You know we get sucked in to what is sexy, what is hot and in the process, we ruin our hair. I recently found NaturallyCurly.com through a twitter post, and I must say it is amazing. And with me currently learning about my curls and looking for things to help them grow, this is perfect! So yes, I’ll definitely be lurking.

Final thoughts

Catch Tamera and her sister Tia on their new reality TV series “Tia and Tamera, Take 2” on Style Network, August 10!

First, check out this fun video:

I’m excited to share that the gorgeous star of this video—with her flawless skin and perfectly coiffed tendrils—is On the Couch! Her name is Andrea Bordeaux, and she’s no stranger to the camera. This model/actress has appeared in national commercials and landed spots on NBC’s “Law and Order: Specials Victims Unit,” and MTV’s “The Buried Life.” She’s talented, gorgeous, and of course, NATURAL!

CN: Your hair is ridic—tell us the back story.

AB: I’ve been natural for 3.5 years. I got my first relaxer when I was around 10 or 11 and wore my hair relaxed until right before I turned 21. I tried to ‘transition’ but only lasted about 2 months. I was desperate to see my natural hair so I just chopped off one night at about 3 o’clock in the morning. My hair texture is mostly 4A, but the hair at my edges is very loose, either 3A or 3B.

CN: Have you always liked your natural hair? If not, how did you come to embrace it?

AB: No. When I first big chopped and it was very short, I LOVED it! Then about 6 months later it got to this weird middle stage and I couldn’t do anything with it and I couldn’t keep it moisturized for the life of me. It was struggle and I had to fight the urge to cut it really short again. Also, I have MAJOR shrinkage. When it’s shrunken, it looks like it’s only 3 or 4 inches long, but it really comes past my shoulders. Shrinkage and knots are what I like least about my hair.

CN: What is your current routine?

AB: I don’t wear my hair shrunken because if I do, I will get thousands of single strand knots (SSKs”>. SSKs have caused me 3 setbacks where I’ve had to cut off several inches of my hair. Now, I keep it moisturized and twisted at all times, even when washing. I wash every 2 weeks, sometimes once a week if I’m not extra lazy. I don’t use shampoo, just conditioner. If I need to clarify my hair, I’ll rub baking soda throughout my hair or do an apple cider vinegar rinse. I’m not very particular about what conditioners I use unless it’s a deep conditioner. I try to maintain a good balance of protein and moisture so I’m more careful when it comes to what I use to deep condiyion with.

CN: How does your routine change when you’re on set? Do you always style your own hair?

AB: I wear a half wig 99% of the time in order to protect my hair. The majority of set hair stylists that I’ve encountered are unskilled when it comes to natural hair unless it’s very loose curls. Before I started wearing the wig, these stylists would have me looking a hot mess and I would have to sneak into the bathroom to do damage control. I’ve had two different stylists damage my real hair to the point where I had to cut off entire sections. Two months ago, I did a shoot where my real hair was straightened and had a few tracks added. When styling my hair/weave, the stylist cut off almost 4 inches of my own hair. My hair was prepped the day before the shoot so I didn’t even notice the drastic length difference until I got home. He took me from APL to just above SL. The shoot was very high paying so I guess it was worth it. However, I was told that my hair would be trimmed, not sheared off!

Stylists don’t care about the health of your hair, they just want to achieve a certain look. When I wear the wig, they just fluff it a bit and tell me I look good. They are always relieved that they don’t have to work on my hair.

Also, as an actor/model, it’s very important to have consistency. I have to look like my headshot at all times. Every natural knows how unpredictable our hair is. My hair is very susceptible to the elements. NYC gets very humid (and it rains a lot”> and can cause major shrinkage for me, even after spending 2 hours on a braid/twist out. The shrinkage was causing a lot of SSKs so, last October, I started wearing my half wig as a protective style. I found one that closely matches my texture and I leave the perimeter of my hair out when wearing it. This way, my look is very consistent, quick to achieve, and I still get to rock my natural look while protecting my hair. Prior to my last on-set setback, I’d gained about 4-5 inches of retained length in about a 6-month period, so my hair has been thriving.

CN: How did you achieve the style in the CBS sport video?

AB: I’m wearing my half wig. Sorry to disappoint y’all!!

CN: Wow! Amazing. I want one! Any recs for places to find ‘convincing’ kinky curly half wigs? Dish!

AB: My wig is not really a half wig, it’s a full wig that I’ve cut to fit me as a half wig. I use bobby pins to secure it. I cut off the bottom “track”. I also cut out one of the middle tracks and sewed the gap closed to make it smaller. It’s called HH Afro Curl. I think the brand is Suprema. Lots of beauty supply stores carry full wigs that resemble most natural textures. It’s rare to find a half wig for textures in the 4 range. I’d recommend searching the internet first. When you find a wig you like, search YouTube for review/tutorial videos on the wig. Almost every wig out there has a video of someone wearing it and noting their likes/dislikes.

I also would recommend buying a full wig and cutting it the way I did so that it fits you well and leaves plenty of room for you to leave the perimeter of your hair out. Also, to make it look more natural, you have to frizz the hair out a bit with a brush or rub it with a dry towel. People NEVER know I’m wearing a half wig unless I tell them.

CN: What are your must-have products?!

AB: For tools, my best friend is my Ouidad detangling comb. It’s huge and heavy (don’t ever drop it on your foot!”> and has two thick parallel rows of teeth. It glides through my hair and gently removes knots and shed hair.

Product-wise, extra virgin coconut oil and aloe vera juice are my staples. Right now, I’m really in love with the Shea Moisture brand. I use the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Deep Treatment Masque. I love Organix conditioners and right now, I’m loving Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask. It reminds me of the Pantene Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask that was discontinued a couple of years ago.

CN: How do you protect your hair at night?

AB: I always cover my hair with a satin bonnet or sleep cap.

CN: What’s the best thing about being curly?

AB: Definitely the versatility! I can wear my curls in their naturally tight form, or I can twist/braid out to get a looser curl. I can also flat iron or blow it out for a fluffy fro. Or just go bone straight. I love having options.

CN: I found myself admiring your skin during the CBS short. What’s your regimen?

AB: As far as my skin goes, my regimen is pretty simple. Drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods, and exercising is a great start. But specifically, I do the following twice a day: I thoroughly cleanse my skin using cleansing cloths that come in packs of 30. These cloths remove makeup/dirt/oil really well. Olay Daily Facials Deep Cleansing Cloths are the brand, but I actually use the generic version from CVS. The CVS brand has a better texture (and they’re cheaper”> than the Olay, and gives me better results. You can use either if you don’t live near a CVS. I don’t like pre-moistened towelettes because they always contains oils and fragrances that leave a residue on your skin. These cleansing cloths are dry and you have to run them under water and lather them up.

After cleansing with the cloths, I wash with Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser. Then I use Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil Eliminating Astringent. I just take a cotton pad, pour a bit on and swipe all over my face. After it dries, my final step is to moisturize with Ambi Even & Clear Moisturizer with SPF 30. Unless I’m wearing a lot of makeup, my regimen takes less than 5 minutes.

CN: What would you tell a woman who has yet to embrace her natural hair?

AB: My oldest sister just big chopped a few weeks ago and has been asking me for a lot of advice. The number one thing to remember, in my opinion, is that going natural requires a mental transition as well. The mental transition is much harder than cutting off the relaxed hair. You have to train your mind to forget everything it’s been taught about what is beautiful and socially acceptable. You have to decide, with certainty, that you are beautiful as you are.

You also have to choose what is best for you and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your choices, not even other naturals. If you only want to wear your hair in twist outs or flat ironed or in wigs, that doesn’t make you any less natural than the woman who prefers an Angela Davis ‘fro or a shrunken teeny weeny afro. We’re all in this together!

CN: Tell us about your current or upcoming projects!

AB: I just recently shot a one-liner on HBO’s “How To Make It In America.” The episode will air this fall. I’ve also recently shot ads for Morgan Stanley, Citi Financial, Puma, and Verizon. The summers are usually pretty slow for TV, but casting for episodic season starts in the couple of months so hopefully I’ll be auditioning for some cool shows!

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You can keep up with this stunning actress on Andrea Bordeaux’s website, or personal blog.

The beautiful and talented Laura Izibor is “On the Couch!” Finally, right? This gorgeous and accomplished recording artist has opened for many big hitters, including Aretha Franklin, India.Arie, Estelle, Maxwell and John Legend. I caught up with her in the studio and she dished on her flawless natural curls—in the most amazing accent. It’s not every day you talk to a Black woman with an Irish accent. Dope.

Her Hair Story

I’m mixed race—my mother is white and my father, Nigerian. My mother did an unbelievably good job considering I was her first child with thick, kinky, afro hair. To this day, she she likes me to keep it natural and hates when I do anything to it. I so appreciate that about her today, but when I was little, I thought it was unfair. Growing up I was made to wear it natural, and I really wasn’t fond of it because there weren’t many kids that looked like me at all. So I would keep it back in a really tight bun, which would somewhat pull it straight. I never wore it out.

When I became a pre-teen, around 12 or 13, I tried to embrace my hair and accept my individuality, and I began wearing my hair out and wild. But then, like that India.Arie song, I went and got it relaxed. I was about 13 and wore it relaxed for a couple of years. It dried my hair out terribly and was very difficult to maintain, so while growing out the relaxer, I got braids.

Around 16, I regretfully went down the Jheri Curl path, not knowing that I actually had my own curls. My hair was just dead from all the years I tortured it, and there was no discernible curl pattern. So, yes, I got a Jheri Curl and I wore it for like a year. Then I came to New York around 17 and met a friend who is still one of my dearest friends today. She’s from the Bronx and she just straight up said, “Girl, what are you doing with your hair?’ I was like, “What? What you talking about?” She said, “You need to get that grease out of your head! Come with me.” So we set a date and she washed my hair and gave me a leave-in conditioner, saying, “Here’s a leave-in conditioner. You already have a curl! This will help you moisturize and define it.”

I was shocked, amazed, and forever grateful. I didn’t know I had curls! What a surprise! From that day on I banished the grease, locked the Jheri Curl away, and just started rocking different variations of my natural hair. Sometimes I’d brush it out, or sometimes I’d define it. I love my hair now, and the millions of the things I can do with it.

Her Favorite Products

I don’t even know what I use, I just change all the time. I always use some sort of moisturizing leave-in conditioner while my hair is wet to lock in the curls. It’s so cool—when I wet my hair, I get itty bitty little curls, like baby curls. Then I apply any leave-in conditioner, and either put the diffuser to it, or walk out the door and let it dry naturally. Very simple. I’m not one for spending a lot of time, and I don’t braid or twist my hair. Any curl you see is just my hair. A lot of people don’t understand that you can actually do that —that you can put something moisturizing in your hair to hold on to your curls.

I’ve heard from many hairdressers that it’s healthy to change your products now and again. And I do just that. But I find myself coming back to Miss Jessie’s and Aveda. I love Aveda. They have a great styling creme which is nice for definition and hold. When I’m in a good hair cycle, I do my best to nurture my hair regularly and do lots of conditioning treatments. That’s pretty rare, though!

Her Hair Regimen

When I’m in a full blown promotion tour, I wash my hair every 3-4 days to keep the curls fresh. But other than that, like when I’m home or on holiday, I don’t wash it often—maybe once a week, if that. For me, washing as often as every 3 days wears my hair down and leaves me with split ends. Sometimes it’s best when I just leave it alone.

Sleeping With Her Hair

I don’t worry about it. I know, I’m awful. I try to sleep in bonnets and scarves, but when I wake up the next morning, it’s on the other side of the room. They drive me crazy, and in my sleep, I somehow yank them off and throw them across the room. I like the idea of a silk head wrap, and when I’m being good, I’ll use one with great results.

On Being Curly

The versatility. I think it’s nice that we can go back and forth. It’s kind of hard to create the curly look if you don’t have curls, but those of us with curly hair can easily wear it straight, and then rock curls the next day. That versatility is priceless! I go back and forth with my look. Last year I wore it straight a lot, and also bunned quite a bit. Curly hair is beautiful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with one half of the dynamic duo that is Dead Prez. Known for their revolutionary and political lyrics, I was still pleasantly surprised when I first heard “The Beauty Within.” A remix of B.o.B.’s “Nothing on You,” it was released on Mother’s Day 2010, and celebrates the beauty of black women, and (drum roll please”> natural hair.

I shared the video a couple of weeks back and the response was unanimously positive. It made such an impact on our community, that I thought it only fitting to reach out to the artists with YOUR questions. Stic.Man, officially the realest, took some time out of his touring schedule to let us pick his brain.

SweetDrk1: In a world full of lace fronts, what motivated you to dedicate the song to natural women?

Stic.Man: So many things motivated this song. In essence, we were trying to give a salute, give support, and give energy to women who have self-love and confidence. It’s for the women who know that taking care of themselves naturally, only enhances their beauty. As opposed to buying into the culture of putting all types of chemicals in the hair, and doing a million different things trying to be something else; something other than what we are.

I grew up in a household with the lady who “fixed the naps.” Very Madam CJ Walker [laughs]. She was a very popular cosmetologist in my hometown. Women came to her for their perms and relaxers and whatnot. So growing up, it wasn’t unusual for me to hear, “Let me fix that kitchen,” or “That hair is a mess; let me do something to it.”

As I grew and began learning about figures such as Malcolm X and our struggle in general, I became reflective about that whole process and way of thinking. Then one day, my niece came home from school in tears. She had a head full of healthy, natural hair that her mother kept in braids and twists. Unfortunately, because of her un-straightened hair, the kids in her class were picking on her. My mom told her, “Don’t worry what they say…just believe in yourself.”

I remember pulling my mom to the side and asking her, “Where do you think she hears that stuff more? Even more than at school?” That’s what you say all day, that’s what her mom tells her all the time: “Come here, let me do something to that hair!” I told you that little story because that day, my mom and my sister went natural. And they’ve been natural ever since—my niece is now 22! So I’ve just been around it, and culturally, it’s a big deal for our sisters, and many women, to appreciate their beauty as they’re made by nature. So I wanted to support that.

Terra D: What kind of impact did you want this song to make?

That’s a good question. We created this song to support and motivate that sister who is dating somebody with the mentality, “I don’t like all that nappy short hair,” or the sister who thinks the blonde Beyonce wig is what beauty is. So the impact I want it to have is to show our women that all the brothers definitely don’t see it like that. I just want it to give encouragement and to say that the status quo is not everybody’s opinion, and what matters most is the way you feel on the inside.

I’m not trying to judge sisters who have relaxers, or those who are into creative styles that may not be natural. I’m not trying to play one against the other. I feel like our community psychologically has been traumatized, and made to not appreciate our skin, our culture, our hair, our body type, shapes, lips, noses, ass, you name it! We have to really take a step back and appreciate these things. So that you can say, “I’m me, and I’m unique, and I’m fresh, and I’m fly!”

JasmineA: Your interview with Nikki comes on the heels of the highly publicized Psychology Today article where the “scientific” conclusion is that black women are less attractive than other races. What are your thoughts about that?

I missed that, but it sounds like bunk. I’m biased as a black man. To me there is no finer, more beautiful, more dynamic, more whole woman, than the African woman in all shapes and forms. I’m not saying it to be cliche, but Africa is the mother of all the women, of all the men. Attractiveness is definitely in the eye of the beholder. An Asian man probably thinks Asian women are most beautiful, while a white man prefers white women. I think when you talk about beauty in terms of symmetry, in terms of longevity; look at a black woman’s skin, features, and beauty over time—it’s hands down! I’m not trying to make it a racist thing, but white people don’t age well. There ain’t no way in the world you can’t tell me that the black woman isn’t the dopest being you’ve seen on the planet. But like I said, I’m biased. I was born from a black woman, and I’m married to a black woman. I’m probably not the most objective person to answer this question.

JasmineA: Stic.Man, how did your wife receive the song “The Beauty Within?” Is she natural?

Is my wife natural? She is the epitome of that song. Totally. She even got me focusing on health. When I met her, she was natural. She’s part Creole and her hair has a looser wave—kinky, but wavy. I remember her making it very, very clear to me, “You know this is not a relaxer.” She was just really adamant: “I’m a black woman, I’m natural, I don’t eat this, I don’t eat that, I’m in the gym.” She’s a warrior with her natural self! She is now a holistic health counselor and has a website, Nattral. She’s in full support of the song. Even more than in support, she’s the inspiration for the song. Her, and sisters like her around the world.

TerraD: Do you have any advice for the men, to help continue to uplift black women?

We have to look at the women in our lives—our mates, our friends, our associates, mothers, aunts—as really our comrades. I always say teamwork makes the dream work. We have to see that when we tear each other down, it’s really just fear—that fake pimp, machismo stuff that we hide behind. It’s counterproductive, and we have to see ourselves as team members and give support and words. I think women respond well to words and compliments. But they respond even more so to seeing those actions of support. And the respect that’s shown when you speak highly of each other—when you keep your word, when you don’t try to think for a woman—that speaks volumes. We need to encourage our women to have their own voice, and rather than trying to being their boss, be their teammate and encourage their development. As men we can do this. We can support, teach, listen and learn. Above all, we need to have that compassion for the mothers of our family. We have to see our mates as our sisters and our friends, and more than just our lovers.

CN: Tell us about the video.

It’s funny. “The Beauty Within” video, the one you’re referring to that’s floating around the web, is actually an unauthorized version of the video that we shot a year ago. We decided to shelve it. So yeah, what you saw was some shots of some footage put together by another director. It wasn’t up to par, and it was released without permission. It still has a good vibe to it, but it was definitely a violation on the internal [laughs]. My guy Shannon McCollum, an awesome photographer and videographer, just shot the official video, and it’s AMAZING! I’ll be sure to get that over to you when it’s available.

CN: What are you working on right now? Anything you want to share with the CN community?

I’d like for y’all to check out “Baby Fat” on my new album “The Workout”. It’s featuring my wife rapping for the first time. Also, a dope, dope, dope natural sister named Maimouna Youssef is singing the hook, and another really strong, revolutionary natural hair stylist and MC, named Ife Jie. They helped me out on that song, which is dedicated to health and fitness. That particular song is to inspire and to salute women who have given birth to life and are trying to get their bodies back in shape, because they want to, not for society. So I would love to hear some feedback from the women of CurlyNikki on that record, and the album in general. You can check it out at SticRBG.com.

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Got questions for celebs? Want to participate in the next Community Interview? Email me at Nikki@curlynikki.com using “celeb interviewer” as the subject line, and I’ll be sure to contact you the next time I’ve got a VIP On the Couch!

Hola Chicas,

You can either take your socks off now, or I can knock ’em off for ya…

It’s official. As of last night, I’ve henna’ed two months in a row! Can you believe it?!

But as with everything else in my life, things are not the same. Now that Gia has been set loose upon the world, I’ve had to cut corners. Gone are the days that I could jump in the shower three times (pre-application, pre-deep treatment, post-deep treatment”> for one henna hair color session. The soundtrack that Boogie graces the house with when she feels “forgotten”, is well, shrill and unpleasant. I’ve gotta get in and get out, and so below, you’ll find instructions for my shortened henna treatment.

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Nikki’s Quick Henna Hair Color Treatment

6 hours total (or more if you leave in overnight”>

Whip it up and apply (1 hour”>

1. Bring 2 cups of water to nearly boiling and remove from heat.
2. Pick your acid. Either add a tablespoon of orange juice or Apple Cider Vinegar to the water, or my personal favorite, steep a couple of bags of green tea.
3. In a plastic container or glass bowl, mix the slightly acidic water with 200g of Jamila henna powder.
4. Mix in a tablespoon (or more”> of honey. The end result should look like thick mashed potatoes or cake batter.
5. Cover and proceed to the bathroom.
6. Gently detangle dry hair with fingers (you can follow up with a wide-toothed comb if you like”>.
7. Twist detangled sections (I usually end up with 10″>.
8. Put on a pair of plastic gloves and clip all of the twists out of the way, except for the one you want to work with. I always start in the back and work to the front.
9. Remove the twist, and apply henna in a smooshing motion. Layer it on thick like cake batter.
10. Repeat with the other twists.
11. Gather henna filled hair and don a plastic baggie, placing stretched out cotton balls around the outer edge for comfort and to prevent drippies. Finally, throw on a pretty silk scarf so you don’t scare your roommate or significant other.

Apply heat source and allow to marinate (4 hours or more”>

1. Sit under a hooded dryer or rock your micro heat cap on and off for the next four hours.
2. OR, you can go to sleep and allow your body heat to warm things up for 8-10 hours.

Rinse and apply DT (1 hour or more”>

1. Run bath water and kneel over tub, dunking your head. Gently massage your hair and work the henna loose. Allow the water stream from the tub faucet to run through your hair, rinsing it clean. Apply a slippery conditioner, run your head back under the water stream. Repeat until your hair is henna free.
2. Wring your hair and apply a moisturizing deep treatment in sections.
3. Don a plastic baggie and apply heat source for 15-30 minutes.
4. Finally, hop in the shower, rinse thoroughly, and style as usual!

Remember, four hours is the minimum amount of time that henna must be left in for you to reap the color and strengthening benefits. In fact, some argue that any longer than 4 hours is pointless because you’re already saturated at that point. In an ideal world, if you plan to do a quick treatment, you would allow the henna mix to sit and release for a few hours prior to application. But if you’re flying by the seat of your pants like me, just getting the opportunity to henna is better than nothing! That’s why I use the heat… to help it penetrate better.

Although I love the abbreviated version, applying and rinsing in the same day feels like a ridiculous amount of work. So, last night, I followed the above steps, only I started around 8pm, and left the henna dye in overnight. Then I woke up and continued the process. Makes life a little easier, and will probably be my routine from here on out.

Pros of the 4-Hour Treatment:

– Nearly the same results with much less time involved

– Fewer (if any”> drippies since you’re applying to dry hair

Cons of the 4 Hour Treatment :

– Harder to rinse (it’s not as melted and pliable as it would be after sitting on your head for 10 hours”>

– Time consuming–applying and rinsing, deep treating, and styling all in one day!

I plan to do the 4 hour treatment only if I’m short on time, or have weekend plans. My new henna hair color routine is basically identical to the old one (following the steps above”>, only I’ll be applying the henna to dry hair, and skipping the multiple showers.

Later Gators!

Nik

This post originally appeared on our sister site, CurlyNikki.com and references CurlyNikki community members. We loved these ideas so much, we wanted to bring them to the NaturallyCurly audience as well! Way to graduate, curlies!

Janetta of birdiztheword writes:

I graduate in like 2 weeks! OMG! I want my Inbetweeny Fro to be the most fabulous it has ever been since the chop! No joke, my hair has to be F-L-Y. I’m positive it’s going to feel like Satan’s armpits outside so I need something that will hold up to the heat (at least until after post-ceremony pics are taken”>. Did I mention how glad I am the ceremony is INDOORS? [my fro goes out to all of you curlies that have to sit outside =( ] I’m thinking something stretched and luscious! Graduation caps are fugly as it is and I feel like I can subtract some of the ugly if my hair looks amazing, lol. Not to mention, all of the photo proof! I don’t want one of those “What the hell was I thinking?!” moments afterwards. Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Any Ideas?!!

Jamila of College Curlies responds:

I will definitely be wearing my hair in a curly style! I’ve only straightened my hair three times, all of which I felt out of sorts and (no diss to my straight girls out there”>…regular. Here are some options for graduation pics and for the big day:

Cap in hand. If you want to rock the curly style and are afraid of cap head, have the photographer take pictures of you holding your cap in your hands (as opposed to actually on your head”>. This might not be the most desirable option, but in 20 years I’d rather look back and see the person I was at the time, than risk damaging my hair and not feeling like myself!

Twist it up. You can certainly find a protective style a few days before photo time that is easy to maintain and small enough to fit under the cap, like the curlies in these pictures did here or in this natural hair YouTube video. You could try curly twists or mini twists, which can be styled all kinds of ways throughout the week.

Rod/Flexi-Rod Set. This will create small, tight curls that will last for a few days. If you have thick hair, it might help with consistency and make your curls smaller and easier to manage.

Low Puff. Depending on how long your hair is, you could pull it back into a low puff so that it sits right under your cap.

Accessorize! Bring a few headbands, flowers, and bobby pins in case your hair gets fussed up during the photo session, or under the cap during the ceremony. Always good to have these on deck!

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YouTube has great natural hair style tutorials. I think these are particularly fabulous.

Women are constantly being told different tips that we want to believe will work, but rarely do. However, we have put together a list of 5 tips that might seem wacky but are proven to work wonders.

1. Heat your eyelash curler: If you have stick-straight eyelashes one of the best ways to curl them is to heat your eyelash curler with a hair dryer for 5-8 seconds. Heating it will act like a curling iron and that paired with waterproof mascara (which dries faster”> will give you perfect eyelashes.
2. Freeze your eyeliner: Do you have issues with you eyeliner crumbling the second you attempt to put it on? If you are thinking, “Yes! Every morning!” then this trick is just for you. Fifteen minutes before you begin to put on your makeup, stick your eyeliner in the freezer, and when you are ready to apply, it will go on easier than ever.
3. Shave with conditioner: If you run out of shaving cream, grab conditioner instead of soap for your backup. The conditioner will soften the hair making shaving much easier and it will also leave your legs silky smooth. Also remember that the thicker the conditioner the less you need to use so you won’t feel like you are wasting it.

4. Beer and vinegar rinses: While these might not be the most pleasant rinses, both are very beneficial for your hair. A good rinse with beer will help replenish the moisture in your hair while vinegar works wonders for shine. With both, simply coat your hair in them and let it sit for a few minutes. When ready rinse your hair with cold water, which will also help get rid of the smell.
5. Use an ice cube a day to keep the fat, acne and wrinkles away. It’s OK to admit that this doesn’t sound fun, but if it will keep fat cells, acne and wrinkles under control, it is well worth it. Before you go to bed, grab an ice cube and massage it over your face. By no means is it the most comfortable thing, but you will get used to it. Use it until it melts and go to bed knowing you are on the road to preventing three things that are simply annoying.

It was Steven and Thomas Banas’ own search to find something that would help their own hair that led to the creation of the Scalpure Hair & Scalp Mask.

After trying a lot of products on the market, to no avail, Steven consulted a New York City trichologist—someone whose expertise lies in maximizing the health and well-being of the hair and the scalp. The trichologist took some hair samples from Steven and examined the roots of those hair samples under a microscope.

“When he examined my hair roots, he showed me a buildup of impurities that was actually attached to and surrounding my hair roots,” Steven Banas says. “He explained how common it is for this build-up to occur in men and women because traditional hair care does not address this build-up. He also explained to me how these impurities were choking my hair roots and how my follicles were gradually dying.”

The trichologist recommended a very expensive treatment program that would supposedly clarify the scalp to help the hair. Instead, the Banas brothers decided to take matters into their own hands, embarking on a journey that would accomplish what was necessary to dramatically improve their hair. After finding a formula that worked for them, they decided to have others try it as well. Knowing what a difference it made for their hair, the Banas were not at all surprised to hear over and over the positive differences that the formula was making for the hair and scalp of the individuals who were trying it.

A year and a half ago, they introduced their formula as the Scalpure Hair & Scalp Mask. They have discovered that their product is not only for individuals experiencing declining hair or scalp problems. It is literally a product that everyone can benefit from. How often an individual uses the Scalpure Hair & Scalp Mask depends on the state of the hair and the condition of the scalp.

“The hair and scalp can benefit in a number of ways from the product,” Steven Banas says. “The biggest benefit is how it draws out and eliminates detrimental impurities that traditional hair care cannot get to,” he says. “This makes the scalp healthier and helps the hair grow, look and feel better. A very positive difference in the hair and the scalp is often noticed after just one treatment.’

The ingredients in the Scalpure Hair & Scalp Mask are all natural. They include calcium bentonite, honeysuckle flower extract, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, organic sage extract, manuka oil and jojoba oil.

“This product provides a facial type of treatment for the scalp that helps the precious roots of the hair receive more of the essential nutrients that they need to survive and flourish,” says Steven Banas.

Scalpure’s supporters include a growing number of dermatologists, trichologists and stylists. “I can’t say enough good things about Scalpure,” says Chineta Robinson, owner of Xclusive Hair Studio in Leland, N.C. “My clients absolutely love what it’s doing for their hair. I’ve been surprised at how fast the results have been for some of my clients.”

Rodney Barnett, a renowned trichologist in Dallas, says his clients have seen significant improvement in their hair and scalp issues. “There is no question this is a dynamic product that I believe everyone can benefit from.”

The Scalpure Store at www.Scalpure.com is currently offering the Scalpure Hair & Scalp Mask at a special price with low flat-rate shipping for United States orders and international orders. The company offers a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee.

Dear CurlyNikki: I am a certified PJ and have been even before transitioning. When I buy a product, I don’t have specific criteria it must fit, like whether it’s all natural or CG friendly. I generally go with what works the best with my hair. My question is: Do you have a product criteria, and if you do, would you use a product if it didn’t quite meet your criteria, but works well for your hair?

Dear Kenya: When I first started experimenting with my natural curls, I became a frequent visitor of NaturallyCurly.com and was totally on the shampoo free bandwagon. I avoided sulfates (in shampoo”> and silicones (in conditioners and stylers”> like the plague. I also steered clear of protein, mineral oil, the “bad” alcohols, parabens, polyquats and other blacklisted ingredients.

As time went on, I became a bit more lax and expanded my product arsenal. What works for some curlies truly doesn’t work for all… this is true of the shampoo free method and other popular and much-hyped regimens. I stopped taking info at face value and started doing a little experimenting of my own. Through trial and error, I learned that my hair wouldn’t revolt if I used silicones and that the occasional use of a sulfate shampoo wouldn’t stop the world from spinning. I also learned that my hair really doesn’t like protein and that it adores conditioners containing behentrimonium methosulfate. My criteria today? Since I’m mostly a conditioner junkie, I look for the following:

• Excellent reviews (NaturallyCurly.com, curlynikkiforums.com, amazon.com“>: I try to research products prior to purchase. I hate to buy something only to get home and read that most folks who tried it had a bad experience. In the reviews I look for phrases like, ‘good moisture’, ‘lots of slip’, ‘can be used as a leave-in too’, ‘great as a deep treatment’, ‘too much moisture, made my hair limp (says the looser, type 2 curly”>’, etc.
• I look for fatty alcohols (Stearyl, Behenyl, Cetearyl, Cetyl, Lauryl, and Myristyl are a few of the popular ones”>
• I avoid the drying or short chain alcohols (SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol”>
• I avoid proteins
• I avoid mineral oil/paraffin
• In the dryer months, I try to make sure I use products with few, if any humectants. If one of my favs contains humectants, it’s usually not one of the top five ingredients.

Y’all know I’m a PJ, right? Although I can only use a few products at a time, I do have somewhat of a laundry list of others that I highly recommend. I’ve tried many of the natural lines on the market and most of the products available in stores, but the ones below get my stamp of approval.

Whether you’re transitioning or a natural vet, this list is a great place to start if you’re in the market to build a new regimen. My advice? When trying a new routine, figure out what your hair needs are, choose products designed to address those needs, try the routine for 3 weeks, re-assess and determine if you need to go back to the drawing board. Don’t try too many new things at once, and keep a journal—documentation is key. Take pictures of your results and record how various product combos work for you.

If you’re starting from scratch, pick a product from each of the categories below (broken down by Brick and Mortar or B&M, versus Web Store”>. Remember, no two heads are alike, and what works for some will not work for all.

SHAMPOOS

Every natural hair routine needs a good, effective shampoo. You can ‘poo as often as you deem necessary. Divas who use heavier products, stylers and butters may shampoo as often as once a week or prior to every styling session, while the minimalists (folks who use lighter products”> may shampoo once a month or bi-weekly. I shampoo when my hair feels gunky . . . usually twice a month.

No matter how often you shampoo, moisture retention should be a top priority. Even with the milder options listed below, pre-poos (moisturizing treatments applied prior to shampooing”> or deep treatments (moisturizing treatments applied following shampooing”> are essential!

Brick & Mortar (B&M”> ‘Poos

• Giovanni 50/50 (Target, Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe”>
• Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat (Target, Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe”>
• Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle

Web Store ‘Poos

• Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo—My favorite right now!

CONDITIONERS

I love a good conditioner. I’m always elated to find a multi-purpose one—a conditioner that can be used as a co-wash/detangler, leave-in/styler, and deep treatment. I gravitate toward highly moisturizing products, so know that most of the conditioners mentioned are not protein based.

Below you’ll find a list of my favorite B&M and web store conditioners along with a key to share how I use each one.

Key:

CW -Co-wash

S- Style (because it has light to medium hold”>

DT- Deep Treat (I add honey and olive oil to the conditioner”>

B&M Conditioners

• Yes to Carrots (Walgreens, Target”>– CW, S, DT
• Yes to Cucumbers (Walgreens, Target”>– CW, S, DT
• Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine (most drug and grocery stores”>—S
• Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition (most drug and grocery stores”>—S
• Tresemme Naturals (most drug and grocery stores”>—CW
• Aussie Moist (most drug and grocery stores”>– CW, S, DT
• Paul Mitchell The Conditioner Generic (Sally’s”>– CW, S
• Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa– CW, S, DT
• Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle– CW, S, DT

Web Store Conditioners

• Elucence Moisture Benefits Conditioner — CW, S, DT
• Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Conditioner— S, DT
• Blended Beauty Curl Quenching Conditioner–S, DT
• DevaCare One (the old formula”>–S, DT
• Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner— CW, S, DT

DEEP CONDITIONERS

This is yet another essential in any natural hair care regimen. Curly hair is naturally very dry and deep treatments (applying a moisturizing conditioner with a heat source”> help to retain moisture and health and thus length. For more information on deep conditioners and ingredients to look for, check out this post. Most of the conditioners above can be used as deep treatments as well, just be sure to add honey and oils to the mix.

B&M Deep Conditioners

• Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods”>
• Aubrey Organics White Camellia (Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods”>
• Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm (Target, Ulta, the generic version can be purchased at Sally’s”>
• Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol (Sally’s”>

Web Store Deep Conditioners

• Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioner
• Curl Junkie Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
• Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner

STYLERS

This is a less essential step in a natural hair care routine– gels, curl creams and mousse fall in this category. The use of a styler often results in a more controlled, sleeker, less voluminous look. If you like big, fluffy hair, you may want to skip this step, opt for a light hold styling product or find a conditioner that has a little hold. Many of the products listed below are lighter stylers… I heart big hair.

B&M Stylers

• Garnier Fructis Cream Gel (most drug and grocery stores”>
• Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip
• Aloe Vera Gel (health food stores– I like the refrigerated varieties”>
• **Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel (I’ve never used this as I don’t like heavy gels, but I hear nothing but good things!”>
• **Kinky Curly Curling Custard (Again, I’ve yet to try it, but the reviews are mostly good. Just be sure to use a light hand and apply to soaking wet hair”>

Web Store Stylers

• DevaCurl Set it Free
• Afroveda PUR Whipped Hair Jelly
• Blended Beauty Happy Nappy
• Blended Beauty Curly Frizz Pudding
• Curls Whipped Cream

SEALANTS/OILS

Sealing the hair (especially the ends”> is a key step in any natural hair routine. For sealing to be effective, you must first use a water-based moisturizer (a conditioner or cream that has water as its first ingredient”>, and then seal with a butter or oil. The molecules in most butters/oils are too large to pass into the hair, so they stick to the outside of the shaft, trapping in the rich goodness of the moisturizer. Reversing those two steps will lead to dry hair. Sealing has saved my hair. Did I mention, they add shine too!

B&M Sealants (Look for oils that are cold pressed, cold pressed and unrefined”>

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (grocery store, health food store”>
• Unrefined Shea Butter (beauty supply”>
• Coconut Oil (health food store”>
• Vatika Oil (beauty supply, local Indian grocery”>
• Castor Oil (Walmart”>

**Glossers– I’m loving cone based glossers right now. I’m using one by Phillip B., but many of them have very similar ingredients. Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum comes highly recommended from many CN readers. Use them as a second day refresher to add shine and control frizz.

Web Store Sealants

• Oyin Whipped Shea
• Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade
• Shea, many other butters and vatika oil

Related Info

• My Hair Routine
• My Night Time Routine (to preserve my curls”>
• My Hair Adventures

The gorgeous R&B singer-songwriter, Leela James, is a true diva. She has a new album, My Soul, that was released in May 2010. Her sultry ballads and soulful lyrics have brought her much-deserved acclaim around the world, but it’s her hair that won her iconic status in the curly world! Leela is one of the most down to earth celebs I’ve interviewed to date—she definitely keeps it real!

On her hair story…

“I’ve never had a relaxer. I’ve pretty much worn my hair braided, pressed and curled, or in natural ‘out’ styles my entire life. If you were to bump into me on a regular day, I’d probably be in cornrows, box braids, plaits… you know, Poetic Justice-esque.”

On her current routine…

“I wash, condition, deep condition and style every couple of weeks. I’m not married to any particular line or brand of products—I just use whatever is on hand. When I go to the salon, they use their products, and when I’m at home, I use whatever is in arm’s reach.

“I usually wash and condition in the shower, but I’ve been known to flip my hair over into the kitchen sink too… old-school style, LOL! It all depends on my mood.

“I deep condition and apply hot oil treatments regularly. I recommend this to everyone, at least once a month.”

On achieving her HUGE and fierce ‘fro…

“On wash day, I apply a leave-in conditioner and create 5 or 6 braids or plaits. I braid on damp hair and allow it to air-dry. Once it’s fully dry, I take the braids down, comb them, and then tease it out using a pick or a wide-toothed comb. Sometimes I’ll lightly blow it out with a dryer, but that’s really it! In between styling sessions, I dampen the hair, re-braid and repeat.”

“On achieving her chunkier, more defined styles…

It’s almost the same routine. The major difference is that I braid my wet hair (instead of damp”>, and take them down before they have time to fully dry and set. This creates a tighter curl pattern, but as you tease it out, it loosens up a bit.

“When I’m on the road, it’s pretty much the same thing. I plait it up, or do nothing and go. I don’t really have a true routine. I’m really not fussy with this stuff and I’m very lazy when it comes to my hair.”

On straight styles…

“My mother presses my hair and she uses old school pomades and/or a light grease. Very simple. It’s always fun to switch it up from time to time.”

On protecting her hair at night…

“Most nights I dampen it a bit with water, apply a little leave-in conditioner and re-braid. I sleep in a silk or satin scarf as well. Other nights, I don’t do anything!”

On adding pieces for length or volume…

“I do, occasionally. But a girl can’t disclose all of her secrets! Some things need to be left to curiosity. Plus, it ain’t none of y’alls business, LOL!”

On being natural…

“It’s easy and you don’t really have to worry about hardcore maintenance (like hot curling it every day, or trying to keep it straight”>.”

On helping others embrace their natural hair…

“I think it should be ‘to each his own’. I really do. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing…do just that. There is no right or wrong way to wear YOUR hair, or do you. If you want to wear your hair weaved up, if you want to wear your hair natural, if you want to cut it off or shave it bald…whatever! Do whatever you want to do, because there are no rules, it’s your head. Your hair is not who you are, it’s just a part of you. It should be looked at like an accessory, and I feel that sometimes, people make too much out of it. It’s just not that deep to me.

“I do what I feel comfortable doing and that just happens to be ‘natural hair’. For some reason, my hair has become this thing that everybody thinks of as my signature trademark. But no! I’m just lazy, and this works for me. And at the end of the day, if I feel like switching it up and doing something totally different, if I want to wear my hair straight, that’s what I’m going to do! It just depends on how I’m feeling, and what I’m able to handle at the time.”

On her inspiration for ‘My Soul’…

“My inspiration is pretty much myself and my personal experiences leading up to the release of this album from the first album. I was involved in ‘My Soul’ from the beginning to the end, and the journey in transitioning from one label to another, and switching management, really played a factor in how I wanted to go about the whole recording process… the whole album.

“Last time I went through a lot, and this go round, it was all me. These are my songs, my thoughts, my lyrics… all of the above! It’s coming from my soul…. nobody else’s but mine.

“The album is still in stores, but you can also get it online (itunes”> as well. Hit me up on Facebook and follow me on Twitter! I’m on the road getting ready to do some tour dates over seas as well as the States. So come check me out… and FOCUS ON MY MUSIC, NOT MY HAIR, how ’bout that?!

Dear Curly Nikki: Which roller systems work best (least painful to sleep in, best air-drying time, best well-formed curls, least need for products for decent results”> on natural hair?

Dear Deirdre: I’ve got everything from old-school foam rollers, to flexis, perm rods, magnetics, and even Curlformers. I rocked perm rods and magnetic rollers for a year—they provide very firm sets, and quick drying times.

I’m not a fan of the sponge roller, but the satin covered ones (purchased at Walmart”> work great on my dry Braid-n-Curl and Twist sets. I’d never use these rollers without the satin covers (drying”>, and I’d probably never try them with a wet set either (poor drying and the product may be absorbed”>.

Right now, whenever it’s Twist-n-Curl time, I turn to flexi rods. They are foamy and contain no hard or sharp clasps or securing mechanisms—I feel that they result in less stress to my delicate ends. The only draw back is that my hair seems to take longer to dry.

For me, no roller is comfy to sleep in, but the flexis (with only the last 2-3 inches of hair rolled”> are easy to toss over the top of my pillow so that I don’t have to lay on them. No matter the type of roller, I usually opt for the smallest size to match my wave/curl pattern.

Actress Giovonnie Samuels, best known for her role in “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” is natural and rocking it beautifully! For those of you from my generation, you may also recognize her from Nickelodeon’s “All That” (I used to love that show!”>. She also had reoccurring roles in Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven,” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

Recently I was able to sit down with her On the Couch to discuss her lock journey, fav products, and thoughts on natural hair in the entertainment industry.

CN: Tell us your Hair Story!

Gio: I first got my locks when I was around 8 years old! I had really long hair as a child, and my mother and I would fight when she would try to do it, you know what I mean—press, braids, whatever. I can’t remember who applied my first perm, but that petty much killed my hair! Almost a year later, I saw this lady with the most beautiful locks I’d ever seen—Dr. Joanna Cornwell, and she was wearing sister locks. I went home right away and begged my mother to do my hair like that—haven’t looked back since!

CN: Have you always liked your natural hair? If not, how did you come to embrace it?

Gio: ALWAYS!! I grew up around women that had natural hair—my grandma, aunties, and my mom. My mother was always trying new things with her hair, from long and red to short and honey blond. In fact, my mother was doing the short bold cut way before any of the stars today! She has always been ahead of her time. I saw how happy and beautiful they felt, like nothing was wrong with having YOUR hair. It wasn’t until I got into the entertainment industry that people had problems with my natural hair. That’s why I cut my locks this past January—they were down to my butt and now they’re in a short bob.

CN: What is your current routine?

Gio: I wash my hair like most people—once a week in the winter, and twice a week in the summertime. I condition mostly in the summer because I like to sit in the sun so my hair dries faster. I curl my locks when I feel like doing something sassy or if i want to change my look.

CN: How does your routine change when you’re on set?

Gio: When I arrive on set, most of the hair people have no idea what to do with me. They just look at me with that . . . ‘uhmm I don’t know what to do with that?!’ face. I shake my head, laugh and style my own hair most of the time.

CN: What are your must-have products?!

Gio: OOOHH! Pantene Pro-v Relaxed & Natural (the one in the brown bottle for black people, lol”>. I just love the way it smells! For a deep condition, I use the Sisterlocks Moisture Treatment and Silk Elements Glossing Polish—it adds a nice shine to my hair and again, I like the way it smells!

CN: How do you protect your hair at night?

Gio: Not a thing, LOL! Unless I have it curled, then I may put a wrap on it, but most of the time nothing.

CN: What’s the best thing about being natural?

Gio: Getting up in the morning and not having to do anything to my hair if I want to! I LOVE THAT! I love the fact that I have a choice to do my hair unlike most of my girl friends. Sometimes I feel bad for them when we go out—it takes them forever to get ready, and they still worry about their hair when we get to where we’re going! I just laugh!

CN: What would you tell a woman who has yet to embrace her natural hair?

Gio: You know, it’s hard for me to sell someone else on natural hair for so many reasons. For one, until that woman feels like she is more than just her hair, then I can’t talk to her. Until women stop feeling like the only way to achieve beauty is to install a weave . . . I can’t do anything. I blame society! Everyone is stuck on only one view of beauty. I gets NO love from the brothas on the West Coast. If I want to get a date, I have to go to the East Coast (guys on the west coast won’t say two words, let alone look my way because of my locks”>. Now if I was in New York or down in Atlanta, I couldn’t get down the block good before someone is asking for my number (I’m not saying this because I’m on TV, I’m saying this from my personal experiences, and my other girlfriend with natural hair experiences this as well”>. It’s just sad that most people only have one way of seeing someone as beautiful. Think about it, when was the last time you saw anyone on any magazine with natural hair other then for natural hair? I hope that one day I can change that.

CN: What would you tell a woman considering locking?

Gio: GO FOR IT!! You can do so much more with your life—swim, run, jump, play, LOL! Also, getting up in the morning and hair being the LAST thing on you mind . . . priceless! Your hair grows better, you’re not frying your brain with perms, and you can do just as much if not more with your hair in its natural state!

CN: Who is your natural hair inspiration?

Gio: It used to be Lauryn Hill before she cut off all of her hair. Now its just me… I’m my own hair inspiration! I know that I’m a role model for little girls. Sometimes I feel like the only actress with natural hair… sad. I hope that the little girls that see me on TV will see natural hair as beautiful.

CN: Tell us about your upcoming projects and ventures!

Gio: Hopefully I’ll be on a new show soon! But for now, I’m just teaching, acting and writing blogs, LOL!

CN: Anything else you’d like to add?

Gio: I love my hair!!!