Search Results: Nikki Walton
5 Tips To Get Long, Healthy, Hair
By Jessica of heygorjess.com as featured on CurlyNikki.
Okay! I’ve finally figured it out. It took me awhile, but after 6 years I’ve discovered how to make my hair grow long and healthy! And if you haven’t noticed, when I say long hair, I always say healthy along with it, because long hair that is dry and lifeless is pretty much worthless. You are better off cutting it off and starting over if it’s unhealthy because it simply won’t look good if you don’t. So this post includes both how to grow your hair and how to make sure it’s healthy.
Contrary to popular belief, anyone can get long, healthy hair. There are so many myths that certain races can’t grow their hair, but that myth was only created due to all the relaxers and heat we have put on our hair. By following my guidelines you will definitely be able to achieve your length goal!
Moisturize
Curly/kinky hair is naturally drier than straight hair–this is why Asians, Indians, Caucasians, etc “typically” have an easier time growing their hair. It is more difficult for the oils to travel down our hair strands since our hair is so curly. As a result, our ends hardly get any love! They get dry and brittle and then break off and get split. So we MUST moisturize constantly. And I mean DAILY! I could write a whole post about this, but until then make sure you do by deep conditioning about once a week or every other week. Also, moisturize your hair with water before you go to sleep. Sometimes we get wrapped up in using tons of products to add moisture to our hair– by why not moisturize with pure H2O! Makes sense, right?
Eat Healthy
Our outer beauty is a reflection of our interior. If your body isn’t healthy, then your skin and hair won’t be. It truly makes a huge difference. I can attest to it first hand! Eating more veggies will have a major impact–they help you digest quicker, therefore giving you more beauty energy to go to your hair! I talk more about practical ways to be healthy here.
Take Supplements
There are several supplements that help promote hair growth. The one I take is Biosil. It is all natural and it will help strengthen your hair, which will in turn help it grow and retain length. It also helps the growth of your nails, and contains collagen which helps to prevent wrinkles so that you have beautiful glowing skin! You can order it on amazon for about $17 in liquid form (you’ll get more for your money by buying the liquid form versus the pills because it’s more ounces”>. It tastes horrible lol but if you put 5 drops in some orange or cranberry juice you can barely taste it!
Finger Detangle
This is something else I wish I would have known about ALOT earlier. If you have the patience, DO NOT use combs! Hide them, throw them out, do whatever you have to do! I went about 4 months without even owning a comb at one point, lol! You are probably thinking that my hair was a hot mess during that time, lol. But I actually detangled with my fingers! This prevents sooo much breakage. Our ends are super fragile so combs break them so easily. If you use your fingers you can feel each knot and detangle each one. Yes, this takes a lotttt more time and patience (and lawd knows I’m super impatient”>, but its soo worth it! I have had a lot less split ends because of it.
I detangle everytime I wash my hair. I divide it into about 6 sections and use TRESemme Naturals Conditioner which has great slip for easier detangling.
Search & Destroy
This is another ‘hair saving’ discovery! I no longer trim my hair 6-8 weeks anymore. Especially now that I finger detangle, I get far less split ends. So instead of getting trims, I use the Search and Destroy Method. The name basically describes itself.
You literally go through your hair and search for split ends. Once you find them, you destroy them with hair cutting scissors! Mwahaha. Easy right? This way you only cut the split ends that need to be cut and you save your length! Sooo much better than just chopping away with regular trims. And I only do this about every 2 months, and most of the time I don’t even find that many split ends anymore!
So that concludes most of the things that have made a major difference in my hair length and health! I wanted to relay as much info as I could because I know this is a very important subject and at the top of a lot of women’s hair goals. I hope they are helpful and that they’ll help you get the hair length you desire!
by Alicia James of MsAliciaJames.com as featured on CurlyNikki
One of the scariest things about having tight curly/coily hair is tangles, tangles, and more tangles. Most of us with natural hair always opt for the hairstyle that will keep our hair manageable when it comes to wash day.
Most of my journey I have experimented on and off with finger combing. It really takes time to understand the method and how it can work for you and not against you. It took some trial and error, but I’ve figured out how to incorporate it.
- I use an affordable conditioner that has decent slip. I prefer Suave Naturals. It is usually no more than $1.50 at Walmart. I usually grab a few bottles at a time.
- Section the hair to make it easier to feel around and find hidden knots and tangles. I don’t like to work with too many sections, so I usually just stick to two, one on each side of my head.
- Make sure your hair is soaking wet.
- Use a generous amount of conditioner to cover your entire head. This will make it easier to comb your fingers through your hair gently, starting from the bottom and going up. I literally imagine my fingers as a wide tooth comb. The conditioner will make the hair slippery, making it easier to comb through. I find that my tangles are worse at the roots, so I like to hang my head over and run my fingers through the root area. You really want to make sure you are not leaving that hair tangled, because tangles at the root get worse over time and quickly becomes matted and may have to be cut out.
- I also like to hang my head directly under the shower head as the water runs down my strands. This helps stretch the curls out making it easier to comb out tangles with your fingers.
- Don’t be afraid to go over sections more than once. I know a lot of naturals are becoming really afraid of combing, because of the fear that all of their hair will fall out, but it is very important for length retention and health. When you don’t detangle properly it just creates small sections of knots and tangles that eventually become big sections of knots and tangles. In the end you could end up with hair that cannot be saved, and you could find yourself starting all over again. Also, remember that when your hair is detangled properly, styling is so much easier!
Finger combing is just one option to detangle your hair. I prefer it, because I feel more in control. I like that my fingers can feel the knots and tangles. I can work them out with my fingers without having to pull my hair out with a comb. I definitely see less hair in the shower after a finger combing session. It is more time consuming, but it is definitely worth it.
I finger comb my hair 1-2 times during the week when I co wash. I do still use a wide tooth comb, but usually only once a month at the beginning of the month when I shampoo. I usually finger comb before going through with a comb. This just makes me feel comfortable that I am not missing any hidden spots during my finger combing throughout the month.
As NaturallyCurly celebrates our 15th Anniversary we’re reflecting on all of the special curly women that we’ve met along the way. Karen Tappin was a high school history teacher when she began experimenting with natural ingredients and solutions for her personal hair needs. This hobby grew into a full fledged enterprise that has helped many of our readers out in going natural. Karen has worked tirelessly to eliminate the myths and spread the truth about natural hair with the community, and today she’s sharing her top five reasons to go natural!
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Reunion
When you go natural, you get to see your real hair for the first time in a long time. What’s that you see peeking through? Your natural tresses, not somebody else’s. And, they’re gorgeous!
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Anti-Aging
Natural hair makes you look youthful. How many celebrities have you viewed in magazines and online who went natural and look vibrant and more youthful? All of them! Check out photos of Viola Davis, Nicole Ari Parker, Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding and Solange Knowles. They possess a beauty that’s all their own. These ladies radiate.
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Flexibility
Natural hair means flexibility. You want to change up your look? Opt for a braided updo or twistout. You’re not stuck with one style. Your hair can match the season, an event, your wardrobe or mood.
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Community
You get to join a community of amazing natural women who care about health, wellness and individuality! What a support system we naturalistas have. You can interact with your curl friends by attending a meetup, show or event, asking a question on the NaturallyCurly.commessage board or watching a styling tutorial video from your favorite vlogger.
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Pride
By wearing your hair natural you let people know that you’re proud of who are you, and you won’t conform to one single standard of beauty. You’re saying, “This is me, and I’m beautiful just as I am. This is beautiful.”
Deciding to go natural is only half of the battle. Getting your curls to look their best can often be much more difficult and just plain frustrating. The trick is not to give up! And research all the techniques and tricks for getting your hair looking its best. Luckily, we’ve got your back. We put together a list of 5 curly never fail hair tips that will completely change your life and the love you have for your curls.
- Stop Straightening Curlies in numbers agree that the hardest part about being natural is simply doing it. We are often accustomed to changing the texture of our hair, so it is hard to quit and embrace how we look with the hair we were given. Once you can put down the straightening tools and products, you can embrace who you are and work to get the best possible curly version of you. Say “goodbye” to heat damage!
- Deep Conditioning Moisture is key when being curly and one of the best ways to get moisturized curls is through deep conditioning. Conditioning daily is important, but deep conditioners are made specifically to penetrate your hair’s many layers and give your roots the moisture they need to stay frizz free.
- Trims Every Six-Eight Weeks The length of time that you can go without a trim depends on the length of your hair, but most stylists will suggest that you come in every six to eight weeks. Once you get in the habit of getting your hair trimmed on a regular basis, you will notice your hair looking healthier; something many curly girls strive for.
- Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase Second day hair is not something every curly girl can get, but one way to improve your odds is by sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Just as you don’t want to use a typical towel to blot your curls, you want to take that same care at night when you are rolling all over the place. The right pillowcase will reduce your frizz in the morning as well as keep your curl pattern intact.
Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo or Co-Wash While all of these habits are extremely important, this one will make such a huge difference in your curls that you’ll never go back to your old ways. If you shampoo in order to cleanse your hair, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo like DevaCurl No-Poo since sulfates can be drying and damaging to the hair.
Some curly girls are lucky enough that they need no shampoo at all and can get away with only using conditioner (co-washing”>. If you are not sure if you fall into this category or not, spend one weekend finding out. Your curls might love you for it and you can put that money you typically spend on shampoo towards other great products!
Curly Hair Makeover with L’Oreal Paris EverCurl
Behind the Scenes
We went behind the scenes at the L’Oreal Paris EverCurl video shoot where wavy, curly and coily models got hair makeovers from L’Oreal Paris expert stylist Johnny Lavoy. Saraya had her curls transformed and gave us the inside scoop along the way!
Saraya’s Curly Hair Journey
NC: Have you always worn your hair curly?
Saraya: Yes, I haven’t put in any chemicals on it or done anything to it besides keeping it curly.NC: What have your biggest challenges been?
Saraya: My hair has so much volume and is so thick. According to the weather and the temperature, it can react a million different ways. If it is rainy outside, I can pretty much only put it up in a bun or it looks so frizzy and huge.
Curly Hair Challenges
NC: What types of products does your hair like best?
Saraya: My hair likes leave-in treatments or leave in conditioners. I sometimes use an oil spray or sheen if it looks a little dry. But usually, creams work best.
NC: What’s your go-to curly styling technique?
Saraya: My go-to styling technique is what I do every time I wash it. I dry it and use a leave in conditioner. Then I comb through it with my fingers to separate the curls and let it air-dry so that I have more defined curls.
Saraya’s Curly Makeover
L’Oreal Paris brought in their consulting hair expert Johnny Lavoy to give Julia’s waves an EverCurl makeover. Here’s what he had to say!
NC: What does this model’s hair need?
Lavoy: Saraya has beautiful curl, it just lacks definition. So my goal is to get her naturally curly hair frizz-free and well defined.
NC: What’s your top tip for styling curly hair?
Lavoy: Let hair dry naturally after applying your L’Oreal products and DO NOT manipulate it. People make the mistake of trying to scrunch the hair when it is drying and it only creates frizz. If you don’t have time to let it dry naturally, get a diffuser.
Saraya’s Curly Makeover
NC: Which products do you recommend for curly hair?
Lavoy: For women with curly hair, I recommend using a suite of products: The Hydracharge Shampoo and Conditioner, Hydracharge Leave-In Cream and the Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel. This system provides 48 hours of frizz control and curl definition. The system is also infused with Hibiscus and Grapeseed oil which locks in intense moisture.
MORE: Reader Reviews of L’Oreal Paris EverCurl
Get the look
Step 1
Apply the Hydracharge Shampoo to wet curly hair and massage gently into a thick lather. Rinse with cold water.Step 2
Follow with the Hydracharge Conditioner. This conditioner quenches and softens, perfecting hair’s shape. It infuses hydrating nourishment without weighing hair down. Curls are left softer and more manageable without frizz.
Get the look
Step 3
Then apply 1- 2 pumps of Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel. This unique cream-gel styler combines the care of a rich hydrating and conditioning cream with a styling gel that shapes without weighing hair down. Ultimately, curls remain smooth and hydrated.Step 4
After you finish applying the cream-gel use a microfiber towel to scrunch out the excess product.
Step 5
Air dry or diffuse on a cold setting.
The results!
NC: How did EverCurl help solve your hair challenges?
Saraya: EverCurl helped solve my challenged by locking in moisture in my hair and by giving my curls better definition.NC: What tip did you learn that you’re going to try at home?
Saraya: I shouldn’t mess with my curls too much when it is drying. I shouldn’t even run my fingers through it or fuss with it too much to avoid creating frizz.MORE: Julia’s Wavy Hair Makeover with L’Oreal Paris EverCurl
Even if you aren’t a co-washing curly, chances are you don’t wash your hair every day. Although this is a great practice for maintaining moisture, it can still lead to hair that gets dry and tangled with product buildup. To ensure that your hair gets moisture restored and tangles removed on wash days, you need the right moisturizing cleanser, conditioner and styling products to compliment them.
Celebrity hair stylist Tippi Shorter shows us how to achieve moisturized, detangled beautifully styled curls with Pantene Pro-V products. Here are some tips on how to get the same results yourself.
- Shampoo your curls with Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo to give your hair a fresh start and to begin restoring moisture.
- To remove tangles, apply Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner and work through sections of your hair gently with a detangling brush, wide tooth comb or your fingers. Rinse out the conditioner after hair is properly detangled.
- Smooth through the length of your curls with a cocktail of Pantene Pro-V Normal-Thick Style Flowing Body Mousse and Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Anti-Frizz Straightening Creme.
- Scrunch curls together and up towards your scalp with a microfiber towel to remove excess water and to encourage curl formation.
- Blow dry your hair with a diffuser attachment scrunching it up towards the scalp with the diffuser. Flip your head and hair over and diffuse upside down with the same scrunching motion. Diffusing upside down will produce more volume in your finished hairstyle.
Visit the Pantene Facebook page for more info on these curl-friendly products.
Pantene Pro-V How To’s: Type 3 Hair
Detangling curls for a frizz-free finish
Products in this video:
- Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo
- Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner
- Pantene Pro-V Normal-Thick Style Flowing Body Mousse
- Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Anti-Frizz Straightening Creme
See more Videos
Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.
We made it! No more drying heating systems or need for month-long protective styles so that we can wear hats and avoid getting the flu. Winter is OVER, and the season for the wash-and-go is upon us. Admit it, there’s a smile creeping on your face at the mere thought, and your hair is celebrating too!
Of course, summer isn’t perfect for our curls, coils and waves either, but it’s so much better than snow, sleet and manufactured heat! We don’t have to worry much about dry strands since all the humidity will hydrate it enough for us. We can also take a step back and deep condition once a month rather than once a week, and our curls will never know the difference.
But there is one thing about warmer summer weather and higher humidity that us naturally textured ladies aren’t so keen on — frizz.
Before you start braiding your hair back up, get this — frizz can be controlled! Frizz is simply your curls wanting more moisture, and you can provide that without breaking the bank or ruining your summer leisure time with L’Oreal EverSleek products.
L’Oreal EverSleek Line
- L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo
- L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Conditioner
- L’Oreal EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Shampoo
- L’Oreal EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Conditioner
- L’Oreal EverSleek Smoothing Deep Conditioner
- L’Oreal EverSleek Humidity Defying Leave-in Crème
- L’Oreal EverSleek Frizz Taming Crème Serum
- L’Oreal EverSleek Super Sleek Intense Serum
- L’Oreal EverSleek Finishing Crème
- Don’t forget to deep condition. You might not need to deep condition your tresses as often as you did in the winter, but they still need that added moisture. The sun can be drying and so can chlorine! Plus, if you’re wearing wash-and-go’s more often, it’s likely your hands will be in your hair more often too. The drier your hair, the more frizz you’ll have. Simply applying L’Oreal EverSleek Smoothing Deep Conditioner once a month or more will keep your hair hydrated and frizz at bay.
- Now is not the time to skimp on products. It’s summer, and between the beach, lake, work, laying out, jogging and happy hours on rooftops, you’re a busy girl! That’s great, but don’t you dare put down the methods that have been keeping your waves, curls and coils defined and healthy. Keep using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners like L’Oreal EverSleek Sulfate-Free Intense Smoothing Shampoo and L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Conditioner.
- Oils are still your best friend. Let’s be honest: oils will ALWAYS be a curly gal’s best friend. Having textured hair means that you’ve embarked upon a lifelong relationship with oil, so you better start cozying up real soon. Depending on your hair texture and hair color, certain oils are better for you than others, and that can be a bit of an overwhelming shopping experience. Luckily, L’Oreal’s NEW EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment with argan oil from Morocco will never do you wrong. Apply it on wet curls before you start adding additional products and frizz will be SO last summer.
- All good wash-and-gos end with a good finishing crème! Wash-and-gos are great, but there’s an entire drying process that could make or break the style for you. You’ve deep conditioned, keep using the sulfate-free products and even applied the oil and STILL your curls are frizzing. Either you’re just obsessive compulsive, or you simply need to finish the look off with a styling crème that will give your curls that final drink of moisture they’re craving. Try using L’Oreal EverSleek Finishing Crème. Simply apply to a dry or close to dry wash-and-go, finger curl any particularly frizzy sections to reset and then get on your happy-go-lucky, summer girl way!
What’s your favorite summer go-to style, and how do you prevent it from frizzing?
Denise RichardsLately, my Google searches go something like this:
“at home hair thickening treatment,”
“naturally volumize fine ass hair,”
“mousse for bigger hair”
…and things of that nature. Hundreds of henna, beer rinse, oat flour and sexually inappropriate results later, I happened upon something that caught me off guard. Apparently, Denise Richards has a volumizing hair care line. Denise Richards. You know — actress, model, white she-devil from “Undercover Brother” and Charlie Sheen’s ex-wife?I couldn’t help but reach out and I’m glad I did! She’s super down to earth, friendly and a fellow curly. She’ll also be in the new Tyler Perry movie! #WINNING
CN: Your hair is stunning! It’s obviously naturally textured, but how would you describe it?
Thank you! My hair is thick with a bit of natural wave. Although it’s very full, I feel like it’s gotten less curly over the years.
CN: What was it like growing up with wavy hair? Did you always like it?
As a kid, we always want to be part of the “status quo,” which usually means having perfectly straight, shiny hair. I battled with my hair at the time (hey, it was the 80s!”>, but through the years, I stopped fighting my hair and found a style that works for me.
CN: What are your go-to products?
Speaking of the 80s, it’s all about the hairspray! But a much more grown up version, like the Volumizing Hair Spray from my Volume Extend line. I’m currently obsessed with my new line of products. They’re so luxurious and make my beauty routine a breeze.
CN: Tell me of this new volumizing haircare line?
My new hair care line, Volume Extend, is a volumizing line I created with celebrity hairstylist Cristophe that uses cutting-edge formulas to achieve the perfect balance of volume and thickness without any frizz. It should go without saying, but these products are never tested on animals and are sulfate and paraben free.
CN: What is your current routine? How does it differ when you’re working?
When I’m working, I have the best in the biz making sure I look perfect from every angle; I just let them work their magic! But when I’m at home, it’s all about my kids, which means my beauty routine is pared down to the bare minimum. I think the best way to keep it simple is to adopt a beauty routine that keeps your hair healthy and your skin glowing.
CN: As a new mother, I always ask celeb moms this question: How the hell do you do it? How do you save your last nerve while juggling career and kids?
I think it’s important to take time out for yourself. As a working mother, it’s easy to lose yourself in the demands of others, but what’s most important is maintaining a healthy, happy “self.” I recommend taking an hour to go for a walk, meditate, spend quality time with your friends – these are the things that maintain sanity.
CN: Any new and upcoming movie projects?
I recently guest starred on “30 Rock” and I am currently working on a new Tyler Perry film, “Madea’s Witness Protection!”
CN: Dope. Can’t wait! Where can we connect with you on the web?
You can follow me on Twitter (@DENISE_RICHARDS”> or on my website at www.DeniseRichards.com. You can buy my products at www.cristophe.com!
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.
“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!”
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!
Want More?
Catch more of CurlyNikki’s interviews, like this one with Leela James!
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?
Nikisia Cooper and Dee Rees.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.
Want More?
Kim is super busy but she’s active on Twitter. Connect with her 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:
Tanya with daughters Tryumph and Whizdom.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:
Tryumph and Whizdom.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.
Want More?
Check out CurlyNikki’s natural hair challenge to Derek J — and what he says about it!
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?
Atlanta based celebrity stylist and TV personality, Derek J put a well-clad foot in his mouth on the recently aired ‘good hair’ episode of Dr. Drew’s Life Changers. Shortly thereafter, distressed, confused and seeking clarity, he shined the proverbial CurlyNikki Signal into the night sky asking for deliverance from the incessant stream of hate mail. #TeamNatural roll deep as a mug.
Appreciative of his willingness to keep it real and genuine desire to be educated on the matter, I gave Derek some dedicated time On the Couch to gain some insight. Will he get his redemption? Read on!
Derek J Gets Started on His Homework
CurlyNikki: Okay, so what happened?
Derek J: First of all, I didn’t think that that statement would’ve caused what it caused. The conversation with Dr. Drew was about natural hair versus relaxed hair and weaves. In the beginning of the interview, I encouraged my client to go natural because I know that many women don’t know what their natural hair looks like. But later during the conversation, I did make the statement that some women need relaxers.
CN: What the hell Derek J?!
DJ: I didn’t mean relaxed bone straight. I meant to calm down frizz.
CN: Right. You know this is not helping your case…
DJ: Some people may want a looser curl or things of that nature. You would need some kind of chemical assistance to work that look.
CN: Uh — no, boo boo. We have tons, TONS of options outside of chemicals. But, put a pin in that. Do you think that most women desire looser curls?
DJ: Yes, not most women, but some do. I’ve seen women that want to go natural, but turn to weaves first to get the look they’re going for. They say, “Oh my hair’s too short to wear natural,” or “It’s too this or that to wear natural.” So they get a weave to get that natural look that they want to have. If that’s the look you’re going for and your hair doesn’t do that, then chemicals or a weave is needed to make it happen.
CN: So you’re saying there ain’t enough curly pudding in the world?
DJ: [Laughter]
CN: And what is “that look?” “The Joan Clayton” from Girlfriend’s?
DJ: Yep. Exactly. Some women need a relaxer or chemical assistance to achieve that look.
CN: That look… are we talking, “easily managed hair,” or the taboo, “good hair?”
DJ: No [Laughter]. Good hair is basically what you think it is and what you’re trying to go for.
CN: That’s so PC!
DJ: [Laughter] Before I answer that question, I want to say that I also didn’t know that the word “manageable” is a bad word in the natural hair community. I don’t know all this stuff! [Laughter] I’m learning though. Anyway, good hair is what works for you. What’s good for me might not be what’s good for you. It’s frustrating because this shouldn’t even be the topic of conversation. We have a whole lot of other issues for Black folks to worry about instead of whether someone wants to relax their hair or not. Or if somebody wants to achieve a looser texture curl than what they have naturally.
God gave you natural hair, but if you want to go that hard on it, then it shouldn’t just stop at your hair. Don’t get your eye brows arched, stop shaving your legs, stop shaving under your arms, don’t wear a bra. If you want to accept what God gave you, do it then, but you can’t just stop at your head.
CN: Would you have seen anything wrong with what you said had it not been brought to your attention — repeatedly?
DJ: I didn’t think twice. When I spoke to other stylists and a few natural haired friends, they agreed, so I didn’t think that there was anything wrong with the statement. I didn’t say all women, I said some. They took it as if I’d said it’s all women and that I look down on natural hair and that’s not what I was saying.
Derek J’s Uh-oh Moment
The rest of CurlyNikki’s exclusive interview continues on the next page.
CN: How many hateful emails did you get?
DJ: 174
CN: Wow!
DJ: I’m so frustrated. I can understand people having their comments and disagreeing with what I have to say, but y’all are horrible! Now I’m a coon, I’m ignorant, I’m stupid — how did all of this come from that?! I mean, wow. Y’all are going hard! The emails have been worse than comments on the gossip blogs. It’s terrible. I didn’t mean any harm.
CN: Can you see though how some would take that comment to mean that the hair that grows out of our scalps naturally is not good enough?
When I talk to natural hair advocates, it’s never middle ground – it’s “our way or no way.” And there’s also the belief that if a woman get’s a relaxer or gets a weave, then she’s less of a Black woman.
DJ: Yes, I do see that. It’s only black people that have this issue though. You don’t see white women walking around with their “natural hair cause.” They get color, they get perms to enhance their curls. You don’t see other cultures when after altering their hair texture, have a come to Jesus moment — they don’t have this natural hair revelation. We go so hard on it and that’s where I get lost.
When I talk to natural hair advocates, it’s never middle ground — it’s “our way or no way.” And there’s also the belief that if a woman get’s a relaxer or gets a weave, then she’s less of a Black woman. Those things are just harsh and just one sided. It’s not cool. People have choices and if you want to put a relaxer in, that makes you no less Black than the next.
CN: On that much, we agree. And I want to note that the typical CurlyNikki reader is not the militant natural you speak of. We are inclusive and non-judgmental. “Do you boo boo” is our motto. My concern about what you said, whether you used “some” or “all,” is the sentiment that our hair needs to be managed and smoothed to be attractive or to get the desired results. This assumes that we all want the same “desired result” and it suggests that some textures aren’t acceptable.
Do you work with natural hair?
DJ: Um, yes. My thought behind it is, people say “relaxers damage the hair.” No, the person that applied the relaxer damaged the hair. People are not well versed in the use of chemicals and people automatically assume that hair can’t be healthy with a relaxer. But if you’re natural and you come into a salon and get it pressed every week, that’s no better. If that’s the case, you should just get a relaxer so you don’t have that constant heat.
CN: Is natural hair great hair or the greatest?
DJ: The greatest.
CN: Good answer. You didn’t say, how many natural clients do you have?
DJ: The majority of my clients are natural. But they’re natural underneath the weave.
CN: That so doesn’t count! How many twist-outs have you done? How many ‘fros have you shaped?
DJ: No, no, no. I don’t do no natural hair styles. All my natural clients are either getting their hair pressed or getting a weave.
CN: Are you familiar with the natural hair community online? Do you watch Youtube videos?
DJ: No, not really.
CN: Okay, so here’s the thing. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to have this discussion. There are a ton of talented stylists that have no clue what to do with natural hair, and unfortunately, you’re among the ranks. As the king of fantasy hair, you’ve got some catching up to do in this natural hair game. How would you feel about doing some homework?
DJ: Well, what do you have in mind?
CN: Your homework is to watch an hour of Youtube videos a week, specifically the channels of Chary Jay, Naptural85, and Naturalnessdotcom, as well as peruse the CurlyNikki.com archives and forum. Get real familiar.
You will not only become a natural hair advocate, but develop proficiencies in helping women transition from relaxed to natural, and styling natural hair — not just in weaves. You will report back to the CurlyNikki community with all you’ve learned culminating in the styling of my intern, friend and fellow blogger Taneica of GlassDolls — on camera. It is only at this time that you get your redemption and earn your #teamnatural card.
Agreed?
DJ: Agreed.
Want More?
Catch the conversation over on CurlyNikki.com.
Final Thoughts
Derek J needs help, y’all. What care and styling tips does he NEED to know? He’ll be reading, so share!
Also, tell him why you don’t need a relaxer!
In the world of natural hair, there are tons of community and celebrity hair idols floating around. Folks whose hair we admire and appreciate even if ours is in no way similar. We want nothing more than to know their routine, their fave products, or how they got THAT look, in THAT picture.
Corinne Bailey Rae, and I think you’d agree, is the definition of a Natural Hair Idol. When she and her amazing ringlets hit the scene in 2006, I remember feeling awe struck. To this day, I Google her images for twist-out inspiration.
Well, good news divas! The British singer and songwriter is finally “On the Couch” with CurlyNikki and telling all, even how at one point she wanted to start a natural hair site! It was a challenge tracking her down but it was so worth it. She has a beautiful soul and I’m honored to deliver her story to you! Enjoy!
Her hair story:
I was natural until I was about 13 and then I got my hair permed, weirdly. I didn’t really look after my hair before that, and didn’t know that it would actually grow “curly” on its own. So, yeah, I had a perm, and when I was about 16, I had it relaxed because I had my hair cut really short. It was kind of like “Indie,” like a white boy’s hairstyle [Laughter], because I was in this guitar band. It was really, really straight and I’d wear it off to the side. I remember hoping it wouldn’t grow, you know, so it’d stay sort of as it was when you just had it done (relaxed”>. That’s very unhealthy, horrible even.
So anyway, the summer before I went to University, a guy stopped me in the street and asked if I’d like to be a hair model for a project he was doing. I said yes, thinking at least I’d get a free relaxer out of it, because at the time, that was a really expensive process. So I did it, but the style was pretty extreme. He dyed the tips of my hair red and cut it really short in the middle. It was this really ghastly hairstyle, a weird vampire theme. I remembered my friend’s mother was getting married like two days after I had it done, and I said to the stylist, “Okay, I need you to do my hair before this wedding, because I have red tips. I’ve essentially got horns. I need it transformed back, relaxed and dyed back to black.”
He claimed there wasn’t enough time! Really? And this was the entire reason I did it (went natural”>. Just before that wedding, he basically cut my hair down to like an inch or two inches long, cut all the relaxer and hair dye out, and that was it. That was my style. So when I went to University, I had this natural hairstyle, like a tiny afro, really, really short hair. And I’d always wear jeans and a leather jacket and everyone thought I was a Black Panther.
I quickly got used to it. I liked the fact that you could wash your hair regularly and I loved that my hair was curly. I had never noticed it before because I was always pulling it and combing it straight. Finally, I discovered this really good, moisturizing shampoo. I think they were giving away a shampoo at the time on the front of some magazine – “Wella?” So I had a whole load of those and I would wash my hair, get right to the scalp, comb it and then twist it a bit with moisturizing cream and just leave it. And it was a revelation to me that my hair had that kind of texture. And, because it didn’t have a lot of length, it curled really easily and I thought, I’m just going to keep it like this. But of course, it just sort of grew out over time. I remember I used to twist the front and the rest would be in this baby afro and then as it got longer and longer, I’d wind it around my fingers to make more of ringletly-type curls.
Her current hair routine:
These days, I’ve embraced the texture even more. What I do now is wash it, put the conditioner in and detangle it with a big paddle brush, which takes 40 minutes. It takes a while.
I do it from the ends to the roots and then I put it in four or so plaits. I plait the front section and then one in the crown and two at the sides. I leave that for a day or a day and a half. It has to be a day where you’re just hanging out at home.
When I take them down, it’s in those loose kinks from the plaits, but it’s still a bit wet, so then my natural curl kind of comes back in a bit and it’s a combination between those kind of kinks and my normal curls. That’s my staple style.
Her hair in promotionals for her last album:
That was the result of the plaits. You put them where you want them, in the direction you want your hair to go in. I personally like a side part.
So, yeah, you just make the big plaits and dry your hair in those. A lot of stylists tried drying my hair with a blow dryer, but it makes it straight. It’s really weird. The heat pulls out the curl and flattens it. So generally, I just braid it up and let them dry.
On personal hair care and stylists:
I do my own hair much of the time. But, when I’m working, I have different stylists. I have one in London. He’s brilliant, actually. He’s this white guy, the same age as me, British, his name is Kenna, and he has this studio called KennaLand. I find that he has a real sort of fashion forward focus, and he’s really into Afro hair.
He does Emily Sande’s hair, this girl that just came out. She has an awesome shaved, blonde height. He also does Shingai Shoniwa’s hair.
He loves Afro hair. He loves the texture and he never tries to change it or work against it. He’ll think really carefully about how it curls and how to cut it, making sure it’s not too wet, keeping shrinkage in mind. He’s got really great insight.
I don’t care for the hairstylists that make you feel like “Oh, this is going to be hard work,” especially the stylists in England. A lot of black stylists in England are really loathsome to Afro hair and make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not relaxed, or they’ll say things like, “If you ever straightened it, imagine how long it would be.” But, I’m like, “I don’t want straight hair!”
So, yes, Kenna is very good and likes to work with texture and I appreciate that.
The woman that does my hair in New York is from the salon Eva Scrivo. And she does the same. She puts it in the plaits and dries it. But, for the pieces that don’t go curly enough, she’ll wind them around the iron. But, that thing with doing your whole head with an iron and looking like Orphan Annie, I don’t like that.
Her favorite products:
I use an Aveda shampoo called Shampure. I find that it’s nice. When I wash my hair, I tend to only really wash the roots. I spoke to someone that said when you have long hair, remember that the hair on the ends has been washed so many times because it’s four years old, and when you wash your hair all you should focus on is the product build up at the scalp and to keep your scalp from feeling itchy or whatever. So when I wash my hair, I just put the shampoo at my roots, and move it around gently. I don’t really mush it, I don’t want to disturb the curls too much.
If I’m doing my hair and I just washed it four days ago, I won’t wash it with shampoo at all. I’d just put water in it and then just use conditioner. If it feels like it needs cleaning, which is every eight or nine days, then I’ll use that shampoo, and then I’d wash it out and put conditioner in it.
There are two different conditioners that I use. One is by Aveda called Damage Remedy. I hate the name of it, because I don’t like to think my hair is damaged, but it does need the moisture. And there’s also a conditioner that I get from Eva Scrivo called Ruhua. Sometimes, to help it stretch, I mix it with another conditioner because it’s expensive. But it’s really nice because it has honey in it.
So, I just put conditioner on my hair, then detangle with the big paddle brush I got from Aveda. The bristles or spines on the brush are very flexible so it may not get the knots out the first or even the second time. I spend a while detangling. If I’m brushing my hair out, I’ll watch TV, or go and sit in the garden. It takes me 45 minutes, but I’m patient. The key is to not get frustrated and know that all those tangles are going to come out eventually.
I detangle from the ends up and I naturally divide it into sections as I go. Once it’s fully detangled, I’ll put a shower cap on my head and leave it for a couple of hours. When I take it off, my hair is really black and shiny, and it’s still soaking wet even though much of the conditioner is gone. But, it’s still easy to comb through. Then, I’ll just put it in the plaits. I do this styling process every nine to ten days.
On night time maintenance:
I usually just leave it. I try to position it so that it’s up and over the pillow so that I don’t smoosh or flatten the curls. I don’t fuss too much with it and I’m not afraid of having wild hair. This is Rock & Roll, all of my hair idols, people like Yoko Ono, Grace Covington, and Janice Joplin, have this awesome big, messy hair. I love their hair! I’m not looking for it to be perfect, I like the cycle it goes through, from being wet and sort of polished looking and then it dries and gets bigger and bigger.
If there are sections that look a bit messy, I will section it out, put conditioner in it and put another plait there. So, I think of it like a work in progress. But on most days, I just wake up and it just looks like it looks. You don’t have to do it that day. I find that it’s quite low maintenance compared to relaxed hair because you don’t have to do it everyday.
Sometimes, at night, I do apply an oil to my dry ends, but I can’t remember the name of it. It nourishes and adds shine.
But you know what, I have stages where I just put Vaseline in my hair if it’s dry. I put the Vaseline in it and comb it through. I remember after using it for a while, I went to my hairdresser and she said, “Your hair is in really good condition, what have you been using?” And I told her! She couldn’t believe it.
I like to put essential oil in it and it gives it a really nice smell. It’s cheap and I think that’s a myth, that you have to use really expensive products, and you don’t. You can add stuff like olive oil, almond oil or things you just find in the health food store to help expensive products last longer. Experiment is what I say. What works for one person may not work for you. Everyone was raving to me about Moroccan oil, but I found it way too drying.
On length retention:
I haven’t always had such a regimen, but I can say that you have to get your hair cut reasonably often. I get my hair cut about three times a year. Kenna does it.
Find a hairstylist to trim those ends. I have so many friends that say, “Oh, my hair won’t grow.” But, of course, every one’s hair grows. What happens is the ends break because they get dry, they split into two and you put tension on the last few inches and they pop off. And people think, “I want to grow my hair so I’m not going to get it cut,” but it’s the opposite. If you’re going to grow your hair, you need to get it trimmed, even if it’s the tiniest bit, just so you stop the ends from breaking.
Obviously eating well and drinking water helps. It’s also a myth that Afro hair can’t grow long and it can. You just have to give it time. Plus, it’s growing in a spiral and it takes a bit to show length.
I want to grow mine longer!
Her ventures and current projects:
At the moment, I’m writing an album. I’m really enjoying it, the process. It won’t be out until next year. Today, I’m just here at home playing my guitar and relaxing.
I was at Fashion Week in November and I’ll probably pop back over in February. At this time, I just feel like I want to engage with creative people and I’d like to do different collaborations with people that aren’t necessarily musicians. It’s fun and inspiring to talk to other creative people. I really like that website Lecoil. I think she has some really good pictures on there and it’s really inspiring as well.
The thing I found most depressing about that Chris Rock documentary “Good Hair” was that lawyer. She had this very beautiful Afro and the other black girls were like, “I think your hair is cute and all, but when you become a lawyer no one is going to take you seriously because of your hair.” And, she was like, “Yeah, I know I’m going to have to change it when I become a lawyer.” So, so sad. So, the thing I love about Lecoil is that when you click on a picture, you find that this person is the CEO of a company, or a journalist, or the creator of a website! I think it’s really important to show more and more people in influential positions that just let their hair be.
Want More?
Check out CurlyNikki’s interview with Jurnee Smollet!
Final Thoughts from Corinne
Believe it or not, at one point I wanted to start a natural hair site. Naturally, I came across your site and Lecoil. It was like two years ago and I was researching it and I felt that there were already enough sites and that people were doing a good job. I didn’t think I needed to get into that arena, but we’ll see what the future brings! Thanks Nikki!
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.”
Want More?
Want to see what other celebrities are saying about their curly hair? Read all about Rosario Dawson’s favorite products!
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!
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.
