Search Results: Stacy Pulliam
What comes to mind when you think of the hardest job in the world?
Most would probably give jobs that are labor intensive — maybe a rocket scientist, or brain surgeon. I would argue it is being a mom.
Now part of my answer is partially due to me being a mother, but the other part is being surrounded by so many mothers. Whether you have a close or distant relationship with your mom, I hope you can take the time to reflect on past, current, and future times that you have had with her. I am fortunate in that I have an amazing relationship with my mother. I am also extremely blessed to be the mother of 8 very beautiful, unique, precocious, loving individuals. This job called Motherhood is more like a lifetime career, and I am even starting to wonder if God gives mothers a different heart.
My journey began before I was even old enough to conceive.
I remember daydreaming about being a mother. “Stacy, I need you to stop daydreaming and copy the sentences off the board,” my 3rd grade teacher would tell me.
I would literally be sitting in class coming up with names for my 10 children. All I wanted to do when I grew up was be a wife, mother, baker, dress designer, and hairstylist (I have to say that achieving 4 out of 5 isn’t bad”>. At the age of 19 I was blessed to give birth to Nadyiah; I was a single mom until I married her dad 1 year later. I was scared and excited all at the same time.
Do I really have what it takes to be a mother? I would ask myself. Well, life has a way of showing you, ‘Ready or not, here we go!’ My ex-husband has a daughter Kelsey that I took in as my own, although her mom is very active and had custody. She is now 21 years old.
Fast forward to today: I have birthed 3 more children and recently married an amazing man who brought 3 more children into my life. I went from being a divorced mother of 4 for 4 years to now a happily married mother of 8. The word that has remained consistent is mother.
I want to encourage the mothers who are single with children, because I had moments of “can I really do this alone?” There were nights that I can remember crying myself to sleep; sure I had hopes of being married again, but who was going to want me? It is not until I changed my perspective on my current situation and realized with or without a husband God has granted me the ability to be an awesome Mother. My prayer shifted from “Lord please, please, please send my husband” to “Lord I will love you no matter what happens. Please grant me the patience and wisdom to raise my children.” I was blessed to be able to draw strength not only from God but also other encouraging mothers in my circle.
About 4 months later I met my husband through, believe it or not, the Tinder app! I honestly just wanted some company at the movies and that was it. And guess what? That company became my husband 6 months later.
My husband said that one of the things that impressed him the most was that I had a deep rooted love for God and my children. Funny story: there were times when he would ask to take me to lunch or dinner — we weren’t even dating at the time — and I would say, “You didn’t ask if my kids were hungry?” He asked that 2 more times until his question changed to, “I just got paid today, do you and the kids need anything?”
Now he was pulling on the mom in me. What single mother doesn’t want a husband that says, “I want your children to be my children. I want your bills to be my bills. I want all of you.”
For every single mom out there…
I want you to know that every mother has a different journey. I am living proof that God will grace you on your journey. Put your children first and do not compromise for anyone. If your journey is marriage so be it. If your journey is to be a single mom so be it. No matter which road is yours to follow, follow it with an open heart and be led with wisdom. Being a mother isn’t the easiest job in the world but it is extremely rewarding.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Are you one of the curly girls who are still shampooing your hair everyday? If you are this is PSA urging and begging you to stop.
Your curls are suffering, you may be depriving them of the moisture they need to perform at their best.
Most of the clients I see always say things like, “After the first day, my hair just won’t do anything.” I know I sound like a broken record but for the love of natural curls and everything sacred, just change your products already. Your curls are not performing well because you are not giving them what they need to survive. This is what your curls would say to you if they had a voice.
First, please change your shampoo!
I understand your shampoo says “for curly hair,” and it’s sulfate-free, and no animals were harmed in the process of making it… but it’s not working for you for a reason. Above all, it is also important to make sure your hair is being nurtured.
When looking for shampoo, conditioner and styling products, please make sure they are in line with Safe Cosmetics regulations. In doing this you will rid yourself of harmful carcinogens including parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, and urea. I like Surface Curls or Urbanbella Non Lather Cleanser.
Curly, wavy, and kinky hair are dry by nature because when your natural oils, like sebum, slide down your hair they have to take the scenic route, whereas with straight hair the sebum can slide directly down the shaft. Have you ever noticed that when your hair is straightened it gets oily more quickly? Because your sebum has to travel all around your curl it takes longer to get the oil it is in a constant state of dryness by you shampooing it daily.
Taper off shampooing
Gradually taper off to shampooing every 2 days, the next week try 3 days, and before you know it you may be able to go 5 to 8 days. There is no magic number–I always tell my clients once you make it to 3 days your scalp will tell you when you need to shampoo. I have curly hair and my scalp gets very tender to the touch while it itches badly. I know if my scalp itches on day 2 or 3 it doesn’t like the product I’ve used or something is going on with my allergies, typically I’m able to make it to 4 to 5 days.
As an expert, I would rather you only use a daily non-lather cleanser if you have a job that calls for sweaty, dirty hair. If you don’t, gradually break away from the daily oil-stripping shampoo routine.
Apply a great leave-in on wash day
Moisturizing between shampoos is very important, but making sure that your initial application of a great leave-in and styling product can eliminate having to reapply product daily. I have type 3b hair and I am able to wet my hands while in the shower and scrunch my hair and my product reactivates beautifully (I use Surface Hair, Curls Firm Hold Mousse“>. The Mousse that I use has great oil properties you can actually see and feel the oil as you apply the mousse. If you are wearing protective styles or you set your hair make sure your butters and creams have the right balance of oils such as Original Moxie Shape Shifter and Lux Locks, as well as MyHoneyChild Buttery Soy and type 3 hair cream. Keep those curls hydrated and moisturized.“What do I do if I work out or have a job that requires sweating?”
Some of us have jobs where our hair gets dirty or we sweat heavily during our SheWoman workouts — I am all for keeping that body looking great! This just means we need to clean our scalp and hair more often. My suggestion for the women that fall in this category: non-lather cleansers that really moisturize as they clean like Original Moxie Get Clean No Foam Shampoo. This amazing shampoo has wild harvested yucca root and soap nuts to remove dirt and excess oil, and it won’t mess with your scalp’s natural balance. Get Clean shampoo also addresses scalp issues such as dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. As an expert, I would rather you only use a daily non-lather cleanser if you fall into one of the above categories; if you don’t then gradually break away from the daily oil-stripping shampoo routine.
Do you shampoo everyday?
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Read This is My Checklist for Purchasing Natural Hair Products
I am a sucker for amazing products. As a licensed stylist, natural hair educator, and owner of Georgia-based salon, DyeVerCity, I am always researching products. To me, ingredients and performance speak volumes. I don’t care how great your ads look or how many followers you have–if your product cannot deliver healthy hair, I am not impressed. This leads me into my Behind The Brand Series in which I give you an in-depth look into brands that top the charts in the curly hair world. First up: Original Moxie.
Meet Original Moxie Founder and CEO, Rachel E. Blistein.
She came up with Original Moxie as a solution to a problem that plagued the natural hair market. “In 2009, I was a recent transplant from Maryland to Michigan and had just begun to transition from relaxing my hair to wearing it curly,” she says. “My first experience of a Northern winter sucked what little moisture remained out of my straw-like hair and left me totally frustrated and unhappy with how I looked.
I began tinkering with my own natural concoctions and started with what I knew, which were natural and botanical remedies–I was a landscape architect at the time. As I shared what I was doing with friends and family, I was shocked to realize that I wasn’t alone. This mindset led me to research the science of hair and the chemistry of hair products so that I could create specific solutions for the hair challenges that came my way. In time, this problem-solving mindset grew into the diagnostic approach that encompasses and shapes the brand.”
What sets Original Moxie apart from others?
“Chiefly, I think it’s our personal approach and the level of detail we bring to everything from product formulation to hair typing,” states Blistein. “We recognize that hair is complex and, therefore, that understanding it goes beyond curl pattern to include density, texture, moisture levels, porosity, etc. We take this in-depth approach further and apply it to hair styling and cutting methods to create a holistic and comprehensive hair care system.”
What are your top tips for hair growth?
- Start with your scalp–healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp go hand in hand. Do a quick test for suppleness and health by pushing firmly but gently on all the sides of your head. Ideally the skin will slide easily over the skull and you are able to see the front of your scalp move when you push on the back. If you feel tightness in certain areas, simply address it by performing regular scalp massages. We have a product that’s great for that called Scalp Therapy, but even your bare fingers will help to stimulate blood flow and release the natural oils stored under the surface of your skin.
- Stay away from restrictive styles that tightly bind the hair. Give your hair a rest in between hair extensions, braids or ponytails, and use non-snagging tools to hold them in place. We see so much breakage around the edges and mid-shaft (the two areas most impacted by styling”>. Unlike split ends, neither can be easily remedied with a light trim.
- Choose the right moisturizer. Everyone’s hair is different–just because a product works for your favorite Youtuber doesn’t mean it will work for you. Here is a quick test to determine if your products are getting inside your hair or just sitting on the outside: wet a section of your hair with water a day or two after you style it. If you see or feel a white or brown residue coming off of the hair, your product is not fully moisturizing your hair. When hair is deeply moisturized, it is more elastic and resistant to breakage. Bonus: your hair will also look more defined and shinier!
How important are the ingredients the brand uses?
“We manufacture everything in-house. We go so far as to create our own essential oil blends and herbal infusions so that we can fully customize each product. Whenever possible, we source organic and sustainably grown materials so that our products are as non-toxic and environmentally sound as possible.”
Which hair types do Original Moxie work best for?
“Does everyone answer ‘all hair types’ to this question?” jokes Blistein. “Just kidding! I think we are most popular with Naturals who have high moisture needs or who struggle with definition.”
Writer Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.
Editor’s Note: this article is not sponsored.
Love your curls but bored with the color options?
Or perhaps you are afraid you won’t be natural anymore after you color.
There is so much discussion about if you color are you still considered to be ‘natural’ and my answer is that it depends on what your definition and hair goals are. Let’s break this down.
Color application is a chemical that alters the bonds in your hair strands. For example, the lighter or blonder you go, the straighter your curls will become. With that being said, your hair is chemically processed once you apply color or lightener to the hair. Therefore if you don’t want any chemicals in your hair then simply opt out of a color service. For the rest of us that are ready to explore some vibrant pinks, purples, and everything in between, let me introduce you to a color specialist that will take you to Candy Color World. Meet Leysa Carrillo, a stylist at Atelier by Square Salon in Las Vegas, NV.
What are your favorite color trends for curly girls this season?
- Sugar Plum (above”>: This technique with a lot of movement can work on loose curls better, showing the multiples all the multiple colors.
- Pink Flower (below”>: Ombre technique for those with tighter curls, a darker interior transitioning to a lighter ends.
What are your favorite brands for conditioning colored curls?
“My favorite lines are Pulpriot and Joico,” says Carrillo. “I love the consistency, both of them condition and have great shine. They don’t smell chemically they have beautiful scents. I hate when colors look dull the older they get, but these lines fade amazingly.”
Is it challenging to color naturally curly hair?
“Yes, it is another world. You have to always check the elasticity of the curls. No heat with the color process since the curly hair cuticles are already open. With the right knowledge and products, you can get soft, healthy curls after a curl service.”
What is your favorite technique when coloring natural curls?
“I make sure I ask if they wear their hair curly all the time, or alternate, that will determine what technique I use–curly hair is always thirsty for moisture, my clients have to do regular deep-conditioning treatments before coloring appointments.”
Are ingredients in the color line important to you?
“Yes, always! Various types of alcohols, which can also dry the hair, are present in most hair color. Check out the official ingredient list for a hair color formula.”
How important is product maintenance on curls that have been colored?
“Choosing the right professional products is extremely important it maintains the integrity and healthiness of the hair. Be sure to always break your hair up in sections when shampooing, conditioning, and applying styling product. By sectioning the hair in small sections it allows you to coat every strand and ensure definition when styling. If you quickly apply a product all over, you may miss certain areas and your curls may not be as defined.”
To sum it up
Make sure you read and research and find a professional that is use to working with curly hair. I would recommend the Surface Curls hair care line because it has vitacolor complex to protect your color investment. Happy spring and summer coloring!
You can book an appointment with stylist Leysa Carrillo here.
Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.
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To brush or not to brush–that is the question.
I must say that one of the top 5 questions I get asked is, “Should I brush my curls?” The answer is: yes and no. It’s not so much should you brush, as it is when should you brush your curls.
Let’s explore when and how to brush your type 3 to type 4 natural hair.
Great hair starts with your shampoo and conditioner.
At the shampoo bowl you want to brush and detangle your hair using a brush with a handle (I use the Tangle Teezer”>. When you are just coming out of a protective style like braids, a sew-in, two-strand twists, it is best to brush your hair before any water hits it. If your hair is extremely matted and tangled, make sure to finger comb first, then use the tangle teezer to get rid of the remaining excess hair.
Section your hair in about 6 to 8 random sections individually held by gator clips. Gently go through the ends first. Parting hair into sections makes it more manageable, especially for those with a lot of hair to work with. It also helps to avoid creating new tangles while working. Make sure to always support longer hair by holding it as though you were about to ponytail it.
Once you have worked your way through the ends proceed with the hair closest to the scalp and detangle. If you notice a lot of matting it is important not to yank your hair–be patient and pick at the knots to loosen them. The best bet for working out knots or tangles is with a wide toothed comb or even your fingers depending on your hair. Do not use a spray bottle with water; in my opinion, it can sometimes lead to a bigger mess.
Once water hits the hair some knots become rebellious and it may take longer to work through them which is why I suggest detangling before shampooing..
After detangling:
Start with a great moisturizing shampoo (I like Moisture Love Gentle Embrace Hydration Shampoo because it allows you to finger detangle while you are shampooing”>. Work with your hair in sections instead of piling everything on top of your head and going in for the kill. This way you will get better results in the end and not to mention, a cleaner scalp.
Next, condition with Moisture Love Deep Indulgence Replenishing Conditioner. Apply the conditioner according to its directions, using your Tangle Teezer to get small tangles that were left behind. If your hair is really parched, doing a 10 to 20-minute steam treatment is excellent. After you rinse your conditioner in cool water, apply your leave-in.
Your last step in this process is your leave-in. For type 3 to 4 hair I absolutely love to cocktail Obia Curl Hydration Spray, Surface Protein Cream, and Darcy’s Botanicals Curl Detangling Milk (it smells like sweet cream vanilla cookies”>. Oftentimes I lift and mist the hair with OCH (4 to 6 sprays”>, mix the SPC with DB; I spray 5 to 12 sprays of the SPC in my hand (the number of sprays depends on your hair’s specific length and thickness”>.
Then, add about a quarter to half dollar size of DB to emulsify, starting at the scalp with light tapping motions while working your way to the ends. Brush through your hair with the Tangle Teezer, sectioning hair according to your preferred final style.
When most women brush their hair, they start at the crown or the roots and work their way down. You should brush in reverse by starting at the back of neck and working your way up to help distribute natural oils more evenly and avoid damaging hair at the crown.
During the styling process:
Make sure that you are using products with great moisture content. Type 3 to 4 hair tends to be more fragile due to the tightness in the curl pattern as well as the texture of the hair. Two of my favorite pre-stylers–moisturizers that come before a styling product–are Original Moxie Shape Shifter and Moisture Love Kindred Spirits Moisture & Styling Cream. Both products are a liquid cream base and an amazing foundation to most all natural styles. I like to apply the creams in small sections, brushing through the hair for even distribution and curl definition.
If you are wearing a shampoo and go style I suggest only brushing the hair with initial product application. Honestly, if you have a great curl defining product, you should be able to reactivate your curls with morning shower steam and wet hands with a squish and shake of your curls right before you get out the shower. Don’t sleep on wet curls! Brushing your curls daily is not necessary but you can finger comb damp hair to decrease the amount of tangles you get on shampoo day.
When it’s OK to safely brush dry type 3-4 hair…
- if you have a roller/rod set
- if you have a Bantu set
- if you are wearing a large braid or twist set
- if your hair is stretched and dried
Aside from knowing when to brush, having the right brush is crucial. Some brushes are better for certain aspects of hair brushing than others. For example, you should never try to detangle hair with a paddle brush. Wide-toothed combs are for detangling, paddle brushes are for dry brushing. You should also avoid paddle brushes with plastic prongs. Opt for options made of natural animal bristles for the best results.
Happy brushing!
“
Do you brush your curly hair?
Some curlies brush while detangling. Let us know your preferred method below and on Facebook.
Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.
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As a multi-textural hairstylist, the number one question I get is, “What do I use to make my hair grow?” My first response is the question, What does your diet look like?
A lot of people, in my experience, are not conscious of their daily meals. Some of us–admittedly, including myself–consume food that we know will have a negative impact on our hair, skin, and body. Yes, a million times over, your personal care products are super important–but what you eat and drink can be larger piece of the hair growth puzzle.
Derona King, Personal Wellness Designer with Zilphy’s Garden, promotes health and wellness and educates people on the benefits of plant-based nutrition. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science, graduate studies in Biblical Counseling, certification from the Institute on Nutritional Leadership, thirty-five years of marriage and family, and fifty plus years of life experience to the nutritional wellness community.
Below, Derona gives me insight on how food impacts our hair, and so much more.
There is no doubt eating fresh fruit and vegetables are an essential aspect to keeping healthy hair. Unfortunately, many of our food sources are loaded with chemicals and pesticides which can wreak havoc on our endocrine system. A disrupted endocrine system obstructs hair growth.
Why I chose this natural wellness journey for my family
Our family’s journey toward nutritional wellness has been a series of trial and error, sometimes much more error than trial.
All three of our children were diagnosed with skin allergies. My eldest, who is also now my business partner, developed serious atopic dermatitis before her first birthday, my second developed psoriasis, and my youngest developed eczema. My husband and I turned to our medical doctors and dermatologist for their treatment.
For the decade or so that we sought their help, not one of our traditional doctors mentioned our children’s skin conditions were a result of damaging immune responses associated with what they were eating. Just as we were finding answers to healing our children’s skin conditions with the right foods, I began experiencing symptoms of menopause. It did not take long to discover that a whole-foods, plant-based nutrition approach was what I needed to make it through that period of life.
While it is true that topical hair care products can tame frizzies, accentuate curl patterns, straighten, shine, add volume and bounce, even stimulate hair growth, hair health starts on the inside. Nutrient deficiency can result in thinning, shedding, dry, brittle hair, and can even promote premature greying of the hair.
The foods that are good for everyone’s hair
There is no doubt eating fresh fruit and vegetables are an essential aspect to keeping healthy hair. Unfortunately, many of our food sources are loaded with chemicals and pesticides which can wreak havoc on our endocrine system. A disrupted endocrine system obstructs hair growth.
In addition to organic dark leafy-green vegetables for iron and calcium, and fruits high in vitamin C, Zilphy’s Garden recommends other organic whole foods, that include protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc for hair health.
[quote] In addition to organic dark leafy-green vegetables for iron and calcium, and fruits high in vitamin C, Zilphy’s Garden recommends other organic whole foods, that include protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc for hair health.[/quote]For protein look for grass-fed meats, as well as collagen and amino acid rich bone-broth. For omega 3 fatty acids, eat wild caught fatty fish like salmon or tuna, and be sure to include omega 3 rich organic cold pressed coconut oil in your diet (and of course, coconut oil is great on your hair, as well”>. Zinc is vital for healthy hair. Our go-to food for zinc is pumpkin seeds.
As a promoter of plant-based nutrition our all time favorite food for healthy hair growth is pea-sprouts. Pea sprouts are an amazing source of phytonutrients and have been scientifically proven to stimulate hair growth. Many products that promote hair growth now boast pea sprout extract as an ingredient.
But, I prefer to eat my sprouts. You can juice sprouts, add them to a smoothie or a stir fry, even substitute them for lettuce on a sandwich. My personal way to enjoy the slightly nutty, crunchy pea sprout is to toss them in a salad. You can add some grilled salmon to make this a “hair-raising” good meal.
ZG Healing Salad Recipe
- 10 to 12-oz. Organic Baby Spinach Greens or Organic Raw Kale (washed tried and stems removed”>
- a generous handful Organic Pea Sprouts
- ¼ of a small red onion
- 1-2 tbs. raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 sliced fresh Georgia peach
Healing Salad Dressing
- 1 large clove of fresh garlic, minced
- juice from a whole lemon
- ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of EVOO
- 1-2 tsps of raw honey
- ¼ tsp Himalayan sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Read this article to learn more about Zilphy’s Garden “hair healing salad” recipe, and follow my exploits to use plant-based nutrition to heal my own hair. Don’t forget to toss in the pea sprouts!
To sum it up
Making wise nutritional choices can lead to show stopping curls, but most importantly well balanced meals can lead to a healthier, happier you.
Visit Derona King at Zilphy and like her on Facebook to learn more ways to use plant-based nutrition to restore your nutritional heritage and heal your body.
Be honest: do you have a healthy diet for your hair?
Share your favorite recipe with us on Facebook.
Stacy is the owner of Augusta, GA-based curly hair salon, DyeVerCity. Follow her on Instagram @DyeVerCity.
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