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*Featured Fridays Erica*

Relaxed

1. How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for 2years this month! :) 

2. What made you decide to go natural?

My hair was over-processed, and beginning to break off from all the chemicals... So, my stylist suggested that I go natural. I was really skeptical about the transition. I've been getting relaxers and going to the hair salon since age 10, I wasn't sure if I would be able to maintain my own hair.  It was obvious my hair wasn't taking to the chemicals very well, I just never looked at natural as an option. After a few more sessions with my stylist, on I decided to to let the chemicals go!

3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?

Start of Transition

The relaxer grew out of my hair fairly quickly, so the transition did not take long at all. During the transition I mostly kept braids for 2 to 2 1/2 months and went to the salon biweekly in between. That regimen worked great, and by that summer (I went natural the sept. before) I was relaxer free.  

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member?

My salon stylist was very supportive. I first thought that you had to chop all your hair off to go natural, and that is not always the case. My stylist just kept my ends trimmed, when I was out of braids, she kept my hair conditioned, and showed me how to take care of it on my own.

5. Do you have any hair goals?

My one hair goal was to become natural, and not go back to those awful relaxers.. and I did it! Now, I want to help and be supportive of anyone thinking of becoming natural, or who is in the process. Many women think relaxer is the key to beautiful hair... and that is far from true.. Look at all of us on this blog...we have beautiful, HEALTHY hair. 

Transitioning

6. Whats your favorite natural hairstyle ad how do you achieve it?

I am still experimenting with different styles. My latest has been the curly look with the Kinky Curly line of products. Only a daily basis, I mostly wear it straight.

7. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural?

2 Years Natural

I grew up in middle school and high school with the mind set that to have beauty is to have a relaxer.. So definitely my perception has changed. Beauty comes in different types of forms, and I am embracing all them naturally.

Seasonal Transition

As you can see I'm really looking forward to the cold weather :/

Hey ladies. As the weather changes so should your regimen. The days of wash and go hair are less comfortable as the temperature drops. Here are some tips for keeping your tresses predictable even when the weather is not.

 1. Deep Condition more often

If you are a natural diva who only deep conditions your hair once monthly consider doing it weekly. The benefits of deep conditioning can help protect your strands from the harsh winter weather and keep your curls soft and pliable.

2. Utilize hats

As the weather gets colder utilize the cold weather accessories for your hairs benefit. When you're about to throw on that beanie to keep your ears warm, think about the endless possibilities. Baggying may become your new best friend. You can easily baggy then place a hat on top to keep your hair concealed. I have often done this and deep conditioned my hair all day without a soul knowing. This is also a good fix for when you have a bad hair day.  Be cautious when using cotton or wool hats. They can rob your hair of moisture and cause breakage in the long run. To prevent this wear a silk or satin scarf under the hat as if you were going to bed.

3. Sort through your products

Colder weather means heavier products for some. If shea butter was too heavy for you in the summer it may be time to take it out of the product graveyard. Also, watch out for products containing large amounts of glycerin. They may have the opposite effect and actually dry your hair out during the winter.

4. Try protective styling

Cold air can do serious damage to the ends of natural hair. What better time than fall/winter to get creative with some protective styling. if you have been flaunting wash and gos and puffs all summer why not try some fierce updos, cute coils or get creative with bobby pins. Get acquainted with your hair and tuck it away to retain the most length during the cold months.

Whats your best seasonal transition tip?

Featured Friday *Jade*

1. How long have you been natural?

I BCed in January 2010. So 9 months.

2. What made you decide to go natural?

A.      I didn’t enjoy getting relaxers.

B.      I don’t find straight hair attractive.

C.      I didn’t want to be a slave to my hairdresser every couple of weeks for

the rest of eternity.

D.      The chemicals in a relaxer are NASTY and probably carcinogenic.

E.      I wanted to show people that long, straight hair isn’t what made me

beautiful. It’s my eyes, my lips, my nose, my voice, my smile. Hair is

just meant to frame my most beautiful features.

  

3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?
About 9 months. Well I heat damaged some of my new growth. Then I tried a

weave for the first time in my life, but that caused major breakage.

Eventually I grew some cojones and bit the bullet.

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member?

I went to my scissor happy stylist at his salon. And he’s clueless about

natural hair. He didn’t detangle properly, used too much heat on my virgin

hair, and he threw some alcohol based gel on my head, thinking he was

doing me a favor by giving me crunchy helmet hair.  But I smiled and

tipped and conditioned and moisturized my hair properly that night.

5. Do you have any hair goals?

Yeah, I want to be able to hide a kitten in my ‘fro. And block people from

seeing the dry-erase board in class.

6. Whats your favorite natural hairstyle and how do you achieve it?

I like making a frohawk out of an old twist out. I just pin up the sides

and walk out the door.

7. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural?

       It didn’t. I’ve always liked highly textured hair. I was just a sheep and

wanted to fit in when I got a relaxer. But I quickly exhausted the few

manipulations you can do with relaxed hair, and ended up with my hair

hanging limply around my face or thrown into a ponytail. I looked boring.

Now my hair reflects who I am: brave, gravity-defying, confident, sweetly

scented, earthy, creative, flexible, and though people think I’m hard,

I’m just a big softy.

Featured Fridays *Natural Nina*

Life Time Natural

1. Whats your favorite way to style you hair?

Over the 10 years that I have been natural, my hair has seen many styles and colors. My favorite way to style my hair used to be messy updos, when I had locs in my hair. Now that I have done another big chop, I'm anxious to get back to those types of styles when my twa gets a little longer.

2. What are your favorite products?

My favorite products for styling my hair are Knot Today and Kinky Curly Curling Custard from the Kinky Curly line. When I use my Knot Today and KCCC on my twa, I get the best curl definition my hair has ever had. 

3. How do you keep your hair healthy?

Keep my hair healthy by staying away from products that are made from mineral oil, petrollium, and other cheap ingredients that my hair doesn't like. I keep a tight regimen, of weekly deep conditioning treatments, scalp massages 3 times a week with castor or coconut oils,  I sleep in a satin bonnet,  I stay away from all hair weaves, extensions, and braids to prevent traction alopecia, and I drink lots of water.

4. Do you have any hair goals?

My current hair goal is to grow bra strap length healthy hair, and I gave myself a realistic time period of 5 years to reach my goal.

5. Have you ever felt pressured to relax your hair? If so How did you overcome the pressure?

I have been pressured to relax my hair several times over the years, on both a professional and personal level. I overcame the pressure by sticking informing those around me that my natural hair is a natural part of me that will not change. I would be willing to replace the people around me, including my work environment, before I put creamy crack back in my hair. I prefer that people respect my choice, as I respect theirs. It's not my fault if anyone around me is intimidated by my natural stance. My suggestion is to get over it because however I choose to wear my hair, does not make or break anyone else.  We are all naturally beautiful, and I choose to not to hide my beauty with chemicals and fake hair.




Check out Natural Ninas  blog

Featured Fridays *Tara*

1. How long have you been natural?

I have only been natural for two weeks! I’m very “newly natural”. :)

2. What made you decide to go natural?

Many reasons! I’ve had relaxers for most of my life – since third
grade! It’s been so long that I had previously forgotten what my
natural hair texture was, especially since before my relaxers, my hair
was often pressed and curled. I was intensely curious about what my
natural hair would be like, so I decided to find out.

I also looked forward to what I thought was a more low-maintenance way
of keeping my hair. While it’s a new challenge to learn how to style
and care for my natural hair, it’s a huge relief not to run and hide
at the first sign of water!

I’ve also never enjoyed getting relaxers – to me, the process was
downright excruciating, so it was a relief to never have to get them
ever again!

relaxed

3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?

I planned to be a long-term transitioner at first – I was so attached
to my hair that I planned to cut it, inch by inch, until I had grown
my natural hair to approximately the same length. I should have
figured that wouldn’t cut it because I tend to be extremely impulsive.
I ended up transitioning for about six months.

My routine was pretty simple: I moisturized with coconut oil and olive
oil. For two of the months, I had braids. When it came to washing, I
left it to my stylist because I was afraid too much manipulation would
cause breakage at the line of demarcation. About a third of my
transition time was spent wearing braids. I planned to wear braids for
longer, but I got too impatient!

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member?

I went to my regular hairstylist. It was amazing watching her cut off
my hair. I thought I would be highly upset, but I was really just
excited! I also thought I would have a rough transition period as I
got used to having short hair for the first time, but I loved it
immediately!

Transitioning

5. Do you have any hair goals?

At this point I don’t have any goals, at least not in terms of growth.
I want to learn how to style and care for my natural hair and I’ll be
happy with whatever happens!

6. What’s your favorite natural hairstyle ad how do you achieve it?

At this point, I’m still mastering the wash-n-go. But honestly, I love
playing with my hair and seeing what it does – every day is a new
learning experience. I couldn’t be more excited!

7. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural?

I have admired natural hair for a very long time – I just didn’t have
the bravery necessary to cut my own hair. However, I think I have an
even deeper appreciation for natural hair and it makes the glaring
lack of diversity in media representation a whole lot more jarring. I
make sure to compliment the fly naturals I see on the street for some
positive reinforcement. :)

Finally Natural :)

Check out Taras blog at http://xoxotara.wordpress.com

3 month update

So these past 2 months I have accomplished a lot in my natural journey. I have met all my hair goals for the month, found some of my holy grail products and been featured in another natural hair blog.

Updated Regimen
wash 1x/week (kinky curly come clean)
deep condition 1x/week ( homemade deep conditioner or tresseme naturals)
henna 1x/month( celebration henna)
cowash 2x/week(suave professionals or tresseme naturals)
bentonite clay 1x/month
moisturize 1/day ( homemade butter blend or shea moisture style milk)


Now for pics

1 week natural

almost 3 months natural

Thats all for now readers

Sorry I've been missing

I know I have been MIA for the past week and some change but I am back and I have updates:)

  For the past week I have been trying to manipulate my hair less so I have been wearing it in protective styles. I  have also been slacking on my vitamins and seen a decrease in hair growth:( I have not been updating my blog as often because I need inspiration for content. Please do not be afraid to drop me an email  ( xnaturalbeautyx0531@gmail.com) or post a comment saying what you would like to read about. This blog is for me but its also for the readers.  Here are some pictures of me and my hair. Hope you enjoy.

Eating with friends

Chillin in the hot tub

Protective style

Scab hair

Transitioning to natural made me more and more curious about the texture that my hair possessed without the addition of chemicals. After waiting several months to rid myself of the limp permed hair I did not think I would have to wait even longer just to see what my true texture was.

Unfortunately this is the reality for naturals who are plagued with scab hair.

Scab hair is a touchy word in the natural hair community. Some believe it is just under processed hair. Some believe it is just dry hair or your natural hair texture and some believe that is doesn't even exits. Those that have experienced the phenomenon of scab hair describe it as hair that has no curl pattern and is dry, unresponsive to products and rebellious. Scab hair is thought to be caused by leftover chemicals from the relaxer that absorb into the scalp and damage the hair follicle. This in turn changes the shape of the hair follicle and the hair that comes out of it. Scab hair is treated by patience and babying the scalp until it fully heals. I myself have dealt with scab hair. Parts of my hair are coily at the root and extremely frizzy and dry at the ends. I do not attribute this to damage because I believe in healthy hair practices and do all I can to prevent damage. I have also noticed that as my hair gets longer the scab hair is less apparent. It could very well be that this is the natural texture of my hair but only time will tell. I am not waiting for my hair texture to change and am happy with and will embrace any texture that my hair is. What I do not want is for newly naturals to be disappointed in their hair texture, assume or hope that it is scab hair, and wait for it to change. Acceptance is key ladies ( and gents)  :)

So whats your opinion on scab hair? Do you believe it is real? Have you experienced it yourself? What advice do you have for naturals dealing with it?

Featured Fridays * Michelle*

1. How long have you been natural?

 1. I've only been natural for about a month now.

2. What made you decide to go natural?

 2. My hair just wasn't feeling strong enough to hold a perm anymore. So i decided to start over the NATURAL way.

3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?

3. I stopped getting perms around November. I decided to cut my hair short as a start as I let more new growth grow out, then eventually I got tired of waiting and cut it off in June.

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member?

4. A friend of my family who owns her own salon is the one I trusted to cut my hair..and boy did she waste no time!! lol.

5. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural?

 5. I viewed beauty so much better. It felt good to just know that your beauty is natural rather worried about if water or anything else is going to ruin your hair. It's a great feeling to know that we people see me, they are looking at the natu[REAL] me!

 
 

Have you been Humbled

Going natural brings about obvious physical change but does it entail any mental change. I know how my attitude was before I went natural. I was very focused on the way I and the people I surrounded myself with appeared physically. I would not even entertain someone if I felt they were not physically up to par. I was very focused on looks yet I did not consider myself shallow.

As I got older and started college I was less shallow and more open to people that were different than me but I didn't completely change. I was still shallow in certain situations. I would still see girls and think I was better looking than them so I could treat them a certain way. I was still acting out on the mindset I had in high school though I was in college.

I took so much pride in the way I looked especially my hair. I spent hours on it every Sunday. It was a ritual to me. Not only because I cared about the way I looked but bc my value came from it. I thought as long as my hair was on point my attitude did not matter. I could be as loud, rude and ghetto as I wanted and people would overlook it bc I was a 'pretty' girl. Not to say I was those things all the time but I was those things more often than I should have been. But cutting my hair changed that.

Once I cut my hair I changed. I realized people would judge me by my appearance. I could no longer get away with things bc of my appearance bc I knew I would have my bad days. I could no longer have a stank attitude bc if I didn't look cute ( by societies standards)  and had a bad attitude no one would want to be around any of that. I became less judgemental of people. I made friends who earlier in my life I would not have talked 2. I started seeing the inside of people and the inside of myself. I started to like what I saw. People told me I was nicer, more patient and more pleasant to be around. Not only did I gain a new look but I gained a new sense of self worth and a better attitude.  I was truly humbled.

Featured Fridays *India*

1. How long have you been natural?

I've Been Natural for about 1yr and 3months

2. What made you decide to go natural?

Healthier Hair and to stop the breakage from my hair


3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?


It took about a yr for my hair to be completely natural...I just stop getting perms i got my hair done every week and a trim (to cut away there perm) about ever 3 to 4 months.

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member

A Salon

5. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural

Nope, everyone is beautiful in their own way...does not matter if u have short, long, curly, Kinky, permed hair. I did this for myself. And I Love my natural hair.

 

Henna

What would you think if I told you that there was a product that could make your hair strong, soft, shiny and long? What if I told you this same product could make your hair thick and luxurious? What if I told you your hair could be the color of your dreams without the damage.What if I told you I didn't make any of this up and you could easily get the product for very cheap? You would think I was off my rocker, which is understandable, but this product does exist. It goes by the name Henna.

I personally believe that henna is one of the most underrated natural beauty products. Whether it be the messiness of application or the lack of experience in mixing, you just don't see many people using henna. I also contribute this to the fact that many beauticians are not familiar with henna. They do not teach henna application in beauty school. They actually warn against the use of henna because of the dangers in using compound henna (which most people believe is the same henna used for hair) so they would rather stay away from henna all together. Compound henna is henna mixed with metals and salt that have an adverse reaction on hair especially if chemically treated. If you are using henna only use body art quality henna. This henna is all natural and safe. very few people are allergic to body art quality henna as it derives from a natural plant source. I get all of my henna from http://www.hennaforhair.com/ because they only sell body art quality.  http://www.hennaforhair.com/freebooks/ is also a good resource for henna information.  Also be weary of anything called black henna. This henna has been treated with a chemical called PPD which causes severe allergic reactions in most people.

Below are my henna videos
video 1- henna mixing
video 2- henna application
video 3- results after henna
each video is between 3-10 minutes
 Let me know in the comments if you like the way the videos are split up or if you prefer them to be one video

Featured Fridays *Tosin*

Every Friday I will be featuring a natural lady or pictures of natural hair inspirations. My First Natural lady to be featured on my blog is Tosin.

1. How long have you been natural?


I've been natural now for about 8 months now, I bced on November 15 and stopped perming about 3 weeks prior.

2. What made you decide to go natural?

I was just sick of my hair being so unhealthy! The nape of my head was pretty much gone, the strands were so weak and brittle, and no matter what I did strands of hair would fall out ceaselessly! I was also tired of spending so much money only to further damage my hair, 50-80 bucks a month for relaxers is just ridiculous. So I decided one night enough was enough and cut everything off the next day...yes I am that impulsive!

3. How long did you transition and what was your routine?

I transitioned for about 3 weeks, not really so long. I had no intention of going natural before the night I decided to do it. Which was the day before I actually did it (if that makes sense).

4. How did you BC? Self BC, salon or a friend/family member?

I went to the salon for my BC. Specifically because I was concerned about everything being even. I didn't care for styling or any of that or I would've done it myself.

5. How did your perception of beauty change once you went natural?

SOOOOO MUCH! I used to be one of those women who thought natural hair was so unattractive, unruly, and unkept. I always wondered why people went natural because it just seemed like so much work only to look as though you belonged on a plantation. I used to be obsessed with having smooth sleeked-back hair and edges. And when my edges went array, I did everything to hide them. I don't completely blame myself for my ignorance because I live in a society and grew up in a family where natural hair isn't widely accepted. It is looked down upon and shunned. Even when I BCed, I had no full intention of staying natural. I just figured I'd grow my hair to a reasonable length and start relaxing it again (just sad). It was when I realized what I was doing that I decided to change my entire way of thinking. I was rejecting the hair I was born with, the hair God gave me to love and care for simply because society didn't like it. I never saw myself as a conformist, I always thought I was different, unique from the pack. But the way I felt about my hair made me realize how much of a hypocrite I really was. Beauty is more beautiful when it is natural; without make-up, without waxing and plucking, and most of all without those yucky chemicals.

My hair has never felt so healthy!! And it shocked me one day when I realized I literally went 18 years (yes I started relaxing when I was 2 years old, smh) without seeing what my real hair looked like. That is just unspeakable! Some may say, "well it's just hair," and while it may be, you must also understand it is a part of you. So when you try to hide it or reject it or ridicule it...you are doing so to a part of you. I am the first person to go natural within my familial circle...but hopefully I'm not the last! It is a movement I have fully embraced and want to share with all my fellow beautiful black females.

Picture 1- 1 day natural

Picture 2- Braid out

Picture 3- Braids 7 1/2 months natural

Picture 4-  afro 6 months natural

Picture 5- fro hawk and flat twist

Tosin and her hair are beautiful. She was one of my inspirations when deciding to go natural:)

Tramatic Thursdays

Every Thursday this blog will feature a post giving advice to a concerned natural lady. Readers don't be afraid to offer advice or submit questions to me at xnaturalbeautyx0531@gmail.com



Q: How do you stop your hair from being all smashed and nasty when you wake up in the morning?

my hair sucks!!! I've tried shea butter and a whole bunch of natural products, olive oil (extra virgin)....mixing it in and my hair is still dry as a bone! It feels like hay....ughhh! It only feels moisturized when it’s in twists or braided so I've just been doing that. But what do you put in your mixtures??? I neeeeeed to know!!! I wanna rock the fro but I cant stand the dryness, it drives me nuts. I just keep touching it and then hair fails out.....it's blowin me -_-



A: Are you still having a problem with it being smushed when you wake up in the morning?

I noticed I had that problem when it was not moisturized or when I was wearing a wash and go. I would suggest baggying your hair at night or moisturizing your hair then putting it in 2 cornrows or flat twist. Another thing I would do when I woke up with smushed dry hair is moisturize it with a water based leave in conditioner or pull it out with my fingers and some coconut oil. Water is natural hairs best friend. Moisture comes from water not oil or heavy butters. You can use all the oil or butters in the world but if your hair lacks water it will still be dry and thirsty. Try adding water and your favorite conditioner or oil in a spray bottle and shaking it up. The water will moisturize while the oil or conditioner will lock in moisture. Make sure water is the main ingredients in this mixture and all other leave in conditioners that you buy. If you still see no improvements in your hair try using aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice is extremely moisturizing and can be used in place of water in many hair recipes. You can buy it from GNC walmart of wholefoods but make sure to get at least 99% aloe vera juice. Any less will most likely contain things that are not hair friendly. Aloe vera juice will need to be refrigerated once it it opened so keep that in mind. Hope to help :)

Ladies do you have any advice for this lady? If so post it in the comments section.