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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Featured Fridays *India*
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
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 memberA 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.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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
Friday, July 16, 2010
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.
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.
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:)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Kinky Curly Coily Debate
Something I didn't prepare for when going natural were divisions between texture types. Call me naïve but I thought there was a sisterhood between us natural ladies. I thought we had an understanding. I thought we would exchange encouraging words and looks of admiration. Instead I have gotten the side eye, nose in the air my hair is better than yours attitude. This hate has come predominantly from the curly girls.
I am not a huge fan of hair texture typing. I can find beauty in any hair textures as long as they are sporting healthy strands. My hair is a mix of kinky coily curly with 4a/b & 3c hair and a few random straight hairs. My hair is beautiful. I actually prefer my hair coily or kinky over curly. I often pick my hair out in order to prevent my hair from forming a curly puff. I don’t know but right now I’m loving my highly textures mane.
I wish the hate would stop ladies. Going natural is already hard enough without the stank attitude that some looser textured ladies give off. Don’t get me wrong. I will rock my kinky coily curly straight hair regardless of your hate or bad attitude. I just find the hate so unexpected since going natural is like saying “society’s standard of beauty does not affect me”. This all stems from the naturally savage competition between women (especially black women). Just like some women will look at you and think I am better than you because my hair is longer, curls are softer, skin is more clear, or body is better… This explains why many black women are running to the creamy crack. God forbid they wear their naps.
I am not completely innocent in this. I have looked at another woman and thought I was better than her because of the way I looked. I was a mean girl in high school. My friends straight up called me Regina George. I would often ignore girls who were not pretty enough, did not dress well enough or did not have it (don’t ask me what it is). I was a B but I have changed my ways. Instead of only finding beauty in those that look like me I find beauty in women.
Women, we are one of Gods most beautiful creations. We are strong, sweet, beautiful and alluring. The softness of our faces, the curves of our bodies, the sassiness in our stance, we are beautiful regardless of hair texture:)
I am not a huge fan of hair texture typing. I can find beauty in any hair textures as long as they are sporting healthy strands. My hair is a mix of kinky coily curly with 4a/b & 3c hair and a few random straight hairs. My hair is beautiful. I actually prefer my hair coily or kinky over curly. I often pick my hair out in order to prevent my hair from forming a curly puff. I don’t know but right now I’m loving my highly textures mane.
I wish the hate would stop ladies. Going natural is already hard enough without the stank attitude that some looser textured ladies give off. Don’t get me wrong. I will rock my kinky coily curly straight hair regardless of your hate or bad attitude. I just find the hate so unexpected since going natural is like saying “society’s standard of beauty does not affect me”. This all stems from the naturally savage competition between women (especially black women). Just like some women will look at you and think I am better than you because my hair is longer, curls are softer, skin is more clear, or body is better… This explains why many black women are running to the creamy crack. God forbid they wear their naps.
I am not completely innocent in this. I have looked at another woman and thought I was better than her because of the way I looked. I was a mean girl in high school. My friends straight up called me Regina George. I would often ignore girls who were not pretty enough, did not dress well enough or did not have it (don’t ask me what it is). I was a B but I have changed my ways. Instead of only finding beauty in those that look like me I find beauty in women.
Women, we are one of Gods most beautiful creations. We are strong, sweet, beautiful and alluring. The softness of our faces, the curves of our bodies, the sassiness in our stance, we are beautiful regardless of hair texture:)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
We made it:)
Has it really been one month already? I feel like I blinked and it went by. I still remember washing my relaxed hair before my big chop. I still remember taking the scissors to my relaxed hair in frustration when the different textures were fighting to the death. I'm glad these are distant memories instead of a current reality. I have always loved hair but going natural taught me to really love my hair. In its rawest most unaltered form I find it the most beautiful. I couldn't always say that.
:) Natural hair occurrences
-Higher self confidence
I have always been confident but going natural has sent my high self confidence through the roof without putting me in cocky territory.
-Skin
I have always struggled with acne and my skin has cleared up significantly since I went natural. I don't know if it is the vitamins I am taking, the new hair products or merely the fact that I no longer have hair in my face. Regardless of what it is I noticed a huge difference once I completely ditched the creamy crack and the hair it left me with. One day I will put up comparison pics but for now you will just have to take my word for it.
-Hair Health
My hair is so healthy. This may not seem big to you but I am a healthy hair junkie. I would sacrifice length for health any day. Even when I was relaxed I would cringe at the sight of unhealthy hair and snip any split uneven ends. I avoided heat and relaxed every 8 weeks. I have always been about healthy hair and since going natural maintaining healthy hair has been easier for me.
-Money
weave -$60-$200 not including the price of hair
relaxer- $30-$70
the hair God gave you- free:)
:@ natural hair occurrences
-Peoples Mouths
Once you go natural everyone and their mom becomes a natural hair expert. It doesn't matter if they have a relaxer, rock the Sebastian two piece rainbow weave or have not seen their natural hair since birth. It doesn't matter if their hair is reminiscent of straw in texture and color or if their scalp is a breeding ground for small creatures. All of a sudden they know exactly what you should and should not do to your hair. Imma leave it at that.
-Texture Trouble
One comment that gets under my skin is when people tell me I have the perfect hair texture for dreads. Do not get me wrong. I think dreads are beautiful. I admire them in passing and have found myself more and more attracted to men rocking a head full of them. To me when someone says "You have the perfect texture for dreads", I hear " Your hair is so nappy its dreadful". It doesn't help that this comment always comes from those sporting a looser curl pattern. Its almost like they think all I can do is dread my hair since it is more coily than curly. Dreads are not the only option for those with coarser hair textures and that type of ignorance bothers me.
I am happy to announce that I have met all of my hair goals for the month and even some for next month. Introducing my puff
shes a baby right now but I will name her once she gets bigger. I discovered her while doing a wash and go that didn't turn out so cute. My hair had grown out of the tapered cut and could no longer look cute with a wash and go without being patted or manipulated. Curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try a puff and this is what I got.
below are some pics of my hairs' progression during the month. All pictures were from May 31st-July1st
:) Natural hair occurrences
-Higher self confidence
I have always been confident but going natural has sent my high self confidence through the roof without putting me in cocky territory.
-Skin
I have always struggled with acne and my skin has cleared up significantly since I went natural. I don't know if it is the vitamins I am taking, the new hair products or merely the fact that I no longer have hair in my face. Regardless of what it is I noticed a huge difference once I completely ditched the creamy crack and the hair it left me with. One day I will put up comparison pics but for now you will just have to take my word for it.
-Hair Health
My hair is so healthy. This may not seem big to you but I am a healthy hair junkie. I would sacrifice length for health any day. Even when I was relaxed I would cringe at the sight of unhealthy hair and snip any split uneven ends. I avoided heat and relaxed every 8 weeks. I have always been about healthy hair and since going natural maintaining healthy hair has been easier for me.
-Money
weave -$60-$200 not including the price of hair
relaxer- $30-$70
the hair God gave you- free:)
:@ natural hair occurrences
-Peoples Mouths
Once you go natural everyone and their mom becomes a natural hair expert. It doesn't matter if they have a relaxer, rock the Sebastian two piece rainbow weave or have not seen their natural hair since birth. It doesn't matter if their hair is reminiscent of straw in texture and color or if their scalp is a breeding ground for small creatures. All of a sudden they know exactly what you should and should not do to your hair. Imma leave it at that.
-Texture Trouble
One comment that gets under my skin is when people tell me I have the perfect hair texture for dreads. Do not get me wrong. I think dreads are beautiful. I admire them in passing and have found myself more and more attracted to men rocking a head full of them. To me when someone says "You have the perfect texture for dreads", I hear " Your hair is so nappy its dreadful". It doesn't help that this comment always comes from those sporting a looser curl pattern. Its almost like they think all I can do is dread my hair since it is more coily than curly. Dreads are not the only option for those with coarser hair textures and that type of ignorance bothers me.
I am happy to announce that I have met all of my hair goals for the month and even some for next month. Introducing my puff
shes a baby right now but I will name her once she gets bigger. I discovered her while doing a wash and go that didn't turn out so cute. My hair had grown out of the tapered cut and could no longer look cute with a wash and go without being patted or manipulated. Curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try a puff and this is what I got.
below are some pics of my hairs' progression during the month. All pictures were from May 31st-July1st
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