Friday, October 15, 2010

*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.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

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?