I LOVE HOW_____ MAKES MY HAIR ______!

Share what products/items/tools that you love and how it make your hair feel/smell/look......

HOW TO ACHEIVE THE STRAIGHT LOOK

If you're one that's addicted to the heat OR likes to switch up from time to time OR simply looking for a new hair style, check out how Shara achieved this very simple look:

• WASH AND CONDITION AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD
• BLOW DRY AND FLAT IRON WITH A PRESSING OIL OR HEAT PROTECTOR (Dudley's pressing oil used, highly recommended)
• THIS IS A "HARD" PRESS AS OPPOSED TO A SOFT PRESS

**DISCLAIMER: NO PERM NECESSARY!!!***

THINK TRANSITIONING IS HARD?

My motivation for today was this video. If these people in this video can do the things they did then transitioning should be a walk in the park! ENJOY!!!!

Titi and Miko Talk on natural hair

The founders of the well known (in the land of naturals) line Miss Jessies talk about natural hair, they give tips, state their pet peeves, and more. Check it out.

RHOA- Cynthia Bailey

For those of you that watch Real Housewives of Atlanta, last night, Peter, husband of Cynthia Bailey, revealed a very beautiful and might I add, natural picture of his wife in his newly opened spot BAR ONE in Atlanta GA. It was a very pleasant surprise to her and everyone else that attending. As Peter quickly patched up last min touches on the lounge, forgetting to include AC,  this was one surprise was definitely hott!

INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON

Check out what Shannon had to say as she shares her natural hair journey with us. She talks about the struggles of not being able to maintain shoulder length hair, plans for her daughter's hair, benefits of being natural, and lots more!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL? Completely natural for 5 1/2 months (Big Chopped May 17, 2011) Relaxer free since May 2010.

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?I got tired of my hair getting to my shoulders and breaking off after that, after finding forums and seeing fellow ladies go through the process, I decided to stop the cycle. Also knew that if I wanted my daughter to love her hair she would have to see me doing the same thing with mine.

2010

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?Transitioned for a year, did some mini chops in between. I finally cut the remaining 3-4 inches off on May 17, 2011.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?Luckily right now my hair is still short enough that I don't have those just yet.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE? Wash & Go is basically all I can do at the moment but I have it down to a science at this point.

2004

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION? Support, Support, Support join some type of forum or blog for support from other ladies going through the journey with you or who have been through it. Don't give up you've gotten this far in just making the decision to go natural. It's not going to be overnight and you will get frustrated but it is so worth it in the end.

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Coconut Oil, I use it everyday on my hair it does a really great job of keeping my hair moisturized and sealing in moisture when I use it with other products.


DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT? Definitely less breakage, and less shedding (although I still shed hair just not as much as before).

Big Chop 5/17/2011

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
No, my family and friends have been Awsome! Especially when I get in my moods because I am not noticing any growth in my hair the way I want to, they are the one's that tell me they can see the difference and to just keep doing what I am doing.

WHO/WHAT DOYOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURGAMENT, IDEAS, ECT)I have a few things I use. I am apart of a internet group called KISS (Keep It Simple Sista) The creator Tracey was my 1st hair inspiration story even though she is not natural she has waist legnth hair and is all about caring for your hair the right way and she support naturals and relaxed sistas alike, I also use Youtube to watch videos I have so many people that I subscribe to that I get tips from. Of course I am apart of Women of Natural Beauty on Facebook. I have my friends that I go to for support as well, and my special Angel up in heaven DYR who was my 1st completely natural Hair Inspiration I hear her in my ear from time to time cheering me on.

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE ...It is 100% me. I no longer have to spend an hour or more on my hair when going out, I know that my daughter will always love her hair because it looks just like mine. I don't have to worry about if its raining outside, I can be versatile with my look can be straight one day, wavy another, and rock a head full of curls the next. I get more compliments on my hair now than when I was straight and shoulder length.

5 months after Big Chop


Please feel free to ask Shannon questions and/or comment. Thanks!

POETRY ON NATURAL HAIR BY ALEEA

FLOWERBOMB

One of my favorite songs right now as well as one of my favorite fragrences.

PRODUCT REVIEW - ABBA DAILY CONDITIONER

So I went in to ULTA yesterday just browsing.....Right before I left out I checked the sale section. I found a huge bottle of conditioner that was on sale for $14.99 (originally $30). I looked at the ingredients, took the top off to smell it and to see the consistency of it and immediately fell in love. I walked straight to the counter to purchase. I haven't used it yet but I plan on using it this weekend. Here's a few bullets are the product. I will do an product review once I use it.

 Abba by ABBA Pure & Natural Hair Care

• Pure Basic Conditioner
• Herbal R/X Peppermint Rosemary
• Maintains Body Adds Shine And Smoothes
• Daily Conditioner For All Hair Types
• 100% Vegan
• Free Of Synthetic Dyes
• Sulfate Free
• DEA Free
• Energizing Herbal Ingredients Combined With The Fresh Essence Of Rosemary And Peppermint Help Add Body Shine And Softness To Your Hair While Controlling Tangles And Static Electricity

SECRET INDIAN BEAUTY TIP FOR SHINY HEALTHY HAIR

When it comes to SHINY, HEALTHY, JAW DROPPING HAIR, Indian women has us all beat. I've always been so mesmerized by their hair. I actually asked an Indian woman at my job recently her secret. She told me there wasn't one. HA! Well according to Dr. OZ, there is. Click on the link go get the inside scoop.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hair-secrets-india

LIL KIM DOING NOTORIOUS THINGS?

Rap Artist Lil Kim has announced she will open the doors of her new Salon Se Swa in Charlotte, NC soon. This will be her 5th store spread throughout the state of NC. She's in partner with her cousin Katrise Jones. We hope this works for you Kim because your rap career is finished like Mr.Cee....(OUCH)

WATER-DRINK IT!

Our body is made up of 60 percent water on average which is the main reason why we should drink it. It adds mineral and nutrients to our body as well.  Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration as well as keep bad toxins in our body.

Some signs of dehydration are:

• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Little or no urination
• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness

We want to stay hydrated and healthy from a beauty stand point as well (ladies). From a beauty expert perspective, when your body is hydrated, you get nothing but good benefits from it such as great looking skin, a nice dewy glow, clear eyes, and it also has an effect on your hair and nails. So drink up….

We’ve been hearing for years that on average a person should drink eight 8oz glasses of water day. In my opinion if you come close to it, you should be fine. Certain foods and other drinks are included so it doesn’t have to be all water but make it the majority. If you’re not a big fan of water, add some flavor to it to help you drink it. Also if you are a ‘green’ person, aluminum reusable thermos will be a great item to purchase. This cuts down on the plastic bottles.

INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE

 

CHECK OUT WHAT STEPHANIE FROM NEW JERSEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT HER NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL? 

Had my last perm in January of 2010 and currently about to hit 16 months post my Big chop on November 12, 2011

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

Besides the fact that I hadn’t seen my REAL hair texture since I was 10 years old and years of over processing, I had a few situations were I was just fed up with my hair stylist (at the time). Spending all of this money for terrible customer service and damaged hair… I just had enough... Well the straw that broke the camel’s back one day after one too many “mix-up’s” in the appointment and her leaving me hi and dry. I got tired of feeling helpless for something I should be able to do on my own. I had enough of feeling subjected to NEEDING someone who didn’t value my time or money I just didn’t want to do it anymore.

BEFORE GOING NATURAL

 DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

I did a little of both. I transitioned for about 7 months (braids, cornrows etc etc) and just got annoyed with the process and decided to chop! I just woke up on day and said to myself “I’m over these braids, over the two textures”! I went to my hairstylist (who by the way was waaaaaay supportive of my decision to go natural.) and she cut it for me. I didn’t trust myself! LOL!

 WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

My good ‘ol trusty Puff never fails me! LOL 

TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

 I LOVE wearing scarves like a head band! I have quite a few in different colors… I wore it once at work and someone told me I looked “regal”! It works for me at work because it keeps my hair out of my face.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION?

Stay consistent and be PATIENT! Also remember that what works for one person will not always work for you. It’s definitely a journey of trial and error. Won’t get it right on the first time every time… YES! It is a lot of work at times BUT the rewards are far greater than the work! Stick it out…You will thank yourself later…

BIG CHOP

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Shea Moisture Curl Milk and Karen’s Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love! All three make my hair very manageable!

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT? 

 Finally have my thickness back!! My hair was beginning to be so thin with the relaxers. Also I noticed that my hair is actually a different color than when I had a relaxer. As strange as it seems, my hair used to be a medium brown color but NOW it’s a smoky dark jet black. Very interesting!

ALL NATURAL

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Actually no! I got nothing but positive feedback from family and co-workers. My husband seemed a little hesitant at first but now, he actually prefers my hair natural.

WHO/WHAT DO YOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURAGEMENT, IDEAS, ECT)...

Support from others that have been down the road I’m on…YOUTUBE has been a great help and source of information. My favorites to follow are Jadison03 and NikkiMae2003…

BLOW OUT

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE……

It’s unique and so versatile… So much can be done with it I’m learning more and more about myself and my hair at the same time.  And most importantly I have control!!! I am no longer having to relying on anyone to do my hair…

FLAT IRONED

INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE

Here's what DANIELLE from NEW JERSEY had to say about her natural hair journey....

BEFORE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN NATURAL?

A little over a year

WHY DECIDE TO GO NATURAL?

I noticed my hair thinning as I was getting older & my scalp became extremely dry and sensitive.

DID YOU DO A BIG CHOP OR TRANSITION?

I transitioned, still is.

AFTER

WHAT DO YOU DO ON 'BAD HAIR' DAYS?

 I'll put it in a bun.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE HAIR STYLE?

I guess it would be a bun, it's the simplest for me.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING IN THEIR TRANSITION? 
First identify the reason they're choosing to go natural. Are they doing it because it's what's in? or is there a true purpose?  I would say if true, hang in there and get support.

BLOWOUT

IS/ARE THERE ANY PRODUCT(S) YOU JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?

ECO styler gel.  Pantene nature fusion shampoo & conditioner. Shea moisture products.

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR SINCE ITS NATURAL VS WHEN IT WAS RELAXED? IF SO, WHAT?

Yes, it's getting thicker, it stays moisturized, so my scalp is not as dry.

DID YOU RECEIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GO NATURAL? IF SO, HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

I think the biggest negativity came from me. I was my worst critic. Growing up, I remember no one wanted to bother with my hair because it was kinky, so my impression of my hair was that it was bad.  As I started transitioning, those feelings came back, so I had to learn to love and embrace the new me.

BUN

WHO/WHAT DOYOU USE FOR SUPPORT? (WHETHER STYLES, ENCOURGAMENT, IDEAS, ECT)

I thank God for you Chantel as well as Odette, you guys are doing a great job paving the way by offering an open forum via natural hair junkies and Women of natural beauty... the ultimate encouragement is India Arie's, "I am not my hair"

I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR BECAUSE...

It gives me complete freedom to be me.

FLAT TWIST BUN

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

TODAY MARKS THE FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BLOG. THIS HAS TRULY BEEN A LEARNING EXPERIENCE....SO MANY THINGS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AND THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO STILL DISCUSS. SO WITHOUT FURTHER OR DUE, LETS GET INTO AN INTERVIEW THAT WAS DONE ON ME. LEARN WHY I WENT NATURAL, PRODUCTS I USE AND MUCH MORE. ENJOY AND DON'T FORGET TO POST QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

PS....THANKS GIGI

http://thebeautyxchange.com/

NATURAL CELEBRITIES SIBLINGS

When it comes to natural, we dont discrimination...Check out all the siblings that are natural, bald, and men.

FROM LIPSTICK TO NAIL POLISH

Rap star Nicki Minaj released a limited edition lipstick with MAC last year and now she is bring us some fierce colors of nail polish with her own  line from OPI Nail Lacquer. Yes people, she's expanding her brand making this the newest edition. The colors will be named after her songs: "Moment 4 Life,” “Fly,” “Save Me,” “Did It On Em,” and “Super Bass Shatter.”  We can't wait Nicki.......

FASHION FORWARD OF THE WEEK

Melanie Fiona:

We love love this cool chic look that singer Melanie Fiona is giving us.

Add some cool shades to this look and you can be Beautified as well!

Post made by:

THE ROOT OF THE MATTER IS: GENETICS

          We'd kill to have that long, runway, flowing model hair that we see so often in hair show, commerical, or magazines. Truth is, it took alot of time and effort by professional hair stylists to achieve that look. These models were not born with that 'perfect' hair.
Our hair varies from strands, to color, to pattern, to texture, which gives all of our hair a unique look. I'll explain how each of these play a part. So the next time you complain about your hair just remember, it's all genetics. No product on the market is going to permanently change your hair.

STRANDS- On average, the head has about 100,000- 120,000 strands of hair. So if you have more strands, your hair will appear fuller, if you range in this average, you have will appear normal, and if you have less, your hair will appear thinner.

COLOR- The darker your hair the thicker the strands are. If your hair is black, reddish, or a dark brown, the strands will appear the thickest. Blonde and light brown appears to be thinner. (If you've every lightened your have from dark to light, you will be able to test this on your own hair. Pull a strand out after you've accumulated some new growth and see how the strand goes from thick to thin.)

PATTERN- African/Black hair is the most fragile. This is because of the pattern of the hair when it grows out. It makes all kinds of twist and turns and zigzags, making each of those curls and corners a potential breaking point. Asians have the thickest hair. Their hair is very straight and heavy.

STOP DAMAGING YOUR HAIR

Did you know that brushing and/or combing your hair causes damage? By brushing and/or combing your hair frequently causes damage to your cuticle; It's chipping away at and causing friction to the cuticle which eventually causes damage to your hair. For many of us, brushing and combing our hair is a daily routine, these are the hair tools we use to style our hair. We can still you these tools but in a different way. Once you kick your old habit of how you brush and comb your hair now and become more familiar with the correct way, it will become second nature and you will be on your way to a healthy start.

- TRY  BRINGING BRUSHING AND/OR COMBING YOUR HAIR  TO A MINIMUM- THE LESS  THE BETTER

- LEAVE IT ALONE! IF YOU CAN, AVOID TOUCHING YOUR HAIR

- WHEN BRUSHING HAIR, ONLY USE SOFT BRISTLES

- DO NOT USE A BRUSH ON WET HAIR (PREFERABLY WIDE TOOTH COMBS)

- WHEN WRINGING YOUR HAIR, TRY TO GENTLY WRING WITH A TOWEL OR HANDS      (ANYTHING ELSE CAUSES FRICTION)

SENK- SHAMPOO BAR AND CONDITIONER/HAIR LOTION

I ran across this line of products when I was searching for a new product to try and just wanted to share.

This link will give you the 411 on the Senk Shampoo bar.

http://www.senicanaturals.com/senicastore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_25&products_id=88



Thislink will give you the 411 on the Senk Conditioner & Hair Lotion.

http://www.senicanaturals.com/senicastore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18_26&products_id=89

If you try the products, please share your thoughts

Spoken Word Poem: Hair Peace! "A Natural Hair Anthem"

BEYONCE TAKES A WALK ON THE DARK SIDE

We've all grown accustomed to seeing Bey as a blonde but here she was spotted rocking dark tresses which looks very warm and healthy on her.
I'm trying to remember the last time I saw her with black or very dark hair and the only time I can think about is in her Get Me Bodied video, and pictures of her as a child. I read in an interview that she did that her hair is natural. She talked about how she's very into her hair, skin, and nails and being natural. She said after most shows, videos, movies, etc, how she can't wait to have her down time to remove the hair and makeup and just be herself.

GODDESS BRAID

Although the rumors regarding Will and Jada Smith were false, one thing's for certain, Jada's hair was definitely gorgeous in this pic. Find out how you can style your hair is this wonder Goddess braid or a similar style.

RIHANNA- OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW

Rihanna was spotted in London this weekend rocking her new hair color and style.
Alot of people did not seem to like the red on her but I <3'd it. It was different and fun for the summer. Not everyone can pull it off. She's edgy and different so she has no problem doing things "out the box"  when it comes to hair and fashion.

TIP OF THE WEEK- BY WILLIAM EDMONDS

HEATED ROLLERS

Invest in heated rollers. Style doesn't last forever. So when you wake up in the morning and the hair has gone flat with no curl, plug in your heated rollers and set your hair for 5 mins. You can prep with hair spray. My favorite is "air control" by Aveda. Its shiny and soft to the touch.

ICON: DIANA ROSS

When it comes to HAIR, TALENT, CLASS, AND STYLE, Diana Ross is one of the few names that comes to mind. Her signature hair has caught the eyes of millions. I often find myself saying "I want real BIG hair, ya know....like Diana Ross BIG"...That's BIG! lol...
 Her talent, style, and classiness does not take a backseat to her hair. Those things about her are just as big. She passed the torch to her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross who also wears her hair big, wild, and free.
Big hair makes a statement to me. It says that 'I'm different, bold, and beautiful.'