It's only NATURAL

If You're Happy and You Know It....

2013-02-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Learning to LOVE your natural hair

This post is strictly from the heart. Nothing about styling your hair or what products to use.
I've have seen several post and heard several comments from woman who just can't embrace their natural hair. Some have done a big chop, while others are transitioning. I hear everything from 'I don't like my curl pattern' to 'I just can't deal with this nappiness' to 'It's just too much work'. I've even had a few approach me with, 'I think I'm going back to a relaxer' *takes a deep breath*
Ladies, ladies, ladies...JUST STOP IT!!! Excuse me for a moment while I climb onto this soapbox.

I am a self proclaimed natural hair advocate. I, personally, think that the hair that grows naturally out of your scalp is so beautiful. Whether you have super tight kinky thick curls or loose fine wispy curls, no matter your texture, it is yours! What you were born with, YOURS!!

As naturals, you have got to get your mind right when dealing with your hair. You are not going to last if you are looking to achieve a different curl pattern from your own, I've said this before. Yes, they make products that help stretch and define your curls. Yes, you can do styles that give you a different curl pattern, but you CAN NOT be Kimberly Elise and get a Tracy Ellis Ross look! Sorry...

Look in the mirror and learn to love what you see.
I may be at fault here for assuming that all natural woman would have a certain appreciation for all hair textures, declaring that the way we were born is beautiful. Instead a lot are feeling like you have to have a certain hair type to wear it naturally and that just isn't the case.

Now that whole 'It's too much work' thing is another post, but I will say the maintenance of natural hair can be time consuming. You can't just run a comb through it, wrap it and go about your business. The detangling process is a task with in itself. Once again, you have to get your mind right. Figure out what you are capable of doing and get a "regular" routine in place that fits your schedule.

Long story short here ladies...
Your natural hair is the hair that grows out of your scalp. It's part of your character, who you are. It's okay to admire other textures, but don't covet it. There is so much you can do to your hair. One positive connotation of ALL natural hair is its versatility. Naturals have the pick of the liter when choosing hair styles. Twists, braids, thermal styles, sew ins...Oh don't get me started!! Don't be afraid to try something new...Try it, you might like it!! There you have it in a nut shell. God created you, hair included! What you see is what you get, so learn to love it!

REAL NATURALS!!! Feature of the Month

2013-02-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I know it's been a super long time since I've posted. I'm ready to jump back on the wagon. Let's start out the new beginnings with a beautiful "REAL" natural.

MEET JACKIE

When and why did you decide to go natural? About 2 years ago. It came about because I was spending so much money to get relaxers. I figured I would save money by going natural.

What reactions did you get when you decided to go natural? The response has been very positive. I haven't had any issues with my job. My co-workers were curious at first, but now compliment me on my hair.

What do you love most about being natural? I like that I can get my hair wet and not be too concerned. I also like that, depending on my style, I can get up, fluff and go.

Did you transition or big chop? I decided to transition. I've always had shoulder length hair. I was afraid to do the big chop.

What is your favorite natural hair style? I've been struggling to find one that works. For almost a year, I've worn it in a puff with a headband. However, that has caused some hair breakage. Lately, I've worn it in two strand twists and a twist out. I'm liking it more than the puff.

What is your current hair care regimen? I wash my hair once a week using Shea Moisture shampoo. I condition with Pantene for Colored Hair and use Cantu Shea Butter when I twist.

What is the most damaging thing you've done to your hair? I've worn too many headbands, which caused breakage in the front. I've also neglected to get it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. I had very bad split ends. I had to cut 3 inches off. :-/

What are your favorite products? I've always like the Pantene conditioner for colored hair. Most people don't like it, but it works for my hair. I also use Shea Moisture products and the Cantu Shea Butter.

Do you have any natural hair goals? I'd like to try different hair styles for myself. I'm a creature of habit and rarely like to try anything new.

Do you receive negative comments from people, if so, how do you deal with it? Not really. I have had family members tell me they like my hair better when it's straightened. I just say ok and keep doing what I want. :-)

Any encouraging words for those considering going natural or are already natural. It's not as easy as you think it will be. I thought it would be a breeze. I spend just as much, if not more time, washing my natural hair as I did my relaxed hair. I'm still learning tips and tricks to taking care of my hair. Use the internet as a resource. There are lots of good sites and blogs with great information to help you on you journey. What works for one, may not work for you. Be prepared to take the time to find out what works for you.

10 Curl Commandments

2012-11-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share some hair rules that I found on Naturally Curly.

Making That Transition

2012-10-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Things To Remember While Transitioning

In most cases new naturals will go through a transition of letting there hair grow out and getting rid of straight ends gradually as opposed to the Big Chop. Either way is perfectly acceptable, but when transitioning there are some key points you need to take into consideration so that you don't "fall off the wagon" and revert to the creamy crack.

First and foremost, as I say all the time...LOVE YOUR HAIR!!! Everyone is not going to like the "new" you and that's okay. You have to except that the hair that grows out of your head is your hair. I can't say enough how many different textures of natural hair there are. Embracing your own texture will make your natural hair journey a lot smoother.
Getting regular trims is very important when transitioning. Two different textures can be detrimental to your hair. You want to get those straight ends out of your head sooner, rather than later.
If you didn't moisturize your hair regularly with a relaxer, then it's time to acquire a new habit. Curly hair needs moisture on a regular basis. All of those spirals and curls make it difficult for the natural oil we produce, sebum, to pass freely down the hair shaft, causing the hair to be dry. Now, don't mistake oil for a moisturizer...Oil is good for sealing moisture into the hair. Find a product with water in it...hence moisture.
Wearing protective styles is almost a must when transitioning. As I said, having two different textures can be very damaging on your hair. So, wearing braids, sew ins, twists or another protective style will help to minimize on the manipulation of having to comb your hair.
I know when some are transitioning, they still want to hold on to that straight look and they feel like they are doing well by keeping the hair flat ironed. You are so wrong...LOL! It's time to calm down on all the heat. Heat damage is another topic...do a protective style instead.
Lastly, keep an open mind. As I said before, LOVE YOUR HAIR!! Don't worry about what others say or think the first time that they see you flaunting your hair in a big bush. Natural hair is so versatile, be creative, step outside the box and do what makes you happy!!

When It's Cold Outside....

2012-09-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Keeping The Hair Moisturized During Cold Months

Source

OK naturals, it's starting to get cold outside. Cold air means dry air which means dry hair. I have blogged of this topic several times and will continue to do so as hair moisturization is so essential for healthy natural hair. During this time of year, moisture is especially imperative to combat the dry brittle hair you are sure to experience. Selecting a good moisturizing conditioner is a perfect way to help your hair fight the fall and winter months. Click on the source to read an article from The Science of Black Hair. It dispels just what to look for in a moisturizing conditioner. The only thing I would add to the article is to make sure you use a natural oil to seal in the moisture that you put in your hair.

Your hair doesn't have to suffer during the fall and winter months. Taking necessary precautions will help to insure that your hair stays radiant and healthy. LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Some Like it Hot!

2012-08-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Natural Hot Oil Treatments

If your mother was anything like mine, then you got the joy of seeing her put a tube of oil in a cup of hot water and then pouring the delicious warmth all over your hair and scalp, allowing it to sit for a good 10 minutes before rinsing it out.

This was always one of my favorites when getting my hair done.

You don't hear a whole heck of a lot about hot oil treatments as much as you used to, but as naturals I feel it should be an important part of your hair care regimen. It has been a long time since I actually bought one of the tubes my mother used to use. Instead, I now make my own. With that being said, I'll share with you how and what to use to successfully mix your own hot oil treatment.

First lets do a quick overview of some oils and their benefits:

Coconut oil: Stimulates hair growth, softens the hair and conditions the scalp. It also helps to get rid of dandruff.

Olive Oil: High in the antioxidants Vitamin A and E providing anti-aging properties and it's moisturizing, soothing and healing.

Castor Oil: Adds strength to the hair, so if your hair is thin and breaks easily, consider adding this oil to your mix. Also acts as a humectant by attracting and retaining moisture to the hair.

Almond Oil: It helps condition, nourish and soften hair while stimulating hair growth.

Jojoba Oil: This oil is the closest to sebum, which is the oil our scalp secretes. It leaves the hair feeling soft and light, without weighing it down.

Here are some other types of oils

click on the name for more information

All of these oils should be easily found at your local health food stores, online or even at some of your local supermarkets.

Is it okay to mix several oils together, you ask? By all means, do!!! Mix until your heart's content. If you suffer from dry and flaky scalp, try mixing Castor oil and coconut oil together. For thicker and to possibly boost your hair growth, try mixing almond and Castor oil. Try two, three, four or whatever! Your hair will let you know what it loves. If your feeling really froggy, you can even add some essential oils for added benefits such as Rosemary, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Tea Tree and Sage just to name a few. You would only need to add a few drops to your mix.

What you'll need:

Your Oil Blend
Hot Water
Towel
Plastic Cap or Plastic Wrap

Applying Your Hot Oil Treatment:

Mix your oil in a heat safe plastic bottle or glass container
Place the bottle or container in hot water for a minute or two
Test oil on your wrist, making sure it's not too hot. Apply oil to scalp, roots and length of hair
Massage oil into the scalp for a few minutes
Cover hair with a plastic cap or plastic wrap
Dip towel in hot water, ring out excess water and wrap towel around your head.
Allow oil to sit in the hair no less than 30 minutes and up to overnight

Warming the oil and towel will cause the hair cuticles to open up and absorb all the goodness. Don't worry that the towel doesn't stay warm very long, your hair is soaking it in, trust!

Rinse the oil out of your hair and follow up with your shampoo and conditioner. I recommend not using a clarifying shampoo as it is designed to strip the oils out of your hair, defeating the purpose of the treatment. Your end result should be soft and shiny hair.

*NOTE*

You can do these treatments as much as once a week or few as once a month. Depending on what your hair needs.

Your hair doesn't have to be dripping with oil, so no worries of hurting your pockets with the cost of purchasing oils.

Make notes of how the oils make your hair look and feel, so you'll know what works best for you.

The oil doesn't have to be scalding hot, your scalp will appreciate that. Warm will do the trick.

REAL NATURALS!!! Feature of the Month

2012-08-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

MEET DENISE

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural in November 2008

What reactions did you get when you decided to go natural? My mom and my husband didn't like the fact that I wanted to go natural...their thoughts were what most people think about natural hair. That it's knappy and kinky...but i did anyway and I'm soooo happy I did.

What do you love most about being natural? I love the diversity...I can wash and go or blow dry and flat iron.

Did you transition or Big Chop? Transition

What is your favorite natural hair style? The puff

What is your current hair care regimen? I wash and condition my hair once a week, blow dry to stretch (bad, I know) I dry twist my hair every couple of nights and oil my scalp twice a week.

What is the most damaging thing you have done to your hair? Not keeping my ends clipped...I need to really do this in order for my hair to be healthier!

What are your favorite products? My favorite products are Creme of Nature shampoo with aragon oil, replenishing paks and Shea Moisture curling creme.

Do you have any natural hair goals? My goal is to have healthy, long NATURAL hair.

Do you receive negative comments from people, if so, how do you deal with it? No, I do not get any negative comments. I get a lot of compliments. ;-)

Any encouraging words for those considering going natural or are already natural? For all the ladies going natural, don't give up. Going natural is a process and it takes patience. And for the ladies that are already natural DO NOT go back to relaxers, you have come such a long way.

The Long And The Short Of It

2012-07-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hair Length Checks

Checking the length of your hair can reassure you that your hair care routine is actually working, but how often do you check how long your hair has grown...weekly, monthly, yearly???I know it can be very encouraging to see the progress of your hair growth, and I'm sure as naturals, we all have length goals, but how much is too much? Some folks can make themselves nuts checking the length of their hair every chance they get.
On average, hair grows about half of an inch a month. Some grow more, some less. If you stop and think about it, that's really not a whole heck of a lot.

Don't obsess so much on the length of your hair. I know slow growth rates can be discouraging, but if you focus mainly on how long your hair is, then you may neglect some important hair maintenance like getting regular trims in order to retain your length. Your hair may pay a crucial price in the end. You also may question the products and routines that you have been using and decide to change a perfectly good hair care regimen, trying to fix something that isn't broken. If you are that discouraged, then maybe you should check less often.

How to Check Your Length

In my opinion, the most thorough way to check your length is by straightening. NOT with chemicals, but with low heat, blow drying and flat iron. I typically do this twice a year or every 6 months, incorporating it into my regular hair trims.

If you prefer to stay away from heat completely, you can always just gently pull your curls to see how far they go. It may work better to do it wet. I recommend doing it once a month so that you can actually see a difference in length. Maybe document it by taking a photo.

One thing I like to do for my own amusement is pull the top of my hair to the roof of my car when I'm driving. When I first started doing that, it went half way to the top. Now, my hair actually touches the roof!!!

All in all, this is your hair journey. If you keep getting discouraged along the way, maybe it's time to take a detour in that journey and find a new path. LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave....

2012-07-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Tips, tools and methods for detangling

Detangling can be one of the most daunting tasks of the natural hair world. Though it is a complete pain in the you know what, it is a necessary task if you wish to maintain your hair properly. It can be a constant battle between getting out the tangles and removing shedded hair without snagging and over manipulating it. So, let me give you the low down of some methods and tools that may help you get through this grueling ordeal.

The Denman Brush

The Denman brush is one of my favorite detangling tools. When used properly, you can get smooth, defined and frizz free curls. The Denman was specifically created for the maintenance of curly hair. The fact that it has somewhat flexible teeth and it catches the shedded hair to prevent matting, makes it very popular amongst naturals. It can also be opened to remove columns of teeth and make the spacing wider for those whose hair can't tolerate all the teeth.

The smooth back of the brush is what helps to smooth and polish the curls without frizzing. It's also perfect for distributing product evenly through your hair.

Your Fingers

Well, fingers aren't really a tool, but they do the trick when it comes to getting tangles out of your hair. Using your fingers as opposed to a comb or brush allows you to "feel" the tangles and carefully separate the hair and ease them out. Finger detangling is especially benefiting to naturals with fine hair that splits and breaks easily. This is hands down (no pun intended) the gentlest way to detangle your hair, but also the lengthiest. I don't recall ever using any other tool in my hair besides my hands the first year after my big chop.

The Tangle Teezer

I, personally, have not used the Tangle Teezer. Honestly, the look of it kind of worries me a little, but I did research it and found it can actually be quite helpful. In what I read, the Tangle Teezer does what it's supposed to do very efficiently. The teeth are extremely flexible, causing tangles to literally melt away. Instead of just getting stuck in the tangles or ripping them out, the Teezer gently coaxes the tangles until they unwind. I also read that the scratching noise the tool makes can be a little freaky and may cause you to keep checking to see that you aren't ripping hair out of your head.

The one con that I read was the fact that the tool has no handle. Although it was designed to fit into the palm of your hand, it could become a nuisance once it gets wet and starts slipping and sliding all over the place.

Wide Toothed Comb

Another one of my faves, the wide toothed comb is probably the most preferred tool amongst naturals.

The reason is because it can detangle efficiently and remove shedded hair with minimal damage, with the wide spaced teeth that are large and seamless. I even keep one hanging in my shower.

Now that you have some tools and tips, let's take a look at a couple of detangling methods.

Dry Detangling

When I am getting ready to shampoo and condition my hair is the ONLY time that I dry detangle my hair. I do so my applying either conditioner, coconut oil or both to my hair. I let it sit about 15 minutes then GENTLY use a wide toothed comb or my fingers...preferably my fingers to separate my curls. I call it pre-detangling. By both separating and lubricating the hair before a shampoo, It makes for an easier wet detangling session. The hair has less tangles and you've added extra moisture to the hair to help protect it from the stripping shampoo can cause. Dry detangling is especially beneficial if you'd had your hair in a twist style.

Wet Detangling

This method should be the main way of detangling the hair. It's done when the hair is sopping wet and very well lubricated with conditioner. Doing this creates slippage and causes your tool to glide easily through your hair. I prefer using a wide toothed comb, but the Denman brush also works very well for this method.

You can get the best results when you do both dry and wet detangling. If you can get in a good dry detangling session before shampooing it will improve your results when you detangle with wet hair and conditioner.

A couple of DO's to take with you are:

DO take your time and be as thorough as possible. The last thing you want to do is think you've done a good job detangling only to find a nice wad of matted hair in your curls.

DO section your hair prior to detangling and use as many sections as you need. This will become more important as your hair grows. The longer your hair is, the easier it is to knot up. If you handle your hair in sections, it makes it easier to manage and to do a thorough job.

In conclusion, it doesn't matter how often you detangle, whether you do it wet or dry, or which tools you use. Just remember to do what is best for you and your hair.

LOVE YOUR HAIR!!

First Lady Gone Natural

2012-06-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

A while back the natural hair blogging world went into overdrive when a photo of the First Lady Michelle Obama wearing a beautiful head of kinky curls hit the Internet. Though she looked stunning, it didn't take long to realize that the picture wasn't quite right and photoshop played a major part.

The photo was brought to the attention of fellow blogger and author of Natural Chica, Maeling Tapp. She received messages saying that Michelle Obama's hair looked a lot like hers. When she saw the picture, she discovered that the hair indeed was hers and had been photoshopped onto the picture.

A lot of people who follow my blog said, 'I had a feeling that was your hair,'" Tapp told ESSENCE.com. "It's kind of surprising that other people recognize my hair so well." Tapp posted a side-by-side photo of her and the First Lady onto the Natural Chica Facebook page which quickly garnered over 1,000 "likes" and "shares."

Tapp says that she hopes the photo spoof will encourage Mrs. Obama to experiment with natural styles.

"There have been so many positive responses to seeing Mrs. Obama go natural so I hope it inspires her to try and wear more curly styles," said Tapp.

When asked what hair advice she'd give our Commander in Chic, Tapp says it would be to "be creative and experiment with your hair. When dealing with natural hair, there is a lot of trial and error. But if you see it as a really fun way to try new things, it’s not a frustrating process at all. It becomes more of an enjoyable and inspiring journey."

Imagine how influential she would be, not just to other women, but to little girls all around the globe if she rocked kinky textured hair!!

What to you think? Do you think she would have much impact? Would you like to see her sporting the curls?

The real picture

REAL NATURALS!!! Feature of the month

2012-06-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

MEET TIFFANY

When and why did you decide to go natural? When my little sister lost her hair due to chemo in 2009.

What reactions did you get when you decided to go natural? Husband and 2 out of 3 kids didn't like it. Others liked it, some were already natural. Others said they like it, but I didn't know if they were sincere or just trying to be nice.

What do you love most about being natural? It's versatile and I don't have to be afraid of the rain! :-)

Did you transition or Big Chop? Big Chop!!

What is your favorite natural hair style? Twist out

What is your current hair care regimen? Shampoo and condition once a week or every two weeks.

What is the most damaging thing you've done to your hair? Had my hair bleached. :-(

What are your favorite products? Shea Moisture

Do you have any natural hair goals? Yes, grow it out and HEALTHY

Do you receive negative comments from people, if so, how do you deal with it? Yes, I mean YES! I remember everbody is not going to get it AND I ask my girl Tasha.

Any encouraging words for those considering going natural or are already natural? Mary J's song says it, "Work That". Everybody is not going to get it and that's alright. :-)

Protecting Your Hair While Swimming

2012-06-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's hot outside and if you are anything like me you enjoy a nice refreshing dip in the pool. While that is all good and gravy, there are some steps you need to take to keep your hair from getting damage from the chlorine or if you are on the beach, salt water.

The first thing you need to do is rinse your hair with tap water before getting in the pool. If your hair strands are filled up with water, then it won't be able to absorb any of the chemical laden chlorine water, lessening the effects it can have on the hair. After swimming, rinse your hair with tap water again. If you are going to stay in the sun, it is best to wear a hat.

You should coat your hair in an inexpensive conditioner before getting in the pool to help to create a protective barrier from the chlorine water. You can also use a natural oil, like coconut oil.

Using a swimming cap is a good option. While they may not keep your hair completely dry and chlorine free and most people believe them to be unattractive, that extra bit of added protection is worth the sacrifice. On the downside, swimming caps can sometimes be too tight on the head, causing you to pull your hair out when taking it on and off. If this is the case, refrain from using them.

Wearing a protective style, such as braids or twists will help, so less hair is exposed to the water. Braid extensions are also good. Just remember your hair still needs extra care before and after swimming, whether in a style or not. So, make sure to implement cleansing and moisturizing just the same.

Be sure to shampoo your hair after you are done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of the chlorine and mineral build up. Take note that although you rinse your hair after swimming, that is not ridding the hair of chlorine. If you swim every day, then you will need to shampoo everyday. If you're a frequent swimmer, you may need to purchase a special shampoo made for swimmers. You must also remember to condition your hair after each shampoo.

So, that's it! Have a safe and fun summer, but keep those tresses healthy and protected. LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Shea Butter...Unrefined VS Refined

2012-05-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

When it comes to Shea butter, you have two choices. Unrefined or Refined, but which do you choose? First let me back up for a minute and tell you a little bit about Shea butter.
Shea butter is derived from the seed of the Shea tree in Africa. It contains both vitamin A and E. It's not only used in the hair, but also to treat skin conditions like wrinkles, eczema, blemishes and dermatitis. It is also used to treat insect bites, sunburns and frostbite. The differences between unrefined and refined is how the two are processed. Both of them have the same origins from the Shea tree. The nuts are harvested and crushed to extract the butter. It it during the extraction process where you can distinguish between the two.

Unrefined Shea butter is extracted using water only, either by hand or machines, without the use of chemicals and synthetics. This end product is also commonly known as raw Shea butter or organic Shea butter. Its color ranges from beige to light golden yellow and its texture is usually grainy. This method will keep all the vitamins, minerals and other properties of the Shea butter intact. Unrefined Shea butter has a smoky and nutty smell which can be unappealing to consumers. I find adding essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint or lavender help to disguise the smell.

Refined Shea butter is extracted using hexane and other petroleum solvents. It is then refined and bleached by heating it to high temperatures. Other additives and preservatives are also added to remove the nutty smell, resulting in it becoming odorless. It is also white in color which is more physically appealing instead of the yellowish color of the pure traditional Shea butter. This type is also smooth in texture because they have been refined to get rid of the grainy molecules. During the refining process, Shea butter loses many of its vitamins and minerals.

So, which do you choose? Unrefined Shea butter has the highest concentration of vitamins, antioxidants and benefits that you could possibly get. If you do not mind the nutty smell, go for this type because they are far more effective compared to refined ones. They are, however, more expensive compared to refined ones and you would have to learn how to store Shea butter properly so that they can last longer.

Remember, Shea butter is not a good moisturizer, as it doesn't contain any water. Applying it to dry hair can result in locking moisture out of your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage. It is, however, an excellent sealant for the moisture that you do put into you hair. I like melting my unrefined Shea butter in a plastic container by immersing it into a cup of boiling hot water. Then I'll add coconut oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil to it. I'll apply a good moisturizing leave in conditioner to my damp hair and seal it in with the Shea butter concoction, concentrating on my ends. Mix and match to come up with a concoction that your hair will love. LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Naturally Professional

2012-05-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine works in a dentist office. She is one of a very select few of African Americans there and she is also 100% natural. I was talking with her recently and she told me that she continuously receives off the wall questions and comments about her hair. Questions ranging from "What does it feel like?" to even unnecessary ones like, "What do you plan on doing with that Don King hairdo?" My friend, being the kind hearted person that she is, answers her coworkers professionally and patiently. Me? I don't think I would be so gracious. Even my mother, who is natural, has had conversations with me about the hair styles she chooses to wear on her job. She said she likes different natural styles, but because of her position at work, she didn't think the styles would be accepted or that it was work appropriate. So, I thought why not talk about natural hair in the corporate world.

As asked in the movie Good Hair, Why is it that wearing one’s hair, the way God created it such a revolutionary idea?

Here is a little background from Black Enterprise for those who are completely clueless on the subject and those who know, but need a reminder.
There is a negative stigma attached to natural Black hair in the United States and frankly in most places of the world. The story starts way before the current natural hair craze that some people think is a fad, and before the 1970′s when Afros became popular as a “political statement” for activists who wanted to revel in “Black beauty” but was then temporarily accepted by the rest of the Black community and White ones too.

In the 1800′s and early 1900′s nappy, kinky, curly, hair was deemed inferior, ugly, and unkempt in comparison to the flowing, bouncy, hair of people from other cultures. The caricatures of Blacks that surfaced during that time in movies, children’s books, on laundry detergent, and food products were commonplace and they taught Blacks and Whites alike to loathe the appearance of Black hair and to associate it with dirtiness, unruliness and even character traits like laziness and dishonesty.

While the dark complexions, wider noses, and fuller lips of Blacks were also disparaged, the texture of our hair was the only thing that we could realistically and drastically change (at that time) about our appearance to escape those negative associations. And making that change was encouraged as Blacks who straightened their hair were deemed more likable, agreeable, and dependable by Whites; even more employable.

Sadly, this article still holds true today. Check out the video on this blog about two women. One is completely natural while the other is transitioning and skeptical. Going natural in corporate America

To make a long story short, Don't let your hair or other people define who you are supposed to be. Be confident and know your worth, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! You are exactly how God created you and you should never have to apologize for that. You got your job because of your skills, not your looks. In the words of India.Arie, "I am not my hair."

REAL NATURALS!!! Feature of the month

2012-05-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

So, I wanted to introduce something new to the blog and I thought how fitting it would be to feature you guys!!

MEET NIKI

When and why did you decide to go natural? I went completely natural about 5.5 years ago. For about a year before I decided to go natural, I had started reading information online about taking care of my hair and at that time going natural started to be the main topic that kept coming up. I kept reading about going natural and I thought that might be the best route for me to go because I had always loved the look of the afro and I thought that would be a good look for me.

What reactions did you get when you decided to go natural? I think I received mixed emotions. My mother couldn't believe I had done it, because she had always been used to seeing me with long straight hair. Most of my friends actually loved it.

What do you love most about being natural? I love the fact that I can pretty much do whatever I want to do with my hair. I can do the wash and go, wear it straight, go with twists, or even add weave if I want. There are so many options available!

Did you transition or Big Chop? I transitioned for 18 months because I had never had short hair and I know I wouldn't feel comfortable doing the Big Chop.

What is your favorite natural hair style? Currently, two strand twists are my favorite hair style. I do enjoy mohawks for special outings.

What is your current hair care regime? LOL!!!! I really don't have a hair care regimen at this time. I do go every two weeks to get it done just because I am lazy and as I call it "hair retarded" when it comes to styling my hair.

What is the most damaging thing you've done to your hair? The most damaging thing I have done to my hair was using heat. After using heat on my hair about a year or so ago, the front of my hair did not revert back and I am still trying to nurse it back to health.

What are your favorite products? I am a product junkie, so I use a mix of products. I am still searching for a product that my hair takes well to.

Do you have any natural hair goals? My main goal is to have healthy hair and regrow my thinning edges.

Do you receive negative comments from people? If so, how do you deal with it? I haven't received any negative comments about my hair.

Any encouraging words for those considering going natural or are already natural? Even though going natural has been a fun and exciting journey getting to know my hair and the different styles that I have been able to experiment with, it does take a LOT of work. I would say that going natural takes a lot more work than having to maintain relaxed hair, but that shouldn't stop you from making the experience fun! Once you do get to know your hair and the products that your hair loves, the journey does get easier.

If you would like to be feature of the month, send me an email alwaysn4evernatural@gmail.com along with two or three head shots, showing your hair. I'll reply with the questions for you to answer.

Summer, Summer, Summertime

2012-05-04T10:31:00.001-07:00

Being that the summer months are fast approaching, my next few post will focus on hair care for these upcoming heat filled days.
Soon it will be time to put on the bathing suits, the sunscreen and time to really protect your hair. During this time of year, the hot sun and humidity can wreak havoc on your natural tresses and cause a lot of damage if not cared for. I can't stress enough how important it is to protect your hair from the sun as you would your skin. The sun damaging rays can dry out your hair and cause split ends. They also decrease the strength and elasticity of the hair, resulting in breakage, frizziness and color fading.

Here are a few tips on keeping healthy hair during these grueling months.
First off, if you are going to the beach or sitting out in the sun for long periods of time, then invest in a fashionable hat. It can help protect your hair and skin.

As for products, there are many out there with SPF qualities, but the best in my opinion is Shea butter. Due to its high vitamin content, Shea butter works as a natural sunscreen. Try coating your hair with it once you've put a moisturizer in you hair. This process is sealing in moisture and protecting all at the same time.

Deep conditioning will need to become second nature in your hair care regimen. If you are out in the sun frequently, then I recommend deep conditioning once a week, especially if you have color treated hair. The current health of your hair, should determine just how often you really need to deep condition.

Pre-wash oil treatments are also a great way to seal moisture into the hair and scalp. Don't be fooled by hair products like "Olive Oil Mayonnaise" or "Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner". Those products rarely contain any significant amount of high-quality oil. Many times they are mostly made of mineral oil, which cannot penetrate the hair shaft. Pure, edible oils are the only way to go. Coconut, Olive or Avocado oil are the best to use. These oils are high in saturated fat which means their molecules are small enough to penetrate into the hair shaft. Part the hair into 4-6 equal sections and distribute the oil evenly, cover with a plastic cap and let sit for at least an hour. Detangle hair with a wide tooth comb and shampoo and condition your hair like normal.
This is just the tip of the iceberg in maintaining your hair during the heat infested months fast approaching. Stay tuned for more. Enjoy your summer and....LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

It's Longer Than It Appears...Natural Hair Shrinkage

2012-04-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

If you are 100% natural, then you know all about hair shrinkage. Shrinkage isn't necessarily a bad thing, but can be a little frustrating if you want the world to see that your hair reaches to your behind. On the other hand, it's always cool to see the look of amazement on non-naturals when you stretch your curls out to show just how long it really is. Shrinkage comes into affect when our curls come into contact with any type of moisture, whether it's from shampooing your hair, adding a moisturizing product or just being outside in "moist" air. You can start out your day with one length and by the end of the day have a shorter length. Some Naturals want there length to be visible and that's when shrinkage becomes an issue. For those of you that think you can do away with shrinkage with products, I'm here to tell you that you are on the road to wasted money. As a natural, shrinkage is something we just have to deal with.

The thing about shrinkage is that it only "masks" the true length of natural hair. I do have good news though, there is something we can temporarily do to lengthen our tresses. We can "stretch" our curls. This is a totally different way to straighten the hair without straightening the hair. When you stretch the hair, there is still elasticity in the hair as opposed to when you flat iron or god forbid, relax your hair. Stretching is almost always temporary and will revert back to curls once you wet it.

There are several methods in stretching the hair. The cool thing about it is, these methods can be worn as regular hair styles or protective styling. Unless your sole intention is to just stretch your hair for another intended style, like a french roll.
Braids, Bantu knots, two strand twists, flat twists, cornrows, banding, flexi rods, big rollers or even pin curls are all ways of stretching your hair. You can even blow dry your hair as long as you don't blow dry it straight...food for thought.
All in all shrinkage is not bad. Just knowing that it happens to ALL natural black hair should be comforting. I hope this post is useful for you in learning how to manage it.

Men after my own heart

2012-03-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

So, I've posted several blogs all doting on woman and their hair styles, some celebrities and some not. Of course, all remedies apply to all, but my images have been focused on woman. Well, this blog post is strictly paying homage to all the natural men out there....plus a little eye candy for the ladies. ;-)

No more Bad Hair Days...

2012-02-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

One joy of natural hair is that it is very unpredictable. You don't know what you'll get from day to day. You can construe this as good or bad...hopefully good. In addition to your regular routine trims, conditioning treatments and other maintenance, here are some day to day tips to help aiding in daily good hair days.

Detangle your hair first
Freshly shampooed and thoroughly detangled hair will always give you the best results. Twisting or braiding hair that is already matted and tangled will only produce more knots and tangles. Make sure to detangle while it's wet, preferably with conditioner in it to give you good slippage.

Calm down on the products
This is one time when less is more. Excessive amounts of product will only lead to weighing down your hair and ultimately product build up. You can always apply additional product if necessary but applying too much initially can only be rectified by re-shampooing.

Have a hair placement plan
I always receive my best results when my twists or braids are calculated. They do not need to be carefully parted or measured as if you were laying tile floor, however, merely throwing them in haphazardly will result in a less polished look. Even when you want a sexy, messy look, placement makes a huge difference.

Seal your ends
Skipping this step will give your ends cause to fray and only make more work for you later. Healthy ends will yield an overall healthy appearance and hair will be more manageable.
*Oils add shine not moisture, however, they do a great job at trapping the existing moisture in. I seal with Shea butter and coconut oil with added essential oils.

Put your hair away at night
Aside from the obvious damage caused by friction between your hair and cotton pillowcases, the satin scarf will keep things in place. It is not just to achieve smooth edges, it also keeps your hair in check. It reduces friction causing dryness and reduces frizz when you release your twists or braids.

Pineapple your hair
If you are unable or unwilling to retwist or rebraid at night, the pineapple will do the trick. By gently placing the hair high on top of the head, you will be able to preserves the curl pattern and maintain your look.
*secure the hair with a satin scrunchie or loose band

Don't over separate your hair
After releasing your twists or braids (with oils on your fingers), unravel the areas that you want more volume the most. Too much separation will lead to excessive frizz.

Retwist or Rebraid
If pineappling is not your thing, retwisting or rebraiding at night is a good way to rejuvenate and restore your look, as well as providing more definition.

Let your twist or braids dry 100%

The worst thing you can do when it comes to styling is to unravel hair prior to it being 95-98% dry. Hair needs time to set and interrupting the process will result in a bad day all day.

Sometimes you feel like a nut! Benefits of coconut oil

2012-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I have recently discovered that coconut oil is very useful. I'm talking pure coconut oil, not hair grease. Besides hair care, it's used for skin, beneficial for the heart, reduces weight, improves digestion, good for the immune system, healing and infections (bruises), and many other bodily functions. I won't elaborate on anything but hair, but know that coconut oil has many benefits.

For hair, coconut oil is known to restore natural moisture resulting in a healthy shine. Unlike other oils, coconut has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and work its way through the layers of the hair strand. It helps reduce the loss of protein and aids in regaining the hair's natural oils. Using coconut oil is not only natural, it's also cost effective and it's always a plus when you can save money.

How to use Coconut oil:
As a conditioner it is best applied directly to the hair. I usually put the oil in a little bowl and sit the bowl in hot water to liquefy it. For added benefits, I add a few drops of rosemary oil and lavender oil, but using it alone is okay too. Run the oil through your hair, concentrating on the tips. Try not to get a lot on the scalp, it can make the hair look greasy. Put a shower cap on your head and either sit under the dryer or wrap a warm towel around your head for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the hair. If your hair feels too greasy after rinsing, you can do a very light shampoo.

As an anti-dandruff or dryness treatment, coconut oil can help your scalp regain moisture and it also works as an anti-fungal agent. If used regularly, coconut oil can help get rid of dandruff and keep it way. Simply take some oil and work it through your scalp, massaging with you finger tips. Leave the oil on your scalp overnight. The next day, rinse thoroughly. For the best results, try doing this once a week. If you have a lot of flaking and itching, you can try mixing the juice from a fresh squeezed lemon in with the oil. Massage the mixture through your scalp.

To promote hair growth, just do a simple coconut treatment. Just like momma used to oil your scalp back in the day, liberally apply coconut oil to the scalp, daily if possible. It helps in revitalizing and strengthening hair follicles, therefore stimulating growth and preventing it from any further breakage.
So, don't shelf your coconut oil. Get it down and put it to use. It's very beneficial in healthy hair maintenance.

Not everyone can go natural...

2012-01-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

'I wish I could go natural, but it just wouldn't look good on me'.

If I could get paid every time I've heard that statement, I'd be ready to retire very soon. How about this one, 'Natural hair fits you because it goes with your personality, but everyone can't go natural.' I get a little thrown back when I hear women say they can't go natural because their hair is too nappy. Really? It's natural, what else are you expecting here?!

As much as I try to sympathize with everyone when I hear these statements, because I know how spoiled we are with the choice to slap a relaxer on that new growth when it starts to surface, I still don't understand. Yeah yeah, I know people have chosen to not go or stay natural because they feel it just doesn't look good on them or they just can't handle the "naps", but look at it this way, straight hair is NOT growing from your scalp, EVERYONE begins with natural hair and all in all is how you are supposed to look, hypothetically speaking. Don't get me wrong, I give kudos to Madam CJ Walker and her invention of relaxers and the pressing comb, but WHAT IF she hadn't been so. Natural hair would be the norm for the way our hair looks.

This post isn't to bash chemicals and heat styles. By all means, you do what works for you, but I just want to give clarity to women who want to go natural and really feel they can't. YES YOU CAN!!

I know transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be nerve racking and some are little anxious as to how their hair will look once completely natural. Will it be kinky, loose curls, or coily? Most women hope for a loose curl or even a coil. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but unless you are biracial, you are more than likely setting yourself up for disappointment. You need to be willing to embrace your hair no matter how kinky it turns out to be. Find pictures for inspiration, but be careful not to "wish" that your hair looks like theirs.

Even Barbie has gone natural

Remember there are so many different styles you can wear. Natural hair, to me, is more versatile than straight hair. African American natural hair textures can come out in so many different ways considering our genetic pool is mixed with a variety of races. I believe all natural hair is beautiful whether it is super fine and silky curls or nappy kinky coils. I encourage all who are going natural to transform your mind as well during the process. Pray that you accept what God has given you naturally. ANYBODY can go natural, with the right mind set. Decide now that you are going to love YOU no matter what!! LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Product of the month...December

2011-12-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

Since I just did a post on flat ironing the hair, I figured why not do a review on a good serum.
This will be my last post for the year of 2011. I pray that you all have a very prosperous New Year!!
This month's product is one I haven't tried, but will be purchasing, most likely today.

Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum

Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum is good anti frizz product to use when you want to flat iron your hair. It's especially good to use in the summertime when there is plenty of moisture in the air.

Here is what the product advertises:

Instantly eliminates frizz
Give dazzling curls
Smooths and seals and helps repair split ends
Contains UV filter
For both curly and straight hair styles
Tested in London salons

Apply serum into palms of hands and smooth through wet hair to defrizz. Style as usual. For instant shine, smooth a small amount over dry hair.
The price is $4.49 and can be found at Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Target and etc or you can go to twistedsista.com.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethicone , Cyclohexasiloxane , Isopropyl Myristate , Fragrance , Benzophenone-3 , Tocopheryl Acetate , Phenyl Trimethicone , Benzyl Salicylate , Eugenol , Hexyl Cinnamal , Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde , Limonene

Themakeupdivas.com says, "For added anti-frizz protection and styling, try the Different Strokes Serum – like magic, it eliminates frizz and adds shine to define curls and keep straight hair touchable and smooth with a boost of antioxidant support."

juicymagonline.com calls it a "Miracle Worker". They say it's a product that will have your hair able to withstand any and all weather-related issues. This lightweight serum is the perfect consistency for those with fine to medium hair and can be used on wet or dry hair for defined glossy curls, or sleek straight looks. This power-packed serum also includes a UV filter which protects hair from the destructive effects of the sun's rays.
For maximum results use after shampooing and conditioning hair. Pump a dime-size amount of product into the palm and rub between you hands. Trust us, a little bit of product goes a long way. Evenly distribute the serum from root to tip being careful not to slather too much serum on the roots as this will weigh hair down. Let air dry for gorgeous curls and waves or blow-dry for a smooth straight style.

Flat Ironing Tips

2011-12-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Are you flat ironing your hair with sometimey results? Not getting it as "straight" as you would like? Here are some tips that may be just what you need to get what you are looking for.

Make sure hair is conditioned well. If your hair isn't conditioned and moisturized well, then don't even think about putting any heat in your hair. Using just a heat protectant on unconditioned hair will not do the trick. Applying heat to dry, brittle hair is just asking for breakage. Only flat iron your hair if you condition it regularly.
Never flat iron dirty hair. It's best to flat iron your hair as soon as you finish freshly shampooing and conditioning your hair. If you apply heat to hair that has a bunch of dirt or product in it, then you are just baking that stuff into your hair. If you need a touch up in the middle of the week, use very little heat, once...not every day.
Use some sort of smoothing serum. After you have shampooed and conditioned, before blow drying apply a smoothing serum to your hair. This is especially good for straightening natural hair. If there is a lot of moisture in the air, try to find a humidity-resistant formula. Design Essentials Silk Essentials is my favorite.
Use a heat protectant. Once your hair is COMPLETELY dry, use a heat protectant on each section of the hair before you flat iron. Although a heat protectant helps, even the best ones out there will not hold up against heat that is too high.
Don't use oil before you iron. You may want to put a natural oil on your hair AFTER you flat iron for a little added weight, if your hair is limp and fine then you won't need it, but using oil before you flat iron will give you too much weight and you won't achieve the bouncy look you are after.
Do not put heat on wet hair. For the best results, make sure your hair is totally dry before putting a flat iron to it. Either blow dry your hair in its entirety or if you don't want to put excessive amounts of heat in your hair let your hair air dry until it's about 80% dry then blow dry the rest of the way. If your hair isn't completely dry before flat ironing, it will just frizz up.
Take your time. Slow and steady wins the race. Don't flat iron your hair if you are in a hurry. Using slow and controlled movements will give you the best results, but don't linger in one place too long. Get as close to the roots as you can and pull the iron down in one smooth motion. If you hurry through it, you may have to go over the section again...and again...and again. Don't forget, the less heat the better.
Adjust your heat settings as needed. Naturals will be surprised to find that they have two or three different textures in their hair, it's not uncommon. In my case, the crown of my head is a lot curlier and requires higher heat than my nape area, which has a very loose curl. So, just because your flat iron can heat up to 450 degrees doesn't mean you have to use that much heat on every area of your head. That's a sure fire way of permanently straightening or damaging your natural curls.
Don't iron big sections of hair. Big, chunky sections of hair won't straighten to your liking. Try not to press wider or thicker than 1 inch at a time.
Wrap your hair at night. Now that you have done all that hard work straightening your hair, why ruin it by no nighttime maintenance!!? If you wrap your hair at night and cover it with a silk or satin scarf, then by morning you won't need to do much of anything besides taking it down and combing through it. You will already have a slight curve and volume...no more heat should be required.

Simple as 1..2..3 or maybe 10!!! LOL!! LOVE YOUR HAIR!!

Fix up that Fro!! Accessorizing

2011-12-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

Making the decision to go natural gives you a certain je ne saia quoi, so to speak. One way to keep that certain something popping is to experiment with different accessories for your hair. Accessories can be as simple as you prefer or they can be bold, making a major statement. I, myself, rely on accessorizing when I'm having a "I don't care" hair day. I have gotten the question, "I'm bored with my hair, what can I do with it?" Well, if you're tired of the same old twists, twist outs, braids or frohawks, then rock some stunning accessories.

Scarves: My favorite way of making my "bad" hair look good. It is very versatile. You can wear it as a head band or cover the entire head. You can tie them any way you like, either with the knot behind your head or in front. Be creative and experiment. You can't go wrong with scarves.

Flowers: Another great way to spruce up your style is with flowers. I usually add it over my ear, but the sky is the limit. Put them any where you choose. Have them as big or as small as you want. Heck, put more than one in at a time.

Headbands: For the most part, headbands are usually used to hold the hair away from the face, but why not snazz it up and use it as a focal point of your hairstyle.

Clips, banana clips, barrettes, hair sticks, etc.: Excellent ways to pin your hair up in a stylish way. I have become very fond of using banana clips to pin my hair when they are two strand twisted. It's also a fashionable way of protecting the ends of your hair by tucking them into your style and pinning them up.

Beanies: So, now that it's getting cold outside, you'll want to cover that head with some sort of hat. Beanies are a great way of protecting the hair from the elements and once again hiding "I don't care" hair. I'm quick to toss a beanie on my two week old twists when I don't have time to take them down.

So, have fun fixing your natural hair up with different accessories. You may even do something "dangerous" and step outside your box. Check out some of the pictures for different ideas! LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!!

Product of the month...November

2011-12-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a day late on posting November's product, but better late than never I always say. So, although today is December 1st (where did this year go???), we are going to pretend that it's November 30th, Cool?! LOL!!
Anywho...This month I'd like to feature a product that I've used regularly and have seen others use as well with good results.

Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioning repair cream

Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioning repair cream is a very inexpensive way to keep the hair moisturized on a daily basis. I used it a lot when I was transitioning, not so much any more, but I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a good detangler with great slippage and is a leave in. Here is what the product advertises:
This product is an intensive deep penetrating leave in cream conditioning treatment that is made with pure Shea butter and other natural oils to stop and mend breakage, repair split ends, and add manageability and shine with every application. When used daily, this cream helps promote strong, long, healthy hair. Formulated for severely damaged, dry or coarse hair.

Reduces frizz
Protects hair from heat damage
Hydrates and moisturizes

Daily styling - Apply to towel dried hair. Work a generous amount of product into hair beginning at the roots to the tips. Comb through for even distribution. Do not rinse. Apply more to longer hair at the ends or problem areas. Leave in treatment - Apply as directed for "daily styling" just after shampooing. Re-apply and cover with a plastic cap overnight for maximum absorption and intensive conditioning. Frizz free hair - Apply daily to split ends or damaged areas. Comb through and let dry naturally.

The price is around $5 and can be found anywhere, Walmart, Target, Walgreens and etc.
Ingredients Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean) , Propylene Glycol , Polyquaternium-37 , Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate , Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , Cetyl Alcohol , Glycerin , Stearalkonium Chloride , Trimethylsilylamodimethicone , Panthenol , PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether , Lanolin Oil , Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride , Acrylamide Copolymer , Hydrolyzed Soy Protein , Benzophenone-3 , BHA , BHT , Zea Mays Oil (Corn) , Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate , DMDM Hydantoin , Phenoxyethanol , Fragrance

Here are some reviews from Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product!!!

MSDYMPLS (IL)

This is the best product I have ever used as far as leave in conditioner. It leaves the hair soft and shiny. My hair is all natural and it leaves my curls and coils very moisturized. I will always have this product in my hair regimen!!!! Excellent!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for naturals

Naptivia (Riviera Beach, FL USA)

This products didn't do a lot when my hair was permed, it felt greasy one minute and dry the next. But after going 100% natural it works wonders. This is definitely a keeper. I would also recommend only using it with natural oils...coconut, jojoba, olive, etc. for best results.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a overnight conditioning treatment

maigha Phillips

I use this as a overnight treatment mixed with an egg and some coconut oil. When I wake up in the morning and rinse it out my 4a/b hair is full of life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Braid Outs!

Sydney Brown "S. Brown" (Granada Hills, CA, USA)

(I did not buy this from Amazon, I bought it from my local beauty supply store) I have been using this as a moisturizer while experimenting with doing braid outs on my naturally curly/African American hair (this is my second week). This stuff is awesome! It feels thin but it truly moisturizes. I have used it on both wet and dry hair and I love how my hair feels in the morning when I take the braids out. I always seal my hair after using this with organic coconut oil and I never have any flakes or residue from mixing the two products together. I highly recommend this product, truly does what it says it will.