My Natural Me

Getting It Together!

2011-11-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Beauties,

I wanted to come and let yall know that I am going to get it together with this blog here! It has been some time that I have been pretty up to date with my post and keeping you all updated with my hair progress. I'm still keeping it pretty short and growing it out now for the winter/cold months. Don't worry, it will be off again in the spring. LOl. I will be experimenting a big with color while it is shorts just to spice it up a bit.. You can check out my instagrm page to see pretty recent pictures of how I am wearing my hair. My username is mynatural me under V Michelle. I need to dedicate some time to post here more often, but since being discovered to instagrm, I am a pretty avid user of the social media platform. Join me there and it you have an account, let's link up! Until next time...

I Just Can't Get Enough!!!!

2011-10-02T21:19:00.002-04:00

Hello Lovely Naturals,

I wanted to come and share with you a huge surprise...I cut my hair AGAIN. My request of the Mr. I cut my hair down to a very low cut ceaser last Friday for a wedding. I will post those pics soon, but thought I would share a few with you so you could see how I'm sporting my new look. Shorter hair...you know what this means! More accessories to frame the face and make the style POP! Stay tuned for a few hauls of jewerly I have coming up!

So......

2011-09-18T20:38:00.001-04:00

So it has been forever and a day AGAIN, but I have not had times to breathe, yet along post on My Natural Me. For that I apologize. I have been working a lot and some major life transitions have happened, but I am truly blessed and God is GOOD!

To update you on my natural journey, it has been pleasant since the 2nd REAL big chop. I have been keeping it short with the longest length being about a little over half an inch. I must say, I am not missing my hair at all. If anything, I love it MORE now that it is this short. I thought initially when I cut my hair that I would let it grow back immediately, but I think I will rock it short for a little more...until I have a desire for a longer look. Right now though, I love the ability to prep and go, wear BIG, BOLD earrings to highlight my features. Forgot what you heard, short and chic is what's up right now! Check out current length below...

Meet Atiya!

2011-07-09T11:57:00.001-04:00

Hello Natural!

Today I bring to you a special story from Atiya. She tells her own personal story and also her blog info as well. Check her out and show some love!

Hello my name is Atiya otherwise known as NaturalBlackOne,

I started to wear my natural hair out a little over a year ago. It was a learning process as I haven't had my hair natural since I was age 6 or 7. I started out with a Jheri Curl to be like my mom, and then eventually moved onto a relaxer after a year of braids at age 12. After an illness left me with a huge bald patch in 2008, I left relaxers alone for good. I wore wigs, braids, and even a weave until my hair grew back. In April 2010 I started my natural journey.

I loved my natural hair! I loved experimenting with styles and the versatility of my hair. I became a YouTube and blog reading junkie! I wanted to know all there was to know about keeping my hair healthy, what products I should try, and what ingredients I should avoid. I loved reading all of the natural journeys of other sisters, and learning how to make my own products.

My hair was growing really well for a while. I enjoyed the freedom of being a natural Black woman, and I felt more connected to my roots than ever. I even started my own blog Roots of Blackness which chronicled my own journey. I wanted to inspire other women as I was inspired. Things were going great until the problems of my personal life and recent bouts with health issues got the best of me. The stress of it all caused my hair to thin and fall out. I was so depressed over it! I decided on April 4th 2011 that I would go to the barbershop and shave all of my hair off! I was scared to death when I saw all my hair hit the floor but I knew it was the only way to get back on track. After a day of covering it up, I decided to just live and let live! I wear my hair with pride now, knowing that I am still a beautiful Black woman! I am on a new journey now-how to maintain a "shorter than a TWA" style and so far I am enjoying how sinfully easy it has been. I still shampoo and condition/deep condition regularly. I still use my moisturizers, oils and seal with Shea butter. My hope is that if I decide to let it grow back, it will be healthier than before!

My reason in having my story published is to let other sisters who may be experiencing hair problems know that confidence is key! Hold your head up high and just rock whatever you're working with. Lastly, be happy with yourselves no matter what hairstyle you have or how you look. We are ALL beautiful!! Please visit me at my blog!

I Know Its Been a WHILE!

2011-07-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

Hey Lovelies,

I know, I know! Its been waaaay too long. Well I haven't had a lot of time to post like I want to but I had to come through and show you all how I am wearing my hair. I even went ahead a put some color in it. You can't really see it unless I'm in the sunlight, but its a good start for now. Still keeping it short and rocking the faux hawk. Enjoy the pics!

Pic Update for My TWA!

2011-05-06T10:35:00.001-04:00

Hey Ladies and Gents!

So since I have been MIA lately because of my busy schedule, I wanted to show you all how my TWA is looking nowadays.You already know that I have decided to keep it short for a while, so I usually make it to the barber every week and a half (two weeks if I can stand it enough. Here are a few updates of various lengths and shapes. Enjoy!

P.S. I am now wearing my hair in a modified mohwak...more pics of that coming soon. They are the last two pics.

Soft Sheen Carson's Roots of Nature Remedies for Natural Hair

2011-03-10T18:58:00.001-05:00

Hey Curlies!

So I am sitting home sipping on a glass of moscato (yes I am a wine lover) and while I was flipping through the pages, I noticed a page full of curls. As I look closer it looks to be a wig, but never the less it was geared towards us natural hair wearers. Soft Sheen Carson has a line for us naturals called Roots of Nature Remedies ( I realize that I may be super late on this) This has been on the selves for a while, but what's new to this is the ingredients in this new product offering. According to the ad, they have three stylers for natural hair that include: Mango Oil and Cupacu Butter Curl Reviving Spray, Butter Whip Coil Cream and Feather Whipped Curl Cream (don't know the difference of the two). Has anyone tried this product out yet? I doubt they will have it in the stores where I live so I will depend on you all to tell me how you like it. Spill the beans if you've dabbled!

Her Natural Her: Missy

2011-03-07T14:27:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

It's been a long while since I've done a feature so I wanted to bring you a special one that features one of my fellow TWA ladies. As I said before, I will be opening up a call for other TWA to showcase their look, but here is a start to that. Enjoy!

How old is your natural hair and what made you decide to go natural?

I will be two months natural on March 3rd. I decided to go natural when I was tired of waking up and curling my hair and having it never look the way I wanted it. Plus, I wanted to look like how I felt inside - rebellious and unique - and my hair wasn't matching.

Was your transitional journey long term or short term?

My transitional journey was short term. I woke up one morning (on a Monday when most hair salons are closed) and decided enough is enough, I want a fresh start and now! So I called the one salon that I knew was open on Mondays and had the stylist cut all my hair off. I had less and a month of new growth so my hair was super low.

What was your motivation/inspiration to stick with your natural curls?

My motivation was the image I had of myself in my head. I finally feel like me. THis is me and I wish I would've gone natural sooner.

How would you describe your hair type/texture/etc.?

I am one of the 4s. Some of my hair is really curly and tight and some areas aren't as curly, but I like the look of different textures in my hair. It's rebellious and I like that.

What are your "can't be natural without" products?

I have found my staple products and if these products are discontinued, I'll cry. I use Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Herbal, Shampoo, Renpure Organics My Pretty Hair is Par4ched, Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Carol's Daughters Mimosa Hair Honey, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

What are your 3 favorite natural styles?

Right now I can only only rock the TWA and I think I want to keep it like this, but my other favorite natural styles that I see on others are the two strand twist outs and kinky twists.

How would you describe your current hair regimen/routine?

I wash my hair everyday (with sulfate-free shampoo) and use all the products I mentioned above and that's about it. I don't use any combs or anything. I am in love with the wash and go.

What words of wisdom would you give to newbies and veterans of the "natural" world?

To the newbies my advice is don't be afraid of your hair. Don't think because its not "done" that its not neat. I am suprised at myself I had the confidence that I never knew I had. I am more confident now than before I went natural. At first, I thought about the lack of male attention I would get. But when I went to New York for an interview, I got so many compliments. Men called me beautiful. I knew I looked dope when I left the house :) but hearing the compliments made me smile.

To the veterans of the "natural" world my advice is not really advice, but more of a thank you for sticking with it. Some women have ran back to relaxers or some hider their natural hair under wigs, but when I see a natural veteran with a big 'ol fro or a veteran of the TWF (teeny weeny fro), I smile.

What other "natural" spaces can we find you?

I don't have my own natural hair blog, but I am always watching natural hair videos on YouTube and I am always reading natural hair blogs like yours.

I've Made a Decision!!!

2011-02-15T18:35:00.000-05:00

Hello Naturals!

It's been a while, but I wanted to come by and let you all know that yes, I am still breathing. It has been a rough month for me and I need to take some time to decompress. I can't count fast enough the days until I have a break in March.

I did want to come and let you all know that I am still truly enjoying my TWA . I have even cut more off. AAAAHHH. I like it so much that I've decided that I am going to keep it short for a while. I don't know how long yet (maybe 6 months, maybe through the summer, maybe until my next naturalversay...who knows?) What I do know is that I am loving every moment of my pixie chic look. I will do a special feature for my TWA and shaves head girls out there soon., so stay tuned. I'm thinking it will air the first week of March, but we shall see. Still want to experiment with some color. Tried Garnier HerbaShine semi permanent, but the color didn't show. I used Medium Gold/Mahogany Brown. You can see hints of it in the sunlight but that is about it LOL. Henna may be my best bet, but I will let you know when that happens. Oh and yes, my inspiration is STILL Chrisette Michele. See pic below of her for how short my hair is right now!

Photo source: Tumblr

Today We Celebreate Our History

2011-02-01T20:03:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of Black History Month. I celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who came before me. We must continue to remember their legacy and embark upon our own. Let's continue what we have celebrated for over 25 years now. Despite the controversy of its meaningfulness, I celebrate and honor!

Celebrate Black History Month in February. It was Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a former student and principal at Douglass High School in Huntington, who established Negro History Week in 1926 which later grew into Black History Month. The second black man to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, Woodson is universally acknowledged as the “Father of Black History.”

Credits

Was Down but Now I'm Back!!!

2011-01-29T17:25:00.000-05:00

Hello Naturals!

I'm been gone for a while, but I am back. I was severely sick last week and really needed to give my body a rest. I am feeling much better so more post should be coming soon!

I Want To Try COLOR!!!

2011-01-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Hey Naturlas!

So I've been wanting to try color for a while now, but have been too afraid to do it. Now that I have my TWA, is this the right time? I will go for a semi-permanent color just to try it out, but need to do a bit more investigating first. I've heard of great results with Garnier Herbashine, so I think I will start with that first. It is suppose to last for up to 28 shampoos. My color will be in the brownish/brownish red family because I don't want anything drastic. I figure if I don't like it, I can always cut it off right!!!?? What other good semi-permanents have you all heard of? Any advice as I make my final decisions on trying some color out? Chrisette Michele is again, my inspiration! Check out her pic below. I won't go that bold though! LOL

Get Your TWA Soft and Moisturized- I have it DOWN!!!

2011-01-18T21:31:00.006-05:00

Hello Ladies!

So for those who have been waiting on an update from me about MY TWA maintenance, here it is. I am still in LOVE with my TWA! I love dressing it up with makeup and accessories. It is becoming a serious addiction! The best thing about it though is that I have finally found a regimen that keeps my hair moisturized and SOFT! I am so excited :O). The problem however, is that I can't keep my HANDS OUT OF MY HEAD! I will deal with that if it means my curls stay soft and hydrated. Below you will find a list of products that I use to achieve my moisturized and soft TWA. I don't use much gel at all. If I use anything it is my newly purchased Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I have the Milk as well but haven't tried that out yet. I will do a trial run soon. Without further due, find the products that I use listed below. I will update you on the regimen in a later post.

Products:

Vo5 clarifying conditioner

Aussie Moist Conditioner

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Deep Conditioner

Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner
Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner

Shea Butter

Coconut Oil

Aloe Vera Juice

Grape Seed Oil

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (optional)

1-9-1-3 OO-OOP!!

2011-01-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hello Ladies,

I had to take a moment today to say Happy Founders Day to my LOVELY and DivaSTating Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 98 years ago, 22 women embarked upon a journey to leave a lasting impression in African American history. Today I celebrate my lovely Founders and Sorors across the globe. OOOOOOOOO-OOP!

1.11.11

2011-01-11T14:02:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit: bet.com

Hey Naturals,

Whose ready for the GAME season premiere today? This girl right here! I really didn't get into the show until after I sat home one weekend and watched an entire season and I got hooked. Some of my sorority sisters are hooked to the show so we all plan to watch it tonight. Who else will tune in? Hey you never know...maybe we will get a natural lady or two who will surprise us in a few episodes!

Headed to the Shop for Another Blow Out/Taper

2011-01-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hello Naturals,

Just wanted to come through and give yall an update on my TWA. I am LOVING it. I enjoy styling it and dressing it up with earrings and other accessories. I think I may just keep it this short for a little bit. I'm thinking maybe six months. Well its time to get is shaped up a bit more. Remember I told you all my hunny wants me to cut a bit more off and now that I have had some time styling it up a little bit, I think I will go for it. I won't cut a lot but maybe about another half inch off the top. The pics can fool you. My shrinkage is mean! LOL. The top/front of my hair is much longer than it looks. I'll make sure I come through to show you all the results before and after.

Featured on Curls, Coils & Kinks!!!

2011-01-06T11:08:00.001-05:00

Hello Belles,

Just wanted to come and let you all know that my BC story has been featured on Curls, Coils & Kinks aka LexiWithTheCurls. She has a great blog and I am so glad that she featured my story. Go check her out. The story can be found here!

http://curlscoilsandkinks.com/

Chrisette Michele Inspired New Years Eve Look

2011-01-03T10:00:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Naturals!

As promised, I wanted to come through and show you all my New Year Eve inspired look. I found the image on one of the natural hair sites on tumblr and immediately felt inspired. My hunny wants me to cut more off to get the total look, but what I am currently rocking works just fine. Check out the pics below and tell me what you think!

Guest Blogger: AllDayNatural - Repost

2011-01-02T14:17:00.001-05:00

Guest Blogger: AllDayNatural
http://www.alldaynatural.com/
“Nature never goes out of style.”

~Author Unknown

I was in awe. Running my hands through my grandmother’s thick, natural mane, I marveled in admiration at her beauty. What was her secret for such luxurious tresses that have maintained through the decades? “I keep it simple,” she said. “No chemicals or magic products. I just used what nature provided for my hair.”

Inspired by my grandmother, I researched and quickly learned what many naturals soon discover: the foods from nature that enrich the body can be just as nourishing for your hair. Yes, coconut oil is delightful in desserts, but massaging coconut oil into your kinks and curls is an even more enchanting experience.

The following kitchen ingredients are perfect for naturalistas on a budget, those of us who like to keep our routine simple, or pay homage to the “old school.” J

Apple Cider Vinegar: Great as a rinse for cleaning residue from the hair and scalp, especially for those use the “no-poo” routine. Also adds shine to the hair. Disclaimer: ACV does not have the most appetizing scent, I usually add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil to the mixture.

Avocado: Excellent moisturizer for dry hair. With its emollient properties, avocado is perfect for use as a conditioner...just be sure to rinse well! My favorite conditioner has a combination of avocado, honey and olive oil, which gives amazing softness to my hair.

Bananas: Similar to avocados, bananas are great for moisturizing dry tresses. Combined with olive oil, ripe bananas act as an exceptional conditioning hair mask. Those with thinner hair may prefer bananas to the avocados.

Baking Soda: When dissolved in a cup of warm water, baking soda can be used to clarify the hair and remove product buildup.

Coconut Milk/Oil: Women in the Caribbean have used coconut milk for generations to condition and impart sheen to their hair. They have applied coconut oil to style their mane. It works well for twisting natural hair…and the scent is heavenly!

Lemon: Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice is a good cleanser. It also helps to restore the hair’s natural pH balance.

Olive Oil: This is the perfect multipurpose oil. Depending on your hair type and preference, you can use olive oil as a hot oil treatment, conditioner, or everyday moisturizer to seal your ends.

Sesame Oil: This oil can be used like olive oil, but has a lighter texture. Good for scalp massage, which stimulates circulation and hair growth.

Feel free to experiment to see which one of these works best for you. Who knows? Maybe years from now, you can pass along your own natural beauty secrets to the next generation of kinks and curls.

Featured on Curly Nikki!

2011-01-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Ladies and Gents,

Just wanted to come by and let you know that my BC story has been featured on Curly Nikki as well. Go check it out. It s GREAT resource for all natural lovers!

Check out the feature here

My Natural Me Has a New Look

2011-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hi Natural Belles!

Just wanted to start the new year with a new cut and a new layout. I was tired of the old layout and wanted some a bit crisp and clean. Hope you like it!

Happy New Year Naturals!!!

2011-01-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2011. Thank you for supporting My Natural Me!

Late Night Natutral Hair Run - Bonus Finds!!!

2010-12-31T09:18:00.001-05:00

Hello Natural Lovlies,

I had a very random store run last night. I was on You Tube and other blogs looking up tips on moisture for the TWA. Now that I have to learn my hair and what it truly likes all over again, I thought I might as well get tips from some out there who have "been there, done that!". I wanted to pick up some basic things, nothing out of the ordinary. They included: aloe vera juice, coconut oil, and tea tree oil.

Now, before this run, I had never really been to this store called Wegmans for shopping purposes. I recently went to a place called Fresh Market, where they sold natural and organic hair care, but that is all that I went into the store for. Wegmans had the tendency to be rather expensive grocery wise. I do hear from a lot of people that their specialty food items are well worth it. Just not in my budget to consistently shop there .However, I now have a purpose for going to this store and for this purpose only. Natural hair care! They have everything that I need and even Giovanni products for $1 less that what it was on sale for at the Fresh market store. Of course I was a little upset about the $1, but oh don't you fret, never again. I'm just hoping that the price stays the same. In order to fight out any product junkie in me, I did not buy anymore Giovanni because I already have the Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Condish as well as the Direct Leave-In.

I will finish these two up to see if I like them before buying more. They also had very reasonable prices for their essential oils. The only one I picked up was the Tea Tree and it was $5.49 for a .5floz bottle.

All in all, I left the house at 11:30 in hopes to find it at the store right down the street and it was a fail! I returned back to my apartment at close to1:30am! Thank God for 24hr stores. The midnight run was a good reflection time for me!

By Popular Demand - 2nd BC Pics!!!

2010-12-29T19:20:00.001-05:00

Hey Ladies!

So by popular demand, I will show you a sneak peak of what the BC looks like. See below for details and I promise to show you the New Years look as well!

Time to Reveal - One Year Naturalversary Presents

2010-12-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

That's right ladies!!!! A second BIG CHOP!!! I am ecstatic and so humbled by the experience. It all came spontaneously after I watched a BC video on one of my Soror's FB page. I had thought about what another big chop would bring but I was too scared to actually do it. I had witnessed my hair grow quite a bit since last December, but not as near the potential that it could have!

So you ask, when did the contemplation occur? A day after Xmas. I was on FB and saw a video about 2010 Big Chops. It was an advertisement from a salon in NY that showed a number of ladies who started their year off to a fresh start. The funny thing is that I have always wanted to do the short short TWA big chop, but the first time around I was terrified! I had already experience a horrible natural experience with my self esteem before I decided to embrace if fully for the past year. This was going to be BIG if I ever got up the courage to do it.

I was sitting talking to my Soror as she explained the process of taking down her locs. I was suffering from hand in head syndrome (more so about how damaged some of my hair was from the constant pulling and mistreatment) and said "I think eventually I will have to cut my hair some more". She said "No, just let it grow". I mentioned to her that I had been contemplating for a while, but wanted to BC at my next big life's' transition - Ph.D or first child. Well neither has occurred as of yet. LOL. After watching the video, I said to myself, "I am going to do this!" I started browsing tumblr pages, did Google searches of TWA's and couldn't really find my match of what I wanted. I started to pull a couple pictures together for the style that I wanted when I finally came across the golden one (see photo below).

I wanted to do it so bad, but refused to have myself looking a mess so my next decision was salon or barber. I knew that I didn't want a fade or anything like that and I didn't want my hair to have a masculine shape to it. I thought about it long and hard. I contemplated going to the only natural hair salon in town, but didn't feel like the hassle. I also thought about a nice high scale boutique/salon by the job, but couldn't fathom spending $60 for them to cut my hair! I didn't want to go to any ole' body and around my town, there are not a lot of options for those who are experienced with black hair not to mention NATURAL black hair. So what did I do? I called a local chain of Holiday Hair crossing my fingers that SOMEONE in there may have in their lifetime had some experience with black hair. All I needed was a cut so there was a very small chance they could "beep" that up right? I heard a lady on the other end say "Holiday Hair, Yolanda speaking". I bolted down in my seat and asked that bold question. "Do you have stylists there who have experience with African American (had to be political just in case lol) natural hair? She responded by saying "Yes we do". I immediately felt a sense of relief, but I didn't get to comfortable. I told her my dilemma and that I would like to stop in so she could see my hair and the picture that I had.

After hours of continued struggle, I got on the bus and traveled just two short minutes up the road to a local mall by my house. I walked in looked for the Holiday Hair and approached the salons counter. "May I speak with Yolanda please?" "Ah, yes she said, I remember speaking to you over the phone." I showed her the picture and she said "No problem, we can do that for you."

As I sat in the chair I was terribly NERVOUS. I watched as she added leave- in conditioner to my hair so that she could comb through it easily. Little by little my hair fell to the ground. I could see the entire thing in the mirror. As she cut more and more off, I could see the shape of my TWA forming. I told her after she was done and before she washed it, "You can take a lot more off!". She giggled and said that she would after she washed it and I could see the length from the shrinkage.

I saw the results after the shrinkage and I was amazed. My hair was gone and I LOVED it! I thought to myself, how in the world am I gonna style this mess now LOL. I didn't fret to long because I could feel the weight lifted form my shoulders from years of baggage that had left me in the form of my hair being cut off. Now those who know me, know that I love my hair and always have. This new short doo would be something drastically different. Yes, I have worn my hair Fantasia short before but that was with a relaxer. This on the other hand will reveal my true natural curls.

All in all I did this for a couple reasons:
1) To set myself free of the years of baggage that has been with me. Its spiritual for me. I can only accept what God has given me and my true natural hair can embody that for me totally. It is about me being vulnerable, yet strong and I look forward to this journey

2) To start all over with my natural hair journey. I started my natural journey a year ago after a two year transition (which I did not care for my hair much at all) to a self BC, a trim in July of 2010 and now another BC. This process will allow me to start to know my hair for what it really is. What I was doing before was doing what I knew to make my hair look good. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the journey because it taught me so much, but now it's time to do it ALL the WAY!

3) To have the experience of loving my hair to hating my hair to loving it all over again. I started this blog to mark my natural hair journey. I will continue to do that and now that I am starting all over, I will have even more to share.

4) Continue to support naturals who are at the same level or beyond. I know that needed someone to turn to when I first started because I was (and still am for the most part - lol), clueless. I am here for you and I hope that you will share your love right back

So there you have it natural lovelies. That was the big revealing. See the pictures below of the process. I will reveal the complete look on New Years Eve!

Its official, December 29, 2010, My Natural Me celebrated her 1 year naturalversary with a second BC!

The look I was going for!

(taken from tumblr: FuckYeahNaturalHair)

Before she started

Bottom right half gone. No turning back now!

Working her way up to the back top half

Before the shampoo and more to cut off!

My hair is GONE!

More hair!