My Natural Me

Hair Updates and Color Reveal

2012-06-14T13:58:00.003-04:00

Hello Lovely Readers,

Just wanted to come by really quickly and give you an update on my hair since its been a while. I started a new job and it's very exciting but very busy. I feel like this is a constant with my lackadaisical posting, but I've come to realize that its just a reality. I truly appreciate all my followers and in an effort to keep things recent, I have decided to structure my postings here for 1-2 a week. This will allow me to dedicate the time necessary to keep you all up to date and its also not too overwhelming for me. I will be going on a photoshoot with Bridal Tribe this weekend, so a special treat is definitely in store! Until then, check out some recent pics of my hair and enjoy!

Makeup done by me! I like to play :)

New color and new dress!!! <3

Finger Coiling Hello There!

2012-04-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hello Beautiful People,

This post will be short, but I wanted to come through and show you my very first attempt at doing a finger coil out. I took my box braids out and was surprised by the length. I had two choices, get flustered over the length and the fact that I could no longer do my hand palm coils, or I could be daring and try something new. Well I decided on the later. Below you will find, in order, my finger coils from day 1-5. That is about he max I was able to get from it so I was surprised it lasted that long.. I used Miss Jessi's Baby Buttercreme to do the coils. What do you think?

Box Braids GONE!!! & curlBox Feb Update

2012-04-04T17:18:00.001-04:00

Hello Lovelies,

Just wanted to come and show you all my hair now that I took my box braids down. I've experienced tremendous growth and I could not have been happier. As promised, I've also included my Feb curlBOX and its contents - a little behind I know, but I didn't want to do a video on it until I was actually able to use the products. I don't have it in the video, but I actually decided not to use the Hair Rules Curling Cream. I did use the Quench Conditioner and its felt FABULOUS!! Stay tuned for results on my hair. I did finger coils and they came out great! Comment if you've used products from February's curlBOX. March coming up when I receive my April subscription.

curlBOX & The Mind Behind it All!

2012-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Curlies,

I am sure many of you have heard of the WONDERFUL hair product subscription program called curlBOX. Well I am a subscriber myself and I can tell you that I am not going to cancel anytime soon. I met the founder of on instagrm when raving about this month's box. I asked if should would mind during a quick interview for my followers to tell them more about herself and the curlBO program. Well folks, she agreed and here it is! Stay tuned for a video review and haul of the products I have received for February and March. Are you a current subscriber? What are your thoughts on the product you have received?

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your inspiration for curlBOX

I'm a product junkie across the board but mostly hair and skincare is where I'm obsessed. Last year with the surge of all of the sampling programs it hit me instantly … Curly girls need this service more than anyone. Not only did we need this service but I wanted something fabulous. Curly or "natural" hair doesn't necessarily mean that everything should be served in a paper bag. Our curls are glamourous and fly and I wanted to be sure that everything about curlBOX represented the all-around "fly" girl.

2. How long have you been natural and what is your current hair regimen?

I've been without a relaxer for a little over 10 years. I don't have a set regimen really. I have a shower full of products and I typically go with a mix of my mood and how my hair is feeling. Sometimes I want something that just smells yummy so I'll use some of my good smelling shampoos and conditioners. I recently picked up doing the "pre-pooing" with the Huetiful Hair Steamer from the Kinky Coily Me! blog. I LOVE doing that. Other than that I use a mix of styling products … My tried and true product though is Elasta QP's Mango Hair Butter … I have had the most STABLE relationship with this product … No matter what, it works.

3. What is your "go to style" and what products do you use to get your results

Lately my style has been a flat-twist/bantu knot out. I always use a good leave-in … Either Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia leave-in or Brown Butter Beauty Leave-in … I recently used a leave-in by Shea Radiance that I loved. Do you see what I'm saying? I LOVE products! Ha! For the styling I use Elasta QP's Mango Butter with a little bit of coconut oil mixed with. To refresh it daily I use Shea Radiance Hair Milk and a dab of one of the following: Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie, one of the Afroveda puddings OR Qhemet Bilogics (I think it's the Heavy Amla cream).

4. What is is that you want natural hair wearers to know about curlBOX

I want our VIP subscribers to know that we spend a lot of time making sure we have everything just right for them. We call up the brands that they want to try and tell them how fabulous they are and that they are the ultimate trendsetters and tastemakers. We work really hard to provide quality products and fabulous packaging. Everyone on the curlBOX team is committed to ensuring they have the best experience every month.

5. What words of wisdom can you give natural hair wearers, both vets and beginners?

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your hair! So many of us get so caught up in the routine and regimen that we miss out on how much fun our hair can be. Try a blow out and twist for some length or try a "wash & go" if you never have. Whatever you do, have fun!

6. How can we get in touch with you?

You can find me on twitter: @myleik or on Instagram: myleik :)

Braid Styling

2012-03-18T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hello Natural Lovelies,

I am currently sitting in the airport waiting on my connecting flight so I decided to come and show you how I have been wearing my braids. They are VERY long and I have a LOT of them in my head, which makes styling a little difficult. I am sure that I could do more, but they are heavy when I have them sitting on top of my head. I wanted to try the infamous BUN, but uh ruh...not happening! My neck feels like it will snap any minute LOL. Any who. I've opted for the half up half down signature style with my braids and they do just fine. I won't be having them in much longer because to be honest, I miss my TWA. I plan to get some color done in a few weeks. I will be back with those details later. Enough with the rambling. Here are a few pics of how I have been wearing my braids. Enjoy! Have you had these braids recently? If so, what were your styling options and have you experienced the "weight" that I am referring to? Please do share :)

Front Bang and Side Twist (more of a side view)

More a front view

Messy bun (truly messy!) side view

Messy crossover bun front/top view

Nail Polish Galore: Revlon Colorstay

2012-03-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

Hey Lovlies,

CVS had a HUGE sale last week on all Revlon polishes (4.79 plus $3 CVS cash back for EACH one). I went CRAZY on them and got about 8 polishes. I will come back with a haul of all of them, but I wanted to show you the color I used over the weekend. It is a smokey grayish color that changes hues depending on what colors are in your wardrobe. I am an OPI lover, but decided to try these out. The color below Smoky Night is a dupe for OPI You Don't Know Jacque and I must admit I was impressed! If you've checked it out, let me know what you think. What are your favorite polishes? Please do share :)

Braids Finally Done: Results

2012-03-11T21:50:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

As promised here are a coupe of pics for you all to see the final results of my almost waist length braids" It took me a total of two weekends because I was lazy and in pain lol. Hope you like them. Styles to come...

Finally an Update...GEESH!

2012-03-04T22:32:00.002-05:00

Hey Lovelies!

I am coming to you to share an update of how I am wearing my hair along with a few other things up and coming with My Natural Me. I know its been a while, but I promise to do better and I need you all to hold me accountable. I appreciate every one of my subscribers and I hope you all will forgive me for the delay. Enjoy the video and rant that it entails LOL. Big shout out to my source of "kick in the butt" Bridal Tribe :)

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/