CurlyNuGrowth | it begins hair.

Model Your Natural Hair With My Tropical Roots!

2012-02-27T23:41:00.001-05:00

My Tropical Roots has launched a new natural hair care line and is looking for 20 models to help promote their products! If you have natural hair, locs, or braids and are 10+ years old, you can submit your entry [HERE] for a chance to win $1,000 and numerous other great opportunities!

I will be reviewing these products soon, but in the mean time, head over to MyTropicalRoots.com and submit your picture or video!

DEADLINE: MARCH 9th 2012

Beauty In Color: BeautyShort Ft. Caleb

2012-02-22T07:24:00.001-05:00

Beauty Shorts: Caleb from AlexandraElle on Vimeo.

Alex, of The Good Hair Blog, has launched an amazing campaign in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area entitled "Beauty In Color". She is focusing on the young women in our community and helping them to see their inner beauty.

The first event for "Beauty In Color" will be in March and in the weeks leading up to the event, she is sharing "BeautyShorts" that feature men & women expressing their point of view on a women's beauty. Check out the first BeatuyShort [HERE] and check out her blog [HERE] for more details.

How To Get Straight Hair Without Heat!

2012-02-17T07:43:00.000-05:00

Total Style Time: 2 Hours

Products Used: Big Rollers, Water, Double Clip Pins

I took my Sisterlocks from curly to straight using mainly water and big rollers. The versatility of Sisterlocks is so amazing and the fact that they're designed to hold curls makes achieving a slightly bent straight hair super look easy.

I used the really big rollers that require the double clip pins to secure. The magnetic rollers that snap-on will work too, but if your hair is about the same length as mine the set will be curly versus straight.

I sectioned my hair like a Mohawk first and then set the middle row. I used the water bottle to spray my hair with water as I did each section or optionally, you can use setting lotion.

Then, I set the sides in equal sections; using as few rollers as possible.

As you can see in the front, I clipped a lot of the sections on the bottom and top to ensure my hair stayed close to the rollers. this is especially important if you're going to air dry.

I sat under the dryer for an hour and when I took out the rollers I have slightly bent curls.

Voila! Getting a straight hair look with just water and big rollers! Check out the video tutorial [HERE] for more details....

Introducing...Goddess Gemz Sisterlock Journey

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

There are Naturalistas all over the world; Goddess Gemz is sharing her Hair Story from the United Kingdom!

How long have you been natural/ transitioning?
2 years

What or who inspired you to go natural?
My mum encouraged me and my aunts inspired me!

What products and/or methods are you currently using to maintain your hair?
I use coconut oil and distiller water to keep my hair moisturized.

What products have you tried and highly recommend?
Head & Shoulders menthol shampoo helped with my dry scalp.

What products (if any) have you tried and do not recommend?
Shea butter. It cakes up on my scalp and in my Sisterlocks.

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey?
I should have installed Sisterlocks when my Aunt's did. But since beginning my journey, it's teaching me patience.

What reference(s) do you frequent for information about products, advice, and/or tutorials about natural hair?
Curly locks blogs and various Sisterlocks related blogs & vlogs.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I love my natural hair do. It is THE best hairstyle I have ever had!!!

Stay Connected With Goddess Gemz
Twitter: @GoddessGemz

Sisterlocks Installation

If you're interested in being featured on the CurlyNuGrowth blog, submit your Hair Story [HERE].

Introducing... Summyji's Sisterlocks Journey!

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Summyji is new to the natural hair community and has recently begun her journey with Sisterlocks! Welcome her to the family and share and tips you have for a product cautious newly natural diva!

How long have you been natural/ transitioning?
Natural for 8months

What or who inspired you to go natural?
Watching video blogs and reading information on what's better for me as a black women with a coiled hair texture. Also, I was just tired of wasted money on a hair-do that may last a week, if the weather is right.

What products and/or methods are you currently using to maintain your hair?
The starter shampoo for new Sisterlocks and plain water, if needed, for styling. I let my hair air dry because less heat, less damage.

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey?
I am still new and learning, so I'm just very cautious about what I do to my hair.

What reference(s) do you frequent for information about products, advice, and/or tutorials about natural hair?
Of course CurlyNuGrowth.com, All things O'Natural (facebook), and Sisterlocks.com.

Stay Connected With Summyji

Twitter: @futurecrna2014

Blog: Allnaturaldiva.blogspot.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/allnaturaldiva

YouTube: Sgroom21

If you're interested in being featured on the CurlyNuGrowth blog, submit your Hair Story [HERE].

Ouch! Too Much Styling With My Sisterlocks

2012-02-08T02:07:00.000-05:00

I have been styling my hair daily as part of the 29 Styles Challenge [HERE] and after 7 days, its really taking a toll on my hair. As much as I've been enjoying coming up with different styles these past few days, I feel like my hair hates me for it!

Right now, my scalp is really tender and pretty much for the past few days, in the middle of the day, the bobby pins or loc tie that I used to create my hairstyle start to cause me major pain; to the points its almost unbearable and I have to take down the style. In addition to the tender scalp, I am experiencing a lot of slippage and hairs creeping out of my Sisterlocks. Check out my Sisterlocks Vlog update [HERE] or below to see exactly what I'm talking about...

First Retightening of the Year!

2012-02-06T08:21:00.003-05:00

Retightening Time: 4 Hours

Sisterlocks Age: 15 Months

Time Between Retightening: 6 Weeks

The first retightening to start the New Year went really well! I definitely had a lot of nu growth going into my appointment; its something about winter time and my hair grows really fast. But my Sisterlock Consultant got it all done and still within our normal 4 hour period; she's really does her thing! Despite my Sisterlocks being kind of tight after my Retightening, I managed to come up with a few styles.

First style, I created with the Puff Bang x Basketweave Updo and you can check out more views of that style in the Hair Diary post [HERE].

Then, a few days later I created something similar to the Puff Bang x Basketweave Updo, except the Puff Bang kind of went to one side, but I liked it!

And continuing with the styling, I am participating in the 29 Styles Challenge [HERE] being hosted by the Naturalicious Blog, so I am doing different styles daily! You join check out my styles, as I post them on the CurlyNuGrowth Facebook Wall [HERE] or on Twitter via the #29StylesChallenge hashtag.

Hopefully, with all this styling and manipulation I don't have too much slippage, but I know it probably will be because I am already noticing some. You can check out the full update on my first retightening of the year on my YouTube Channel [HERE] or below....

[Recap] NuGrowth Meetup @ OyinHandmade & XS

2012-02-05T07:12:00.002-05:00

The meetup today was amazing, to say the least! The diversity of women that came out to the event was truly wonderful. There were women transitioning to natural hair, women with Sisterlocks, loose natural hair, and even someone that just did the big chop a week ago! In addition to the stunning women in attendance, the venues were really nice!

First we met up at the OyinHandmade shop in Baltimore, MD and mingled, did some shopping, and learned about all of the great products that Oyinhandmade has to offer.

Danielle & Victoria - Danielle BC'd last week!

Lela & all the products she discovered

Sharing styling tips!

Everyone's hair was looking really fabulous and I definitely got a lot of HAIRspiration!

Amma's Braided Updo- I loved it!

Kenya's Twist Out - She gave a tutorial to achieve to frizz

Beautiful Sisterlock Rocker!

Biggest 'fro at the meetup!

After we left OyinHandmade, we walked down the street to the XS Restaurant for lunch. I booked the entire top floor for the meetup, so we had lots of fun sharing tips, chatting about our natural hair journeys and just getting to know each other.

I had a great time and I can't wait until the next meetup! If you're in the DC, Maryland, or VA area definitely join the NuGrowth Meetup group [HERE] so that you don't miss the next one!

First Friday at OyinHandmade

2012-02-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Today is First Friday at OyinHandmade, which means the shop is open from 5PM - 8PM for mingling and shopping! I stopped by after work to check out the new product designs and meet some new people!

As soon as I walked into the shop, I noticed all the amazing products on display, entertainment on the television by ExitTheApple, and very positive art on the walls!

Message on the Magic Wall

OyinHandmade recently changed their packaging and its a lot more colorful and vibrant. I love how they include quirky messages into their brand; its makes it fun & fresh!

New Hair Dew package

And to my surprise, they're even still selling the highly in-demand Sugar Berry Pomade!

Sugar Berry Pomade!

Their displays are very well organized and it makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for!

Whipped Shea Butter - One of my favs!

Whipped Pudding!

I love the new packaging for my all-time favorite refreshers!

Juices & Berries, Frank Juice & Greg Juice!

Not only were you surrounded by great products, there were a lot of great people too!

Amazing 'fro!

I met up with Alex and Keeta at the shop and they were looking amazing, as usual!

Keeta just got her hair done in City Twist by The Damn Salon and they looked GREAT!

Of course, there was a lot of mingling going on and the bodacious 'fros were in full effect!

If you've never been to OyinHandmade in Baltimore, you should make a trip sometime! It's a really artsy and welcoming place!

Of course while I was there, I brought a few things and if you're interested and checking them out take a look at the "First Friday OyinGoodies" post [HERE].

First Friday OyinGoodies

2012-02-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

While I was at the OyinHandmade First Friday event last night [HERE], I was able to pick up a few Oyin Goodies for my Sisterlocks and TB's Traditional Locs!

I knew that I was going to at least be getting some more Frank Juice when I went to the shop because I loved this stuff in my loose natural hair!

Frank Juice in a herbal leave-in / refresher that you spray in your hair daily for added moisture & fragrance.

The Herbal Leave-In also comes in scents like Juices & Berries and Greg Juice. I have tried all three and Frank Juice is definitely my favorite!

I haven't been using any products in my Sisterlocks, so I plan to use the Frank Juice sparingly in my hair, more so for fragrance, but I will definitely use it in TB's Traditional Locs for some more moisture.

I also grabbed a few bottles of OyinHandmade's latest creation, Go Tea. It is a gentle mist created with Tea Tree oil, Jojoba Oil, and Olive Oil that will hydrate and cleanse the scalp. This product is also recommended for men and can be used on facial hair as well.

I hope to be able to use this product in my Sisterlocks for a little moisture and use my Anti-Itch spray to control the itching; it'll keep you posted! This will definitely be used in TB's Traditional Locs to help alleviate some of the daily itching due to the cold weather.

I also grabbed this cute OyinHandmade tote to carry all of my new Oyin goodies in!

Have you tried any OyinHandmade products?

NuGrowth Book Club: The Science of Black Hair

2012-02-03T14:37:00.001-05:00

One of my personal goals for 2012 is to read more books because we have to educate ourselves; knowledge is key! If you recall, I posted a while back [HERE] about a few books that I am interested in reading, and figured its time to start! With that being said, the first book that I am going to dive into is The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.

I've heard nothing but really great reviews about this book and the information that it provides about African-American hair and hair care. I feel like everyone, whether you have a relaxer, are transitioning, or have natural hair / locs, would benefit from the information in this book.

If you're interested in reading The Science of Black Hair with me, I plan to start reading next Friday, February 10th, and hopefully finish within about two weeks. I'd love to have a few discussions about the book while I'm reading through it, so be sure to subscribe to the blog and/or join the CurlyNuGrowth Facebook page [HERE]. If you've already read through the book, definitely feel free to join in on the discussions as well!

The Science of Black Hair is available on various e-Readers such as the Nook [HERE] and the Kindle [HERE].

Introducing... Victoria's Loose Natural Hair Journey!

2012-02-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Victoria is the Naturalista behind ClassyCurlies.com! She shares her adornment with natural hair and some of her favorite all natural products!

How long have you been natural/ transitioning?
Transitioned for 14 months and Natural for 6 months

What or who inspired you to go natural?
I saw how fast my hair was growing without a relaxer and I loved it! The more research I did, the more I fell in love with the look of natural hair. The rest is history.

What products are you currently using in your hair?
I use Tea Tree Oil because it helps with dry and itchy scalp. I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to do twists simply because I LOVE the ingredients- it’s all natural! I also use Aussie Moist or Hello Hydration for conditioning and Organix Moroccan Oil shampoo from time to time.

What products have you tried and highly recommend?
I LOVE the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It smells so good and it is filled with really great ingredients. It keeps hair really moisturized.

What products (if any) have you tried and do not recommend?
I do not like the Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Mist. I really don’t like the smell but to me it seems TERRIBLY greasy.

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey?
I didn’t know that there was an entire community of women with natural hair. I knew of Curly Nikki but that’s all. Finding other females going through the same thing is inspiring.

What reference(s) do you frequent for information about products, advice, and/or tutorials about natural hair?
CurlyNikki.com, iknowlee(YT), Queenofthe4s.blogspot.com, LoveDestinee.blogspot.com. I also usually try to look at videos that fit my hair type and length.

What advice would you give to someone considering going natural?
Going natural is not only a physical change, it is also a mental one. People will try to tear you apart because you look so different than what is "accepted" and it is all about gaining that inner confidence and being yourself. It’s great to stand out :)

Anything else you'd like to share?
Anyone who is interested in going natural please do research first. It could make your journey that much more wonderful. Also visit my site at ClassyCurlies.com.

Stay Connected With Victoria

Twitter: @ThatGirlvkey

Blog: ClassyCurlies.com

If you're interested in being featured on the CurlyNuGrowth blog, submit your Hair Story [HERE].

Hair Steamer Treatment on LocsMyths' Traditional Locs

2012-02-02T03:01:00.003-05:00

Time to Palm Roll: 1 Hour

Time Since Last Palm Roll: 2 Weeks

Products Used to Palm Roll: Taliah Waajid's "Loc It Up" Gel

Since the last Interlocking Session [HERE] his Locs were drier than normal and also a little lackluster, so we decided to give the Huetiful Hair Steamer a try. The Huetiful Hair Steamer is meant to restore moisture to your hair through steam from boiled water [product review HERE]. Typically you're suppose to use the Hair Steamer after you've shampoo'd and applied conditioner, but I wanted to do a Hot Oil Treatment as well, so we used the Hair Steamer before shampooing.

First, I saturated his Locs with warm Coconut Oil. I chose Coconut Oil because his scalp has been itchy and somewhat dry and Coconut Oil its a GREAT moisturizer.

Because his Locs are so long and the Huetiful Hair Steamer hood isn't that big, I tied his Locs up to try and fit them all under the Hair Steamer.

The Hair Steaming process took about 15 minutes to complete. Upon coming from under the Hair Steamer, his Locs weren't as moisturized as we'd hoped. I believe this was a combination of not having wet hair and/or not applying conditioner. We're going to retry again in two week, and hopefully get better results!

After the pre-poo treatment, I shampoo'd his Locs with the Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree shampoo as I normally do.

The Interlocking from the last session [HERE] held up really nicely and even after exercising all week, a Hair Steamer treatment, and multiple shampoos there was minimal frizz!

As per our regimen, I greased his scalp with the soothing Adiva Naturals Skin & Scalp Rebuilder and then Palm-Rolled his Locs with the Taliah Waajid "Lock It Up" Gel.

Have you tried the Huetiful Hair Steamer on your Locs yet?

MTV's True Life "Natural Hair" Casting Call

2012-02-01T06:26:00.001-05:00

I just found out about MTV's True Life "I'm Going Natural" casting call and I immediately sent in an entry! I think it would be really great to not only feature African-American women chopping off their relaxed hair, but also share a journey with Sisterlocks!

Sisterlocks are a great way for African-American women to go natural and still have the versatility of loose natural or relaxed hair AND they're low maintenance. Check out my YouTube channel [HERE], CurlyNuGrowth; don't you think I'd be good on camera?

If you can support me, send a quick email to casting@lintonmedia.com with subject "CurlyNuGrowth" and say you'd like to see me and my Sisterlock journey!

THANK YOU!!

Join the Natural Hair 29 Style Challenge!

2012-01-31T14:11:00.001-05:00

Terez of Naturalicioushair.com is hosting a Hair Styling Challenge during the month of February! During the 29 days of February, you'll create 29 different hairstyles and spend no more than $29 in the process.

The goal of this challenge is to get you to be more creative with your natural hair as well as share some haispiration! For more information about the 29 Style Challenge, visit the NaturaliciousHair Blog [HERE] or check out Terez's video below.

I'd be great if you joined Terez and I on this challenge and share your styles on the CurlyNuGrowth Facebook page [HERE]!

[Event] Let's Meetup at OyinHandmade & Grab Lunch!

2012-01-31T11:34:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows that OyinHandmade is by far one of my favorite Natural Hair product lines! Right now, my stash of Oyin goodies is pretty low, so why not grab some more products and meetup with some of you Naturalistas?! We'll meet at the OyinHandmade shop, do some shopping and then head out to lunch!

When: Saturday, February 4th @ 1 PM

Where: OyinHandmade

2103 North Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21218

Lunch venue we right down the street be at X's
1307 North Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21218

xsbaltimore.com

If you're interested in attending the lunch after shopping, RSVP on the meetup page [HERE]. If you just wanted to meetup at OyinHandmade, there is no need to RSVP because anyone can come.

Hope to see you there! :o)

Introducing...Monaé's Loc Journey

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Not only does Monaé have gorgeous Locs, but she is a beautiful person and an extremely talented Celebrity Hairstylist! After she stopped fighting the urge to go natural, she discovered her curls and hasn't looked back since!

How long have you been natural/ transitioning?
Natural for 5 years. Loc'd for 3 years.

What or who inspired you to go natural?
I've ALWAYS thought locs where so beautiful. I wanted to loc my hair for years but I was scared to cut my hair. I was one of these girls where my hair was everything! It was long, down my back, I didn't want to cut it, and I had a relaxer since grade school. I didn't know what my natural curl pattern looked like. When I became pregnant I cut my relaxer out. Simply because it was easier to shampoo, put product in, and go for a pregnant lady, LOL. I didn't feel like doing anything to my hair. I wore my hair natural, getting blow outs, for about a year. I loved the versatility from my curly fro to straightening with a flat iron, but locs were still in thoughts. Then on Feb. 22, 2008 I loc'd my hair and have been in love with them ever since!

What products and/or methods are you currently using to maintain your hair?
I don't maintenance my hair that often now, I go natty. But when I do I use Barry Fletcher's Loc Serum. I always keep my hair moisturized with Natural Oasis oil and Design Essential's Shampoo and Conditioner. Deep conditioning from time to time since I have color.

What products have you tried and highly recommend?
I love Natural Oasis Oil and the Hot Oil treatments. It's light enough for locs, but still gets the moisturizing job done.

What products (if any) have you tried and do not recommend?
For locs, I wouldn't recommend anything heavy. Grease, waxes, heavy oils. It leaves a residue in your locs and creates build up.

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey?
How my curl pattern was. I would have been cut my hair and loc'd my hair way before I did.

What reference(s) do you frequent for information about products, advice, and/or tutorials about natural hair?
I'm a hairstylist so I do a lot of classes to keep me updated on products, and different techniques.

Here are a few pictures of her work:

Stay Connected With Monaé
Twitter: @Creationz_Monae

If you're interested in being featured on the CurlyNuGrowth blog, submit your Hair Story [HERE].

DIY or Deal With Trust Issues?

2012-01-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

After we go natural, many women chose to take the Do It Yourself (DIY) route and leave trips to the salon for only "complex" services. However, when there is news of Salon's putting relaxers in conditioners without the Client's consent, it makes you think twice...

Question 1: "When you're feeling blah about your hair, how do you spice it up? "

Question 2: "Do you go to the Salon to get your natural hair done? If so, for what services? If not, how come? "

Question 3: "Do you have trust issues when it comes to your natural hair?"

Share your thoughts below or join the chat on Twitter using the #NuGrowthChat tag!

Should I Start My Locs With Two-Strand Twists?

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

A Twitter follower asked me:

"I want to start my Loc journey. I did my hair in two-strand twists about two weeks ago, could I start them from there? How long does it takes to loc? Its itching and starting to frizz, should I take the two-strand twists out and do finger coils?"

First thing that I am going to say is yes, you can start Traditional Locs from Two-Strand Twists. However, please be aware that as they begin to mature and start to loc the twists will swell up and get a lot thicker. More often than not, people don't take that factor into consideration and end up unhappy with their locs after a few months because they've become to large.

How long does it take to loc? This question is going to vary from person to person depending on your hair texture and hair care regimen. A more tightly coiled (kinky) hair texture will loc really quickly, where as a soft, loosely coiled (curly) hair texture can take months to years to loc. I am currently 15 months into my Sisterlock Journey and their are areas that are just as loose as before I had my Sisterlocks installed. A loc journey really teaches you patience.

Also, with locs comes frizz. Having frizzy locs and/or roots is not really something that you can control, especially if your hair is soft. Using Aloe Vera Gel is an all natural way to help manage it, but by no means will it alleviate frizzness completely. To help control some of the itching, you can try Witch Hazel and a few drops of your favorite oil. My oil of choice is Rosemary Oil, and I use it in my Anti-Itch Spritz [HERE].

I would not recommend starting Locs with finger/comb coils because coils will have a hollow center and will take a lot longer to loc and are more prone to unraveling and/or odd shaped locs. My suggestion is to determine what size you want your Locs to be and have them started about half that size with two-strand twists to allow them space to swell and mat.

Also, check out Michelle's Hair Feature [HERE] she just began her loc journey a few months ago with two-strand twists and she has been pretty frequent with updates on their progress via her YouTube channel [HERE].

Can Traditional Locs Turn Into Sisterlocks?

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

A Twitter follower asked me:

“In a few years, I want to grow Sisterlocks, but I am not sure if it would require me to cut my hair (Traditional Locs) or not?”

[image credit]

I thought this was a really great question and even I had to double check with my Sisterlock Consultant to be sure I gave her the most accurate information.

After speaking with my Sisterlock Consultant, she informed me that to in order to start Sisterlocks, she would indeed have to cut off her Traditional Locs. The reason she would have to cut them is because Sisterlocks are a patented hair loc’ing system with specific characteristics that define them as such. One of the main characteristics that would prevent turning Traditional Locs into Sisterlocks is that the base of a Sisterlock can be no more than 1inch by 1inch in area. More often than not, the base of a Traditional Loc is larger than 1inch by 1 inch.

Another key characteristic of Sisterlocks is the parting. The parts of Sisterlocks are designed in a way such that it will allow you styling versatility as if you had loose natural hair. Having already had Traditional Locs that are not parted following this method will not afford you all the versatility and your locs wouldn’t be classified as “Sisterlocks”.

The good news, however, is that you don’t have to cut your Traditional Locs completely off to the point of being bald. To start Sisterlocks, you need at least 2 inches of hair, which means you can cut your Traditional Locs to a point where you can comb them out and start from there!

Introducing...Deidra's Sisterlock NuGrowth Story!

2012-01-27T15:32:00.002-05:00

I found Deidra from the Loc's N Dreads group on Facebook [HERE] when she posted a picture of her GORGEOUS Sisterlocks! I reached out to her and was really excited when she agreed to share her Hair Journey! She has had extremely large burns from relaxers in the past and now has a head of full healthy natural hair; which is a true testimony of how going natural can change your life!

Deidra's Sisterlocks at Year 3

How long have you been natural/ transitioning?

3 Years

What products and/or methods are you currently using to maintain your hair?
I wash my hair once a week and condition under a hair dyer for 45mins every 2 weeks. Everyday I try and add oil to my hair or mist it down with a leave in conditioner. My scalp can get dry and very flaky so the products below take care of my scalp and add moisture to my locs and make them smell amazing.

Taliah Waajid's Protective Mist Bodifier, Total Black Earth Shampoo, Enhancing Herbal Conditioner, Stimulating Herbal Cleanser, Curly Curl Cream, and African Healing Oyl

Other products include Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner, Hask Placenta's Henna n Placenta, Omega Nutrition's Apple Cider Vinegar, and Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla leave in conditioner.

What products have you tried and highly recommend?

Jamaican Mango and Lime Island Oil
Any Selsun Blue Shampoo
Taliah Waajid Stimulating Herbal Cleanser
Taliah Waajid Total Black Earth Shampoo
Taliah Waajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner
Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

What products (if any) have you tried and do not recommend?
Personally, the following products made my dry scalp worse:

Suave Naturals
Sisterlocks Getting Started Shampoo

What is one thing that you know now, that you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey?
I wish I knew there would be a learning curve to figure out how to take care of natural hair. Weave had made me lazy; so besides styling I didn’t do anything for my hair. My hair dresser called me out on it and every since then I have been diligent!

What reference(s) do you frequent for information about products, advice, and/or tutorials about natural hair?
I visit the websites Sisterlocks.com/ and VideoLocktician.com/
And YouTube Pages:

Deidra's Sisterlocks at Year 2

What or who inspired you to go natural?
My original decision to give up perm stemmed from the fact I use to get huge burns in my scalp. I have eczema and in high school the rash covered 90% of my body. So even if I didn’t itch weeks before my relaxer touch-up, I would still get burns. And if I itched Lord save me; it felt like someone put my brain in a frying pan! The pain was terrible but my desire for straight luscious locks of hair was greater. My hair dresser use to spray hair spray or whatever she had to calm the burn. I would stare at the TV in the salon and go into a zone to block the pain. It was me against the perm! Until one day a HUGE scab came off at the bus stop and slapped me into reality. In my stubbornness I was destroying my scalp. It took me a year to grow out my hair but with the straw set style it was easy! My scalp thrived and the scabs were a thing of the past!

In 2000/2001, I entered University and my friend convinced me to try out for the Sports weekend fashion show and made it! The director informed me that my hair was so thick and curly that a press wouldn’t last the night of the show and sent me to a friend of hers for a “enclosure weave”. I had no idea what a “full weave” was, but I had worn a track here and there but never had my entire head covered! Once I did it I was hooked! The hair dresser charged a great rate and weave in Detroit was cheap so I was able to maintain my hair on a student budget! So for the next eight plus years I wore my hair in a long black weave with a side bang. I NEVER showed my natural hair, I only took my weave out when I was putting it in the same day. Then, came the day when my little sister cut my real hair while taking out my weave. A big circle of hair in the front of my head was gone! I put my hair in pig tails; got scissors and chopped. Then, I stomped over to the local barber and got a fade…yes you read it right a fade!!!! I wore it for one day but felt naked and exposed without my weave and high tailed it to the hair store and purchased a wig!

In 2007 I was in Barbados visiting family and saw a woman with the most beautiful locs I have ever seen in my life. They were long down her back, unusually small but even and a golden brown color. I was mesmerized. Upon research I discovered they were Sisterlocks; so I found a consultant and took the plunge! Now I researched it and I understood the stages but when I went home and sat in front of the mirror I wasn’t ready for what I saw there…what did I see? My face!!! My full face, 100% me!!! NO bang covering my forehead, no long hair covering my neck. What would I do when my eczema flared up? (It was much better from high school but definitely popped up every now and then). So what did I do? I purchased a wig (please don’t judge me! Lol) My annual Barbados trip came around again and I got a weave….yes the old faithful style…but hear me out… there was no way my wig was falling off in the ocean!! Hello?! I don’t get embarrassed easily but that is something I don’t want any part of! As usual, my Barbados vacation was amazing full of fun in the sun and great food and family, but I was hot! Not sexy hot but sun stroke nearly fainting hot! You could put your hand an inch or two above my head and feel the heat rising off it! I made an appointment at the hair dresser (who was happy I finally stopped the madness), called all my closets girlfriends who have supported me on this journey and planned a party.

On September 12, 2009 with freshly retightened Sisterlocks, show-stopping earrings with the matching maxi dress, I stepped out into the world full face and all! I celebrated my natural hair and freedom from the addiction to weave!

Deidra's Sisterlocks at Year 1

Stay Connected With Deidra
Twitter: @DeidraMayers
Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/Deidra-Mayers
YouTube: DeidraMM

If you're interested in being featured on the CurlyNuGrowth blog, submit your Hair Story [HERE].

Hair Diary: Puff Bang x Basketweave Updo

2012-01-27T15:06:00.001-05:00

This style was a pleasant surprise as a result of running late for the Faces Of Change concert and wanting something quick to do with my hair.

First I did the Basketweave Updo on 3/4 of my hair using about three bobby pins.

But then I had a bunch of locs hanging in my face, so I decided to pull them off my face with a puff bang like I used in the Puff Bang x Turban style [HERE].

I really liked the way the style came out, especially since I made it up on the fly. Throughout the night, I received a bunch compliments on my hair too, so I will definitely be trying to do the style again! Tutorial, maybe?

Celebrity Hairstylin' x DC Concert Event

2012-01-26T14:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I styled the hair of, by far one of greatest artists in the DMV, Javier Starks. I styled his hair in medium-sized Double Strand Twists using all natural products by Natural Oasis and Shea Moisture.

Javier will be performing tonight and rockin' this hairstyle at his Faces of Change concert in DC!

If you're in the DC Area, definitely try to come out and support him and fellow artists from House Studio! Javier is one of the few artists with a lot of talent AND doing something positive for the community!

When: Tonight, January 26th 2012 @ 7 PM

Where: CB1212

1212 U Street NW, DC

You can get your ticket, which is a donation to DC or Nothing Youth Enrichment project, by visiting the Eventbrite page [HERE]. Also, check out Javier Stark's latest mixtape project for [HERE]; I guarantee you'll love it!

Can You Straighten Your Hair Without Breakage?

2012-01-16T14:08:00.002-05:00

A Twitter Follower asked me:

"So how do you straighten your hair without breakage"

I thought this was a really good question because there are definitely things you want to know BEFORE putting heat to your roots! The process for maintaining healthy hair when using heat begins with the shampoo, and includes important steps for blow-drying your hair, and also when straightening the hair.

Shampooing & Conditioning Your Hair For Heat
If you know that you're going to be applying heat to your hair, you want to always prep your hair, starting from your shampoo/conditioner. I would suggest shampooing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo, like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose shampoo or OyinHandmade's Honey Wash, because retaining moisture is key when adding heat. After you shampoo, using a good conditioner, like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner, will also help to give your hair a good treatment in preparation for the heat. If you chose not to use conditioner, I highly recommend using a Leave-In conditioner on your hair before you blow-dry it out.

Blow-Drying Your Hair
Before you even turn on the Blow-Dryer, detangle, detangle, detangle! One of the easiest ways to cause breakage to your hair is trying to manipulate it without separating the curls. You can detangle your hair with your conditioner in or after you've rinsed out the shampoo/conditioner and applied a Leave-In Conditioner. A Leave-In Conditioner that I have used during my Blow-outs and HIGHLY recommend is the Shea Moisture Leave-In Conditioner, you can see a Product Review on my YouTube Channel [HERE].

The process for Blow-Drying your hair with minimal damage, is to section your hair into small sections and blow-dry each section on Low/Medium heat. Blow-Dry once over with just the Leave-In Conditioner on your hair and then again with a Heat Protectant Oil on your hair.

Heat Protectant Oils
There are many different types of oils that you can use on your hair but when straightening your hair and/or applying heat, you want to use an oil with a high smoke point that also nourishes your hair. A few oils that I would recommend are Grapeseed Oil and Avocado Oil.

Grapeseed Oil has a smoke point of 485°F and is non-greasy in texture. Because Grapeseed oil is non-greasy it is easily absorbed in the hair and scalp and will make your hair soft & shiny. In addition, Grapeseed oil is really high in nutrients, vitamins, and proteins so it will provide a lot of nourishment to counter the effects of the heat.

Avocado Oil has a smoke point of 520°F and is very nourishing for African-American hair. Some of the nutrients in Avocado oil include folic acid and vitamins A, D, E and B6; all of which is extremely essential for hair growth.

Straightening Your Hair
After you've Blow-Dried your hair and ensured its not wet/damp in any areas, add another coat of Heat Protectant Oil. Remember, you never want to put a Flat Iron to your hair when its wet! Using a Ceramic Flat-Iron on a Low setting, go over each section no more than twice. Be mindful of the temperature that you set your Flat Iron, hair burns at 450°F, but you shouldn't be anywhere near that temperature!

Using a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, applying a Leave-In Conditioner to your hair, and using Heat Protectant Oils before using heat will aid in preventing breakage and damage to your curls. However, heat does temporarily alter the texture of your hair and too much heat can definitely make you prone to breakage so be sure to alternate rockin' your curls and straight hair!

This post is apart of the CurlRehab Blog-Hop! Check out some of the other Natural Hair posts below!

Reactions & Support to Your Natural Hair Journey

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

My 3 Year Napptural Anniversary is quickly approaching on January 20th and I am quite excited about reaching this milestone. And just like any other special reoccurring occasion, I am looking back to the beginning of it all and I remember the first day wearing my TWA. I went to work on Monday with my hair Flat-Ironed straight and came back on Tuesday with a short curly fro! So I want to know...

"Are you or were you worried about your job's reaction to wearing your natural hair/locs for the first time?"

~AND~

"Who's reaction was better to your Big Chop / NaturalHair… friends or family?"

Share your thoughts below or join the chat on Twitter using the #NuGrowthChat tag!

My hair was a short Bob cut on January 19, 2009...

Then on January 20th, 2009, I came to work with a short curly TWA

Overall, I received good feedback from my co-workers, and luckily I wasn't looked upon differently by my company for the change in my hair. However, some of my family members weren't as supportive.