Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care

Why Did I Get Pancakes Too?

2013-05-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I were up late on account of the jet lag and found ourselves wide awake and a bit famished at a disrespectful hour. So we snuck out of my mom's house like teenagers around 1:30 this morning to go for pancakes, of course. Now this is where ish gets interesting.

That blurry and quite unremarkable pic above is only significant because one of those shiny bald heads belongs to none other than Richard T. Jones from Tyler Perry's, Why Did I Get Married. You know, the one who had the gall to make Jill Scott find her own way to the couple's retreat.

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I had so many questions. Like, why was dude in Hazelwood? In the Lou? In a 3 piece suit? With a slew of peeps in their Sunday's best? At IHOP? At 2AM?!!! There were so many church ladies...

I started to get up and ask them what the haps was, get a pic... the requisite. But the intimidating gentleman standing near him, with the bungee earpiece in a slightly less fancy suit, carrying what appeared to be the official doggy bag, deterred me. I decided y'all would just have take my word for it. Seriously tho, I can't make this ish up.

In my mind, I imagined that they were sitting over there arguing over the last pancake like he was still in The Wood. While hubby speculated that he requires 'round the clock security because folks are still mad about what he did to Jill Scott.

At any rate, I suppose there's a blog post somewhere with a shot of the back of my curly head asking why in the entire hell I was at Ihop at 2am too… but at least I didn’t have on a 3 piece suit tho.

Later Gators,
Nik

The Afro Pick – Creating Volume in Natural Hair

2013-05-24T08:12:00.000-04:00

by Tammy Goodson of CurlyChic

I am always in the search of something to add volume to my curly locs. I live for big hair and yes, size does matter. I can’t think of enough cliché comments to convey how I feel about it. “bigger is better”, “go big or go home”? For me, it’s not so much about length as it is volume nor is it about pure aesthetics because we’ve all seen some super dope twas, I used to rock one myself. I have very fine, low density hair so it takes some effort to get the big, disrespectful, intimidating coif I crave.
I just purchased myself an afro pick and let me tell you I was super pumped to use it! No, it’s not the blaxploitation, fisted handled tool with the heavy ass metal teeth we think of reminiscent of the 70s but it’s an afro pick just the same.

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I had been rocking my usual twist out when the pick showed up on my porch (I do the majority of my shopping online). I greeted it with such excitement. Am I the only one who gets excited about all things hair? *Kanye shrug* My twist out was still in its infant stages at 2 days old so this was right on time to interject some life into it. I gently poked and prodded my curly roots with no rhyme or reason, just random lifts here and there. Once I got to coifing and beautifying, there was no stopping me and the camera phone. I admit I didn’t go far enough because it wasn’t as big as I like it but I plan on continuing my afro pick lessons.

Remember all of this is done in a gentle manner. Pulling and tugging on your natural hair is not recommended. Disclaimer:

Honorable mention to a few other volume producing methods go to:
• Shampooing with a volumizing conditioner
• Stretching (low heat setting blow dryer)
• Wash and go using a diffuser

Have you ever been excited about a new tool? How do you achieve volume?

Sharing hairstories and life experiences from a curl’s perspective. Find Tammy at her blog, Curlychics, on Twitter, and Facebook.

1950's Rockabilly Updo for Natural Hair

2013-05-24T05:25:00.000-04:00

Love davierap's hair and super easy and chic updo! Check it out and give it a try on your next twist-out!

There's No Place Like...The Lou!

2013-05-23T12:25:00.000-04:00

Feelin' way too damn good!

#Reunited #BackInTheLou #WhereMyPeachVess

A series of unfortunate events turned what should've been an 11 hour trip from Spain into nearly 24 hours of tomfoolery. And despite the fact it was looking highly probable that we'd be holed up in Dallas for a night (with 100s of other hapless souls), I just knew I was gonna make it home to my Boogie. No doubts. Not a worry. I just smiled and kept a positive attitude, entirely undeterred by the thunderstorms, the hour long customs line, the cancelled connection, the delayed flight we were hoping to go standby on and the hour and a half we spent on the tarmac (after we finally scored seats!) waiting on a mechanic to return to his post. *sigh*

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But we made it. At 3 am. And in the most gentlest (yet still inconsiderate) way, I woke Gia up and relished in our reunion before promptly retiring. Of course, it wasn't even three hours after that before she woke me up in a less gentle manner, with 'mama, where you been?!'. A few hours later, we were headed to the St. Louis Zoo, thanks to a little inspiration from the baby birds that've taken residence on my mother-in-law's deck.

After we got Zoo ready, Boog walked up to her daddy, fluffed her puff with her hands and asked, 'you like my hair?' #MiniMe

#ButWhereBearTho

He stayed mugging Boog!

Gia would beat her chest with both fists and then point to him like, 'your turn, dude'. #Nope

This was the third in a series of treats... we weren't in the Zoo for 5 minutes before Hubby acquired a bag of popcorn and some cotton candy.

Later Gators!

Nik

And Then I Realized, "I'm Not Crazy, I'm An Introvert."

2013-05-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

by GG of All the Many Layers

Being around people can be so exhausting.

I went to a baseball game last week as a team building activity with some new coworkers. The first thing I did upon entering the stadium was grab a drink. The idea of having to be conversant and interactive for the next few hours was extremely daunting. I really just wanted to go sit at my desk and work with my headphones on.

I wondered what we'd talk about. Would I have anything remotely in common with anyone? Would I put my foot in my mouth or offend anyone? Would there be any other black people there or would I be the only one? Would I be the only woman? I don't even like baseball. Would I feel weird and displaced the whole time? Uggghh.

I got another drink.

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You see, I feel much more comfortable interacting with people intimately -- one on one. I'm friendly but quiet. Probably have been perceived as standoffish from time to time. It's not that I'm anti-social or don't like people, but I have to observe my environment to see what part I want to play in it. I may choose to open up or I may choose to stay on the outskirts looking in.

At the risk of putting myself in a box, I'm going to go ahead and say that I'm an introvert. But who knows really? I identify with many of the traits of introverts, so I use the term to provide a frame of reference -- not an all-encompassing definition of who I am. We don't live and die by definitions around here, but if you're familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality test, I'm an INFP/INFJ.

Psychiatrist Carl Jung introduced the concept of the introvert in his book "Psychological Types." Jung's definition of an introvert is “wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life,” while the extrovert is “predominantly concerned with obtaining gratification from what is outside the self.”

If ever a girl craved a self-definition, this was it for me. So many times I've doubted my sanity or thought something was wrong with me for being so socially awkward. I could be surrounded by talking heads and I'd be the quiet one wishing everyone would stop being so vocal and be more perceptive. It explains so much.

I used to think that I was shy, but now I know that's not the case. I'm just reflective. I instinctively take measures to preserve myself in social environments. According to Susan Cain, author of Quiet, "Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating. Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not."

I've been told that I appear confident and outgoing and many are shocked that I've ever been known as a shy person. But I've just learned how to manage it so I can get out there and do what I need to do. When I have time to prepare for it, I'm actually quite social. But I need limits and buffers and escapes.

I struggle with giving access to people when it's not on my terms. I'd rather schedule a call than have someone call me unexpectedly. Confrontations put me at a disadvantage because I'm not able to take my time and process what's happening. I prefer writing to talking because it gives me the space and time to find the right words. When I talk too much I always end up feeling like I'm depleting my life force. That will either sound overdramatic to you or it will sound like the words of a woman after your own heart.

After a period of heaving socializing, I feel worn down. Spent. Energy drained. Then I have to go be quiet for a long time. When I don't take this time to recharge, I get cranky, impatient, and eventually sad and even depressed. I existed that way for years, constantly surrounded by people, constantly on the go -- totally neglecting my need for solitude. The whole time wondering why I was so miserable.

And then one day I realized that much of my anxiety came from not knowing how to take care of myself -- not only as an introvert, but as a soulful person who needed to find meaning in things to feel content. When I wrote this post -- "You will always be torn between your inner and outer world. You will always be slightly off the grid. Seeing things differently, experiencing things differently. Stars in your eyes and fire in your bones." -- that was the moment when I truly started feeling free to be more vocal about my needs and boundaries as a woman with such an active inner world.

Instead of fighting against my nature, I started thinking about how to nurture it. How do I design my life around my tendencies and preferences? That's what I love to talk about most around here, right? That's what I try to get you all to think about. How to be more intentional and authentic about how you live your life.

My spidey sense tells me that many of you are like me. You have an active inner world and you're most happy when you take time to tend to it. And when you don't, you feel out of sorts or lost or inexplicably sad. Through The Purpose Session, I'm working with women who want to sort out how they currently feel about their lives and how they want to feel. Part of that is knowing how to best interact with the world while maintaining your sense of self. If you want to be added to the list to work with me, please shoot me an email at ggrenee [at] allthemanylayers [dot] com.

Are you an introvert? Share below!

Let's Cook: Spicy Chicken & Bacon Noodle Soup

2013-05-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

by Aaron Hutch of TheHungryHutch.com

*singing* “[Spicy] chicken [and bacon] noodle soup/[Spicy] chicken [and bacon] noodle soup /[Spicy] chicken [and bacon] noodle soup with a soda [or a nice glass of wine] on the side.”

Whatever happened to DJ Webstar and Young B.? Talk about your one-hit wonders! Well this is a dish that will surely stay in your taste buds’ memory for the long haul. This recipe offers a great variation on an age-old classic with the addition of a little heat, the use of chicken sausage, and bacon (which makes everything better). Some might be intimidated by the idea of making soup at home, but a delicious bowl is easier to come by than you may think.

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Ingredients:
• ½ cup bacon, diced
• 1 lb. spicy chicken sausage
• 1 lb. carrots, sliced on the bias
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 stalks celery, chopped
• olive oil
• salt
• black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. thyme
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 lbs. (2 boxes) chicken stock (opt for “no salt added” or “reduced sodium”)
• ½ box tri-color rotini

Procedure:
1. In a large enough pot to hold all of the ingredients, render the fat from the bacon and cook until crisp. Reserve bacon bits.
2. Add the chicken sausage to the pan and cook until nicely browned. Reserve and slice.
3. Start cooking your vegetables beginning with the carrots. After a couple minutes, add the onion followed by the celery. Add olive oil as needed (this depends on the amount of fat leftover from the bacon). Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and chili flakes.
4. After the vegetables have begun to soften, sprinkle with flour and cook for two minutes. Deglaze with wine.
5. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer; add pasta, chicken sausage, and half of the cooked bacon. Cook until pasta is al dente.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve garnished with more bacon on top.

“And let it rain, and clear it out.” What’s one of your favorite one-hit wonders?

For more recipes and random tales, be sure to check out thehungryhutch.com and follow me on twitter @thehungryhutch.

Ask CurlyNikki: Summer Ready Curls?

2013-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hola Chicas,

It's Thursday which means we've officially taken over Essence for the day!

¡Viva la Revolución!

Check out my latest installment, where I provide tips on getting your curls ready for the summer. Head on over, check it out, 'like it', share it and comment! Also, leave questions of your own for the next article! Thanks ladies!

Later Gators,

Nik

How to Protect Your Hair While Swimming

2013-05-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

re-post for the summer!

by Nicole Hollis of Hair Liberty

Swimming is fun and relaxing whether you're doing it for exercise or just to cool off. You don't have to limit your pool time for your hair, but you do have to take some extra precautions. Chlorinated water and constant friction from swimming will take a toll on African American hair. Spend a few minutes before and after swimming to help your hair survive the summer.

Key Tips

Rinse your hair with tap water before you get in the pool.
Don't wear a swim cap if it pulls too tightly or rips out your hair at the hairline.
Always shampoo after you swim, chlorine does not rinse out.

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Step 1: Always rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is "filled up" with clean tap water it won't be able to absorb as much chlorinated pool water. There's usually a shower right near the pool that you can use to rinse your hair before and after diving in.

Step 2: Apply a thorough coating of a silicone serum to your dripping wet hair. The serum will help protect your hair from the force of the water. Choose an inexpensive serum like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Serum, $7.50.

Step 3: (Optional) Put on a swim cap. Many swim caps are so tight that they pull your hair out when you take them on and off. Try a Speedo Silicone Swim Cap, $7.99. If a swim cap causes you to lose hair, don't use it. Just let your strands hang free instead.

Step 4: After you swim, rinse your hair with tap water again. It's best to wear a hat if you plan to stay in the sun after you exit the pool.

Step 5: Always shampoo your hair after you're done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine and mineral build up. If your regular shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid it will provide thorough enough cleansing. If your regular shampoo doesn't contain EDTA or Phytic Acid, buy UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, $15.21 for a pack of 4 ($4.99 each MSRP) for pool days.

Step 6: Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. You must take the time to condition your hair every time you shampoo it, even if you swim every day.

Step 7: When you style your hair it would be best to avoid direct or high heat. Try to limit your use of heat to a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment or a bonnet dryer on low.

Hair Liberty is a comprehensive resource for African American hair care information. We sort through the latest hair care advice and compare hundred of products to find the most accurate recommendations for our readers. Visit hairliberty.org to learn about your hair and how to achieve your hair goals. And be sure to Like the Hair Liberty Facebook page for extra tips and info!

Split End Prevention- Pre-Pooing, Protein & Pruning

2013-05-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

Source: Tamullar (Long Hair Community)

by Shelli of Hairscapades

Did you know that there were this many kinds of split ends?!? Pretty nasty, right? Well, I can attest to the validity of this chart. Because, about 2 1/2 years ago, I saw just about every split end on it (except the white spots) in my own head of hair. It was bad y’all. I mean, baaaaaddddd! That’s when I took to carrying around purse scissors … so that I could take split ends to task at a moment’s notice, any time, any place (seriously, I was out of control)!

2011 NYC Curly Nikki Meet-Up: Told ya!

But now, in 2013, the split ends are few and far in between and have been for quite a while. Let’s put it out there. I have fine strands. So, I’ll probably always get split ends no matter how protective I am of my hair/ends (unlike my compatriots with strong, thick-strands ). But, now I generally only see the vanilla variety, single “split” end … and they tend to be far rarer and very small. No more nasty “feathers,” “trees,” “double Ys,” “incomplete splits” (I call those “needle hole splits!”), “ETCETERA, ETCETERA.” (“The King and I?!?” Anyone, anyone? Okay, moving along.)

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Anywho, as I was writing Fairytale v. Blunt Ends and discussing whether uneven, thinner ends can be healthy, I thought about my own hair. Although I have “fairytale” ends, when I examine my strands, they are mostly un-split and healthy in appearance. So, I thought about the techniques and products that I’ve incorporated into my regimen that are probably the most responsible for that. I came up with three things that I think help me keep splits under control:

Pre-pooing: Applying coconut oil, or a form of it (in my case Vatika Oil), to hair for an hour to overnight prior to washing reduces/prevents hygral fatigue and protein erosion that generally occur when washing hair. (For more on hygral fatigue, see this informative NaturallyCurly.com article).

Protein treatments/reconstructors: Protein treatments help to “patch” cracked, chipped or missing cuticle in damaged hair and “gaps” in porous hair. Protein, when used correctly, temporarily shores hair up against environmental and mechanical damage. (For more on protein, check out the great 2 part protein series on Natural Haven, which starts here.)

Pruning: Trim split and knotted ends that have already occurred to prevent collateral damage to healthy adjacent strands and as a prophylactic measure to prevent a cycle of breakage. You see, nothing can permanently fix/repair split ends. So, once you have them, you have to cut them off to get rid of them. There is a myth that, if left unchecked, split ends will travel all the way to the root of the hair. Yeah, have you ever seen that? I know that I haven’t (see above about having almost every split on the chart). What does happen is that a weakened, split hair will typically break somewhere around the split and leave a new split (because the hair doesn’t break off clean/blunt). So the new split forms and may spread until it also breaks. Then another split is left behind and so on and so on. Therefore, cutting off split ends periodically, through search and destroys (my method of choice) and/or periodic trims as needed (once every few months, twice a year or yearly, all depends on your hair), helps prevent a cycle of splits and breakage. (Tip: Make certain trimming scissors are created for that purpose, are sharp and are used for hair only or you can cause more harm than good!)

Ultimately, a lot of things contributed to a reduction in damage and split ends: weekly deep conditioning, gentle detangling, protective styling, etc. However, I think that incorporating pre-pooing, protein and pruning into my regimen are largely responsible for the significant reduction I’ve seen in split ends. And, a reduction in split ends and breakage has allowed me to retain length and grow my hair the longest it has ever been in my life. Don’t get me wrong, it ain’t perfect, but it seems to get better and better all of the time.

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Is your hair prone to split ends? What do you do to prevent/reduce splits?

How to Trim Your Own Hair

2013-05-22T05:40:00.000-04:00

by NaturallyChelsea

Whether you’re in the midst of a hair-mergency or you’re looking to save on your salon bills, you may find yourself in a position where you need to trim your own hair. With so many professional methods and the individual needs of your unique curl pattern, learning the tricks of this trade can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we have compiled our list of the most popular methods to trim your hair so you can get the job done without giving yourself an accidental TWA.

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Search and destroy

The search and destroy is a great option for curlies who do not need a full trim and just want to do some general maintenance and get rid of pesky single strand knots and split ends. The search and destroy method can be done in two ways. One of the ways to do this method is in front of a cosmetic magnification mirror. Grab small sections of your hair and hold it close to the mirror. The magnified image should make it easier to see any damaged ends. After you’ve identified a damaged section simply trim it off and move onto the next section.

Another method involves running your fingers through your hair to feel for damage like rough ends and single strand knots. Once you’ve felt some damage use your hair shears to trim it off. It is best to do this method whilst you’re doing something like watching one of your favourite shows as it can be time consuming.

Twist or braid method

Another great way to get rid of those pesky ends is to use the twist or braid method. To begin simply separate your hair into small one inch sections and braid or twist those sections. Once done take one twist at a time and trim off the ends- about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch should do. This method is great for curlies with shorter hair who find it difficult to trim the hair in the back and is also good for first time trimmers as this is a fool proof way to ensure that you do not miss any sections of your hair or overtrim it.

Also, remember that the smaller your twists or braids the more accurate your trim will be. Lastly if you’re a curly who normally wears twists or braids then rock them for a day or two before trimming the ends and if they aren’t frizzy after your trim then unravel them for a twist or braid out.

Blowdry or flat iron

This method is very popular amongst curlies with long or thick hair. By straightening the hair it makes it easier to assess the ends and trim your hair evenly as the hair is pulled taut. To do this method simply blow dry your hair using your method of choice then separate a small section of your hair to trim. Place the section of hair between the middle and index finger of your less dominant hand and run them along the length of the section until you reach approximately ½ an inch before the end. Then use your shears to trim the ½ inch of hair below your fingers. Once done separate another section of hair to trim and continue until your whole head is done.

The heat of the blow dryer can be taxing on your curls so make sure you use a good heat protectant prior to blow drying. Also a good blow drying method to use is the tension blow dry method that involves holding the hair taut whilst blow drying rather than running a comb or brush through the hair which can lead to breakage. Also this method can be done when your flat ironed hair is on its last leg right before wash day.

Wet Hair

Another popular method amongst naturals to trim our hair is to do it whilst wet. This method is very easy and all you need to do is saturate your hair with water and apply your favourite conditioner or slippery leave in conditioner. Separate a small section of your hair and thoroughly detangle it then clamp the hair between the middle and forefinger of your less dominant hand and run those fingers down that section of hair leaving ½ an inch of hair at the bottom. Ensure that the section is pulled taut then snip the ½ an inch of hair below your fingers. Continue to do this with other sections of your hair until your entire head has been completed.

Tips

Always make sure that you use scissors meant for cutting hair called hair shears and that they are sharp.
Never use your shears for doing anything else but cutting your hair as that could cause them to become dull and dull scissors tear the ends of the hair rather than cutting it smoothly which could lead to even more damage.
When trimming your loose hair ensure that you twist, braid, pin etc the sections of hair that have already been trimmed to avoid over trimming your hair or missing sections.

How do you trim your hair?

Viva la Revolución!

2013-05-21T04:21:00.001-04:00

Last weekend was the realest. Awanda and Captain Alvaro Sparrows welcomed us to Galacia, La Coruña-

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and we sipped on baby coffees-

and peered through the window to America-

and took in amazing views of the city-

apparently if you kiss here you get knocked up! ha!

and partied like frickin' rockstars... #TearItUp #TurnDownForWhat #WeStillInThis

#HairInYoFace

...Awanda, Captain Alvaro Sparrows, La Coruña, it's been-

#Fabulous

but we're back in Madrid packing it up, ready to re-enter the real world and reunite this one, before he gets to her!-

We couldn't have had better hosts here in Spain! Thank you Awanda and Alvaro for showing us a tremendous time, thank you Jessicurl for helping us bring awareness to such an awesome movement and thank you CN community for coming along on this journey with me! GoNaturalSpain... viva la revolución!

Later Gators,
Nik

p.s. Where to next?! Suggestions!!!!

Go Natural Spain: Meet Your Spanish Sisters!

2013-05-20T09:11:00.002-04:00

I'm 'On The Couch' with a few more ladies of the GoNaturalSpain movement. These ladies are gorgeous, accomplished and #TEAMNATURAL! Enojy!

Dr. Kattia M. Tejeda

Why are you in Madrid? Are you from here?

I was born in the Dominican Republic, but I came to Spain 8 years ago for work. I started in Galicia, and then moved to Madrid for a good job at a hospital.

How long have you wore your hair natural?
Only one year! It was a difficult decision to make because in the Dominican Republic, natural hair has a lot of social stigma. But I'm extremely happy I'm natural!

Did you transition or Big Chop?
I cut a lot of hair, but I wouldn't call it a big chop. It felt amazing, like the growing of a Bonsai. WOW! It's been one of the best experiences of my life!

Did your friends and family support your decision to go natural?
At the beginning, my family didn't like the idea. They'd say, 'a Doctor with BAD HAIR???!!!' You know... the cultural things and negative stigma we're trying to change with GoNaturalSpain to liberate the next generation!

Here in Spain, my friends just gave me good words and congrats. At the hospital, everybody loves natural hair, so no issues there either. We're destroying prejudice! Lots of people here in Spain love our natural hair and want to touch it and have the same! It's hilarious!

What's your favorite thing about being natural?
Don't know... EVERYTHING! It's unique, cheaper for me, faster in the morning and beautiful!
Then I met Awanda and my brother Álvaro, Captain Sparrow as you call him, and I got involved with the movement. They call me 'Go Prime Minister'! GoNaturalSpain is my new family and we hope to bring the community support, peace and happiness.

Thanks Nikki for this oportunity, I really love your work and I'm very proud to be on your blog. I hav love for you and the curly troops!

Read More Interviews!>>>

Mirtha Soto

Why are you in Madrid? Are you from here?
My name is Mirtha and I was born in Samaná, but six years ago I moved to Spain for cultural reasons. My island is very beautiful but I am a curious and free person who likes to discover, learn, explore and live!

How long have you wore your hair natural?
Since August 2009. I'd been thinking about it for a while and being a woman of action it was like 3...2...1... BIG CHOP! It seems unbelievable, but at my age I had no idea what my real hair was like and I just had to find out. In my home country, natural hair is synonymous with poverty but I am not a friend of the stereotypes, so I followed my desire and I began to feel more like myself than ever.

I have to admit I was a little scared, the unknown is always scary, but I made my decision without hesitation. I was very pleasantly surprised see that everyone here in Spain told me I was beautiful!

Did your friends and family support your decision to go natural?
My friends were very supportive and they couldn't believe I had waited even this long. I explained that it was a cultural thing in my country and they found it hard to understand how something so beautiful and natural could be seen as ugly or bad! I do not understand it either! Hahahaha!

Here in Spain, people look, sure, but all of the comments that I've received have been very positive. Moreover, this decision opened the door to advertising modeling and this is what I do now in my spare time. Interestingly, the few nasty things that were said to me were from people in my home country. The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. I do not want future generations to live those fears!

What's your favorite thing about being natural?
What I like about being natural is that I am freer than before and all my fears are gone with the wind! I feel accepted, loved and respected and that is all my heart has ever wanted. In GoNaturalSpain, I found more strength, more support and more people to help me and share tips with. For me, GoNaturalSpain is an ode to life, liberty and love and thanks to their work, I have an increasingly greater voice and representation here in Spain.

Carol Bonilla

Why are you in Madrid? Are you from here?
I was born in the Dominican Republic, in the Capital, and several years later crossed the pond... also to the Capital (Madrid)!

How long have you been natural?
I went natural in 2011 and every day I am happier with it. As many of my friends in GoNaturalSpain say, 'why hadn't we discovered this wonder before?!'

Did you transition or big chop?
I made the transition because I've always preferred longer hair and extensions, so I chopped off a little at a time, growing my hair out. When I was finally fully natural, I was extremely joyful. I felt free. Then I dyed my hair blonde like wheat!

Did your friends and family support your decision to go natural?
My family supported me. My mother was happy from the beginning because it was my third attempt and we both knew it was the definitive one! My childhood friends back home still do not understand, but here in Madrid, everyone tells me I'm glowing!

Here in Spain, I consider myself an original... I'm unique and outgoing! There aren't any others like me! I work with the public, and everyone loves it! I get questions all day from people that want to touch it... it's fun and cute. Some ask me if I'm crazy, but that motivates me even more! Hahahaha!

What's your favorite thing about being natural?
I think that many people would like to have hair like this. Bad? NO! It's full! Free! Beautiful! I feel comfortable, I look cute, I do not need extensions, and now my hair expands! GoNaturalSpain has been my greatest motivation to keep me on the path. I feel welcomed, loved and a part of a family. Thanks to them, I've met a lot of people like me. You can't put a price on that. You can't buy that with a credit card, but with good vibes, love and joy!

Raysa Amador

Why are you in Madrid? Are you from here?
I'm from the Dominican Republic and I moved to Galicaia, Spain because I love the lifestyle. Here, the food is amazing, the people are close and gentle and I really love it!

How long have you wore your hair natural?
Since I was born! I never changed my hair because I liked it! I never wanted to be a slave to my hair so I never relaxed my ideals or my hair! ha! Growing up, some of my family would ask me why I chose not to straighten... they'd try to change my hair, but I'd always answer- "I'll never change! This is freedom!" Here in Spain, sometimes it can be a little off putting because everyone stares and looks at you. But normally, people say nice things, so I'm happy!

What's your favorite thing about being natural?
The best is just to be myself! And now I´m meeting a lot of new people like YOU guys! And, of course, like Awanda and Alvaro. We are good friends now and I wanna be a GO girl forever because they love and respect me very much!

Maintaining Your Natural Hair While Exercising

2013-05-20T07:16:00.001-04:00

by Alicia James of MsAliciaJames.com

Summer is coming, and we all want to walk around the beach in our sexy swimsuits! I love working out, and it is very important for me to stay fit year round. It is also important that my hair is taken care of and always looks presentable.

How Do You Wear Your Hair When Working Out?

High Bun
Low Bun
Pineapple Method
Satin Cap
Twist
Braids
Bantu Knots

*Leave the hair alone until it dries after usually after my shower and make up. If I style or manipulate the hair before it dries, it frizzes up.

Read More>>>

How Often Do You Wash?

I work out several times during the week, but I don't sweat a lot in my head. How often you wash will definitely depend on your sweating, how irritated your scalp get, and if your hair smells.
I do not wash after every workout. Depending on your hair you can co wash a few times during the week if needed.
Some use a natural astringent to cleanse the scalp and then massage the scalp with oil. I massage the scalp with oil, but I do not use an astringent. Please do your research if you decide to try that method. The astringent can dry the scalp.

Plan Plan Plan

Plan your workouts and hair maintenance
You want to make sure that your have time set aside for your workout and also the time to wash and maintain your hair. On the days where you are doing lighter workouts and have the day off, you can have a little more fun with your hair!
Lastly...fitness is important.....never sacrifice health for hair. If you can get some workouts in during the week, use a simple method to maintain your hair!

Hope this helps!

What are some things you do to maintain your hair during and in between workouts?

#NaturalMoment Monday!

2013-05-20T07:10:00.001-04:00

It's #NaturalMoment Mondays!

Tweet me and tell me about those moments when you can't deny that you're a curly queen! Top tweets will be featured every Monday morning, right here on CN.com & entered into the Conditioning Cocktail (participation) giveaway for the month! Be sure to use hashtag #NaturalMoment

Last week's Best of the Best--

Read More>>>

La Coruña.

2013-05-18T09:12:00.003-04:00

They made me put it down! #SheStayWorking

Yesterday we jumped on a plane for a weekend trip to La Coruña, Spain. A small, coastal town in the north of the country that's home to our new friends and founders of Go Natural Spain- Alvaro and Awanda. They invited us up to talk about the 'Go Natural Spain' initiative. They were particularly interested in getting my persecutive on how to bring attention to their movement and getting brands to commit resources to the Spanish market. They promised us a fun evening complete with dinner, so we were eager to sit down with them.

Little did we know that they actually RUN this city, and they don't turn up... they tear it down.

Read More>>>

Casa de Walton II

They stayed in their 200 year old, renovated family villa and loaned us their flat

We'd been up since 5 am, so they suggested we take a 'siesta'. An hour later, we heard a knock at the door and there stood Alvaro looking like Humphrey Bogart bearing gifts of chocolate, Scotch, jamón y queso. We jumped in the car and were off...

Ya'll bet'not say a word about my combat boots... in this instance, they were wholly appropriate- the sun is shining here, but like 5 minutes later it was monsoon'ing... but then like 5 minutes after that, the sun was shining again. Crazy weather.

Awanda's super-woman-ass, picked me up, no warning or nothin'!

#Again #GotDammit

Next up, tapas!

squid and octopus is La Coruna's specialty!

octopus- tender and delicate, not at all chewy!

Next up, we arrived at one of their favorite bars, English Premium Club. Being the VIPs they are, the staff closed the entire top floor for us... gangsta.

will.i.am happened, unexpectedly #TearItDown #AndSoItBegins

#Fancy

I want to stay here forever. #LettucePray

Then to yet another dope spot-

swings and shit

and back to home base...

#Selfies #FlickFlick #WeTight

And then we did the responsible thing and stayed in and rested our minds and our bodies, except we didn't, and I just totally made that up. Smh... Awanda and Captain Alvaro go hard, stayed turnt and weren't hearing 'no' as an option. We found ourselves dressed and back out. #DeliverUsFromCaptainAlvaro #2Turnt #TooOldForThisIsh #SOS #NonStopParty #TearItDown

Sweater- Gifted from Romwe

Skirt- Gifted from Romwe

Before and After OR Nighttime Daytime, haha! #BantuKnots

#CaptainAlvaroSparrows

#WeStillInThis

Hol up Hol up Hol up!

...at 4am, we had a 30 minute debate with Captain Alvaro about why we should #TurnDown and go home. After driving the hell out of us and demanding at least another 2 or 3 hours, he folded and we went for hamberguesas before I laid my pretty little head down on my satin laced pillow and called it one. #DeliverUsFromCaptainAlvaro #HelpMeHelpMePlease

Later Gators,
Nik

Go Natural Spain- Meet Awanda Perez

2013-05-18T07:45:00.003-04:00

“If something is magical, it is fair to share it with more people.”- Awanda Perez

Awanda, the co-founder of 'Go Natural Spain!' is from Madrid, but born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She currently lives in the north of Spain, in the city of A Coruña with her love and project partner, Alvaro Lago. She says, 'he is everything to me and without him, none of this would be possible!' Prior to settling down in A Coruña, she lived in London, NYC, Italy and France.

She straightened her hair for the first time at 14 years old and for years, knew nothing of her natural hair. She went curly for a short stint while living in London but went back to straightening when she returned to Madrid. She has currently been natural and curly for a year and this time, it's forever! She says, 'I love my curls and I'll never again wish them away!'

Read More>>>

For her day to day product regimen, she uses a sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing mask, olive oil spray and to further define her curls, a curl cream by African Dynasty. Her routine, like others in Spain, is very simple. She washes her hair every three days. She cleanses it, applies her cream and then a little oil. She says, 'my hair is free like me *laughter* and changes depending on the day.' For color, she uses a color shampoo and mask to achieve that gorgeous brown tone.

Her family received her natural tresses with 'joy, wonder and surprise'. She commented that her family didn't 'quite get it... they didn't understand what I was doing'. But little by little they came around and now they like it. Overall she has had good experiences. She works in the finance department of an investment company and her hair is not an issue.

They (her and husband, Alvaro) started GoNaturalSpain to promote the movement and launch the natural hair revolution in Spain. She comments:

"There are many women in Spain that continue to straighten because of a lack of information and fear. Many have not even thought of it! When I began researching, I could only find information in English- USA and UK. So we thought if we offered that information in Spanish, it could help girls decide to take the plunge. And so it was!"

We believe in freedom of expression, in love and in the natural joy that all people have at birth. We want women to regain that spark and live! LIVE! And what better way to start on that path than to accept your natural hair. The freedom of it. Free your soul. Let her fly and be her real self! We want this for everyone that we work with. At first we were alone in the initiative but now we have a family of great people like KatTia Tejeda (staff), Alberto Rodriguez (our photographer), among many others.'

They hope their work will bring more resources and natural hair products to Spain. Currently there are a very few brands that cater to highly textured hair in Spain. She says, 'We hope that events like the one we did with you will bring futher attention to our cause and open a market here in Spain. We need products! Thank you so much for giving me the chance to share my story on your blog! Thank you Jessicurl for sponsoring the anniversary event! I SAY: Go Natural, Girl! Because Love is in the Hair! GO FREE! The real bellaza is inside and if you are free to be you, that is reflected on the outside! GO!"

Coconut Milk Pre-Poo

2013-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

by Shelli of Hairscapades

A couple of weeks ago, I was fudging around on YouTube and came across this two part series on using coconut milk as a hair treatment. I was immediately intrigued for two reasons. First, I love me some coconut oil! DON’T NOBODY better say nothin’ bad about COCONUT OIL. ‘Cuz that’s when Bonita goes OFF! *teehee* Second, the YouTuber’s hair is RIDIC! I mean, long as all get out and so healthy looking without a broken strand visible to the naked eye (whereas I have a ton from a rough, dry winter)! Now, I know her hair is not curly, kinky, or coily. However, I have always believed that we can learn things from a variety of sources and different textures/ethnicities as so many of the practices that promote healthy hair are the same, regardless of race/texture/hair type (i.e. moisture, protein, protection). And, given the benefits of coconut oil (did you see this recent article on CurlyNikki about the amazing penetrating capabilities of coconut oil?!?!?) and how great it works for me, I figured coconut milk (which has coconut oil in it) might be just as awesome.

via BeautyKLove

Part I: Extracting Coconut Milk

Part II: Applying Coconut Milk

Read More>>>

Now, though I love the IDEA of using fresh coconut milk, #aintnobodygottimeforthat. *LOL* So, I broke out a can of coconut milk that I had in the cabinet. I had picked up a couple of cans a long time ago for a post-wash avocado/coconut milk/honey DC that didn’t work out too well (made my hair hard). But, I was ready to give this new use of it a go! But first, I decided to research a little more to see if I could find naturals who had used coconut milk with success. And, I just so happened to come across these posts by my virtual curlfriend, Petra/Emily CottonTop, Coconut Milk Deep Condition and Results – Coconut Milk Pre-Poo. In these posts, Petra shares a pre-poo recipe:

The recipe
Coconut Milk – 4 tablespoons
Honey -2 tablespoon
3 of Your Favorite oils – 1 tablespoon each

… and her awesome results. I was sold!

So, I whipped up a batch of coconut-milk with Vatika Oil and EVOO, using only two tablespoons instead of three. I heated the mix and applied to my dry dirty hair. Then I donned a plastic cap and my thermal heat turban for about an hour. I will say that the application process was messy and a bit sticky. But, my wash process went very smoothly and my hair that first week felt stronger, moisturized and my twists were so plump, juicy and shiny!

I made a coconut milk pre-poo again this past weekend with the leftovers from the prior week. This time, I added some Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose conditioner (I was hoping that it would thicken the mix, but it didn’t really) and applied and massaged plain, warmed coconut milk to my scalp too. Though the application process was still a little messy (I think I’ll use a dye applicator bottle in the future), I had great results again. So, I’m really thinking this will become a staple in my regimen!! I will keep an eye on my hair to make certain that the coconut milk doesn’t begin to make my hair hard or brittle (due to the protein content). If it does, I will reduce the frequency of the treatment.

Finally, I don’t use much coconut milk for the treatment and it only keeps in the fridge for about two weeks it seems. So, I was worried about spoilage and wasting it. Fortunately for me, I discovered that it can be frozen into ice cubes to form convenient “serving sizes” for future use!!!

So yeah, all engines are a go!! Coconut milk pre-poo treatments are my new boo!! Time will tell if it results in strands as seemingly perfectly long, uniform in length and unbroken as that YouTuber!! One can only hope!!

********************************

Do you use coconut milk in your regimen? If so, what’s your recipe and process? How often do you use it? What benefits to you see from using it?

Mistakes Of A Transitioner- Natural Hair Tips

2013-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

by Tammy Goodson of CurlyChic

As with any journey, transitioning presents its own unique challenges. While everyone’s experiences are different, it can be helpful to see how others have navigated through the process; all in the name of networking.

Disrespecting the game
As the journey of transitioning is underway, it is important to recognize the hair that is still relaxed while respecting the new texture. Carrying on as if the modulation process is not taking place could have a negative impact. The inability to commit to the new coils in your life and putting up resistance to allowing them the freedom to do what comes “natural” will prove to be futile. You must come up with an entirely new plan of action for this step in the journey. For example, blending the now two textures will be a breeze if you chose styles such as twist outs and bantu knots vs. a straight style.

Read More>>>

Using the old to address the new
Transitioning not only applies to your hair journey but also the products you use. It is debatable whether or not it is an absolute necessity to use only natural hair products for natural hair, however, certain ingredients have proven to benefit textured hair that are not contained in many non-natural commercial products. As your new hair grows in it will require a new regimen that addresses its needs. You will find that as the transition approaches completion, it is possible that you will switch products yet again. Paying attention to your strands and how they respond to certain ingredients will be essential to a successful process.

Lack of due diligence
Jumping into any commitment without doing your due diligence puts you directly in the path of failure. Researching the logistics of natural hair care will save you a lot of heartache and assist in the overall management. There are countless websites, blogs (uh-emmm *clears throat), and You Tube channels dedicated to the topic.

Using the wrong tools
Relaxed hair and natural hair have different demands so it stands to reason that some of the tools used to manage those needs will be different.
(example: wide tooth comb)

No deep conditioning
If deep conditioning was not part of your relaxed hair regimen, it needs to be an integral part now. Since natural hair is inherently dry, extra care to infuse moisture is important and including deep conditioning in your new regimen is one way to achieve this.

Not taking advantage of the versatility
During my transition I didn’t appreciate the versatility that came with it and I forgot to have fun with it by trying new looks. When I wasn’t flat ironing the hell out of it, I was doing wash and goes and that’s it. A few times I flirted with the finger coil method but for the most part I only entertained wash and go’s….boring.

Looking back on your journey what do you feel you could have done differently that may help another chica going through the transitioning process now?

Sharing hairstories and life experiences from a curl’s perspective. Find Tammy at her blog, Curlychics, on Twitter, and Facebook.

The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly On the Plain

2013-05-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

this was a particularly chunky wash-n-go because I put in about 9 twists that I had to unexpectedly remove when I was only 60% dry... to go kick it. They KICKS IT over here. Anyway, on your next wash-n-go attempt, put in some twists and take them down while your hair is still wet for some clumpy awesomeness. << long ass caption.

Hola Chicas!

My wash and go shrunk all the way the hell up from the rain situation and since we're going harder than a mug and hair happens to be my last priority, I fro-hawked that ish. The streets runneth over with jovial folks celebrating and living it up and I can't miss out on a single, solitary second of it waiting on a set to dry. So now this is happening.

Read More>>>

#FeelingFestive #FlamencoChic #TurnDownForWhat

Skirt gifted from SHOXIE

Tshirt and Jacket from Target!

Last night we made reservations at CasaPatas (which translates to the leg of the pig?) to enjoy some Flamenco dancing. Can I just say... homegirl was getting it like a Black woman catching the Holy Ghost at church?! Her enthusiasm and spirit was contagious on some real levels. Much appreciated. The singers... I had absolutely no Earthly idea what they were saying, but it was so powerful and passionate and made me feel good, so, yeah... we had a ball.

Our slightly misspelled reservation

Showtime:

she left everything... all of it, right there on the stage...

..then served me up some blue steel for the camera #FlickFlick

#Busted... caught Hubby on his way back in with ANOTHER sangria.

Hair this morning after even more frizz--

Just washed, conditioned and now we're packed up to jump on another plane in 5 hours (it's midnight here). I'll check back in soon! #SleepWhenYerDead #GoingHarderThanAMug
#LifeIsShawt #ThisIs30Dammit

Later Gators,
Nik

p.s. You bet'not say a WORD about Scandal! I missed it last week and I'm missing it AND The Office tonight. Damn damn damn!!!!!

Are You Ready?- We Dipped Down to Morocco!

2013-05-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

Shirt- Gifted from Shoxie

Pants- Gifted from Shoxie

Pumps- Nasty Gal

Jacket- Zara

Things were real chill last night. We kicked it with new friends, talking Black culture in Madrid over good food, drinks and music.

Read More>>>

Paola, pictured above, shared a bit of her story with me over a glass of vino rojo--

"I was born in a small town in Dominican Republic, my mother sent me to a boarding school in Spain when I was four years, so I could have a better future and a better education than in my country, because the chances to improve in DR are very complicated for the poor.

Most of my life I accepted the straight haired standard of beauty, because that is what the DR culture promotes. When you're small, you see your family and friends going once a week to get their hair done and relaxed at the salon. Three years ago I met Veronica (pictured below, purple hair!) and my group of friends, and they kept asking me why didn't I rock my natural hair, but I was still seeing me with my hair straight prettier than curly. One day I decided to take the plunge and go natural. People used to tell me that I was more beautiful with straight hair, but I accepted my roots and my hair, and now I'm in love with my curls!

Here in Spain, people stare at my curly hair all the time and others are surprised and want to touch it, as if it were something weird to them. I live in a Dominican neighborhood and I receive comments like, 'don´t you have money to go to the salon and do your hair?'. People still have prejudices about natural hair but little by little they are adapting and increasingly more people are going natural."

Paola copped several Jessicurl products at my birthday party celebration with 'Go Natural Spain'! She loved the Aloeba Daily Conditioner and is smitten with the Rockin' Ringlets Syling Potion. Her curly roommate Veronica reminded her that, 'sharing is caring', but she's hearing none of it! They don't have access to curly products here, so she's savoring every last bit! She used Jessicurl for her look that night!

After a few drinks at the flat, we set out on foot to meet Paola's friends at 'Are You Ready' salon. They are one of the first salons in Madrid that caters to the amazingness that is natural and highly textured tresses.

The salon owners, Jessica Rodriguez-

and hubby, Leo Tobachi (photographed below, with my hubby)-

have an amazingly gorgeous ~~Boogie~~ daughter (left)-

and have really brought home the message that curly hair is (1) dope, and (2) has special needs. So, long time stylist Jessica set out on her own and opened a shop dedicated to working with OUR hair types! Much of the amazing hair colors we've shared with your eyeballs were executed by her and I.C.O.N. brand semi-permananent hair dye, which touts 'gentle, natural, ammonia-free, vibrancy'.

Speaking of which, see homegirl with the purple hair? That's Veronica and I'm proud to call her, 'friend'. She's a stylist at 'Are You Ready?' and told me a little of her story--

"I live in Madrid becuse my family moved here when I was five years old, I was born in San Sebastian, north of Spain. I started wearing my afro when I was 17, but I had worn hair extensions, braids and relaxers before. I had my big chop about 6 years ago... I needed a change and I was tired of damaging my hair with chemicals and heat, like blow dryers and flat irons.

My family and friends just love my natural hair, my White family can't stop touching it! lolPeople in Spain are not used to seeing big afros or Black women with natural hair, so they talk and make jokes. Other people ask if I wear a wig or 'where I bought it', most of them like it and tell me so... they just need time and to see more Blackness over here. That's what we at AreYouReady? salon are trying to do. We do spanish and black hair and take care not to damage it using natural products, most of our customers are women who had their hair burned or broken by over-processing with relaxers, bad coloring or excessive heat.

My favorite thing about being natural is that I don't depend on going to the salon to get my hair done, or changing the extensions... I wake up and go! Obviously, natural hair takes a lot of work to keep it nice and healthy. You need to use good products and take a little bit of time once per week at least but it is worth it! You have to enjoy what nature gives you and be happy and confident with it!"

At any rate, we hooked up with the folks of 'Are You Ready' and dipped to Morocco!

Well, we wanted to, but we went to a nice Moroccan restaurant instead! Complete with floor seating, shared finger dishes, drinks and laughs. Enjoy the view!

Sugar and spice and everything nice! Many of the dishes were a mixture of sweet and savory... LOVE!!!! #ILikePeanutsAndRaisinsSoThisWasAWin

See dude in the purple (above)? That's Paola's boo, Dosel, and he's heavily involved in a community group called, Barbarrio.

Barbarrio is a group of young athletes who came together to train and participate in what is called- 'Street Workout'. It started in Harlem, NYC and Dosel was one of the first to bring it to Madrid. He is now taking the movement to Africa starting with Cape Verde. The group is made up of people from different countries, races, cultures and ages. It's purpose is to create peaceful integration between folks of different cultures and to educate and empower young people on how to get healthy, even when their access to a gym or other resources are limited by poverty. Essentially, they're showing folks how they can get get their work out on utilizing tools in their environment, while teaching both self-esteem and self-discipline. Very cool stuff. Check out the video below!

I'll check back in soon! More Spanish Curly profiles from 'Go Natural Spain' to come with Awanda and Captain Alvaro!

Color Me Curly: Dyeing Natural Hair

2013-05-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

by Evelyn Ngugi

African American hair is versatile in many ways—certain products and styles, such as twists or braids, can achieve different curl patterns, from tight coils to waves and anywhere in between. Experimenting with these techniques is part of the naturally curly experience, but sometimes what you really crave is a burst of color, right?

Dyeing any type of hair may involve a chemical process that should be taken seriously. Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure that your new color comes out right, and the health of your hair stays intact.

How does it work?

There are 3 main types of color—permanent, semi or demi permanent, and temporary.

Permanent color requires the hair cuticle to be lifted and alters the proteins that give us our natural hair color. Temporary color, on the other hand, puts a layer of color on top of the hair strand. These are usually sold as “rinses,” and will fade with several shampoos.

Coloring hair has less to do with texture (coarse, fine, etc.) and more to do with porosity. Porosity is the hair’s ability to hold and retain moisture. So not only do the layers of your cuticle have to lift to let color/moisture in, they have to close back down to keep it in.

Read More>>>

Titi Branch, of Miss Jessie’s, says, “A cuticle that is rougher (kinkier textures) is actually more porous and more likely to take color faster. Wavier textures tend to have a smoother cuticle (and are more likely to be more resistant to color) unless there has been some chemical processing to cause a looser curl pattern to be more porous.”

“Coloring curly hair is like caring for a baby’s skin. Curly hair is more fragile and requires more moisture than other hair textures. It is healthiest when lifted/lightened no more than 3 levels,” says Nicola Forbes Martin of Design Essentials. “Remember, slow and steady wins the race when coloring curly hair.”

While it’s true that afro-textured hair may be more porous, which is good for retaining color, hair can be overly porous—the cuticles layers don’t close back tight enough to hold moisture in. This means extremely dry hair. Remember! Different porosity, texture, curl pattern are something we have naturally. Learn to maintain, not complain.

How should I get it done?

What color do you want? Beach blond? Auburn? Red? If your hair is naturally dark, coloring hair very light is “always a risk,” according to Branch.

Hair must be bleached, meaning a chemical (usually ammonia) will “decolorize” the hair, then add the lighter color to the “blank slate.” This is pure chemistry. Professional expertise is advised.
“Hair that is dark typically bleaches to an orange or yellow stage, which is usually unflattering. The colorist must have a grasp of color theory to know what colors to deposit on hair to remove the unwanted yellow or orange tone,” Branch says.

But if you want to go with a color that is less drastic, there’s always the do-it-yourself store-bought color. Do-it-yourself jobs should really only be for temporary rinses and semi-permanent color. Regardless, read and follow the instructions to the tee. Just like you wouldn’t disregard instructions for a major reconstructive protein treatment, you shouldn’t ignore box directions.
But wait, there’s more…

Dyes with harsh chemicals are not the only option if you want colorful tresses. Buy box (or ask your stylist if he/she uses) dyes without ammonia or PPD. Not only can they damage your hair over time, but some are allergic to PPD.

There are also natural alternatives, such as henna.

You may have seen henna used as body art on the hands, but it can also be used as a hair color. Henna is a plant native to subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It’s already been used for centuries as a way to add color to skin and hair.

Henna should be available at any African or Asian ethnic market, but you can order it online as well. Just like ordering anything organic or natural, be cautious of what you’re purchasing. “Body Art Quality Henna” is what you’re looking for. Otherwise, there could be other chemicals/pigments added that will alter your henna experience. The amount of henna to use depends on the thickness and length of your hair. Start with 100 g to be safe, or ask a natural stylist what she would recommend.

It will come as a powder, and must be made into a paste for hair application. Henna gives a red tint to hair. But for dark hair, it will simply give a delicate red highlight you can see in the sunlight. Though it adds reddish tint, the paste itself is not red at all! This is normal! If the package claims to color hair blonde or black, it is not natural henna.

Henna is also said to provide a deep conditioning treatment. Some say it “loosens up the curl.” Everyone’s experience will be different.

Coloring hair definitely has an effect on the moisture protein balance because with permanent color a chemical reaction is taking place inside the strand weakening the cuticle layer causing the hair to be more porous. The more porous the quicker your hair absorbs moisture. If it’s too porous the hair doesn’t retain any moisture and remains dry to the touch. This is always a risk with coloring hair.

What now?

Deep condition after any permanent chemical dye. Coloring means opening up those hair cuticles—make sure they close back down! Bear in mind permanent color is not for everyone, Branch says. Chemicals will only further damage dry, over-porous hair.

And since we love it when our hair grows and prospers, what about touch-ups?

“As far as color maintenance, luckily for us curlies we don’t feel the pressure to retouch a root as quickly as our straighter haired counterparts,” Branch says. As our natural color grows in—because the strand is growing from the root in a curly formation—it takes a longer time for that natural root color to be exposed, thereby extending the time that we need a root touch-up, she adds.

To extend the life of your color, don’t use sulfate shampoos—it will strip the hair more easily. Try any moisture-rich, sulfate-free shampoo.

“When curly or kinky hair is colored properly nothing could be more beautiful,” Titi said. “The way a curl is accented with the addition of color is simply stunning. Is coloring good for your hair? No. But does it make it look good? Absolutely.”

The possibilities are endless with hair color. Just keep healthy hair before “hip” hair. And ask a professional!

********

Quick But Crucial Coloring Tips:

-Test a strand!

-Dyeing to a very light color? Go to a professional.

-If you don’t know how a color will look, set up a color consultation. Take a picture with you.

-Deep condition after you color your hair

Read This Before You Dye Your Natural Hair!

2013-05-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

by Tara Lisciandro-Hornich

If you’re about to dye your hair, whether you go to a salon or do it yourself at home, you may want to take a moment and read through these tips and truths about hair dye and coloring processes.

What Does Dye Do to Curls?

Since hair is a fiber, like wool, it’s bundled and protected by the cuticle. There are three layers that make up a strand of hair. The outer layer, the cuticle is damaged during the coloring process.
Damaging the cuticle layer can be drying, cause hair loss and lead to a coarse appearance with a lack of luster and shine.

In his book “You: Being Beautiful,” Dr. Mehmet Oz explains that “artificial coloring on your hair, whether you’re bleaching it or coloring it, is the equivalent of artificial coloring in food – it may make it look as pretty as can be, but it’s not always the healthiest thing you can do to your head.”

Read More>>>

Before You Dye

Before you coloring your hair, be sure that you wash your hair immediately before the color process.
Using a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment one or two days before your color application can also help to protect your strands and scalp. The idea is to keep as many natural oils in your hair and scalp as possible, to achieve better, more even color.

Lightening Your Curls

Like all-over color, lightening and bleaching also affect the hair cuticle and cause even greater damage, dryness and dullness. With each application, the damage will worsen.
The hair will permanently lose its sheen and its ability to hold color. You can expect increased frizz and dryness to your curls.

Permanent vs. Semi-permanent Color

Ask yourself how long you want the color to last and how much change you are looking for. This will determine the type of color to use. Semi-permanent color is a less damaging option as it coats the outer layer of the strand as opposed to opening the cuticles. It doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide, therefore, it can only serve to darken the hair. Lightening can’t be achieved with semi-permanent color. Semi-permanent color typically washes out after four to six weeks.

If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, then you want to use a permanent color. For gray coverage, this is also the better option. Depending on your hair and grays, you may need to repeat the coloring process every six to eight weeks.

Maintenance

It may be tough, but try and wait to wash your hair for 2 days after your color process. When you’re ready for a wash, be sure to have a shampoo and conditioner on hand that is made for color treated hair. These shampoos and conditioners can be gentler on newly colored hair and help to maintain the tones and shades of your new color.

A Natural Alternative

As curlies we are hyper sensitive to moisture and damage, so many women have sought a less damaging alternative to hair dyes. Henna is a popular choice among curlies because it does not contain the harsh ammonia and peroxides, and can even have some benefits like added thickness and shine.

CN Says:

You can always rock the cream eyeshadows for a pop of color from time to time! Rinses right out!

Also, as a reminder, the gorgeous colors you're seeing on the women in Spain? That's semi-permanent. A non-ammonia brand called, I.C.O.N.

The View From Spain- The Shenanigans.

2013-05-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

Romwe.com

So this is day 4 of my Spanish adventures. We've been going jamón (Ham-on) since we touched down in this strange new place and our time (which is totally warped... I have no idea what day it is) has been filled with hella walking, sightseeing, breathtaking views, tapas and new friends. No matter what time of the day we wander out of our flat, folks are on the street, loitering, lol, drinking, dancing... enjoying one another's company. They know what they're doing! Good thing I packed my party pants and my liver! #PourItUp

I've compiled a pictorial of the past 3 days. Enjoy!

Read More>>>

Highlights from Day 2

So, after my 30th birthday party shenanigans, we got a little rest before stomping the pavement off the streets... again. Awanda of GoNaturalSpain met us at GranVia for a little sightseeing, window shopping and fellowship.

peep the bummy attire? #WeTired

saw a protest for better health care, education and jobs...

Hubby loves a good protest... he doesn't care what for, he's just mad at ish!

While strolling through the streets of Gran Via, that guy in the awesome tie approached us and told us about an authentic Brazilian restaurant a few blocks over. We couldn't help ourselves and that was good news, because the Feijoada and Caipirinhas were the kitties titties! Lindon (dude) was a party in a box and sang us Tina Turner songs and danced, danced, danced. Classic.

Then we went to La Cocina de San Anton for drinks

Hubby surprised me with a birthday cupcake... I cried.

Hubby spied weird eats and despite his lack of appetite (remember the Brazilian joint we just ate at?), he ordered up some barnacles and what we think are razor clams! I tried it all... delicious!

found another exit sign! ha! #Booking #GetMeTheHellOuttaHere

viewed the royal garden

Highlights from Day 3

We put on our tourista hats and set out on our own to visit the Royal palace.

...couldn't take cameras inside, so I'll describe it to you- ridiculously ornate, gold plated, fresco-covered ish, with more fine china than in all of China...and enough silver to fill everyone's grandma's collection... Powerful stuff.

shirt gifted from Romwe!

All that castle viewing made us ravenous, so we went for more tapas, of course...

every street looks like this

The little black things on the left are blood sausages, Hubby liked em...I'm cool, tho!

We hung out until the sun went down and on our walk home, stumbled into this guy-

#HellNaw

Lindon works nights at this restaurant... this time we had to get him on camera for y'all!

hahaha! #Bookin

Day 4 Highlights

Back on the streets, we set out to find the oldest restaurant in the world- Botin! Andrew Zimmern said it's a must stop on a Madrid trip. So we did it.

They've used the same kitchen, oven and food preparation style since 1725!

ancient ass cash register

Their specialty? Baby piggies. To qualify as a 'suckling pig', the pig can't be older than 1 month and no more than 7 pounds. The carnage!

sangrias! #PourItUp

Baby Squid served in their own ink! It was actually good... the ink was flavored and reminiscent of a hearty gravy.

had to try their famous dish! #BabyPig #OhTheHumanity

On our way back to the crib, I saw her-

#Dope #SheTight

And... for Boogie... Spider Man?!

#ForWhy #ILikeYoShoesTho

jacket gifted from Romwe!

On our way out! Check back in soon!

Day by Day Curly Hair Routine- Natural Hair Regimen

2013-05-15T13:01:00.001-04:00

by KalaG via Naturallycurly

Day 1
Applying Leave-Ins
It’s taken me awhile to find products that love my hair for a week long wash n go. I usually co-wash with a silicone-free conditioner like Tresemme Naturals or V05 Moisture Milks Conditioner. After rinsing I finger detangle with the same silicone-free conditioner and rinse very slightly. I add my leave-ins straight out of the shower to my four sections of hair. Right now I’m loving Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive Heavy Cream or Original Moxie’s Lux Locks. My hair likes a creamy leave-in that helps define my curls as well as moisturize. I apply my styler next (I like Olive-Oil Eco-Styler, but any alcohol-free gel or styler will do) and smooth it out section by section. I seal with jojoba oil or coconut oil next and move on to the next section until I’m done!

Diffuse vs Air Dry:

I diffuse on high force with medium heat for about 5-10 minutes (if I can). If possible I air dry my hair until completely dry. I’ve noticed my curls are less frizzy and even slightly more defined and shiny when I air dry. But some wash days it’s just not possible. When it’s cold outside I diffuse until my hair is 80% if I must go outside. In this Day 1 picture my hair was diffused for only 5 minutes and air dried the rest of the way. My curls were poppin’!

For Day 2-6, click HERE>>>

Day 2
Maintenance
Morning and nightly maintenance is crucial to maintaining this style. It’s not difficult and doesn’t require much time but it’s definitely a requirement. I use a quarter sized amount of a creamy moisturizer (water is the 1st ingredient) to put some life back into my curls. Patting my hair with product on my palms works great for me and doesn’t disrupt my curls too much. I also feel my curls thanking me for the moisture. Another option is misting your hair with water too. For me, water is a little too drying. For morning and nightly maintenance I use Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream and seal with jojoba or coconut oil.
Pineappling

I pineapple my hair EVERY night to make sure my curls aren’t flat or lifeless in the morning. Just a simple high ponytail using a loose ouchless scrunchie can make a world of a difference in extending the life of your style.

Day 3
Around Day 3, depending on the weather, my curls can get pretty stiff and need a little more moisture to revive its shape and bounce. I use the Q-Redew mid-week for about 1 minute in the morning. Like I mentioned misting or spraying my hair with water is a little too much moisture for my hair. The steam from the Q-Redew is always just what the hair doctor ordered for my stiff curls.

Day 4 (top pic)
My hair has grown by Day 4! I love the volume I get as the days go by.

Day 5
By day 5 my hair is usually at it’s max frizz factor. To reduce frizz I make sure to maintain by sealing with an oil. I’ve grown to love some amount of frizz as it helps me achieve the big hair I love.
On this day I used Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie and jojoba oil to seal in the moisture for the day.

Day 6
High Pony! It’s wash day for me! I try to style my hair in an updo if time permits. If not I put my curls into a pony tail. If I’m feeling saucy I’ll tie my edges down with a satin scarf after applying a little water
and eco-styler gel to them.

The Whole Process
Here’s the process from start to finish using all the products I’ve mentioned. Take a look at my technique on how I stretch my wash n gos and let me know how long do your curl styles last? Do you pineapple? Style differently? Let me know!

A Marley Twist Technique- Natural Hair Styling

2013-05-15T07:25:00.000-04:00

Yolanda Renee writes:

I've made this technique so easy for #teamnatural by combining the best of several Marley application techniques! It's a great protective style that will promote hair growth. Enjoy!