Reader Question - Trimming Natural Hair

One reader sent me a lovely email with this question:

How do you know when it is time for a cut vs. a trim?

I truly think this depends on how your ends look, feel, and how often you use heat. Also, if you manipulate your hair frequently with tools (combs, brushes, pics, etc) it may require that you attend to your ends more. If you notice splitting, multiple single-strand knots (fairy knots), or bubbles in your strands, I would trim them off. Some people opt to ignore those pesky fairy knots while others can't stand them and hack them off whenever they pop up.

Since being natural for 10 years, I rarely ever CUT my hair (I mean over an inch at a time). I did once for style purposes by cutting my BSL hair into an above-the-shoulders bob. Then, of course, I cut it again 2 yrs ago due to severe heat damage. Since then, I have not cut off more than an inch at a time. I personally like to snip the ends of my twists every few months or so. I don't have an actual schedule but if things start looking weird (which they don't too often considering I don't use much heat at all), I just twist up and take 1/8th-1/4th of an inch. If you have really bad ends, you might want to take an inch or so off and then be very careful about protecting them in the future.

Here are some sites that offer tips to trimming/dusting/cutting natural hair; I've excerpted parts that I found to be particularly helpful:

Clutch Mag Online
I would describe dusting as cutting less than an inch of your ends. When my ends start to feel crunchy, or I hear popping when I detangle, or start to see tiny hairs in the sink that are not old shed hairs (with white bulbs at the tips) I dust my ends. I usually do this about once every two to three months. Some people follow lunar cycles when it comes to trimming/cutting their hair. They cut on certain days of the week to lengthen, strengthen, thicken etc. hair. I can not testify to it’s results, but it is a good way to keep a hair trimming routine. Check out Morrocco Method International’s downloadable lunar haircutting chart.

Long Health Hair Advisor and Here
If you wear your hair straight - even occasionally - you'll want to have your hair trimmed when it is straight. How straight do you need it to be? Well, it depends. You can get your hair trimmed with a blow out or you can have it flat ironed bone straight for a trim. Trimming natural hair when it's straight will provide a more precise trim that is also visually appealing when your hair is worn in straight hair styles.

Also, if your hair tends to knot around itself at the ends, you will need to trim more often than someone who does not have that problem - despite using heat. Generally speaking, a schedule of 2-6 months should be used depending on your personal goals, styles, and hair condition.

MotownGirl

Nappturality Forum
On damp hair, make small to medium sized twists all over your head. Twisting your hair like this will also help you really get a chance to feel all of your ends. Split ends, knotted ends, frayed ends -- if you have any, your hair will feel really rough when you get to the ends of your twists. Snip your ends.

Natural Black Hair Care
With one hand, hold the comb, and insert the comb into the section of hair. Gently pull up the comb until only the ends of the hair are sticking out of the teeth of the comb. With the other comb use high quality hair scissors to clip the ends of the hair. Repeat for each section.

Perfect Dreadlocks
The best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.

And of course, for all you visual people out there, check out these You Tube vids for more trimming how-to's:
Rustic Beauty (LUV HER!)
SapphyreDreams

How do you guys trim your hair? Or do you prefer to have a stylist do it?

We all need some CONFIDENCE boosting now and again

I mentioned her before and I still love her! BeautifulBrwnBabyDol is such an inspiration, both for her hair/style and her amazing weight loss. If you don't know about her, check out her youtube channel. Right now, as a fresh graduate, I am looking for a job ya'll! It is not easy right now and it is tempting to get down on myself or lose confidence. So when I came across this it reminded me to appreciate who I am, what I have to offer, and leave the rest up to God and the universe. I hope she inspires you like she inspires me. Have a great day!

Sunday Cuteness: Little MJ

Such a beautiful child... I miss him so much. I love you MJ!!!!

So sad...Goodbye Michael Jackson

I was literally at the gym in step class when I saw the news flash across the screen across the way. I had to stop, put up my step, and go home. How could I continue? I am so sad and music will never be the same without him. RIP Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

Image from lancedrummondsmusic


My favorite movie with MJ... Captain EO

A Natural Bride...

Hello guys and gals! A Naturally Leslie reader, God's Favorite Shoes, was kind enough to pass along a link to the wonderful wedding featuring Nancy,a natural bride, and her groom Adam over on The Bride's Cafe. Thanks! I love natural ladies and I love simple weddings so when the two collide it's like **bliss**! The fantastic shots you'll see below were captured by Mollie of Bloom Photography.
I don't know what I love more...the cute dress, the bride's coily short do, or the rustic and romantic setting. I love that she got her dress at Nordstroms and their lunch catered from Whole Foods (one of my FAVORITE spots to find all things natural). This makes me want to stalk more photography websites in the search of other beautiful natural brides. I know so many ladies wonder what they would do with their hair on such a special occasion but Nancy shows us that sometimes all you need is a simple flower to compliment your kinks and curls. So thanks to Mollie for sharing her work and a special thanks to Nancy and Adam for inspiring us with your style, your love, and your hair!

Isn't this romantic...

So thanks again to The Bride's Cafe and Bloom Photography! Head on over to read about Nancy & Adam and to get more wedding inspiration!

Stage of Life

Hello guys and gals! I was introduced to a really cool website that I thought everyone of you (myself included) could potentially benefit from. Every person undergoes key changes in life, right? Although happenings may vary from person to person, every significant transition in life has characteristics with potential turning points.

Well, Eric Thiegs has created Stage of Life, a website which "provides resources, information, and discounts for the ten key stages of life: high school, college, on my own, wedding, married without children, home ownership, raising a family, grandparenting, and retirement." If you sign up to be a member of Stage of Life, you can:

• Share your life story and wisdom with others via the Ask/Share tab.
• Get access to the members-only merchant offers in My Life Rewards section of the site.
• Help build and support a community a writers themed around your stage of life
• PLUS every time you use a merchant link, we'll be donating to the featured Stage of Life charity

Funny enough, Eric came across my site after his Google Alerts picked up my latest 40+ Naturals post. I love this blogging thing because you meet such interesting people that you might not have otherwise. I really liked the idea behind the site and if it supports a charity, even better!

There is also a Stage of Life blog where you can get insider info straight from Eric himself. The main site looks like a great resource with tons of info and valuable rewards so check it out! Thanks Eric :)

The End is Near?

I really love action movies that have sci-fi or psychological thriller-like twists. However, new film 2012 (release date 11/13/09) makes me pause and wonder. I don't believe anybody knows when the earth will end but it is definitely interesting that throughout time a common theme surfaced more than once. I know this happens often and it is always easier to take a retrospective look to find patterns and coincidences. Even still, I think some people will be bracing themselves for the 2012 "deadline" much like they did for Y2K. Some people think the world will end that day while other think there will be a shift in consciousness.

Here's a blurb by Jonathan Crow about this Roland Emmerich film:
Few people have destroyed the world more than Roland Emmerich. In his mega-hit "Independence Day," aliens laid waste to pretty much every metropolitan center on the planet, and in his eco-thriller "The Day After Tomorrow," much of the northern hemisphere finds itself buried under ice. In his third crack at presenting the apocalypse, this fall's "2012," Emmerich taps into the angst of thousands of astrologers, doomsday enthusiasts, and conspiracy theorists who fear that a massive cataclysm will strike the earth on December 21 of that year. Yet unlike previous dates tied to the Earth's expiration, this one has its roots in various sources throughout history including interpretations of the Mayan calendar, astrology, and the ancient Chinese fortune-telling text the "I-Ching."

Click HERE to read about the Mayan Calendar, Galactic Alignment, Time Wave Zero, and other things related to 2012.

Click here to read an interesting article from USA Today.

Hmmm...so what do you think? Will you see the film?

Watch the trailer:

Homemade Hair Masks

Hey guys! I love the idea of using what you already have at home to enhance your natural beauty. Besides, what could be more fun that rolling up your sleeves, getting down-n-dirty in your kitchen, and mixing up something that is both natural and beneficial? Here is a collection of recipes from the net for homemade hair masks you can use when your tresses need some revitalizing. Some are more moisture based while others are for protein. Of course you can add to or take away ingredients as you see fit.

*Masks for Dry Hair

Coconut cream mask

Soften a large chunk of coconut cream in your hands and massage into hair. Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave it on for an hour. Wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Egg mask

Beat two full eggs with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to clean, damp hair, massaging in well. Leave for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash out with mild shampoo.

Banana smoothie for hair – not for drinking!

Mix 1 mashed banana, 1 full egg, 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of milk and 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure it's well combined and then apply to hair. Leave for 15 – 30 minutes and wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Yogurt hair mask

Separate an egg and beat the white until it's foamy. Mix with 6 tablespoons of natural yogurt. Massage into the hair and leave for 15 – 30 minutes. Wash out with a very mild shampoo.

Avocado hair mask

Mash the flesh of one ripe avocado. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until creamy and then apply to your hair. Leave for 20 minutes and then wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Olive oil hair mask

Whisk up 5 tablespoons of olive oil – it doesn't matter which sort – with 2 full eggs. Massage thoroughly into your hair and then cover it with plastic wrap or a shower hat. Your body heat will help the oil to penetrate. Leave for a minimum of 30 minutes and then shampoo out, rinsing well.

Honey and Olive oil mask

Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to your hair and wrap your head in plastic film or put on a shower hat. Leave for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual, rinsing well.

Banana and almond mask for dry, damaged hair

Mash a ripe banana and add a few drops of almond oil. Mix well and massage into your hair. Leave for 15 – 30 minutes. Wash out with gentle shampoo.

Milk and honey mask

Mix a tablespoon of honey in half a cup of full fat milk. Apply to your hair and leave for 15 minutes. Wash out with a mild shampoo.

Masks to help get rid of dandruff

Fenugreek mask

Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds overnight in just enough water to cover them. In the morning, grind the seeds in the water to make a paste. Apply to your hair and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it out using a mild shampoo.

Thyme hair rinse

Put 7 heaped tablespoons of dried thyme into 2 cups of water and boil the mixture for 10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Strain the mixture and leave it to cool. Lean over a bowl and pour half of the solution onto clean, damp hair. Keep scooping it out of the bowl and re-applying until all your hair is well soaked. Don't rinse or wash out. Keep the other half of the solution for another treatment!

* The above recipes are from HairStyleCity.com

Here's a vid for a Yogurt Banana Hair Mask...

Check out these sites for more homemade hair mask ideas:
DivingCaroline
Long Hair Lovers
HealthRecipes
Natural Homemade Beauty Tips (blog)

Sunday Cuteness: Coral Beauty

Now that it's summertime I am feeling myself bieng drawn to bright colors, flowy skirts, and even bigger curly hair! I went to the mall yesterday with a fellow curly girl and noticed that many of my favorite shops are featuring more colorful items in splashes of yellows, greens, bright pinks, and my all time favorite - CORAL!!! I adore this color as it tends to warm up my skin tone with its pinky-orangy-sometimes goldish "under-hues". It has a tropical feel to it and looks great on every skin tone. My friend was saying how she tends to avoid bright colors and all I could think was how beautiful she would look in them. So this Sunday's Cuteness is dedicated to all things coral - coral jewelry, clothes, hair accessories, and makeup. Enjoy!

Look how that necklace pops against her mocha skin...stunning.

From Mignon Faget



How pretty these would be in an updo!

From Flickr seller


An coral inspiration board to make you swoon...

From Polyvore


A pop of this on the cheeks...

From Makeup Bag

And how could we forget this lovely capture of Ms. Scott from a few years back?

Apparently I'm not the only one in coral lust! Check out Fashion Is A Vampire for more inspiration! Happy Sunday guys :)

This is for the Transitioners....

Well... not just the transitioners. But the reason I say this is because a lot of people either on the fence about transitioning or already in the process still feel very unsure about what their natural hair will be like, look like, feel like, etc. If you have spent many years of your life using chemicals to alter your hair texture, it can be very scary to go from straight to curly, kinky, coily and nappy (all wonderful textures IMO!). It is so easy to go back to a relaxer or perm if you feel unattractive, unaccepted, rejected, or unprofessional. This key is all about getting to the "root" of the issue. I think understanding the history behind WHY we grew up thinking our hair was bad or unmanageable is key to self acceptance in the natural journey forward.

For me personally, I have been natural so long that I honestly cannot remember what my permed hair felt like. I went natural right out of HS so I have always ONLY had jobs with my natural hair. Any serious boyfriend/husband (brief stint with marriage, that's another post) I have had has only known me with natural hair. Even still, there are times when I feel intimidated to be out in public with my fro all huge. It is not easy to be the only person in the room whose hair stands straight up when others' hair lays down flat. I think it takes guts to walk down the street with your halo of fuzzy froliciousness!

Natural is a journey and not a destination. There will always be new things to learn about your hair. In the process, you learn a lot about yourself. You also learn a lot about the people in your life. I guess the bottom line is you have to be prepared to be different, stand out, get looks and stares from strangers. But that's ok. It builds confidence, especially if you are a person who is shy and does not like to be the center of attention.

Ok so I had not planned to write all this, just kinda got carried away...my bad!
What I really wanted to share with you is an article I just read by Djehuty Ma'at-Ra of DHerbs.com. It's pretty cool and addresses African American history, texture, products, hair science, self esteem, consumerism and more. It's long but I thought it was interesting to read, even after 10 years of being natural. I really think it is a positive piece for those interested in reshaping their thinking and that applies to anyone, no matter how long the journey. I DON'T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING HE SAYS but overall I like the main points.
So click here to get to the article.

Here are some highlights:

"Basically, without being made conscious of the texture of their hair as being some wicked curse stemming from the fictitious Biblical Ham character, or some mark of sin placed on Africans from God Almighty, or a defect on God's part while making the African, Africans/African-Americans would not have the hang-ups on their hair (and other facial characteristics and physical anomalies, e.g. dark skin, broad nose, thick and protruding lips, large posterior or butt) that many of them have today which has led to the exploitation of such sentiment with the creation of a hair care industry that reaps hundreds of millions of dollars that don't see any of that money returning to the communities where most Black women live in the form of beauty school scholarships and inner city beauty pageants."

"African hair is manageable depending upon our diet, how we feel about ourselves (including our hair) or self-image, and our thinking or thoughts. This is something I have discovered through personal experience."

"Black people (and every other race of people, for that matter) - ACCEPT YOUR OWN and BE YOURSELF! God made you perfect just the way you are. All you have to do is just take care of (maintain) what you have."

What do you think? Would this have helped you during your transition?

Beautiful. Brilliant. Powerful. Resilient.

This is a great inspirational video for naturals. Whether you are in the process of transitioning, 10 years in, or still contemplating...this vid reminds us all of how amazing we are, inside and out!


I thought the words to the song were so beautiful so here they are:

Title : Beautiful Flower
Artist : India Arie

This is a song for every girl who’s
Ever been through something she thought she couldn’t make it through
I sing these words because
I was that girl too
Wanting something better than this
But who do I turn to

Now we’re moving from the darkness into the light
This is the defining moment of our lives

‘Cause you’re beautiful like a flower
More valuable than a diamond
You are powerful like a fire
You can heal the world with your mind

There is nothing in the world that you cannot do
When you believe in you, who are beautiful
Yeah, you, who are brilliant
Yeah, you, who are powerful
Yeah, you, who are resilient

This is a song for every girl who
Feels like she is not special
‘Cause she don’t look like a supermodel Coke bottle
The next time the radio tells you to shake your moneymaker
Shake your head and tell them, tell them you’re a leader

Now we’re moving from the darkness into the light
This is the defining moment of our lives

‘Cause you’re beautiful like a flower
More valuable than a diamond
You are powerful like a fire
You can heal the world with your mind

There is nothing in the world that you cannot do
When you believe in you, who are beautiful
Yeah, you, who are brilliant
Yeah, you, who are powerful
Yeah, you, who are resilient

Yeah, you, who are beautiful
Yeah, you, who are brilliant
Yeah, you, who are powerful
Yeah, you, who are resilient

Yeah, you, this song is for you
Yeah, you, this song is for you
Yeah, you, this song is for you
Yeah, you, yeah, you
You are brilliant

Thanks to all of you for reading, commenting, contributing, and encouraging!

40+ Naturals: Meet Gwen!

Hi everyone! Please meet Gwen, a beautiful 48 yo Natural and the voice behind Mature Natural Weblog. She gives great tips on hair health that any natural can use. Check her out!

When did you decide to go natural and what went into that decision?

I was 41 and had permed my hair for 16 years. Health issues brought with it concerns about what type of products I used on my body. I also had come to the realization that my hair was jacked up (dry scalp and hair, breakage) even though I saw my hairstylist faithfully every two weeks. It was time for a change.

Did you transition over time or do a big chop?

I transitioned for one month and couldn't take the two textures, so I big chopped down to a 1-inch twa.

What are some of your favorite products and styles?

I love Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme. Can't live without it. Lustrasilk, aloe vera gel, and olive oil are staples in my routine. My styles are low maintenance and simple. I alternate between wash and gos, puffs, and buns.

Describe your expectations and feelings before you made the leap to natural. How did you feel post-transition?

I didn't perm my hair until I was 25 years old, so natural hair was not new to me. I worked as an HR administrative assistant, but had no problem wearing a curly fro or a puff to work back in the day (early 80's). Although I was familiar with my natural hair, finding the right products was the most frustrating for me.

What have been the reactions of family, friends, etc to the newly natural you?

They weren't surprised at all, but thought it would be temporary. Would you believe that after seven years natural, I still get the occasional suggestion to relax my hair from them? I just tell 'em I love my natural hair and it's here to stay.

Describe what it was like to return to work after going natural.

Initially, I received plenty raised eyebrows, stares, and questions as to why I cut my hair. It's amazing how some people feel their opinions really matter.

Overall, what has been your greatest discovery about being natural?

My greatest discovery? The key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. I rarely put anything directly on my scalp and focus mainly on keeping it clean and free of buildup. My hair is healthier than it has ever been.

What advice would you give to another 40+ woman who is considering going natural?

At this stage of your life, make time for yourself a priority. You deserve it, so choose natural. Trust, you'll have more "pamper me" time on your hands than you could ever imagine. I'm 48 by the way.

Thanks Gwen!!! Be sure to check out her blog!

Sunday Cuteness: The Blowout

Aaahhhh the blowout. Nothing like it. I cannot imagine what could make our naturally coily/curly/kinky hair bigger than a good old fashioned blowout. Hair looks light and fluffy, and sways in the wind. I remember I was riding through Greensboro one day and saw a man walking down the street with a little boy. I guess he could see where he was going but I don't know how, all I could see were inches and inches of glorious black hair swaying in the air in all directions. His blowout was fabulous!!!!!

I suppose if you're gonna do a blowout, make sure you use a good heat protectant first, especially on the ends. And stretch your hair without heat as much as possible before the final blow out.

One major blow out inspiration is the lovely an talented miss Leela James...isn't it gawjus!

from www.starpulse.com

from mixonline.com

from www.bthesite.com

And check out this throwback!

Afro Sheen Blowout Kit | Viral/Other | SPIKE.com

Adoption in Black and White

No, this is not a post about White people adopting Black children. My mother who works for Human Services has told me many times about the challenges that both parents and children face when adoption crosses racial lines. Challenges but also positive things too. This post is about a Black family that adopted a White child. I really have to say, in all my years (ok only 26 but you get the point) I have never seen this combo. Strange?...a little. Not because it's wrong or bad. It's just different. I do see White people with Asian or Black children or Black people with adopted Black children, but never ever have I seen a Black family adopt a White child. Maybe I've been under a rock or this is rare around these parts.

The story is on Essence.com and is really interesting. Here is an excerpt:

When Mark and Terri Riding take their three children to the park where they live in Baltimore, they're usually met by lagging stares, obvious whispering and even people bold enough to come up and question them as parents. Their children are all healthy, normal-looking individuals, but it's their 9-year-old adopted sister/daughter Katie O'Dea-Smith who draws all the attention.You see, the Ridings are Black and Katie is White.

Take a look and come back over here to tell me what you think.

Reader Question - Aphogee Treatment

One reader asked:

Hi, I had a quick question. You blogged about using the Aphogee 2step treatment in January. I know you liked the results, but did you ever do it again? I am looking for a intensive protein treatment.

Well, like I told her in my response email, NO I did not use it again. The real reason has nothing to do with the results. I cannot stand the stinky smell of that stuff. I figure if I feel the need to protein-it-up again I can find plenty of other sources. Plus, I had a cut on my finger and it burned the living daylights out of me! I felt like I had acid on my head and I was fearful of getting it into my eyes. Many people love the stuff and if you do, great! I just won't be going there again.

Before you do protein though, take a look at this vid. I thought it was interesting because, like InspiredCoils, I did the treatment not really feeling sure that I actually needed it. She raises good points about looking at what you are already using for protein content.



This video is great. She gives a shout out to a bunch of my fave products, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Infusium 23, aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, castor oil, and coconut oil. She also sort of addresses pj'ism by talking about trying to use all products in the cabinet before buying new ones. Again, this is a great rule, but she brings up a good point. If it ain't working, DITCH IT!!!! It is not worth sacrificing the health of your hair to save a buck.

A lot of people are talking about protein but here are a few links to some blogs I found to be pretty helpful:

http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com
and
http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com/2009/06/size-matters-protein-conditioning-part.html (check out parts one and two)

http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/02/protein-sensitivity-revisited.html

http://motowngirl.com/

Trying not to PJ....

I thought this vid was so cute that I wanted to share it with all of you! Unless you have been under a rock for some time now you have probably heard a lot about the Oyin Handmade products. Thanks to a RAVE review by Curly Nikki, I am itching to try their Honey Hemp Conditioner. Because I am trying to abide by my own PJ rules (considering a-I have no job yet and b-I have tons of other crap I gotta finish), I will not purchase any conditioner until the bottle I have runs out (and this means no three-times-a-day conditioning just so I can use it up so I can run out and buy more stuff!). After checking out their site and seeing Jamyla, the mixtress' hair, I have to say that I think they might be a good fit and I am really curious to see how their products will work on my hair texture.

Five products I am really itching to try:

Juices and Berries (hope it smells as good as it sounds)
Head to Toe Honey Wash (sounds creamalicious)
Honey Hemp Conditioner (can't wiat!!)
Shine and Define Serum (good for edges??)
Whipped Pudding (love anything whipped)

***My B-Day is July 22 so I would gladly accept these as gifts from anyone*** LOL JK!

Here's the cute commercial I was referring to made by a lovely You Tube'r:


So if you have had luck with these products let me know!

~Color Tips for Curlies~

I was just cruising Latina Mag online and came across this curly hair article discussing coloring tips for the summer. Here are the highlights! (no pun intended :)

With the summer months upon us, you might be thinking about lightening your hair. Some Latina.com readers expressed their hesitation over getting highlights because they fear damaging their curls. I asked curly hair expert Ouidad to fill us in on this topic. Here are some of her tips:

Pre-Color "It’s important to use a deep conditioner on a regular basis to add moisture to the hair shaft."

Coloring "Highlights on curly hair should be done in fatter sections, as opposed to the finer applications used on straight hair."

Post-Color "Shampoo less often and continue to condition hair regularly to allow color to hold longer.

Click here to read the entire post.

So are you thinking of adding some color this summer? If so, what hues are you leaning towards??

40+ Naturals: Meet Aurore!

Today's 40+ Naturals feature is the stunning Aurore! I came across her pics on fotki and just knew she had to be a part of this series. Like a previous feature, she went back and forth between chemicals and natural hair before deciding to stay natural. I enjoyed reading her responses, especially number 8. I'm loving these mature perspectives!

1. When did you decide to go natural and what went into that decision?

I've been natural for most of my adult life. I "relaxed" my hair for maybe two years at a time off and on over the years

2. Did you transition over time or do a big chop?

I'd do a big chop whenever I didn't want straight hair anymore

3. What are some of your favorite products and styles?

A twa or locs are my favorite styles and I don't really have favorite shampoos but i do like Kera Care's Moisturizing Conditioner and Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonaise

4. Describe your expectations and feelings before you made the leap to natural. How did you feel post-transition?

I always feel great about wearing my hair natural and I enjoy the low-cost, low- maintenance aspects of it

5. What have been the reactions of family, friends, etc to the newly natural you?

There are many naturals in my immediate family so it's not a big deal

6. Describe what it was like to return to work after going natural.

I recently cut off my 4 year old locs and most of my co-workers preferred my new twa. I'm now "twisted" with intent to loc again and have gotten mixed reviews which are of no consequence to me whatsoever. There are so many ways of wearing natural hair with professionalism and flair.

7. Overall, what has been your greatest discovery about being natural?

I feel better about myself with natural hair, authenticity is sexy. I couldn't imagine weaving plastic onto my scalp to feel attractive. I've never seen a beautiful weave. Natural sisters walk with a certain confidence that artificial straight hair cannot give to us.

8. What advice would you give to another 40+ woman who is considering going natural?

Natural is beautiful. Go for it!....I remember coming out of the beauty parlor the last time I relaxed my hair and wondering why in the world i did it...yet again.It cost me a bundle. It was extremely humid that day, the subway was a sauna, the train was delayed, and an hour later I had cotton-candy hair. My date suggested that I give him the big bucks the next time and he'd do my hair whenever. I looked at his loced mane with envy and as soon as I had an inch of natural hair I cut off the relaxer and loced up myself. That's how I plan to wear my hair from now on. I really think that it makes no sense to make millionaires out of other ethnic groups with the money that it takes to change our God-given beauty. They look down on us, don't hire any of us, give nothing back to our communities, and yet we keep funneling our hard-earned cash to them.....senseless!

Aurore graciously sent these beautiful shots for our viewing pleasure! Short hair or long, she looks amazing!

This seriously makes me wanna revisit the thought of locing myself, she makes it look so good! Need some more inspiration?? Check out Aurore's fotki here.

Thanks Aurore!

The Coil Review: A New Venture for Me!

Hey guys! I hope you had a wonderful weekend :) I wanted to share that I have agreed to be a part of the contributor team to The Coil Review after they re-launch this summer! As you may already know, The Coil Review is a website and a blog dedicated to naturally curly and coily textured hair. The site is beautiful and full of wonderful information so go check it out and stay tuned for the re-launch!

40+ Naturals - Meet Marci!

Hey guys! I have not posted in about a week, things are wrapping up with school and I am super busy.
But please allow me to introduce our second 40+ Natural...Marci!

Marci, a lovely 42 year old natural, graciously agreed to do the interview and sent us some great pics of her hair. I think you will find that Marci is a wonderful inspiration and full of effervescence. Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes it takes a few "go's" to go natural and stay natural but when you do, it is so freeing!

When did you decide to go natural and what led to that decision?

This is my third attempt at going natural. This time is the final TIME! I am more relaxed when I am a natural. Curling irons or a flat iron is NOT my kind of thing. My natural is so much easier to style! I am not good at styling my hair. The very first time I went natural, was because my ex-husband told me I was his Jill Scott and he liked her look! I loved it. I was trying to get a new look with my natural and got a haircut! BIG MISTAKE!!!!! It was shoulder length, at that time. The stylist, (unfamiliar with natural hair), basically gave me a low cut fade. I ran back to a perm for fear of a TWA. (teenie weenie afro). The last time, I was so tired of the curling iron! This time, I ran back to my NATURAL, the hair that I am most comfortable with. Finally, I did the big chop and am happy with my look!

Did you transition or big chop to natural? How did you make that decision?

I did a little of a transition for 4 months. I went in for a big chop and have not turned back. It was easy, since this was my third time being a natural.

What are your favorite products and styles?

Miss Jessie Curly Buttercreme and Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme, Shea Butter, Darcy’s Botanicals- Madagascar Vanilla!

I wear twist outs or coil outs. I also love to make homemade concoctions with shea butter. I have one that has sheabutter, castor oil, honey and peppermint oil. My hair loves this!!!

Currently, I am using Kinky Curly Curling Custard. Or a co-wash and apply the Madagascar Vanilla.

If you just recently went natural, what were your expectations, fears, or concerns beforehand? How did you feel after you made the transition?

I was afraid that my hair wouldn't grow. This is my third time and I guess I didn't really pay attention to how my hair grew the last 2 times. I never did the Big Chop before- I would transition using micros, this is my first time doing the BC. I am loving my hair so much this time! and discovering all these cute ways to style my hair!

What have been the reactions from family, friends, co-workers, peers?

My mom has always wanted me to wear my natural hair. My co-workers are another story. I am the only black in the office out of 8 people. One of the guys always compliments my hair when I wear the flower. The women want to touch it. I am tender headed so that is a NO! I think that also might be a reason I went natural! One friend asked, ‘Why I don't want a perm?’ I told her I guess the same reason, you don't wear a natural!

What was it like to go to work after the change to natural?

I really didn't care what they thought- I love me! If they didn't like it, oh well! I am ME! and I love my hair!!!

What has been the most unexpected change since you’ve been natural?

That I would learn how to really STYLE it in a bunch of cute ways! I want a fro hawk! and I know I could rock it, once it grows out some more!

What advice would you give another 40+ woman wanting to go natural?

40 is about being fun, flirty, and fabulous! Go for it!

Fly over 40!

Lovely Fro with Flower:

Kinky Curly Curling Custard:

Cute Puff: