Dry Twist N Curl

Hello all! I love my two strand twists and twist outs but I wanted to try something different this time around. So, I decided to try out Curly Nikki's signature style- the one and only Twist N Curl! I have tried it before on wet hair but this was the first time trying it on dry hair. I bought these bigger rollers (perm rods really) at the beauty supply store. Before rolling, I wet the ends with a spray leave-in conditioner and sealed them with my CocoShea mix.

I slept in those huge rollers overnight (was not an easy task!) and when I awoke, these were my results!

This was after it had been down all day en semi-humid conditions. I put a scarf around it to get it off my face since I OD'd on the CocoShea mix. It was getting all over my face and that is a no no!

So all in all I really like it. I had been rocking these twists for a few days and wanted to spice it up before I untwisted them. It was very fluffy and bouncy and I got some compliments. So overall, it was worth it and I will definitely try the dry Twist N Curl again! Thanks Nikki!

Product Placement

For many, going natural is not just about a change in styles but also a change in what we use on our hair. After 10 years of being natural myself, I know I have done my fair share of PJ-ism! I've gone through phases of ONLY using natural products, then trying to find the cheapest effective products, then searching for specific ingredients, and so on. There have been full bottles of product that never get touched once I use it and determine it doesn't work for me. Then there are others that most people denounce that seem to work like magic on my hair.

So...I am really interested in seeing what you ladies (and gents) out there are loving right now to care for your tresses!

I want to compile a list of CUPs (commonly used products) and sort it by hair type/texture/length. So what I need from you is to send me your list of fave products along with a brief description of your hair as it is now. Tell me what you keep coming back to gain and again that seems to get the job done right! This includes shampoos, conditioners, gels, oils, pomades, creams, butters, spritzers, etc. All price points are welcome since I understand different people have different budgets. If you make something at home that is the best you 'eva had', send me that too.

With all of the products out there already, and new ones popping up every day, what is your go-to list that works every time?

Send your list/hair description to my email (not in the comments section) to naturallyleslie@gmail.com. After I get a good comprehensive list, I will post it for all to share.

What's Your Opinion: Enough About Hair For Now...

...What about marriage?

So I saw this video and thought it was an interesting topic to discuss. What do you think about marriage and living together before marriage? Is it a religious issue for you or a matter of legality? Or both? I saw a video similar to this about a program that works to wed unmarried couples, especially those who have already had kids. I know that it is commonly discussed how so many African American children are born out of wedlock and many grow up in single parent households. Then, of course, we have many celebrity examples (Angie and Brad, Halle and Gabe, Kurt and Goldie, etc etc) who have 'successful' relationships where they have been together for years and continue to have and raise children. It seems that in our society, it is ok for them but then "regular" couples are looked down upon. Is this a double standard?

I do not consider myself a religious person but the idea of having children out is not for me. I don't know if it is because I think I will be judged or that in my profession, I am looked at as a role model for kids or what. But that is for me, I don't judge what other people do and I don't think of it as necessarily a right or wrong thing per se.

So check out this vid and drop your opinion. Do we need more Black marriages or more marriages in general? Or, should people be able to live together as they wish without the legal commitment? Some people might think less marriage equals less divorces, especially considering the divorce rate in this country. I wonder if the trend of less marriage has anything to do with the decline in people identifying as religious or members of a certain faith.

So complex, so interesting....weigh in!

40+ Naturals: Meet Tara!

Welcome Tara to NL! She is a very recent 'chopper' and I love her short do! Look at that smile full of

self-confidence and pride. I love it!

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

I decided to go natural Oct 17, 2009 and the reason I made that decision is I just got tired of the chemicals,salon visits and the cost of it all. I started remembering when I was young and my hair was natural I had no problems with it and wore it curly all the time....we called it big hair in those days...(smile)

NL: Did you transition over time or do a big chop?
I thought about transitioning but I was already wearing a short hairstyle and just decided to the big chop which was Oct 18, 2009

NL: What are some of your favorite products and styles?
Well as of right now I've just been going to forums getting tips for other naturals. At the moment I'm using Suave Conditioner, Jam Protein Styling Gel, Motions Daily Moisturizer, Motions Nourish Leave-in Conditioner and Olive Oil. Right now I'm just exploring what will work for me.

NL: Describe your expectations and feelings before you made the leap to natural. How did you feel post-transition?
Well my expectations was hoping that it would turn out curly like it was when I was young although in the back of my mind I was a little nervous. My post-transition feelings was that family,friends and strangers out in public would look at me strange and that my family would disapprove.

NL: What have been the reactions of family, friends, etc to the newly natural you?
Well my family was pretty shocked they loved the short cuts and styles I was wearing with the relaxers. My children were a little stunned but said if I'm comfortable with it then so where they. As for friends they didn't like it so short and some said I was cute (smile) I guess everyone has an opinion.

NL: Describe what it was like to return to work after going natural.
Well at the moment I am laid off so I really didn't have to worry about that transition (smile)

NL: Overall, what has been your greatest discovery about being natural?
Well its kinda like being reborn again to your natural state, I felt like I just took off a mask and now I can be what God intended "Natural" no additives to change who I actually am...and I feel great!

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

The advice I would give is to go back to the way God intended ....and don't change it again. God made everyone different and we should be happy with the design he has made us to be....so rock and wear it!

Thanks Tara!

***If you're 40+ and loving your natural hair, please send me an email with some pics and answers to the questions above to naturallyleslie@gmail.com so you can be featured!***

What's Your Opinion: Are We Stuck Up?

Ladies. Weigh in for me. Are we natural haired women stuck up? Like hair snobs because we have left the creamy crack behind? I actually went to see Chris Rock's Good Hair last night with my mom, on a whim, and I think we were the only two women with natural hair in there. I didn't pay much attention at first but as time went on, I noticed myself laughing at parts (and there was no one else laughing) or crinkling my nose at things that I deemed ridiculous (like spending $1000 for a weave when you don't have lights). Then all of a sudden I got self-conscious. I began to wonder if when the lights came on, the non-natural ladies in the room would look at me with a critical eye, like I thought I was 'above' them for not dealing with the bull crap that can come with relaxers and weaves. I don't know. I just got a weird feeling and wondered if I, on some level, am stuck up about hair.

What do you think? Has this ever happened to you? Do you catch yourself having critical thoughts about women who choose to straighten? Have you even been accused of it? One of the points made by some of the people in the film is that hair is just another way for women, especially Black women, to try and one-up each other. Like breast or butt size, skin tone, and weight. Like we should not 'hate' on other women for the choices they make about their bodies and lifestyles. It's complex and I'm sure you have some very interesting opinions. As always, guys jump right in on this one too!

Coming Up for Monday...

We have a new 40+ Naturals inspiration! Here is a sneak peek of Tara who JUST chopped October 18th!!! Stay tuned....

Twistpiration!

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. That said, how do you plan to wear your hair this season?? For me, I am looking forward to using more twisted styles to keep my hair moisturized and protected from the cool, dry air.

So I thought I would share this video by one of my You Tube faves, PRETTYDIMPLES01, about all the great styles you can do with twists. The girl is super creative and always looks so cute. I love watching her and usually come away with some great new things to try. Check it out!

Men on Natural Hair

Image from Essence.com

So one topic that tends to come up over and over again on the blogs is related to how men view our natural hair. I've shared before how I never had an issue with this since all of my serious relationships happened after I had been natural for quite a while. But I know many women are very concerned with either attracting a man or keeping the one they have with natural hair. My personal opinion is that if you're single, you'll attract men who like natural hair. But if you're already in a relationship, while you should always be considerate of your partner, he/she should love you no matter what, even if it takes some adjusting.

So over on Essence.com they took it to the streets of NYC to find out what some men really think. Looking at the variety of answers, I would say this is probably a sampling that is fairly representative of most men.

Alot of guys prefer the natural but some admitted they like it better straight. One thing all pretty much agreed on is that they DON'T like a weave/glue/tracks. Well..it's nice to see they at least agree on one thing.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“I like natural hair, yeah I do. There is something about a girl who can rock natural hair—she’s a little more edgy, a little more secure with herself.”

“Natural hair is the best. I’ll take a perm but I prefer natural. I’ve never dated anyone with a weave but if my girl now decides to get one I would still be with her.”

“I like straight hair for the most part. I just think it looks better. And I guess I became accustomed to it growing up with my mother and sister—they always wore their hair straight, so that’s all I was used to seeing. I’m not a fan of weaves. They just rub your face and it feels like basketball shorts, it doesn’t feel good.”

“I have a wife and she wears natural hair and I love it. I remember I used to date this girl and I thought it was her real hair until I found out later that it wasn’t. I don’t like all weaved and glued-in hair because then it comes out and you’re shocked. I can do braids.”

So there you have it ladies. Head on over to check out the rest then come back to weigh in! If you're out there dating, what have been your experiences? If you were committed when you went natural, how was your partner's reaction? And I want the men of Naturally Leslie to throw their two cents in as well...don't stay silent on this one!!!

Oh...and if you took Essence's poll on "Good Hair", click here to see poll results.

Back in the Garden...

I miss my friend Vincent Christie of Pangeasgarden.com since we don't really talk as much as we used to. School started and now I am so busy with my job so we don't have as much free time to bounce around ideas on the phone like we could back in the summer. Also, he has since launched his site and things are going well there too.

I posted a while back where he had come to NC and took a few shots of me for his blog. Since then, we also did a Q&A which he has now posted to his blog. I still love and fully support both of his sites because I think there are very few opportunities for natural black women to be displayed as sensual and beautiful beings without all the negative stereotypes about our sexuality. So it makes me happy to see our Q&A session there with a few more pics from his trip here.

Check it out!

Here are some of my faves from his latest posts:

A moment on Auburn Avenue

A moment on the bridge with Keyona

Miss Jessie's Grow Out Challenge

(Photo from Essence.com)

Because I sincerely feel that we here at Naturally Leslie are sooooo on the same wavelength, I got an email that I want to share with you about the 2009 Grow Out Challenge sponsored by NaturallyCurly.com and the Branch sisters/Miss Jessie's owners. I started writing this post last night but was entirely too pooped to finish it. When I woke up, I had this lovely email. You guys read my mind and I love it! So check it out and click the links for more info. If anybody decides to take on this challenge, come back here and let us know. Keep us in the loop!

Hello,

Since your fabulous blog is all about hair, I thought I'd pass

some info on that you may not know about (actually you probably do already know),

but just in case...

NaturallyCurly.com 2009 Grow Out Challenge

NaturallyCurly has partnered up with Titi and Miko Branch, owners of the Miss Jessie's line for curly hair. Over the course of 6 months from October 5th 2009 to March 31st 2010, Miss Jessie's will award over $3,600 worth of products to the participants who show the most gumption and dedication on this journey of transition. Participants need simply submit pictures, videos, and testimonials and the winners will receive a personalized hair "prescription" and Miss Jessie's products that fit their individual hair needs.

Here's the link from Essence for more info:
http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/hair/articles/natural_hair_transition_2009_grow_out_challenge

Enjoy!

So....if you're you currently transitioning and looking for a little more inspiration, check out this page on naturallycurly.com. Here are the guidelines for participation. Sounds fun!

Blonde Moment

Ya'll know I love J Sparks but.....

I'm struggling with the blonde streaks! What happened to the curly and red????

Ahh well, we're all entitled to play with our heads, I was just hoping she would stay dark. She's still totally cute tho, I'd hug her!

So what's your opinion?

Stupid Stuff People Say....

Does stuff like this happen to you??? I work in a middle school and I hear stupid crap like this all the time from young people who have internalized their elders' opinions of self-hate. She's so cute and funny! So what do you guys think? I think what she said about nappy vs thick was interesting. Is nappy bad to some people? IDK Sometimes I get tire of talking about hair. Then I read/see/hear something that makes me wanna discuss...

'Good Hair' gone Bad??

Got an interesting reader email that I thought I'd share. Take a look...

Hi Leslie

First, just wanted to let you know that I really like your blog. I've been following it for some time now and I enjoy reading your thoughts. Anyway I thought I'd bring to your attention that the makers of the "Good Hair" Doc are being sued, because apparently the idea was stolen from filmmaker Regina Kimball who did a documentary called "My Nappy Roots." I posted the link to the article on my blog http://quirkycurlyfilmchick.blogspot.com/2009/10/uh-oh-for-good-hair-documentary.html where they have all the details. Maybe something you want to take a look at and possible bring to your readers' attention?

Thanks for you time!

I love when people share interesting stuff with us. It seems like this might bring even more attention to Black hair trends. Read the article (it's short) and tell me what you think. When you're done with that, click here to check out My Nappy Roots to compare and contrast. With a topic like this, it seems inevitable that two films would cover similar content. However, if they really are as similar as the article makes them out to be, Chris Rock might have an issue on his hands. Hmmmm...we'll see!

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: Sarita-marie2!

When I saw this young woman's hair I had to have her on NL! Aside from being totally cute and a creative stylist, she also runs an online store on etsy.com where she features her very own knitted items. Way cool! Check out her hair, pics, and routine. Thanks Sarita-marie2!

NL: Your hair is fabulous! How long have you been natural and what led you to that decision?

Technically, I've always been natural, but my grandmother used to press my hair faithfully every 1-2 weeks. I stopped getting my hair straightened when I was a sophomore in college because I was away from home. In my freshman year, I started experimenting with a pressing comb myself on an electric stove...I knew I was doing a lot of damage to my hair by the way it felt afterward and the amount of hair that ended up on the floor! By my sophomore year I had it in my mind that the health of my hair was much more important than trying to fit in with straight hair. It took me about a week to find Nappturality.com--the first natural hair care website that took the time to answer all of my questions about how to take care of, and style my hair. The women in the photo gallery all looked beautiful with their hair natural. Once I got the hang of it, I was happy to embrace my thick and coarse texture.

NL: Do you have a particular styling/product regimen that you follow?

Somewhat. I usually shampoo my hair once every 2-3 weeks. I've tried the "no-poo" method and sometimes I get a lot of build up unless I "no-poo" more often. But when I do shampoo, I use Suave coconut shampoo and I ALWAYS wash my hair in at least 4-5 sections. I follow it with a thick, moisturizing conditioner for about 20 minutes. I then comb out my hair, still in sections, and rinse out. After I towel dry, I take each section and split it into about 3 smaller sections while I oil my scalp with Carol's Daughter Mimosa Honey (this smells so good!), or with a concoction of essential oils and shea butter. I always like to stretch my hair out a bit to keep my ends from getting tangled. To do this, I braid each section, unbraid and then rebraid it as it dries. My routine seems like a lot sometimes, but I enjoy caring for my hair.

NL: Tell us about your etsy store.

My etsy store is called, FeelingMoody. I knit funky collars, and accessorize them with eclectic or vintage buttons. I really like them because they're so easy to wear and the colors are easy to match with almost anything in a wardrobe, from a t-shirt to a coat.

NL: What is the best thing about being natural in your opinion?

The best thing is definitely the versatility. I can get 3 different styles just from wearing my hair in twists. Like a twisted updo, a "twist-out", and a "twist-out" updo. Even on a bad hair day, my hair looks great because it has a mind of it's own.

NL: Is there anything else you want NL readers to know about you?

I can say that I kinda found myself through my hair. In a way, I am my hair because it is a reflection of my spirit, and I love it!

Need more?? Check her out on fotki and be sure to see her cool creations at feelingmoody.etsy.com.

Mallorie's Tips for TWAs

Let's try this again.....

I love it when other naturals find a system that works for them...and then they share!!! I wish I had someone to look up to when my hair was first growing out. I was clueless and had no "role model" to follow. Fortunately for you all, there's Mallorie! Isn't she adorable, btw??

Mallorie sent me this email and I just had to share it with our NL community. Check out her routine and fabulous results.

Lately, I have gotten tired of the wash 'n gos, and I can't seem to preserve a twist out for the life of me... probably because my hair is not long enough to put in a high ponytail at night ;-) Since the weather is getting colder, and my hair is growing a bit, I have been on a protective styling quest. I wanted to share this protective style that I developed for TWAs, inspired by your twisted updo that you had for the recent photoshoot you were in.

1st pic (above) shows the length of my hair untwisted

2nd pic is shrunken and curly (1 and 2 are for those who doubt their hair is long enough)

3rd, 4th and 5th are the twist style

6th pic is my day 6 and 7 twist-out look

I wash, deep condition, detangle, and twist on a Sunday. This style lasts the whole week. I take the twists out on Friday night or Saturday, and wear a cute twist-out look (ex:mohawk) look until Sunday evening rolls around. This is my 5th cycle of doing this, and I have been getting so many compliments. People can't believe that I did it myself. To twist, I use Cantu Shea Leave-In and then dip my finger in Carol's Daughter Loc Butter, Raw Unrefined Shea Butter, or Aloe Vera Gel (I have tried each one on different occasions and they all work equally great). I make small to medium twists all over my head, and then strategically pin them back with bobby pins to the desired look... basically until they are all up and accounted for. By day 3, I like to add headbands like the Goody Stay-Put athletic bands, or even fun regular handbands with feathers or jewels.

I encourage all of my fellow TWAs to try this... who says that we can't play around with protective styling this fall too?!

I love her creativity and the results look great! Thanks for sharing this with us, Mallorie!

The Review is In: Thank God I'm Natural

I am really excited to give my review for Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair by Christ-Tia E. Donaldson. This 285 page book lives up to its name as the ultimate natural hair care guide, covering everything from the author's own natural journey to a state-by-state natural hair salon directory.

Before I give you my opinion on the book, let me explain how it is put together:

~Aesthetically speaking, the first thing I noticed when I saw the book was how sleek and cool the cover is. The black and white silhouette looks modern and I love how different skin tones and hair textures are represented on the cover. I also really like how some pages are black with white text and how the numbers are in the middle of the margins as opposed to the bottom of each page.

~The text begins on a personal note, with a foreword by Motown Girl, as author Chris-Tia Donaldson chronicles her journey to natural hair. The next 15 chapters include topics such as natural hair myths, the history of black hair, how to discover your hair type and texture, and a range of chapters covering hair care and styling options and making products at home.

Also, there are commercial product reviews, info on hair loss and additional resources. Dispersed throughout the text are black and white photos of hair styles and types, and even some of Chris-Tia's personal pics from her own journey. At the very end, there are natural hair FAQs, a glossary of terms, and a salon directory! This book really covers it's bases and leaves no stone unturned.

Each chapter is well written and easy to follow. At the end, the author includes "key points to remember" with bullets highlighting the main ideas of the chapter.

Special Features:

•Hair Style Photos

•Celebrity Stylist Product Reviews

•Daily Routines for Natural Hair and Locs

•Natural Hair Myths & Misconceptions

•Relaxers Beware

•Greatest Moments in Black Hair History

•Natural Salon Directory

A Few of My Favorite Parts:

~Chapter 5: Type and Texture- Typically, we only hear about hair type when discussing natural hair. However, Ms. Donaldson goes beyond the Walker system to break down the difference between hair types and hair textures. Understanding both aspects of your hair will help in determining styling options and product picks to care for your hair.

~Chapter 15: In the Kitchen - Why do I like this chapter? Well, I love the idea of making your own products at home using simple and fresh ingredients. Natural hair does not have to be expensive and this chapter explains how to use everyday items for superior hair care.

~Salon Directory- Not everybody is cut out for doing their own hair. Thank goodness you don't have to! If you are the type of person who prefers to have his/her hair done by someone else, Chris-Tia has compiled a thorough list of salons in the US and even includes some contact info for international salons in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, British Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. Wow!

I do wish the book had more pictures, but only because I am a very visual person and I'm practically obsessed with seeing shots of healthy, natural hair. But, I love the ones that are included and I think they illustrate the range of diverse options for wearing black hair in its natural state.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I feel it has something for everyone. Even for someone like me who has been natural for 10+ years, I found useful information and ideas I had not yet tried!

Yes, the book is dense, but there is a ton of good information. For a newly natural person, this might be overwhelming at first, but no worries, this will soon prove to be an extremely valuable resource as you get to know your hair. For this reason, some may choose to read the book from beginning to end, while others might flip to a particular chapter of interest. The good thing about this book is that, because of how it is written, you can do just that! It is the type of read that you can come back to over and over again as you reach different milestones in you natural journey.

I think this would be a great gift for a special woman in your life who you know is contemplating the natural thing but doesn't know where to begin. As the natural hair movement continues to grow, I think women can only benefit from a guide like this. Never before has there been so much support and resources for natural hair like there is right now. Websites, blogs, magazines, and books are more prolific than ever and I think Chris-Tia Donaldson's book is one to have in your arsenal!

Want to take your own peak inside this book, click here for excerpts and actual shots of the inside!

So now that you see how cool it is, and your really want a copy, where can you buy it you ask??? Click here to get your very own copy of Thank God I'm Natural!

About the Book

THANK GOD I'M NATURAL is a must-read for any black woman who has suffered hair loss or breakage caused by relaxers -- or has grown tired of spending thousands of dollars and their entire Saturday afternoons frying their kinky tresses into submission. Featuring the advice of celebrity stylists for Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu (among others, THANK GOD I'M NATURAL offers thorough and extremely modern and up to date information -- and a plethora of tips to help women go natural the right way. You won’t want to do your hair again until you’ve read this lifesaving, reference book and heartfelt narrative from cover to cover! For more information, visitwww.thankgodimnatural.com or check out the Thank God I’m Natural Blog for all the latest in hair care tips, news, and product pics www.thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com.

About the Author

Chris-Tia Donaldson is a Harvard graduate with a true passion for hair. By day, Chris-Tia is a successful lawyer for a software company. By night, she is a freelance writer and entrepreneur looking to launch her own product line for naturally kinky tresses. For this revolutionary book, Chris-Tia has interviewed hundreds of women -- from all walks of life -- about everything from the epidemic of hair loss in the black community to the historical effects of slavery on black women and their hair care practices.

Chris-Tia currently lives in Chicago -- where she is active in a wide variety of civic, educational, and charitable organizations. She is also available for speaking engagements and radio/television appearances. To make arrangements with Chris-Tia, please email her directly at: christia.donaldson@gmail.com or call (617) 290-0945.

Sunday Cuteness: Lil Miss Jackson

Is it just me...or was Janet Jackson totally adorable as a kid?!? I love the puff. Seriously.

Hair Shame? Racialicious Weighs In...

Hey there ladies and gents! I was perusing Racialicious again and came across this article about why so many Black women avoid personal/intimate contact when it comes to their heads. I could totally relate to a lot of what the author had to say and I agree. Often times, isn' the bottom line insecurity?

"Deeper than the “my hair will get messed up” mantra, I think the root of the problem lies in insecurity. And why not? Us women of color have always been taught that, in its natural state, our hair is not beautiful. So we hide behind weaves and wigs and relaxers, quite literally putting up a barriers between our scalps and the hands of others."

I can remember avoiding hugging people sometimes when I had a relaxer because I was afraid my hair wouldn't smell fresh considering I hadn't washed it in a week or so. I was always trying to fix my scalp issues, unfortunately adding heavy greases which of course did nothing for the problem. I feared spending the night with some White girlfriends because I would leave grease on their pillows. I actually had one friend ask me to bring my own pillow the next time because I had gotten grease on it! I was mortified.

Now that I'm natural, there are still times when I feel traces of that same type of insecurity. I am, after all, only human.

Read the article, and the comments below it, and tell me what you think. How was your self esteem before being natural and how is it now? What do you still struggle with and what have you overcome?

Is this happening to you too?

Image from HERE

With all the talk of natural hair going on in the media these days, I have been approached more and more by white people who tell me how much they love my hair. I had one teacher say to me yesterday that her husband watched the Oprah episode with Chris Rock and absolutely loved it. It seems that many people (white specifically but not exclusively) are getting wind of what we (black women) have known and dealt with all our lives.

So my question to you is, how have people been responding to this new wave of media talk about natural hair? Has anyone said anything to you that totally bothered you or made you mad? If so, how did you handle it? Likewise, if you've had good conversations about natural hair with people as a result, tell us about that too. I'm really just interested in hearing how all this is affecting other people out there since the topic has become a very public discussion as of late... Leave your comments and remember to always be respectful. Thanks!