Natural Inspiration: Lisa Bonet

Stunning!!

She has always been beautiful to me and she as aged so gracefully and beatifully. Her locs are gorgeous. Those locs with that gorgeous face is like a double whammy of beautiful.

Fears for My Natural Hair

I have realized that there are some things that I am hesitant to try--or won't try--with my natural hair. These hesitations usually occur if I feel the process will cause breakage or damage to my natural hair. Below I have listed a few of my fears for my natural hair:

1. The ponytail. I used to be a person that would rock a ponytail in a hot minute (during my relaxed days). I then thought that when my natural hair got to the length to wear it in a ponytail that I would rock it a lot. However, I don't. I am so afraid of the ponytail. Simply because I feel that the ponytail would cause stress to my edges and breakage around the area where the band is. Maybe my fears are crazy but, I do feel it will be awhile before I can rock a ponytail comfortably.

2. Pressure. This is probably my BIGGEST fear for my natural hair. I had a major hair mishap over a year ago from having continuous pressure in one spot. I pretty much lost hair in the spot and had a bald patch. And even though that spot has grown back now, I never want to repeat that mistake. For this reason, you will hardly ever see me rock headbands or even wear bobby pins in the same spot. I love hairstyles that require no outside force to hold it--such as twists, cornrows, out styles, etc.

3. Applying gel to my edges and brushing them. I see other naturals do this but, I don't think I will ever start brushing my edges. I just don't think smooth edges is that big of deal to me so, I just don't go there. I want to maintain as much length on my edges as possible and don't want to damage it.

4. Sleeping with my hair out. I can't sleep with my hair out. I won't sleep with my hair out. Enough said.

5. Dry hair. Dry hair = Breakage. For this reason, I embrace moisture, moisture, and more moisture.

6. Straightening. I don't have plans to ever straighten my natural hair. I have heard too many heat damage stories and I just don't dig the straight look. (I am talking for myself and am not casting judgement on others.)

Those are my main fears for the moment. Do you have any fears for your natural hair or things that you refuse to do to your natural hair--even though they seem to work for others?

Natural Inspiration: YaYa Dacosta

I've always thought YaYa was gorgeous. I don't think I have featured her as a natural inspiration as of yet. But, her hair is absolutely stunning. I think her gorgeous face really sets off her hair or is it her hair sets of her gorgeous face. Either way, she is definitely an inspiration.

Yall, it is getting too busy right now. So, I have to be out ------>

Naturals in Advertisement: Target

Target is a company that always featured natural models. Just walk into any Target and look at the images/advertisements throughout their store and you will find a number of natural models. And one thing I love about their natural models is their diversity. Their hair will range from loose curls to tighter curls like mine. I can appreciate all natural hair.

I found this pic on the internet and thought it was so adorable. Her hair in motion with the dogs is too cute! Target keep the great ads coming :-)

Natural Inspiration: Solange Knowles (again)

Yall, I know that I featured Solange as a natural inspiration before but, I just had to feature her again. I simply ADORE Solange. One day I just realized, I am a Solange Knowles fan.

Why? Simply because she breaks the mold. Her fashion is her own. Her personality is hers alone. Her voice is beautiful and I love her style of music. And she just rocks her natural hair beautifully. I really could go on and on...

Now, back to her fashion. Solange's style is amazing! If I didn't work in an office I could see myself rocking a number of her looks. She wears the most unique vintage pieces and she is not afraid of color. She is my girl!

So, a special honor goes to Solange because she is the only natural inspiration that I just had to feature twice.

Natural Blast From the Past: Nina Simone

Nina Simone. She is beautiful. I love her features--those full lips and intense look in her eyes. Of course, her natural hair is on point. I wanted to feature her after hearing my sister sing her song so beautifully at her concert. That song, Why? (The King of Love is Dead) is really moving.

Bonus: Video of my sister, Auset, singing her song Why? (The King of Love is Dead)

Naturals in Advertisement: Kate Spade

Photo Source: LeCoil

While on LeCoil I saw this gorgeous pictoral of a Kate Spade advertisement. How gorgeous are those clothes and that natural model! Those outfits so depict my style. Classic and elegant. (And great Spring looks). It just goes to show you that naturals can definitely rock classic and elegant looks. And we do it so wonderfully!!

It's My Anniversary!!

Wow!! A year has gone by already!

Today, April 5, 2011, has marked a year since my big chop. As some of you may know--and some of you may not--I did my Big Chop after transitioning from my relaxed hair for 10 months. Looking back, I can remember that day so vividly. There was no fear and no hesitation. I was ready!

This past year has been glorious!

You all know I have tried so many hairstyles. Some came out great, some came out eh, and some came out bad. But, through it all I still loved my hair.

This is to a great year and many more to come!! Cheers!

How To Be A Frugal Natural and Still Stay Fabulous!

At the point I am in my life, I don't have very much money to spare or waste. I make sure my bills are paid and after that I don't have much left for many luxuries. However, I don't let this stop me from staying naturally fly! Below are a few tips I follow to stay oh-so-fabulous in the natural world:-)

1. Research any products before buying. Because I don't have the money to go just randomly try products to see if they work for me or not, I always do thorough research on any product before purchasing. I first look at the ingredients. I then google reviews online from blogs or websites. And next I go to YouTube to see how the product worked for other naturals (I usually flock to reviews from naturals with my similar hair texture).

2. Find what works for me and stick to it. I mentioned this before. I am by no means a product junkie. I find what works for me and I stick to it. I have one shampoo, one detangling comb, a few conditioners, a few oils, etc. You get the point. I find what works for me and I stick to it. Why mess up a good thing?

3. Throw out hints to family members. Yeah, I do this. I throw out hints to my sisters and parents about products I am in need of or products I wouldn't mind having. I must admit that this method usually works pretty well.

4. Stay away from the "hot and new" thing. I go to many blogs and I hear great things about many products and lines out there. But, I look at what the products purpose is and I analyze if I am really lacking in that area. For example, if a product claims to give great definition, shine, and thickness. I think, I have a my styler and my oils. So, even though it would be nice to try the "new" things I would rather wait for a better time.

5. Don't sacrifice quality for cheapness. One thing I do not do is sacrifice quality just to be cheap. Even though there are some great products out there that are very cheap (ex. V05 conditioners), there are some things that I can't go cheap on. For example, I will not use just any old shampoo on my head (only Giovanni for me). No sulfates will touch this head.

These are just the rules I follow for my budget. Maybe one day I will be a baller and be able to splurge. LOL. But, my frugal methods work for me:-)

Natural Inspiration: Esperanza Spalding

This is the girl!

She is simply stunning! Talented, gorgeous, beautiful hair...I could go on.

I must admit that her hair really inspires me. I think that all natural hair is beautiful but, when it comes to what I'm aiming for...this is it. Her hair is so big! You can see her true texture. It always looks so on point and it doesn't even look like she tried (Carefree is the word).

So, Esperanza Spalding definitely deserves to be featured as a natural inspiration. She is one of my main inspirations:-)

Hairstyle: Braid Out?? or Textured Afro??

So, this past Sunday, I washed my hair and then braided it---intending to do a braid out. Well, despite starting on my hair at 3:00 pm my hair still did not fully air dry. So, the next day while taking it down my hair was really damp all over. You know me, I just let it do what it do. And I still like it!

I decided to show some pics of my hair over last 3 days that I have been wearing this braid out/textured afro.

Day 1 - You can see that the back of the hair really has little to no wave definition. The hair displays my texture. I like how full it looks.
Please excuse the puckered lips. I was feeling my new lipstick. lol. This shot really shows the full shape of my hair.
This is my hair today, I am still feeling it. I will definitely be rocking this style to the end of this week or longer. We'll see...

I achieved this hairstyle by:
1. Washing the hair.
2. Applying conditioner to my entire head
3. I then put my hair into 21 braids
4. I took it down the next morning using my shea butter/EVOO mixture to seal the ends.
5. I did not really seperate the hair for a fuller look because it was not dry. It eventually air dryed to this full look.

Natural Inspiration: Corrine Bailey Rae

She is so pretty!

I absolutely adore her voice, hair, features, etc. They just all work.

There is no doubt that Corrine Bailey Rae is beautiful and successful. Her voice just soothes me and put me in that mellow, chill mode. Of course my favorite song by her is "Closer". It's on point.

I think she has the cutest and most adorable pixie features. I feel her features were accentuated more with her shorter hair. However, I am digging the longer hair too. Either way, she is rocking it!

History of Our Hair: Ida B. Wells

In continuing with notable Blacks for Black History Month, I will feature Ida B. Wells.

Ida B. Wells was a noted journalist, women's right advocate, speaker, and against lynching. She was also one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She has a rich history and it has influenced our lives to this day. It took strong people like her to give us the rights we have today. Click {HERE} for more information about her life.

Pictures of Ida B. Wells always depict her wearing her hair in an elegant updo. I believe she is one of the inspirations behind the pompadours in the natural community to this day. I even wore my hair in this style before. It just goes to show you that some styles will always be classic and timeless.

Naturals In Advertisement: Oil of Olay (YaYa DaCosta)

Was looking at pictures of YaYa DaCosta on the internet and came across this advertisement of her for Oil of Olay. I think she is beautiful and I am in awe of her hair.

I like that in this advertisement they did not feel the need to straighten or hide her natural hair. It is there in all its glory.

Love it.

Hair Today: Mini Twists Pulled Back

So, this past Sunday marked the beginning of the 2nd week with my mini twists. Even though I spent 8 hours putting these twists in, I plan on taking them out this weekend. Simply put, my hair can't stay in twists for no longer than 2 weeks. It takes no time for my hair to start locking.

For today, I tried something new with the twists by pulling the front section back with bobby pins. It just made the hairstyle have a new feel and I like it. I may wear it like this tomorrow but, I just have to see how I feel.

OAN: This Saturday my church is having "An Evening Out" for Valentine's Day. I am debating if I am going to do an updo with this set of twists or wear my hair completely out in either a twist out or braid out. I think I'll know by Friday.

Moisturizing Natural Hair

Recently, I was on a blog and the blogger said she moisturizes her natural hair once a week. Some people moisturize their hair everyday (my sister does). I usually moisturize my hair every 1-2 days. I think it just really depends on your hair and its needs. It's essential to know your hair because everything is going to be different for everyone.

First off, moisture is important. Moisture in the hair will help to prevent breakage, damaged ends, dry hair, and so much more. Moisture is obtained through water--not products. Many products will claim to moisturize the hair but, what they should say is they will help you promote/retain your moisture. Simply put, moisture is obtained from water. Water is the bizness.

Here are few tips to retain moisture:
1. Stay away from petroleum/mineral oil based products. They will lock out moisture.
2. Apply a water based spray or mixture to your hair. I like to use this mixture my sister made for me which contains water, EVOO, and aloe vera juice. This really helps me in those colder months when there is not much moisture in the air.
3. I'm sure you've heard it before and I'll say it again. Oil does not moisturize the hair. Water moisturizes the hair. But, it is fine (great really) to apply oil on the damp hair or after hair has been washed. I do and my hair loves it. Some oils are permeable and will allow for moisture to come into the hair.
4. Let that steam from the shower do its work:-)
5. Wash/Co-wash your hair on a routine basis. I usually co-wash/shampoo my hair every 2 weeks in the winter. Usually, in the hotter months I co-wash about 1-2 times per week. No matter what your wash routine is just don't go too long without washing the hair. Our hair loves the water!

Naturals in Advertisement: Banana Republic

There is no doubt in my mind that Banana Republic makes some of the best clothing. The clothes are quality and classic.

So, I was delighted by this advertisement that they have featuring Esperanza Spalding. A beautiful artist with a gorgeous head full of natural hair.

I've said it before...it is absolutely amazing to see natural hair depicted in advertisements on TV, in magazines, on the net, etc. Natural hair will be the norm one day.

Why I Won't Straighten My Hair

Disclaimer: I am not here to judge. I am simply discussing my reasons for not straightening my natural hair.

Seriously, off topic: This week has been somewhat stressful and busy for me. I have been trying to get in the final things needed for my application to graduate school. Really, I had all of the required material mailed at the very beginning of December 2010. The remaining material needed was my recommendation letters. And even though I notified my past instructors back in December it has still be a headache to ensure that they get the letters in. The deadline is fast-approaching and I just need to get this out of the way. Ok, I'm off the soap box. Back to the scheduled program...

My Reason for Not Straightening My Hair:
1. I am not searching for a "new" look
2. I don't feel I need to straighten my hair to trim it
3. I don't feel the need to check the length
4. I don't want heat damage
5. I don't want people to even see my natural hair straight (they may get attached)
6. I don't like how straight hair looks on me
7. I adore my hair in its natural state

I could go into detail about each of these reasons but, I figured I would just put it out there. When I decided to go natural I knew I had to change my mindset completely about what I considered "pretty" hair. I feel that I was successful in doing this. So much so that I fully embraced my natural hair.

I don't even want to go there by straightening my hair. There are too many downsides to straightening hair and then people get too attached to the straight hair. My natural hair is me and this is what you get.

I discussed my thoughts briefly on this topic and you can check it out HERE.

Some Hair Shots

It has been a minute since I have really had my hair out. This past weekend, I took my braids out and I took a few shots of my hair. These are pics of my hair after taking the braids out (it is therefore, streteched out).

My hair is really growing. I really feel it flourishes from protective styles.

Individual Braids vs. Individual Twists

During these colder months, I have been wearing a number of protective styles. My favorite protective styles would have to be twist and braid updos. However, I started thinking about the pros and cons of each of the styles.

When it comes to individual twists:
Pros - (1) It is much faster to put these in (2) The hair looks fuller and thicker with the twists (3) For some reason, its easier to do updos with twists. I think this is due to its flexibility (4) The take-down process is so much easier with the twists (not including the detangling part) (5) Great protective style
Cons - (1) If I leave twists in for 2 weeks or more it is very hard to detangle my hair. It takes no time for it to start locking up (2) The twists get that older look faster (3) If I wash my hair while the twists are still in they will unravel and get frizzy/fuzzy

When it comes to individual braids:
Pros - (1) This style lasts longer than twists (2) I can put these in my hair and not have to worry about them starting to lock after 2 weeks (3) The detangling process is not much work at all with the braids. I can just take them down. (4) I can wash my hair with the braids and they will still look fresh (5) Great protective style.
Cons - (1) Braids do not give the hair a fuller look (2) It takes me longer to put the braids in than the twists (3)It actually takes longer to take the braids out (4) It is rather difficult to put the braids into cute updos. I have to strategically place the hair.

So, as you can see there are benefits and limitations to having either one of these styles. I can't really say which style I prefer. It really just depends on the mood that I am in. I do know that these are great protective styles and they keep my hands out of my hair.