Happy Holidays from the Natural in Nashville Team!

Have a great and festive week! As we take time out to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends -we encourage you to do the same! Check back next week for more posts! 

Happy Holidays!!

Oh yeah, click HERE to win a nuNAAT Karite Special Shea Butter Products!

12 Days of Christmas presents nuNAAT Karite Special Shea Butter Products

Welcome to the last day of the 12 Days of Christmas product giveaway!

Once again, we are so happy to give away so many products and services. Even if you didn't win, we hope you will support each company.

On our final day we are giving away an entire set of nuNAAT Karite Special haircare products. All the products you see above, is what you will win.

I cite nuNAAT for giving me awesome moisture and length retention. If you remember, this is one of my favorite products and I keep everything in stock under my cabinets. Click here to see my review.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED and the winner has been contacted. 

Thanks for your participation!

Candice's Hair Diary: Blow Out.

For the first time, I can easily see how naturals can become addicted to the blow dryer and end up doing heat damage. I've only tried to rock a blow out once, and I hated it. My hair grows really densely and kept getting tangled and it sucked.

Oh but I randomly decided to do a blow out last week and guess what? I still found knots from my mini twists. But I went through it again and that's definitely the last of that nonsense. In my defense, until you have to manage this stuff, you have no idea how much hair I have. Things can (and have) get lost in there. And different sides have to be styled differently. And yes, I still plan on doing more mini twists in January. But I digress.

I went from being stereotypically called Jill Scott to being called Chaka Khan with my hair like this. But I loved it, since my hair goal is to have super huge, obnoxiously big hair. I am not saying I can manage to keep up with waist length hair. But I want to be able to rock a humongous afro of my own hairI'm not there yet, but I love seeing the growth that I'm seeing.** Not to mention big hair keeps me warm in the winter. Definite plus.

I thought about an attempt at flat ironing my hair straight. I've never done it on my own. But I feel like it's possible now. It's on my to do list.

 *Note to self, maybe it will be wise to do a formal introduction to my hair, and all 45 different curl types located on one head.
**Another note to self, it's probably not so useful to state hair growth goals without doing a length check to keep up with your progress.

12 Days of Christmas presents Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-free Shampoo

Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!

Free haircuts, soap, products, jewelry, and services - WOW - we've given away so much stuff. I'm happy to keep this party going. Candice, our newest writer, wanted to give away one of her favorite things. Today's giveaway is a bottle of Bed Head SuperStar Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Thick Massive Hair.

I like the fact that the name says it's for Thick Massive Hair you know, if you live in the 3b-4c land of natural hair you can have a huge mane on your head. This sulfate free shampoo get rave reviews all over the net and claims to be ultra-conditioning and non-drying. That's a good thing for a shampoo! Plus, look at the cool hot pink bottle - who wouldn't love to see this in their bathroom stash?

HOW TO WIN:

1. Follow @NaturalinNash on Twitter then comment saying: "@NaturalinNash is giving me Bed Head!"

2. Like Natural in Nash on Facebook, and repost on your FB page.

3. Comment below leaving your email address

Contest ends 12/22/2011, 11:59pm

The Breakup: When is it time to say "Good Bye" to your stylist?

When you become natural, sometimes it means parting ways with your hairstylist. This breakup can be difficult. Stylists can become good friends. Good friends can become stylists. But when you transition to natural hair, more often than not, your hair stylist will become less critical to your hair health.

I transitioned with the crucial help of a hair stylist. Once I did my big medium chop, it became obvious that my stylist was beginning to hinder rather than help my natural hair journey. She was my friend before she was my stylist. Long story short, I lost her as both... AND my coils became a fried mess. I had to recover from this:

March 2011. This was the cause of my break up.

It wasn't because my stylist was out to ruin my hair life. It was because she was ignorant about my "new" hair and felt that she could do anything to it because my especially coarse hair can take it. Here are some warning signs to leave your stylist before you have a hair tragedy like mine:

• Your stylist is not certified to do natural hair. Self-explanatory.
• Your stylist is rough with your hair. If you constantly leave the chair with a sore scalp, and see too much hair in the sink, then something is wrong. This is a sign that your stylist doesn't recognize that even "coarse" hair must be handled with care.
• Your stylist cites the texture of your hair as the reason for his or her inability to manage your hair, and argues ALL of your advice on handling your hair.
• Your stylist has offered more than once to "fix" your hair with a texturizer or relaxer. If they are not fond of caring for your natural hair, do not force them with continued patronage.

If this describes your stylist, I suggest that you find a new hair stylist for your natural hair. There's no reason to keep leavng the salon with a bad feeling. You should feel pampered and happy.

Do not feel obligated to someone who is not willing to learn about your hair. Summon your courage for an “It’s not you; it’s me.” conversation; or an “It’s definitely you,”conversation. Gradually stop making appointments or quit cold turkey. However you finish the relationship with a stylist who's just not working out anymore, just finish it. If you're not happy with the service and skill level, you will find your hair journey easier without the dead weight of an unwanted stylist.

12 Days of Christmas presents Tristan's Barber and Style

Welcome to Day 10 of Natural in Nashville's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Today I'm very honored to offer the celebrity experience to our readers! My dear friend, celebrity barber, Tristan has agreed to sposor today's giveaway.

A gallery of Tristan's work

Tristan is the owner and head barber at Tristan's Barber & Style on Jefferson Street in Nashville, TN. Tristen has more than 10 years industry experience with youth, male, and female clients. Tristan regularly speaks in the community to high school student's in regards to being an entrepreneur and business owner. Tristan is known for his precision cuts and great customer service. He's so good that celebrities (Vince Young, Trinitee 5:7, Donald Lawrence, and countless Titans) rely on him to keep their nice and tight.

Angel Taylor (second on the left) of Trin-i-tee 5:7 with custom cut from Tristan.

Tristan is a wiz at giving great advice on natural haircare. He's helped many women transition from their permed locs to the big chop. If you love your TWA Tristan is the man to see.

Tristan is known for his precision cuts and great customer service. He's so good that celebrities (Vince Young, Trinitee 5:7, Donald Lawrence, and countless Titans) rely on him to keep their nice and tight. Tristan is great with kids. He makes them feel comfortable and apart of the process. In addition his salon offers eyelash extensions and eye brow services.

Tristan cutting my godson's hair

So, Tristan's Barber & Style has agreed to give two $25 gift certificates to two lucky readers! You must be a Tennessee resident to win this prize. Youth haircuts are $15, Adult haircuts are $25, and Brow services are $10+. Check below to see how to win!

1. Follow Tristan's Barber & Style on Twitter - @Celebcutsbyt
2. Tweet the following message  - "@NaturalinNash and @Celebcutsbyt celebrates 12 Days of Christmas!"
3. Comment below with your email address.

Contest ends 12/22/2011 at 6am!

12 Days of Christmas presents Fanuppa Soaps

Carrot Cake Soap

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! 

Seriously, can we give a huge round of applause to all of the sponsors who thought to give away gifts and services this year!? I'm overwhelmed with the responses of the readers and I wish I could give all 500+ of you a gift this year!

Sea Salt and Lime

But let's get to today's giveaway - Fanuppa Soaps! I stumbled upon Fanuppa Soaps on Etsy.com.  Many readers tell me that they not only use natural products on their hair but they use the natural products on their bodies as well. This local company crafts each soap by hand using natural fresh ingredients such as shea butter, honey, coconut oil and olive oil. With yummy scents like Carrot Cake, Sea Salt and Lime, and Orange & Honey, your skin will definitely feel nourished by bathtime's end.

So, Fanuppa Soaps, is giving away three bars of soap and a bath sponge pouch (which holds soap bars) to one lucky winner today!! Take a look at how to win below:

1. Become a fan of Fanuppa Soaps on ETSY and Facebook.
2. Become a fan of Natural in Nashville on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Tweet AND comment below with the phrase: "I love Natural in Nashville (@naturalinNash) and Fanuppa Soaps!"

Please leave your email in the comments section. Entries without email addresses will not be entered in the contest. Contest ends Tuesday, December 20, 2012, 11:59pm

LINK LOVE: Nigerian women prefer straight hair and straight weave

This morning I came across an interesting article concerning Nigerian women's love for striaght hair and Beyonce style weave. Since, I've created this blog, I've been alerted to the fact that American women and South African women are more forward thinking when it comes to embracing our natural hair. Apparently, other cultures aren't so forward thinking about it.

Read this article on The Guardian: Curls Allowed? No, say Nigerian women . . .

Toya's Hair Diary: Happy Birthday to Me!

Last week I posted that my hair was taking forever to dry because it is so thick.  Along with this I was frustrated and growing more and more impatient with how long it was taking to grow.  So this weekend I decided to do what any logical woman in her mid-thirties with a birthday next week would do about their frustration with slow hair growth:

I cut it off.

Yup! I got the back cut completely off along with a little off the sides and I am so happy.  The curls, particularly in the back, are so tight and curly, almost like I've been using Nu Dred!  I can't stop playing with them.  As I told the cashier at Wal-Mart who has a TWA but longs for hair as long as mine was, I miss a fresh cut.  I miss having little curls.  The benefits of this is that I have indeed cut down on drying time and I have a new hair style just in time for my birthday next week! I needed something new for a new year.

I have a great hair stylist who has been cutting my hair since I used to live in New Jersey.  She's on maternity leave at the moment but we've been friends for some time so I went over to her place to get my hair cut.  Also, even if we weren't friends I doubt that she would have wanted me walking around looking like a wet dog this winter. Thanks Larae!  By the way she is the manager of Super Cuts on Donelson Pike so when she gets back from maternity leave, holler at her.

They say with age comes wisdom.  I also think a little more fearlessness comes with age as well.  I mean, it's just hair. At this point in my life I'm not afraid to be a little more risky than I've been in the past. Who knows, come summertime I may just cut some more off.

Do you have any hair goals or hair risks you'd like to try for the new year?

12 Days of Christmas presents ME'SHELL NICOLE JEWELRY

WELCOME TO DAY 8 OF NATURAL IN NASHVILLE'S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

We are just moving right along in our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway. Today we are giving away something every girl loves - JEWELRY!! Me'Shell Nicole Jewelry is a local company that creates meaningful, unique pieces. 

The owner, Mesha, was featured on NIN back in November. Mesha was happy to create an exclusive set of bracelets for the winner of this contest. I wish I could win these this cute set which features a wishbone, heart, and a Love charm set on turquoise and glass beads embellished with sparkly diamond baubles.

Me'Shell Nicole Jewelry is giving this bracelet set to one lucky winner today. If you don't win, make sure to shop Me'Shell Nicole Jewelry at www.meshellnicolejewelry.bigcartel.com! Check below, enter to win:


1. Like Me'Shell Nicole Jewelry on Facebook and Twitter (@1MeShellNicole).
2. Like Natural in Nashville on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Comment below or on Twitter with the phrase, "Sparkle, pizzazz, and all that jazz from @1MeShellNicole and @NaturalinNash" - leave your email addy for contact.

Contest ends at 11:59pm, December 19, 2011

MELISSA'S HAIR: My holiday hair is STRAIGHT!

First day

HOLA, HOLA, HOLA! It's been about 2 weeks since my last hair diary post. I've been working hard on our 12 Days of Christmas giveaways, but I had to let you know about my holiday hair. Do you see, do you see? I straightened it!! I KNOW, right!

This is the first time I've straightened my hair since I stopped using relaxers. I was kind of scared to flat-iron my hair, because I didn't want to damage all the progress I've made this year. However, I wanted to do something different for the holiday season. My finances weren't quite straight enough to get a sew-in weave, so straightening my hair was my next option.

First up, I needed to buy a flat iron. I haven't owned a flat iron since before my transition. I went to several professional hair stores to buy a flat-iron, but stumbled upon this Cortex Duo Flat-iron set at TJ Maxx for only $35! This flat-iron is listed for $54 on Amazon.com and retails for almost $300 dollars from the manufacturer. Needless to say, this was a good deal. The Cortex Duo is a platinum flat-iron with 100% ceramic plates infused with ionic technology.  CLICK here for more info on choosing the right flat-iron.

At my friend's work party

 THE PROCESS: So, I washed and conditioned my hair with a new product from Kynx Haircare. I deep conditioned my hair with nuNAAT Karite Special hair mask for added moisture. When you are prepping your hair for heat styling, make sure to seal in as much moisture as possible.

Next, I dried my hair with a blow dryer, using  nuNAAT Karite Special Anti-Frizz thermal active blow dying cream. After blow drying, I started the flat-iron process. I sectioned my hair in 4 quadrants, spraying each section with Garnier Fructis Heat Protectant. Clearly, the word for the day is PROTECTION!

After my hair was completely straightened, it gave me a chance to clip my ends. I was surprised that I didn't have to clip too much off. Although, the left side of my hair has an interesting growth process going on - it's shorter than the right side. So, I had to create some slight layers to give my hair a little body. I finished the straitening process by sealing my ends with coconut oil. The coconut oil added shine without the greasy heavy feeling.

Fourth day, for church

 Remarkably, my hair has stayed straight for the last four days. Each night I wrap it with a satin scarf and touch it up with the flat-iron in the morning. I've found, using a little bit of hair spray keeps stray hairs in their place. The difference with my straight natural hair vs. my relaxed hair is that my hair has so much body! Also, I love the fact that I can go back to the super fro whenever I want. Straightening my hair has allowed me to see the length as well as the health of my hair. This lets me know I'm on the right track.

What's your holiday hair looking like?

12 Days of Christmas presents GLOW WELLNESS SPA

WELCOME TO DAY 5 OF NATURAL IN NASHVILLE'S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

Once again, I'm excited to present one of my favorite local businesses. Glow Wellness Spa is owned by L'Oreal Cherry. This young lady is an expert aesthetician and masseuse. She uses ONLY natural ingredients, some that she creates in the shop. Being knowledgeable about skincare allows Loreal to give each client the best service. 

CHECK OUT THE SPA MENU

Oh yeah, Loreal is my personal facialist making my skin picture perfect everytime I visit her shop. I fully recommend her!

Loreal is giving away a $10 gift certificate to one lucky reader! You know what to do, check out the instructions below:

1. Like GLOW WELLNESS SPA on Facebook.
2. Like Natural in Nashville on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Comment below or on Twitter with the phrase, "I need a relaxing day off!" - leave your email addy for contact.

This contest ends on Friday, 12/16/11 at 11:59pm

HAIR LUST: Lovely Lioness

All the phases of natural hair intrigue me. From the barbershop fade to ultra long waves - we natural ladies need to embrace out hair at every length. Needless to say, I love this pic as soon as I found it on the internet. Don't know who the model is, but she is working those auburn locks!

12 Days of Christmas presents Urban Therapy Twisted Sista!

WELCOME TO DAY 4 OF NATURAL IN NASHVILLE'S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

Today we present Urban Therapy's Twisted Sista shampoo and conditioner! If you recall, Toya reviewed this product and loved it for her curly, curly, hair - click here for Toya's review. I'm a big fan of using the entire product line to get the best results with your hair. That's why we chose to give away a set of shampoo and conditioner to one lucky reader!

So you know how it goes - check the directions on how to win below:

1. Like URBAN THERAPY TWISTED SISTA on Facebook.
2. Like Natural in Nashville on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Comment below or on Twitter with the phrase, "I'm twisted for Twisted Sista!" - leave your email addy for contact.

Contest ends at 11:59pm, 12/15 (cst)

12 Days of Christmas presents 1MeNaturally!

WELCOME TO DAY 3 of the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! 

1MeNaturally is a handmade jewlery line based in Chicago. The owner, Meosha Tall, is one of my favorite natural hair writers.  Meosha is a contributing writer for BGLH (Black Girl with Long Hair). She is the creator of the 1MeNaturally jewelry line. You can also find her on YouTube documenting her natural hair journey. You can find more of Meosha's designs on her Etsy Store: CLICK HERE.

Today you can win a pair of earrings from 1MeNaturally!

I'm currently obsessed with Meosha's button earring designs. These simple yet sophisticated earrings can add that bit of pizzazz to your natural 'do. I already have a pair of Kente cloth button earrings and I plan to purchase more.  Meosha has various designs to suit your personality.

So if you like these earrings, you may win! Meosha and 1MeNaturally are giving a set of earrings to two super ladies. Check below for contest entry information! Good luck! 

This contest is now closed. 

Thanks for your entries, the winners have been notified.

Discussion: The Awkward Compliment

What do you do when you receive awkward compliments about your hair? Take a look at the following examples of rude compliments that present awkward situations:

The self-hate compliment

Picture it. You are running errands and bump into an acquaintance. Your 4b is extremely well-behaved today. Your acquaintance is a natural with type 2-3a hair comes by and compliments your hair. The following conversation occurs:
Her: I love your hair. It's so pretty. It's all curly. I hate my hair."
You: Oh thanks girl. Your hair is fine.
Her:  It doesn't have as much body as yours. Your hair has so much body. I really wish my hair was curlier. I could do so much more with it. Your little curls are so cute. Not like this old limp hair of mine.

The backhanded compliment

Picture it. You are  [insert public place here]. Your hair is blown out. It's huge and you are loving it. Someone you haven't seen since going natural, or who is ignorant about natural hair comes up to you. The following conversation occurs:
Her: Wow. Look at your hair!
You: Yeah. I'm natural now.
Her: Um, this is all yours?! [as she reaches in to feel your scalp]
You: Yep. It's all me. [as you move away]
Her: Oh. I could never do the whole natural thing. I always think it looks dirty and unkempt. But it's cute on you.
You: ...... Thanks?
Her: Yeah. Plus I think that nappy hair smells bad. It's probably hard to clean. But yours smells like coconuts. What's that? Perfume spray or something?

  

The ignorant compliment

Picture it. You're in a fast food restaurant. A stranger approaches you.
Her: Your hair is so cute. That's all natural?
You: Thank you. Yes, it's natural.
Her: You know, I've been thinking about going natural.
You: Oh, you should! I'll never go back. I love it.
Her: Yeah. It would be nice to just to get up and not do anything to my hair either*.
*This one especially gets awkward when you took extra time to style your hair that day. Ma'am... do you realize... [sigh]

Did I forget any awkward compliments? How would you handle these situations?

DISCUSSION: Amber Rose rocks a weave . . . do we like it?

This sometimes model, sometimes spokeswoman, and professional girlfriend of the famous, hit the scene on Kanye's arm back in 2008. Her fierce natural cut and bold color were all that people could talk about (oh yeah, her body is bangin!). No matter what you think about Amber Rose's personal affairs, one thing is for sure, that girl can ROCK the short blonde cut!

That's why I was surprised to see that Amber ditched her signature blond bombshell cut for this long dark lacefront wig. Hmm? I guess she's going through what most women go through when you just want a change.

I can say one thing, her dark hair doesn't quite make her stand out like the blonde. What do you think?

Oh yeah, don't forget to enter to win a free gift set from KYNX Haircare! Click here for more info!

12 Days of Christmas presents KYNX

Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! 

Today we present KYNX Natural haircare products! Kynx is a new kid on the block, but it's making big moves in the natural hair community. Kynx products are exclusively formulated with Monoi De Tahiti, an oil from the Polynesian Islands. This unique formula enhances natural curls by effortlessly strengthening, nourishing and hydrating African hair-types. The Kynx family encourges curly ladies to be free and embrace their God given textures. The products have cool names like I am Natural (Shampoo) and I am Strong (Conditioner). Sounds cool, right!?

The lovely team at Kynx has agreed to contribute three (3) prize packs which will each include: (1) bottle of our soon to launch I am Pure...Monoi de Tahiti Oil and (1) Kynx product of the winners choice:

• I am Natural . . . Softening Cream Cleanser
• I am Strong . . . Silky Kinks Hydrating Conditioner
• I am Fierce . . . Refreshing Leave-in Moisturizer
• I am Free . . .  Miracle Kink Cream
• I am Unique . . . Texture Defining Gel

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Thanks for your entries

 

Candice's Hair: Making your twist-outs last longer

Do you remember my reluctance to take my mini-twists down, and then my infatuation with the resulting twist out? (If you have forgotten, catch up here.)

Well, I only planned to get an extra week of care-free hair, but the semester is winding down and I'm preparing for finals. I didn't wash my hair over the weekend. I need this hair to last all week. As awesome as my twist out from my mini-twists was, it has already been a week. I am bored. And pressed for time. And STILL need this hair to last to last all week. So... here's how I made my boring, week-old twistout last for another week.

Monday. Puff. Yawn.

Tuesday. Small pompadour with a large hair comb, and a
few bobby pins to tame the sides.

Wednesday. Low bun covered accessorized by a rose.
HA! Excuse the face. I was trying to make sure the back was visible. Actually, this style is a redo.
My original style was sabatoged by the rain and didn't make it through the day.

Thursday. Here was the last day. Flat twists in the front.
It kind of makes my hair look like a crown. I like.

Underneath it all, however, was a mess!!! I know when enough is enough. I washed it Thursday night. I repeat, a matted, tangled mess. I know I wrote about being lazy and having to pay for it later. I paid for my laziness. Paid in full. I'll post about that soon. :-/

After finals hopefully I'll get to try some great styles I've been seeing online.

12 Days of Christmas Product Giveaway!!!

You read it right! For the next 12 days Natural in Nashville (NIN) will give away natural products and services to you, our faithful readers! Everyone likes free stuff right?

Here's how it works: Everyday we will list a product or service participating in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. If you like the product here's what you have to do:

1. Follow NIN on Facebook and Twitter
2. Follow the product listed on Facebok and/or Twitter
3. Comment on the post letting us know why you want to win.

On Monday we'll post the first product! I'm so excited to bless you guys with these awesome gifts! Make sure to support our great businesses!!

• Winners are chosen at random and will be notified via email. The winners name will be posted via Facebook and on the site.
• You can only win one time. No purchase necessary.
• Products will be sent to the winners starting the second week of January 2012