Apr 27, 2012

FUN FRIDAY: Idris wants to love you right!


LOL! Is this not the funniest meme in Natural Hair blogging history! Let me tell you something, if Idris wants to help me tackle my single-strand knots, my life would be SO complete!

God bless the person who created this hilarious post! This is great for a Friday laughs!

Apr 26, 2012

EVENT: Taliah Waajid presents The World Natural Hair Show



I'm counting the days til Saturday when I get to attend the World Natural Hair, Health, & Beauty Show presented by Taliah Waajid. My friends and I will travel to Atlanta to this annual event. For 12 years, Taliah Waajid has hosted this convention. Taliah Waajid is the creator of premium haircare products for natural coils and kinks.

The World Natural Hair expo attracts men and women from around the nation to learn tips and techniques, purchase and try haircare products, and attend professional development classes.

The World Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show starts on Saturday and goes until Sunday, 10am-7pm.

On Friday night there will be a concert featuring Chrisette Michelle.

Tickets are no longer available online, but patrons are able to buy tickets at the door.

Local Hair Lust: Macda


I KNOW!!!!!
CUTE, RIGHT?!?!!

Meet Macda. This local has hair that made me want to grab some wax and get to work. Her locs are fabulous. She's had locs for 9 years. (Although I'm pretty sure this is more than 9 years worth of hair growth. I forgot to ask her how long she's been natural.) I noticed that she didn't mind referring to her hair as dreads. Coolness.


I asked what was her favorite hair product, and though she couldn't remember the name of it, she's really fond of the mango lime smell. She also revealed that she's thinking of cutting her locs off and going back to rocking an afro.  Locs that long can get pretty heavy.

P.S. Dear Macda, if you're out there and you DO decide to do a big chop of these gorgeous locs, you should let NIN blog about it. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Apr 25, 2012

CELEB STYLE: Model, Bre Scullark's curly curls

Bre at the Brooklyn Bowl, 2012
Bree Scullark was a former contestant on America's Next Top Model and America's Next Top Model All-Star. She started her modeling career on the show and has skyrocketed. She is a hair model for Pantene Pro-V, a red carpet correspondent, and an ambassador for a children's organization.

Bre in 2009
In 2010, Bre cut her signature long hair to bring awareness to the organization she works for: The Drop Dead Gorgeous Charity. The organization brings awareness to youth sex-trafficking. As a hair model, this was a big deal, but the haircut didn't stop Bre from getting work. I love how her curly curls popped after cutting her hair.

Bre after her Big Chop

Keep up with Bre on her OFFICIAL website
Check out Bre's interview with Curly Nikki -  she talks about her regiman and her fave products.

Discussion: Product Swap

Dear Natural,

It's boring sitting here not being used.

Love,
Your Products


Yes. It's true. The picture above is of my stash of products. Although I have been cutting down on purchasing new products, I still have plenty of things left in my cabinet. And that's why this week's discussion is about a product swap.

On this "natural hair journey", it's a constant learning process. As you buy products you will learn you what your hair loves and what it hates, and you will also learn what products are 'eh'. So instead of having a cabinet full of products that you don't use, why not do a product swap?

It's as easy as talking about products with a friend. If they have a product that doesn't work for their hair that you would like to try, offer them a product that doesn't make your hair happy. Baddabing, baddaboom.


Here are a few tips to get you started:
  •  If you have a hair twin, then this is probably not the best person with whom to swap hair products.
  • It's definitely not nice to use product swapping as a 'come up'. Don't always get $30.00 products, but all you have to offer is $2.99 products. If this is the case, every now and then I suggest you pass a little cash over with your bargain deals.
  • The more people involved, the better.Keep the products circulating. Eventually the product is bound to find a home where it is loved.
Image source

Have you done a product swap before? Did you find a favorite product in a friends beauty stash?
Be sure to leave a comment and let us know!

Apr 24, 2012

Toya's Hair Diary: My Latest Favorite Hair Accessory!


 I am a huge fan of hats. I love them! I love beanies, fedoras, and Jeff Caps (otherwise known as "driving caps") the most. In a post from a while ago, I mentioned that I tried to wrap my hair with a polka dot scarf and it was a fail.  At first I thought I was using the wrong kind of scarf.  Turns out I just needed more patience. A few weeks ago when I couldn't find one of my beanies, I decided to give it another shot and voila! The picture above is what I came up with. Now I'm hooked.

What I really love about wearing this style is that I often get busy come Saturday. I routinely have my Big Hair Day (the day when I co-wash, wash, clarify, deep condition, condition, detangle, dry and style-whew!) on Sunday.  Because of that, by Saturday I am on 7th day hair which means my curls don't look as fresh as they do during the top of the week. Also Saturdays can get busy and I don't always feel like taking the time to dry my hair. Tying a scarf around my damp hair cuts down on preparation time and can serve as a fun fashion accessory.

This is me at last weekend's Record Store Day geeked that I got Brandy's Full Moon on vinyl for $1. Score!
Now that I have the hang of it, it's a breeze. My hair isn't that long right now so it is not too difficult for me to just wrap it up and tie a bow up top. However, if you'd like to try this style and you have a lot of hair, check out this tutorial video by MsAriella89.  I like how she twists her hair up the back first before adding the scarf.


 If you are interested in rocking scarves for your hair, here are a few recommendation on where to find some. The ones that I am wearing in my pictures are from a thrift store.  You can find some really great ones at Goodwill or Southern Thrift and they're normally not more than two bucks.  Also, you can take an old skirt or printed top, measure it and cut it to custom make your very own. If you try this style and enjoy it, be sure to let Natural in Nashville know. We'd love to see your pics.

Apr 23, 2012

HAIR LUST: GabiFresh sports awesome curls


Fashion Blogger and television personality, Gabi, put this pic on Instagram. I learned of Gabi, because she is a fashionista who is insanely stylish and she happens to be plus-size. On her blog, GabiFresh,  she posts her 'Outifits of the Day', talks fashion to her fans, and snaps pics of her lovely hair.

Oh yeah, if Gabi looks familiar, she was MTV's very first social media correspondent. She won an online competition using her online presence and won and exclusive one year contract with the network. Now, she's a red carpet correspondent and working on her career.

Her hair? Awesome as well!

Follow Gabi's blog, GABIFRESH

Apr 22, 2012

EVENT: National Natural Hair Meet-Up Day, Nashville



UPDATE: The Curl Rehab (NASHVILLE) Event is SOLD OUT, but you can register for the ANTIOCH event.

The natural hair movement is making big moves all over. May 19 has been deemed National Natural Hair Meet-up Day! Across the country ladies and gentlemen will meet-up to discuss hair, products, and techniques! This will be a great time to meet other natural, test and try new products, and learn more about the natural hair life!
National Natural Hair Meetup Day is an annual one-day event. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey.
The Nashville National Natural Hair Meet-up Event, happening on May 19, is posted below:

May 19, 7p-9p
Island Breeze Cafe, 936 Gallatin Pike South
Madison, TN 37115 
CLICK HERE for Tickets!

Not in Nashville, click here, to find a meet-up in your city! 

Apr 20, 2012

Roots 'n Rhythm: Dionne Farris "Hopeless"


*Sigh* Love Jones. I remember when this came out and what a big deal it was. And that soundtrack! Who can forget this hit by former Arrested Development member Dionne Farris? When Dionne Farris first hit the scene with her first hit "I Know",it was around the same time that I did my Big Chop. I remember getting a lot of comparisons, so much so that I'd be in public and hear people singing it as I walked by! I miss my TWA sometimes. Although I can't wait to rock a huge curly fro, there's nothing like the initial feeling of freedom after The Big Chop. Take a trip down memory lane with Natural in Nashville and watch this video with cameos from American Idol's Randy Jackson and the song's composer and Neo-Soul fave,Van Hunt.

Apr 19, 2012

Local Natural: AllahMagnetic

Jabriel also known as AllahMagnetic
Well well well... look who we have here. Say hello to Jabriel. You may know him as AllahMagnetic. Sometime between my last post and now, I went to Sound Therapy in Nashville (a chill open mic for independent artists of all genres and spoken word artists). I thought AllahMagnetic was the DJ (and he is), but it's pretty cool to learn that he was also the co-founder. He's been growing his locs for almost 17 years now.

Me: What made you decide to start locs?
Jabriel: Every king must have his crown.

That's a direct quote. Yeah... we're going to pretend like I didn't swoon a bit over the fact that Lil Wayne had nothing to do with his hair choice. Anyway, if you see AllahMagnetic on the DJ table at Sound Therapy, or if you see Jabriel on the streets, say hello. And let him know you saw him on Natural in Nashville.

Bonus picture: This was him trying to be serious before
I coaxed that smile out of him in the first picture.

Apr 18, 2012

Discussion: Forever Funky Naturals


Source

Picture it: I was walking into the department store and across the parking lot I noticed some really bright natural hair. So I slowed my walk in order to intentionally cross her path because I thought I could harass get a picture for NIN. And then she came closer. First, I noticed that her hair was not blond, but orange. And then I noticed her tired walk. I saw that her hair was cut on the side (I knew that someone used small clippers because the lines were visible).  And she had on slide in shoes with no lotion and a pocketbook with the long strap.... You get the idea. This was someone's real life 65+ year old granny.  Anyway, I complimented her hair and left her to finish her trek from the car to the store.

So someone's grandma was a funky naturalista. I applaud her efforts to keep her natural hair fresh. Unfortunately, she seemed to have trouble keeping up with her style. Unless you're a brand new natural, you know that our hair does require maintenance. And superficially judging her demeanor after watching her for 45 seconds, I'm guessing she doesn't have the energy to keep up with her color or her cut.


So I began to wonder: When I get older, will I still be into product experimentation? Am I going to want to experiment with the latest 'happening' styles? What about my hair regimen? Who is going to deep condition my hair every week? I plan on having grandchildren by the time I'm 77 years old. I'm not sure what I will do with all of this hair that I'm trying to grow.

She looks important. I couldn't find her name, but her hair = awesome.
I'm not trying to make natural hair a young thing, or a fad by any means. But... do you feel there's an age where we should stop trying the hottest funky fresh styles? I am really hoping there are some naturals 50 and above out there who will volunteer maintenance or style ideas.

  • If you are a more seasoned natural, how has your hair style changed?
  • If you are a young natural, are you planning on being natural forever? How do you see the 66 year old you wearing your hair?

**For the record, when I feel like I've done enough styles with the huge afro I'm growing, I see myself getting locs. So in the picture below, I'd be the one on the far right.

Apr 16, 2012

Ashiya's Hair Diary: Are My Locs Arm & Hammer Tough?



What makes my locs happy?  Apparently, baking soda. A few years ago while sharing hair rituals with a friend, I learned of the occasional baking soda bath she gave her locs.  At some point, I had used baking soda to brush my teeth, clean and do laundry, so I decided to try it on my locs at least once.


I was not prepared for the first time I used baking soda with my conditioner.  I rinsed my hair for 45 minutes.  I was shocked, and a bit horrified, to see so much dirt flow from my locs.

Apr 12, 2012

Local Love: Tammy from Nashville

Last week I was a judge at a local pageant. While waiting for the show to start I spotted this natural beauty in the green room.

I ran over to her and had to ask about her hair. Surprisingly, this 47 year old mother of two (adult sons), told me she's been natural her entire life. She said her hair has been a variety of lengths, colors, and styles. She's been sporting her current style for more than a year.

I just love spotting naturals out in the streets! Maybe, I'll snap a photo if you some day!

LINK LOVE: UrbanBushBabes tell us why short hair has it's advantages

(picture source)

If you've never visited the natural hair and fashion site, UrbanBushBabes, you need to take a look. The writers, Cipriana and Nikisha, share their hair tips, cool style, and fab finds with readers. They ladies also have a YouTube channel where they spotlight regimens and product reviews. Oh yeah, their hair - AMAZEBALLS!

Anyway, I had to share this link with you. Cipriana, who has mid-back length 4b hair, writes about the advantages of having short hair. I thought this would be a good article to share, because so many naturals look at pictures of naturals with big wild manes and get jealous. Sometimes, we don't realize that the short hair days can be some of your easiest days. My hair is not too long, but I'm already feeling the burn of having to do extended detangling sessions!

Anyway check out my fave advantage for having short hair - then click the link to read the rest of this great post:
Product Usage: More money more problems…Less hair less products! Rockin short styles obviously means less product usage but also saves you money in the bank. -
READ:  Shorter is an Advantage: 7 Reasons Why Short Hair Rules - Posted by: Cipriana or UrbanBushBabes.com

HAIR LUST: Krystal's Colorful Locs!


OHMYGOSH aren't her locs just amazing! I love when people experiment with coloring their hair. I also get a lil jealous because my hair doesn't take too well to color. It's usually very dry and tends to break off. Anyway, this is Krystal. She's actually in a modeling contest for PLNDR. If you love her locs and think she should win, CLICK HERE to vote for her.

Oh yeah, Krystal did not ask me to post this, I just saw her picture on Tumblr and thought I'd share. It's a coincidence that she's in a modeling competition. :-)

Apr 9, 2012

Toya's Hair Diary- Trader Joe's Loves Me, This I Know

I was minding my own business one Sunday afternoon when my healthy eating roomie came home from Trader Joe's and pulled out two jars of this:



Yes let the world rejoice!  Trader Joe's FINALLY has coconut oil and it's not $50! For the very affordable price of about $5.95 you too can have a jar of Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil of your very own. Do you know how many Trader Joe's junkies have been waiting for this? I can only imagine that when it first hit the shelves that the reaction of some shoppers went something like this:


I will admit that coconut oil not being made available at the places where I shop the most (The Farmer's Market,Wal-Mart and Trader Joe's) kept me from purchasing it regularly.  My hair reacts much better to coconut oil than it does extra virgin olive oil.  Since I've been using it, my afro puff feels much softer today versus how it felt when I was just spraying my hair with water and EVOO.

I've been embarking on incorporating some more homemade hair recipes into my routine so I can't wait to see what else I can use coconut oil with.  I haven't quite gotten on the shea butter train yet but I do want to try jojoba oil next. What oils and combinations do you like to use on your hair?

Apr 6, 2012

Roots 'n Rhythm: Dwele "What's Not to Love?"


I absolutely love Dwele! Not only is he one of my favorite male soul artists but he consistently rocks a fly natural style. His name was nearly synonymous with creative cornrows designs when he first arrived on the scene with his debut album Subject. 


Lately he has been rockin' more of a twisted fro:


Seriously, I'd have a hard time not "accidentally" touching this brotha's hair if he was sitting in front of me at the movies.  Check out his video for "What's Not to Love?".

Apr 5, 2012

Hair Lust: Hair Meets Art

Image from www.khamitkinks.com
While I'm not sure that the mohawk fits my personal style, I appreciate the artistic appeal of this double mohawk.  The mohawks are beautifully sculpted and the pops of color work well on the model.  I can only imagine how many pins were used to hold this look together.  Bravo!

Apr 4, 2012

HAIR LUST: The man with the FRO - Jies Cleodore


I don't know how to pronounce his name, nor speak his language, but SWEET BABY JESUS, this man needs to be a friend of MINE!

This is Jies Cleodore a photographer from France. This phot was sanpped at Paris Fashion Week. His fro is filled with epic awesomeness and magic unicorn dust! Haha, I kid, but this guys hair is amazing and he's not too hard on the eyes.

You can follow Jies on Tumblr - CLICK HERE

Discussion: Shrinkage is NO JOKE!

I had to share my picture with you guys, my lovely readers. Take a look. Dude, that's my hair, and that's my SHRINKAGE!! Crazy, right?

Straight out the shower, look at that shrinkage!

Many blog posts say that naturally curly ladies experience up to 75% shari shrinkage. Meaning, the amount of length your hair retracts when wet/moist. Done people have more, some people have less.

I'm at 75% for real! My hair is quite curly but it shrinks down to the look of a TWA when wet. That's why I'm not a fan of wash 'n go styles. I live big full hair.

So, of you are like me, what do you do about shrinkage? Do you accept it? Do you blow your hair out with a blow dryer? Twist-outs, braid-outs, or Bantu knots? Do you straighten it?

Lets talk and share techniques!

Twist-out the next morning after blowing out my hair.

Apr 2, 2012

Melissa's . . . Nails: Bye-bye acrylic nails

So, usually the ladies and I use Monday's to post about our current hair adventures. Today I choose to use my Monday to talk about my nails.

Hair, skin, and nails are always clumped together in anatomy studies. Here's why: "The relationship between your hair, nails and skin and your overall health is underestimated. They share the same nutritional requirements for health. They react to deficiency in similar ways. Their general look and feel alone can even reveal much to the non-professional. (source)"

Acrylic free is the way to be? We'll see!
Even though I've worn natural hair almost 3 years, I've worn acrylic nails for about a year. Being a fashion blogger, (find me at www.fabglance.com), I care about a pulled together and professional look. My natural nails tended to be soft and they would break easily. That's why I chose acrylics. Acrylic overlay is strong, and the nail polish lasts longer. Plus, I was able to enjoy lots of fun nail designs.

So why did I take them off? Well, three reasons. One, to save money. I can spend a lot on fancy nail designs. The bigger the event, the more intricate I feel the design should be.

Fancy designs . . . I'll miss you!
Second, my nails need to breath. Covering your natural nail with acrylic weakens the nail. Your nail may appear to be growing but once the acrylic is removed, your nails are going to be thin. The longer you use acrylic, the thinner and more sensitive your nails and nail beds become.

Lastly, since I've been using biotin supplements, I noticed my nails growing quite quickly. I've been needing a fill-in more frequently than my wallet wanted to admit. I want to see how strong my nails can be with just using biotin and getting monthly manicures.

Now, this doesn't mean I'm against acrylic nails/overlay. Actually, I'll probably go back to acrylics near my birthday. But my nails need to breath. Lol, acrylic overlay is NOT a protective style for your natural nail.

So, now I'm allllll natural! My hair, skin, and nails are benefitting from a chemical fee lifestyle. I'll be sure to report my progress.


My nails, now, no acrylic, just a bit of color.
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