#NINMeetup Spring 2014: Pictures and Review!

Melissa, Candice, Ashiya, and Amber!

 Last month, we had our first meet-up and it was glorious! So glorius that our popularity increased, t-shirt sales were through the roof, and I was busier than ever. All excuses for me not posting these photos. LOL! But I know y'all love me and you don't mind. So let's take a trip down memory lane and enjoy some pics from the event.

And I know the big question, "When's the NEXT #NINMeetup?" 

August! And it's going to be AMAZING!!! I can't wait to start letting you know!

Enjoy the photos!

Our AMAZING volunteers! Thanks for helping us!

One of the hair models and Amber - Amber did her hair and it was AMAZING!

The Aveda student-sylists show us how to get the best out of our hair.

Our speakers for the day - Ms Gale of Aveda, Kenya aka @HalfieTruths, and Kristi Alderson of Kinky Rootz Salon

During our ice-breaker game, the participants were asked to find someone with hair like theirs. We see the loc'd ladies found each other.

The sign-in table and raffle ticket area

Make sure to view more photos on the Facebook page. Tag yourself if you see yourself.

NATURAL KIDS: Thalia's Easter hair

Getting your hair done is a special event for most little black girls. Getting your hair done for Easter Sunday is an occasion! As most know, I love doing my little goddaughter Thalia's hair - I've documented her styles here previously. Today I'll tell you how we achieved Thalia's Easter Sunday curly puffs. 

Usually we keep her hair in two-strand twists but lately, Thalia's asked for what she likes to call "Mickey Mouse hair" lol! At three years old she's currently OBESSESSED with all things Minnie or Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse hair, for her, resembles the cartoon mouse's iconic ears. I decided for Easter, we'd do two curly puffs that would give her her Mickey Mouse ears. 

WHAT PRODUCTS I USED:

• Olive oil and water: to re-hydrate her hair. We didn't need to wash because she'd already done a wash & condition last week. 
• Miss Jessie's Baby Butter Creme: our go-to moisturizer and styling aid for her 3b/4a curls. MJ's gives her shine and it smells really good. 
• Two Goody Elastics: to secure the two ponytails on either side of her head. 
• Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion: to set and style her curls without leaving them crunchy or leaving flakes in her hair. 
• 12 Goody's plastic Rollers: to set and curl the hair. 
• Olive Oil Edge Control: to smooth her edges. 

Since Thalia's hair is so much longer and thicker, we've started using more adult products on her hair. I try to stick with more natural-based products because I know her scalp is still young. I always start with olive oil and water for hydration. AND she's getting ALOT better about sitting to get her hair done. Much less crying these days.

Here's oue result. Her curls were nice and fluffy like I wanted. As the day went on, the style puffed up even more. She was so cute!

How'd your natural baby wear their hair on Easter? What's your fave product to use in your child? Hit us up in the comments section. 

CELEB STYLE: Lupita Nyong'o is People's Most Beautiful

 

"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," the 31-year-old says of gracing this year's cover. And especially, "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen." - (Lupita Nyong'o via People.com)

This is an exciting day in fashion, style, being black, all that! It's not like a black woman hasn't been on the cover or in People Magaine's "Most Beautiful" issue (Beyonce, Rihanna, and Jill Scott have graced the pages) but Lupita is a bit different. Her features, her name, and her hair are highly identifiable as straight up  . . . BLACK. And not just black, AFRICAN. Not saying we needed this (majority white publication) to validate black beauty, but it's a big deal because we just don't get this type of recognition in 2014. It's sad, but it's true.

Lupita is having an amazing year. Her confidence shines through with each speech, each award won, and each magazine layout. She's patching some holes in the colorful beauty road that so many have fought to walk on. Congrats Lupita! you are gorgeous inside and out!

See editor, Melissa's, choices for Lupita's best looks 2013-2014 on www.fabglance.com!

HAIR LUST: Fade to Blue

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you should know that I, Melissa, am obsessed with blue hair! UGH! It's just so amazing to me. When I saw this photo on tumblr I knew I had to post it for our Hair Lust section. I mean, really, dude is sporting this fade so fly!

Have you colored you hair this year?

Candice's Hair Diary: Revisiting Straight Hair

Okay. The flash got me. But still... check out my hair.

The last time I had my hair straightened was February 2013. I've been trying to get myself to straighten it since Christmas of last year. But finally, I achieved this long-lasting straight hair style via my favorite stylist, Tasha Shelton. It had been so long since I've had Tasha give my hair some professional care. I love that she's gentle with my hair even though it's thicker than average, and most of my hair is pretty coarse. It took a while to do, but I think it was worth it. What usually takes an 1.5 hours on someone else may take 2.5 hours on my head. Tasha said that my hair seemed to have gotten THICKER since the last time I was in her chair. She also said I should come in more regularly for a trim. Can't argue there. It had been over 6 months and I KNOW that I was overdue. I guess there are worse things that could be said to a client, so I'll take that.  *shrug*

So the current photo is on the left. The right is from Feb. 2013.

But MY HAIR THOUGH! On day 1 I had two different people ask me if I had a sew-in. *side-eye* Now that I have a side-by-side, I can see the growth. Especially since I had all that color cut off last summer and I can still see visible growth. I'm so inspired by something that I heard at the NIN meetup. I'm going to be more gentle with my hair and try to retain length. I'm probably not going to do regular length-checks; but expect to see my afro grow bigger.

Side twist. Twisted Bun. Side Pin-up. Straight hair is versatile, too.

 All in all, I had this style for 2.5 weeks. OF COURSE I didn't wear straight hair every day. And yes, it rained quite a few of those days. When I tell y'all my hair was LAID, I really mean it was LAID! Tasha did an excellent job. My thirsty hair stayed true to it's nature and soaked up the humidity, but I didn't have any real problems until I went dancing. The turn up was too much for straight hair. I was feeling fancy and left my elastic bands at home. Shout-out to my boyfriend who snapped this picture of me trying to do a make-shift side pinup with no hair pins and no hair ties. Oh the struggle.

I was downtown trying to save my hair.
The right photo is what it looked like the morning after.

This is the thing with straight natural hair. It can be fabulous! But, it takes maintenance to keep it looking its silky best, just like curly hair takes maintenance to keep it looking fly. See my face in the picture above?? It wasn't even hot outside. My hair was not here for my dance floor antics. *sigh*  I just KNEW that this was the beginning of the end. But I still got another week of wear out of this style. And not tragic, barely making it wear either. I had a good, FULL 2.5 weeks of wear. It could have lasted longer, but who goes that long without washing their hair?

 

Fun times. 

Straight hair that isn't naturally straight does take heat to maintain. I added heat to my hair on occasion. All but one of my heat styling was because I wanted curls. All in all, I wanted a break from the curly hair routine; and I did get a 2.5 week break. I learned a lot of new things about maintaining this style. The only products I used for maintenance were water, coconut oil, and a flat iron. The only time I put real effort towards straightening my hair was the morning after my sweaty "boogie night". Any other humidity problems could be solved by wrapping my hair. I loved the break, but I was going through curl withdrawal. I'm happy to back to my naturally curly self. I've learned so much this go around. I'm already planning my next blog for chemical-free naturals who wear their hair straight.

Do you wear your naturally curly hair straight? How do you maintain your natural straight styles? Leave a comment below!

DISCUSSION: Have you tried hair growth supplements?

 

HOLA!  Back in 2012 I wrote a post about adding Biotin to my diet to add in growing my hair. I've continued to use biotin but can't say it's helped or hindered my hair growth process. I mean, I did shave my head a couple months ago - lol. Anyway, as I cruised the instagram streets, I've seen many Hollywood Celebs and hair bloggers report on the amazing results of using hair growth supplements. It made me think, maybe I should try some of these so-called miracle pills.

For people who want to grow longer, stronger, healthier hair, most experts suggests a cocktail of WATER, Biotin, Vitamin B complex, and some Omega-3 fatty acids (source). Each of these supplements exist in our hair naturally, but through hormone imbalance, stress, and genetics, we tend to lack the crucial vitamins that sustain healthy hair growth. 

Of course, this varies from person to person, but most women can testify that their hair was longer and thicker as a child, than it is now. Why, your body was rich with hormones and natural supplements. I guess this is why we are looking for the holy grail of hair growth.

The two front runners in the natural hair vitamin supplement game are Hairfinity and Manetabolism (seen above). Below is a breakdown of what each promises:

Results from using Hairfinity via @she_becute_naturally

HAIRFINITY ($24.00 a bottle): Hairfinity is titled as a "Dietary Supplement" and said to have a proven formula that nourishes hair from the inside out. The company boasts that it's vitamin B complex, Biotin, MSM, and a couple other supplements that (used separately) are well known at helping hair to grow stronger while resisting breakage. Hairfinity has the most celebrity endorsements (Monica, Kim Kardashian, and Keyshia Knight-Pulliam) and the most multi-cultural users. Hairfinity sells supplemental haircare products as well.

Results from Manetabolism user @PorshaBelle

MANETABOLISM (@24.99 a bottle): Created by a husband & wife medical team, Manetabolism is the brainchild of natural hair celeb Courtney Adeleye (@CourtneyNaturalHair). Courtney is a nurse and her husband a physician, the two researched using Courtney's own hair. The product boasts the same ingredients as Hairfinity, but with more background studies and info to make buyers feel comfortable. Really the website is comprehensive! AND Manetabolism sells haircare products, oils, and supplies.

So, I've decided to try one of the supplements listed above. Although I've shaved my sides, I'm looking to have some extreme growth on top. Next month I'll reveal which supplement I've tried and my results so far. I'm going to commit to a 3 month trial, just for you, my favorite readers! 

Have you tried hair growth supplements? What's your verdict? Let me know in the comments section.

HAIR LUST: Some curls with a braid on the side!

I don't know where I found this photo, but I knew I had to post it here. Lately, I've been obsessed with finding styles that suit short hair. This cute look is great for transitioners and for short hair naturals. It's also a good way to experiment with the shved-sides look.

Would you rock it?

CELEB STYLE: Lupita rocks the MTV MOVIE AWARDS red carpet

Y'all, she's like a black Barbie! Like - this picture is so much OH MY GOODNESS. I just love how Lupita's hair stylist arranges her hair - sometimes she rocks her lovely natural fade and sometimes they add extensions. The point, she never lets the length of her hair dictate her style. LOVES IT!

Check out my BEST DRESSED celebs from the MTV MOVIE AWARDS 2014 on www.fabglance.com

Ashiya's Hair Diary: The Big Chop II

Style concept and cut by Amber Curry.

Yes.  This really happened today.  Not because I wanted it to, but because it needed to.

For some time, I've been torn about my locs.  It was obvious that the length was taking a toll on the health of my hair and I've avoided the real solution for some time.

Style concept and cut by Amber Curry.

I knew I would cut it eventually, but I did want to free form for a few months before The Big Chop II.  However, a quick chat with Kristi from Kinki Rootz at the NIN Spring Meet Up confirmed what Amber and I suspected, but had not said officially:  the cut had to happen first.

Style concept and cut by Amber Curry.

So here we are.  The loc renewal is official.  It is a new day with a new look and Amber and I are creating a new regimen.  Stay tuned!

CELEB STYLE: Lupita Nyong'o covers Marie Claire Magazine, May 2014

 

The Lupita train just keeps going - and I'm not mad about it. Lupita is the new face of Lancome Cosmetics AND she scored a double cover for Marie Claire's May 2014 issue! 

Sporting a gorgeous strapless pink dress and sleek side-shave pompadour, Lupita cover's the issue's "Sexy Style NOW!" issue. I'd have to say, it's refreshing to see the lovely actress on so many covers.

At the Marie Claire office, showing the second cover look

 

Buy your Natural in Nashville T-Shirt

 

The #NINmeetup for spring was an outstanding success! We appreciated everyone who came out!

To commemorate the event we made special Natural in Nashville logo t-shirts that attendants purchased at the event. But don't fret, if you didn't get to come out, we still have several t-shirts available. Click the paypal button below. The shirts ship 48hrs after your order is processed.

DESCRIPTION: 100% cotton t-shirt, white with a black NIN logo. 

Note: The shirts run a bit large

We have more colors coming soon!

Send a message to naturalnashville@gmail.com if your size is sold out

Sizes

Sm $15.00 USD Med $15.00 USD Large $15.00 USD X-Large $20.00 USD XX-Large $20.00 USD

HAIR LUST: Crown and Glory

I love coming across pictures of naturals with naturally grey hair! This lady seems like a quite the fun time! And her hair is amazing! Lord, let my hair be this healthy and glorious when I get older.

Do you know any grey haired naturals?

Nashville Naturals: Nashville Southern Women's Show

A few weeks ago our Editor-in-Chief and I had the opportunity to represent the Natrual in Nashville Team for Shea Moisture at the Nashville Southern Women's Show. It was a great time and and during our downtime we decided to walk the convention for goodies and to see if we could spot any awesome natural hairstyles. And we did.  Unfortunately we weren't able to get the names of the beautiful Nashville Naturals, so if you know them please leave a comment or share this post with them.

 Shea Moisture Wild Orchid and Shea Butter Line. Honestly its pretty amazing. It has Shea Butter with deeply moisturizes and repairs skin with vitamins and essential fatty acids. Lavender calms and soothes skin irritation, and Orchid Extract which repairs damaged skin and helps prevent moisture loss. I have been using the oil in my oil cleansing regime for my face and I love the results.  I've also been using the oil along with the body butter for my skin and it seals in moisture and softenss all day.  I definitely recommend this line.  

The first fro we spotted it was huge and marvelous!!!

Colorful Afro Puff

Regal Marley Twists 

 Classic Small Box Braids

Sassy TWA with Side Part 

Color and Bangin Twistout 

Celeb Style: Singer, Brandy, rocks her fro this week!

Omg! Why is Brandy so cute! Last week on her Instagram account (@4everBrandy) she showcased her new look as she visited various talkshows promoting herself.

I know Brandy rocks a super fro under her weaves and wigs, but I think she's rocking a sew-in installation this go round. Whether it's real or fake - it's super CUTE!

Would you rock this look?

Nashville Naturals: Emmanuel Ehiemua

Our Nashville meetup was awesome. So when I saw Emmanuel in one of my least favorite places, I had to keep the awesomeness rolling. I'd like to introduce you to Emmanuel Ehiemua! Say "Hi Emmanuel".

Hi Emmanuel!

Emmanuel was displaying his awesomeness in that store doing good things. So, because you can never get in and out of that store in a timely manner, we had time to chat it up. First things first: HAIR. I totally wasn't being a creeper or anything, but I first saw him from behind. I noticed his hair immediately. I know locs are more common with men nowadays, but they are often neglected. His locs were thick and lush and shiny, so I couldn't help but share. Take a gander.

This was the first view I caught of Emmanuel.
Tell me you hair fiends wouldn't have noticed!!! 

Emmanuel said that he's been growing his locs for 6 years. All of this happened in 6 years. It kind of made me want to get my hair life in order. And if you're wondering about his name, Emmanuel is a first generation American Nigerian who was born right here in Nashville. He is definitely a fan of women who embrace their natural beauty. Although he had never heard of Natural in Nashville, Emmanuel loves to see women with natural hair. He also shared that he is always encouraging Black women to be their natural selves. I know we love on ourselves, but it's so fresh to hear it from a man every now and then.

I'm 0-3 against the fluorescent lights. But you can see where I'm headed.

Now, the glare of the fluorescent lights tried to steal some of his thunder. But just imagine it without all of that. And while we waited, I learned that Emmanuel loves his job working with school-aged children. When he's not working with kids, he spends time being... an author. Yep. He has a published book of love poems. He was gracious enough to let me post his face on the internet. So I don't mind telling you that you can buy his book of poetry here on Amazon. He even gave me an autographed copy. How cool is that?

You know how sometimes you come across someone who has a genuine glow of niceness? I definitely have. Emmanuel's personality is just as nice as his hair.

So, what do you think? Nice, right?! Remember that the NIN team is out and about with our cameras[phones]. If you're not afraid to smile for the camera, you could be our next feature.

Natural In Nashville: Whipped Shea Butter Recipe

While I was at the meetup, more than one of you approached me because I said that I can be found in the kitchen, whipping up my own styling and moisturizing products. This is true, but you wanted recipes. I mean, of course you wanted recipes.

I was almost sure I posted this recipe a while ago. But apparently that post went to live in Lost Blogville. But better late than never, right? For those of you who were wondering, here is how I make my whipped shea butter. I'm going to let you know a few things in advance:

• I'm not one who measures. I just eyeball how much looks right. Everything in this recipe is an approximation. It can be adjusted to fit your hair needs. But feel free to leave questions below.
• Mixing this can be messy if you're using a blender. It can be hard to mix thoroughly without a blender. Pick your poison.
• If you are a young reader, ask an adult for help.
• Also, this is a mix that I use. You're totally free to customize it to fit your hair needs. If you are allergic to anything, or decide to use this mix in any way other than an external hair and body cream--- Please don't use it.

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, go grab some items and get ready to mix! You'll need:

• A mixing bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Rubber Spatula
• Raw Shea butter
• Vitamin E oil
• Aloe Vera (juice or gel)
• Coconut oil
• Your choice of essential oils
• Container with lid

As raw as it gets! I get my Shea butter from Gateway 2 Africa

Although it's not a necessity, you could make this mixing process go really fast by popping about 1 cup of the raw Shea butter into the mixing bowl, and then microwave. I'd say go about 15 seconds at a time until the butter is solid, but soft enough to mash down the middle with a spatula. It shouldn't take long. Next, add about 2/3 cup of coconut oil. Grab the electric mixer and blend. 

Add 1/3 cup of Aloe Vera juice. Mix it again until everything is well blended. At this point you can let the mixture sit for a bit and begin to firm up. Once it's the consistency of brownie batter, you can add the remaining essential oils and vitamin E oil. I like to use peppermint, tea tree, and a dash of lavender. I also like to add a fruity fragrance oil that compliments the peppermint oil. 

Add the ingredients to your container, and cover with a lid. Since all of  the oils are non-perishable and act as a preservative, this mixture can keep for months. So try it, and let me know how you like it. Also, my mixture was inspired by Naptural85. You can see her video for the mixture here.

Do you have your own mixture that you use? Share your kitchen-made miracles in the comments below. And if you try this recipe, let me know how you like it.