Hair Lust: Braided and Bold

Summer time is braid time! With the warm weather we are ready to travel. Let's hit the beach, hike our fave trail, or go visit the big city - what ever the choice I know we don't want to be bothered with our hair. Girl, braid it up! Box braids using synthetic hair is one of my fave styles. Of course I love this cool pic featuring my fave style!

What's your fave summer style? 

Melissa's Hair: Shaved Sides and Curly Curls

Since the last time I wrote I was telling you about my struggle with using heat on my hair. Well, I figured out my beloved flat iron was broken - stuck on 350°! So I was burning the crap out of my hair and I've suffered a couple damaged/straight pieces. I knew I had to make a commitment to being heat-free for a couple of months. 

Of course I had fun with the traditional twist- out but I wanted more defined curls. I went to the closet, pulled out the perm rods. I had an idea! 

I washed and deep conditioned my hair with Shea Moisture moisturizing shampoo and deep treatment conditioner. After detangling my hair, I prepped my hair with Motions Leave-in Conditioner. I sealed in the moisture with coconut oil. To set my hair I used Motions Wrap & Set Foam.  

I seperated my hair and wrapped small sections around the small rods. I made sure to smooth the end using a bit more wrap lotion. I finished rolling my hair - using about thirty rods. I wanted to use the hooded dryer, but I slept in the rollers.  Luckily my hair dries fast! 

In the morning I removed the rods. I was skeptical. I didn't want to go to work looking like Kendrick Lamar! I started separating and fluffing the curls to give the look some shape. I began to fall in love! 

Why didn't I try this style a LONG TIME AGO! The curls were very defined and the style lasted for FIVE DAYS! I even got a chance to visit my barber, Tristan, who hooked me up with the sweet line-up and  fancy parts. Needless to say, this style was a hit. I received a ton of compliments. 

It's just a reminder to never be afraid to step out of the box. Try something new! What have tried in your hair? 

Roots & Rhythm: Michael Jackson - "Off The Wall"

The first song I heard this morning set the perfect rhythm for the day!

"So tonight gotta leave that nine to five up on the shelf and just enjoy yourself.  Groove, let the madness in the music get to you.  Life ain't so bad at all, if you live life off the wall."

The timing of Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" was so perfect, he made himself the choice for Roots and Rhythm today.  It is a great song to set the tone as many prepare for the weekend, the end of another school year and summer in general.

In honor of 'Fro Friday here a few favorite images of Michael from the 70s when his afro was at its peak.

Whether small and neat or full and free, Michael always seemed cool and calm under all that hair.

Here's a performance of "Off The Wall" with the Jacksons. "Let the madness in the music get to you!" Happy Friday!

MODEL BEHAVIOR: Editor, Melissa, modeling for Charles Lord S/S2014

As you know, I (Melissa) run two successful blogs - Natural in Nashville and Fab Glance. Of course, sometimes I'll have stories that cross-over. Fashion and hair often do that. So, I wanted to share these gorgeous images from a shoot I styled and modeled for.

The designer is Charles Lord and he lives in Nashville. Charles create custom designs and vintage recreations sized to order. This look I'm wearing is from his Spring/Summer 2014 collection. I loved the easy-ness and the big graphic print.

Of course the hair is rocking! This is a crochet bob created with synthetic hair. One of my FAVORITE protective styles.

Wanna learn more about Charles Lord designs? CLICK HERE

Self-Care: Good Hair Habits

In my experience, it is infinitely better to focus energy into building new habits than trying to break old ones. When given some thought, it makes sense to put time into creating what you want to see in life as opposed to giving attention to something you want to remove from your life.  One of the major takeaways for me during our panel discussion at the Natural in Nashville Spring Meet-Up was the sharing around the connection between our hairstyle and our lifestyle.

This is something I know intimately from my own work, but I really was a little bit shocked to realize was I still twist my hair unnecessarily.  And it has nothing to do with maintenance.  It is a habit that I tend to fall into when I am focused and driven to complete a task.  I first noticed the habit during my Master's program and "get it done" was my life.  As I started checking off  graduation requirements, I naturally twisted them less and less as a response to stress.

This time when I thought of breaking the habit, my mind went back to Amber's chair.  When I first saw Amber, she taught me massage my scalp in way that will naturally release oils encourage healthy hair growth at the root.  Now when I notice myself twisting, I simply shift my energy and create a healthier alternative.

I'm sure we all have "that thing we do" when we are tired, frustrated or stressed.  Is there a good hair habit you can form to replace one you could do without? Let us know!

HAIR LUST: The Bun Life

The heat is HERE! Spring is finally here and the hot weather is finally breaking through. Whew, was winter a BEAST or WHAT!?? As soon as summer comes, my thoughts of getting my hair off my shoulders (or my ears, because y'all know my hair ain't that long - lol). Of course, I went to Pintrest and was given LIFE! from all these beautiful bunned hair styles.

A sloppy bun, the perfect bun, a low bun, or a high bun - buns are the easiest way to change your look quickly. And even if your hair isn't so long, adding some extra hair to your bun will help you achieve your perfect bunned look. Oh yeah, it's like the best and fastest protective style to achieve.

 

So, what's your favorite way to wear your hair during these hot summer months?

EVENT: Meet-Ups & Product Swaps in Nashville, May 17, 2014

 

Tomorrow is International Natural Hair Meet-up Day (NHMD). NHMD was created by a group of ladies with a desire to build-up the natural hair community, one city at a time. On May 17, 2014, cities across the country will host meet-ups for natural hair wearers (and those interested in natural hair.). Unfortunately, Nashville is not an OFFICIAL host city for NHMD. But there are several events that will get you to network and kick it with your curly sisters.

Kenya P aka HalfieTruths (purple) and Kristi A of Kinky Rootz Salon (black)

The two natural hair events happening tomorrow aren't officially sponsored by the NHMD team, you can still celebrate the essence of the day. If you enjoyed our speakers from the #NINMeetup, Kenya and Kristie (above), then you have a chance to mix & mingle with them tomorrow at two fun events. Take a look below and RSVP ASAP!

On May 17, 2014 from 1:00p-4:00p the NASH NATURALS Facebook Group is hosting a small product swap/meet & greet at Kinky Rootz salon in Nashville. This event is INVITE only and you MUST have a ticket to attend. There are a small amount of tickets available HERE. This will be a super-fun and informational event, make sure to RSVP quickly.

 

Then from 6:00p-8:00p, Kenya aka @HalfieTruths is hosting Curls and Cocktails at Wxyz Bar, ALOFT Hotel (1719 West End Ave).

Curls & Cocktails is where natural women, of all backgrounds, come to socialize with other like-minded women who are on a similar journey in life! This is an event where you can put on your cutest look, style your hair, and come have a drink and have some fun! RSVP HERE

So, I hope you can hit up one of these events tomorrow to mix & mingle with your fellow natural hair divas! OH YEAH!

Roots & Rhythm: Ledisi - "I Blame You"

The recent images of Ledisi are absolutely breathtaking.  Going strong with her latest project, The Truth, she is spreading her beauty everywhere while on tour and recently with a feature in Essence.  She is doing some amazing things with her locs right now.

In an interview from few years ago Ledisi and her stylist, Michele London talked about style and inspiration for her signature updos.  In the time since we've seen her explore with color while length allows for more elegant free flowing styles as well.

Her single "I Blame You" is a wonderful example of Ledisi's personal style.  I love the way she allows her to gracefully transition from tightly pinned curls to flowing loose curls while keeping a signature updo in the mix.

Seeing her do so well with this album made me realize I have not explored her music the way I would like to.  "I Blame You" is a favorite right now, but I definitely want to go back.  Tell me, what is your favorite Ledisi song?

  

For more on Ledisi, visit her at www.ledisi.com. 

DISCUSSION: That's not NATURAL! Dealing with Natural Hair Bullies

IG Natural Hair sensation, @Mz_Tammy, rocking a great blow-out

Sigh! I'm writing this post with all the attitude of a teenager asked to wash the dishes during a Love and Hip-Hop marathon. Let me set it up:

I was enjoying a wonderful lunch at the Farmer's Market and I noticed a very cute couple. They were eating lunch as well. Sidenote: Yes, I was ear hustling, don't judge me. The young lady had a cute natural 'do. It was pinned up and kinda looked like a Janelle Monae style. I could tell her hair was quite healthy.

The guy, her boyfriend, commented her hair and asked what she'd do with it "since it's getting hot outside. He asked, earnestly and honestly, "Would you straighten it anytime soon. Like with a flat-iron?" Poor thing. He didn't even know he was dating a Natural Hair Nazi. Ol' girl went OFF!

"Listen, girls who say that they are NATURAL but they use heat to straighten their hair are NOT natural. I am not one of those people. You will NEVER see me use heat, color, or anything that takes away from the hair that grows out of my head." she trailed on and on. The boyfriend kinda looked glazed in the eyes. I was feeling . . . Some kinda way.

This color isn't 'natural' but it sure is NICE

I cannot take it! I get so tired of the argument of what's natural and what's not:

• If you wear a weave as a protective style - you not really natural.
• If you straighten your hair - you're not really natural (and you are subscribing to the white aesthetic- SIGH)
• If you color your hair - you're not really natural - unless you have locs then that's ok . . .

So let's get real - the most natural anyone can be is the baby that's being born as I type this post.

If you use shampoos, moisturizers, conditioners, and the like, that you didn't MAKE in your own kitchen, you are already stepping away from the natural line. And, if you don't have a 100% natural diet, straight from the ground, that you grew yourself, then you step a bit further from the natural line. So, technically, if you ONLY stop using relaxers, then you aren't as natural as your sister who is 100% organic in EVERYTHING she does (what she puts on her head and what she puts in her mouth).

My friend, Tonya, rocking her flat ironed hair.

What I hate is when people want to JUDGE the next person for the choices they make with their hair. The glory of letting go of the relaxer life is seeing what your hair can do. It's also about finding an identity that you never knew existed. Letting go of the relaxer is a journey in patience, education, and diligence.

What I hear when someone starts talking about what's natural and what's not is someone who is trying to tell me what's BLACK and what's not. This is the ongoing convo with black women and our hair decisions. If you can't see the kink then I'm not that natural. If she has a lighter complexion, then you'll hair commentary about how her natural hair journey is 'easier' than our kinky sisters. The point of the matter is - IT'S JUST HAIR and it's a personal decision. The way I wear my hair doesn't define my BLACKNESS nor my association in the Natural Hair community.

The new natural, reading this post, doesn't need a Natural Hair Bully telling her what she can and cannot do with her hair. I'm not gonna say that using constant heat, dyes, or chemical filled products is the BEST thing you can do for your relaxer-free hair. But, if you wanna do it, I'm not going to judge you. I'm not going to be the one to condemn you, but I will be the person to help you find a healthy route to dealing with damage - IF it happens

So ladies, if you are the 98% natural wonder, don't turn your nose up at the lady with the blue hair, weave, or the straightened 'do. You can be there for her when she trying to up her natural hair percentage.

HAIR LUST: Pin-Up Perfection

I love when people create protective styles that can go from day to night. You can rock this cute style to the job and to your date. And it seems super easy - three flat twists to the side with a twist out in the front and back. Very nice! What protective styles do you rock that take you from day to night?

Ashiya's Hair Diary: The Observation Period

I've learned there are times when it is best not to carry any expectations.  My Loc Chop is one of them. Of course I feel my hair will grow back healthy and full, but that is the only thing I truly hope for. When I started my locs, I had a perfect vision of what they should look like when they were this length before.  My need to control the way my hair grew in weakened my locs, so I'm excited to see what they will do as they free form with less guidance.

Apparently, I woke up like Mommy.  Happy Mother's Day again!

The first few weeks have been interesting and revealing.  Like anything in life, I really didn't realize the weight of my hair until I released it.  As always I had major plans for styling my hair, but I've found myself observing longer than I thought I would.  The first thing I noticed is coconut oil alone is not sufficient anymore.  I just don't get the same results. I haven't decided on what to use, but I know I want a blend of pure oils for daily use.

One of our inspiration images for my Loc Chop

I am ready to style my hair, though.  More than anything for the same reason: to observe my hair.  I think my first styling option will be a braid out.  I'm looking forward to braiding all of my hair in the same time it took to braid half of my hair before the cut.

Curls are definitely going to be a staple for the summer, too.

I initially thought I should have been this attentive in every aspect the first time, but then I asked how many times do we actually get to go back and do something right?  Not many.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply lessons I learned the first time around.

Happy Mother's Day: 10 pictures of natural-hair mom & daughters

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy readers! Today (and every day), I hope your family treats you like the Queen you are. Seriously, being a mom can sometimes be a thank-less job, but YOU do it with style and finesse. 

Today I share some awesome photos of mom & daughters with natural hair. It's already a challenge to take care of our own hair, but add a mini-me in the mix and the challenge gets even more difficult. I hope these pics encourage you to continue you and your daughters natural hair journey. 

One of my faves, we've shared this on the site previously. So cute! 

This is blogger/author, Alex Elle and her daughter Char. 

Super-adorable! I can't even take it!!

Another fave photo that we've posted on the site. 

Twin twist-outs! Too cute!!

Just gorgeous! 

 

I bet their hair styling sessions turned into some wonderful stories. 

Two natural hair cuties!  Oh my!

Had to throw an mommy - son combo in the mix. 

We love baby-naturalista Riley, and her mom/photographer Christin. 

Once again, have a wonderful Mother's Day! 

HAIR LUST: Blond Ambition

This week I've had several convos about what people think natural hair can and CANNOT do. I'm so tired of natural hair nazis telling me what my hair can't or should not look like. So that's why I chose this photo. I love the creativity of her blond hair and these long braids. 

Black women have had this liberty for so long - to be able to rock their hate whatever way possible. Never be afraid! 

NATURAL IN NASHVILLE: Farmer's Market Trio

About two weeks ago I was being a total Stalker McGee as I ate my lunch at the Farmer's Market. I saw these gorgeous ladies eating lunch and I had to snap their picture. This photo represents more than 20 years natural hair! As I approached them, they surprised me by saying they were complimenting MY HAIR! Naturals out here loving each other - I dig it!  

Take a look below each lady share a bit about their journey:

This is Ms. Verdell. She's been natural all her life switching between straight and curly styles.

This is Ms. DJ Hearin - she's been natural for EIGHT years and prefers to rock a short style

This is Brooke G, Ms. Verdell is her mom. She transition for one year and she's been natural for one year.

Shout-out to our readers! Don't be alarmed if we run up on you to take a photo of your gorgeous hair. We have to represent the Natural Hair movement in Nashville.

CELEB STYLE: Rihanna rocks BANTU knots

Last night, the I Heart Radio Music Awards aired on NBC. As I half watched the telecast and half scanned my twitter timeline - I saw Rihanna looking super cute rocking these Bantu knots. 

I don't think Rihanna is #TeamNatural but protective styling is always a good deal no matter what team you identify with. Bantu knots are great protective style to give your hair a rest and give your hair a nice wave pattern after you release the knots. 

Of course she rocked some couture creation as she won the Artist of the Year. That girl, she's just so pretty she can wear almost anything!

Have you rocked a Bantu knot style in publix? Let us know in the comments section.