7 Mistakes Many Naturals Make

1. Not detanglingNever, not once did I properly detangle my hair, if at all. I would simply shampoo and condition my hair, throw some Motions foam wrap lotion and Paul Mitchell foaming pomade and keep it moving. I barely used a comb! Now, it was cute but that’s it. It was not healthy in the least bit. Surprisingly I didn’t lose a lot of hair; however, I was not retaining length either.

2. Sleeping without a satin cap/scarfAt night I would lay my head down straight gorilla style! The only time I slept with a satin cap/scarf was when I straightened my hair. WTW? I know...makes no sense, which leads me to the next mistake on my list…using excessive heat.


3. Using excessive heatI was one of those naturals who flaunted her curls during the summer months and danced with the devil (flat iron) the other 9 months out of the year. I shampooed my hair once per week, grabbed the flat iron and smoothed it across my hair with no heat protectant, no nothing. Just 350-400 degrees of direct heat on my blonde tresses. Can you say dry and brittle?

4. Shampooing too frequentlyWhen I wore my hair straight, I shampooed weekly, however when I wore it curly, I shampooed every single day. I eventually cut this down to every other day out of pure laziness but until then, I cleansed every single morning! That’s what natural hair meant to me – get up, shampoo, hit the door. This was the case no matter the length. I wore my hair extremely short and cropped and as it got longer, I used the same practice.

5. Not knowing product ingredientsI did not ever look at the ingredients on the bottle of the products I used. The farthest I ever went to research ingredients was to only use gel that did not contain alcohol. *blank stare* yep that’s it. Sulfates? Parabens? Huh? No clue what any of that was. You would think a licensed cosmetologist would know these things right? NOPE! Ingredients were not touched on at all during my 2 1/2 years in Cosmetology school.

6. Not adding or sealing moistureNatural hair is by nature, dry, but I just assumed that’s the way it was supposed to be. I thought all brown people had dry hair and it would remain that way unless you added some time of oil to it. Not natural oils, but more precisely silicone laced serums, which leads me to my next mistake.

7. I thought having natural hair meant automatic growth.I didn’t realize that the key to growth and retention was moisture. No moisture = dry hair = breakage = no retention. Simple right? Not to someone who has not researched and paid attention to their hair.

What’s that old saying? If I knew then what I know now….man, I hate that it took me so long to become aware of what was going on with my hair but I am so grateful to know it now. I don’t know everything, no one does, but I think I’m going in the right direction.

What mistakes can you add to this list?

Life, Love and Pursuit of Protective Styling

Pic 1: My natural hair      Pic 2: My weave

Protective styling is not something I’ve been too successful at in the past but I respect it.  I know that it has its place in the natural hair universe so I acknowledge its existence.  I’ve always embraced the idea of it – I mean it makes sense.  It is in line with all things sacred as it pertains to healthy hair and length retention:

• Protect the ends
• Low manipulation

Quite simply, it’s just not something I’ve mastered so I’ve concentrated on how to retain and maintain a healthy mane without it.  I’ve done a few pin up looks in the past including the bun I rock oh so faithfully.  I’ve even done mini twists for a vacation look.  However, I’ve yet to reap the true benefits of protective styling that everyone raves about.  Most of my looks only last a day or two and never longer than 2 weeks.  I’ve always toyed with the idea of a sew- in, even going as far has having a few glued in looks, which I would never recommend (it was cute but not smart) and I’ve had some pieces sewn in.  I am now experimenting with my first full sew-in so yes  I’m a virgin and so far I’m loving it.  It too has its challenges and comes with its own set of rules but I am enjoying it for the most part.  I definitely miss my curls but it is such a nice break from constant manipulation and day to day styling.  I like it because it looks very similar to my own hair when I blow it out.
 

I’ve read so many articles regarding the controversy of weave – is it a protective style or not, is it really “natural”.  All of which is so silly to me.  Everything doesn’t have to be labeled and categorized does it?  Sometimes a hairstyle is just that – a hairstyle.  I don’t loathe my natural hair nor am I hiding behind anything.  There’s no subconscious, deep rooted feeling of self-hatred going on, I simply wanted something new and it is my inherent right to do so right?  One article talked about people who wear weaves aren’t really protective styling, they simply want long, flowy hair that they cannot grow.  Perhaps there is some truth in that for some but it doesn’t apply to me.  But even if it did, so what?  The fact that someone wants long hair means they hate their hair?  I have to respectfully disagree.  It’s more about the mindset than it is the hair in my opinion.  If I don’t like myself, it’s going to take more than a weave to combat that.  At any rate, I’m just looking for an alternative to my current look.  No more, no less, end of story.

I do feel my hair has flourished without protective styling, despite all of the manipulating and coloring I do to it.  I do, however, believe that if I could find a style where I could give it a break, it would do even better.  And of course it goes without say but I’ll say it anyway, diet plays a huge part in healthy hair as well.  So there you have it.  My hair is officially pulling a bear move by hibernating this winter. 

Are you protective styling for the winter? If so, what’s your style of choice?

Fall Regimen for Natural Hair - Layering is Key

Fall is all about layering.  It’s my go-to method for any on the go outfit.  You can’t go wrong when you start with a blank canvas and build around it.  I apply this same logic to my fall hair regimen.  I am a firm believer in layering my hair essentials.  How you layer is just as important, if not more important, than the mere fact that you are layering.  If you can master the art of layering you can’t lose.

Layer 1: shampoo - I always start out with a clean slate (much like a basic t-shirt you build your outfit of the day around), which in my case means a full shampoo on detangled hair with, of course, a sulfate free shampoo or conditioning cleanser.  A fresh start gives my tresses a fair opportunity to be shaped and molded into anything I chose.  By starting off with a clean head of hair, I can manipulate the outcome the way I see fit and not have to worry about any previous product application affecting my results. 

Layer 2: conditioner - by conditioning/deep conditioning my freshly shampooed mane, I can be confident that I have set the stage for a smooth style session.  In other words, it’s the best “condition” (pun intended) possible for whatever comes next.  Conditioning leaves my delicate curls pillow soft, even textured and detangled which otherwise would present a challenge to my styling process.  Although there has been testimony to the contrary, I opt to rinse with cool water to ensure the cuticle is closed and flat thus minimizing frizz.  According to chemist Mort Westman, “hair, contains no living cells -- it doesn't react to cold (or hot) water” source: Oprah.com.  Clearly you should garner your own research to determine your process.

Layer 3: leave in-conditioner – this is the layer I like to refer to as the suit of armor.  For me, a good leave in is the cornerstone of my hair regimen.  My leave-in protects and serves like nobody’s business and is an absolute must.  The elements are rendered almost defenseless to a great sheathing leave-in.  Not only does it add moisture but it conditions all day long and blocks out all the kink monsters/destroyers. 

Layer 4: styler/moisturizer) – your favorite styler should add moisture as well as a means by which to manipulate and style your curls.  I look for a product that provides some slip making it easy to work with minus any sticky residue.  I am always very mindful of the ingredients in my styler because I want to make sure they serve my purpose.  For example, while a water based product is good news moisture wise, I find that it doesn’t serve me well on stretched styles because it causes the hair to revert back.  It’s all about texture for me and playing it up so when it comes to application I make sure to work in the product section by section, thoroughly with my fingertips keeping in mind that less is more.  An A+ styler pulls the look together like a good blazer or your favorite cardigan while offering maximum style and versatility.

Layer 5: oil – my final layer seals and locks the moisture in.  There’s no point of adding moisture if you don’t lock it in.  It’s like the top coat when you do apply your favorite nail stain.  You need that final layer of protection.  I liken it to the perfect accessory and final touches of your look.  Now coif and go! *note- some naturals choose to use heavier butters rather than oils in the cooler months.

 

What does your fall regimen look like?

 

Work In Progress, Curly Nikki, KisforKinky

Curly Chics is currently under construction. I am in the process of revamping the site so please bare with me! I will be back up and running soon with more fab content!

Peace & Love

Curly Chic

In the meantime, please head over to Curly Nikki and KisForKinky and check out my latest contributions!

Work In Progress, Curly Nikki, KisForKinky

 

 

Curly Chics is currently under construction. I am in the process of revamping the site so please bare with me! I will be back up and running soon with more fab content!

Peace & Love

Curly Chic

In the meantime, please head over to Curly Nikki and KisForKinky and check out my latest contributions!

Swimming While Natural

You hear many women of color refusing to swim or even get in the water for fear of getting their hair wet.  My family had a pool growing up and I can remember throwing out threats such as “You better not get my hair wet!”, while sitting on the edge of the pool with just my feet in the water.  Much of the protest was because I didn’t want my straight hair to curl up (how ironic) but I was also concerned about the potential damage resulting from the chemicals in my hair mixing with the chlorine.  Don’t think for a minute that you don’t have to worry about this just because you have natural hair.  Natural hair is not a protected class and chlorine damage does not discriminate based on hair type or texture.  Without proper care, your delicate tresses will suffer.  Just a few steps will prepare you so that you can enjoy the benefits of swimming and instead of simply sitting on the side line looking cute, while minimizing damage caused by swimming in chlorinated water.  Not only is it supreme summer fun, it is great exercise and a stress reliever.  #WINWIN right?!  If you were not a swimmer as a young child, it’s never too late to enroll in swim lessons.

As for that preparation I spoke of:

·         Saturate your hair - sounds silly right? Why do I need to wet my hair BEFORE I get in the water? Quick answer – wet hair will soak up less chlorine (or sea salt) than dry hair will.
·         Apply coconut oil (unrefined is best) prior to getting in the water (preferably the night before).  Hair will absorb the coconut oil strengthening the hair shaft thus providing extra protection against the chlorine.  Is there anything coconut oil can’t do?
·         Coat hair with conditioner - this will seal the cuticle and help create a barrier between your strands and the chlorine. *some choose to forego this tip because fellow swimmers may end up wearing it and tasting it!
·         Do not leave your hair out - one big braid or a bun will keep hair from becoming matted or tangled.
·         Wear a swim cap – it may not be sexy and you can certainly skip it, however, the more barrier between your hair and the chlorine the better.

Post Swim:

·         Rinse with water then shampoo – there are several swimmers shampoos out there.
Try Ions Swimmer Shampoo (100% vegan and sulfate free) or Triswim Shampoo (paraben free)
·         Condition as normal (deep condition if you feel it’s necessary)

 

How do you prep your hair prior to taking a dip?

Don’t forget to check me out today and every Friday on CurlyNikki.

Glycerin – Check Your Ingredients

So it’s officially summer people!!!  Although my air conditioner has been pumping nonstop for almost a month now and the shorts and maxis have already made their debut, the calendar says today is the official kick off.  While many naturals are turning to Havana twists and box braids for refuge this season, others are total rebels and prefer to let their hair run wild and free.  It is important to remember that the way you cared for your tresses during the Spring will probably not suffice if you live in a climate where relative humidity is in full effect.  If you find yourself wondering why you’ve done everything right and your hair still falls prey to the big bag humidity wolf, start by checking the ingredients on whatever product you are using; if you see glycerin, step away from the product during humid weather conditions.  To be fair, some people do fine with glycerin no matter what the dew point but this is a good place to start if you are having issues.  My hair thrives during the winter months with glycerin laced products but during the summer, womp womp.  Glycerin is a humectant and the purpose of a humectant is to draw moisture out of the air into your hair, which is what you don’t want when the temperature and humidity scales are off the charts.  Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air and adding a humectant to the mix will only pull that moisture and dampness to your hair, causing it to immediately frizz up leaving you with less than desirable results.

While glycerin is an awesome combative measure against breakage and the moisturizing properties are off the charts, save it for the cooler months when humidity is not king.  It is worth noting that some products contain smaller amounts of glycerin as they are listed as the 9^th or 10^th on the ingredient list and therefore, will not have the same affect. 

How does your hair respond to glycerin?  Do you use it all year round?

It’s Friday so don’t forget to check me out on Curly Nikki.com!

Everyone Wants My Hair to be Long Except Me

Photo Courtesty of Curly Nikki.com

 

Out and about running my errands like I do, I almost always end up conversing about hair.  Typically someone will approach me in one of the aisles of my fave consumer haven spot, Target.  By the time the conversation is over it’s usually a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s fro and each of us dishing the tea on our hair resume.  This past weekend was no different as I was feeling especially fresh and care free with my two strand twists, fedora and maxi dress.  I was pushing my over packed cart down the toiletry aisle and the cutest, fresh faced woman stopped me and said “I love your twists, are you natural under that hat?”  To which I proudly responded, “why, yes I am”.   She was rocking the most fierce and bold look ever.  There are those lucky girls who look fab no matter how they wear their hair, doesn’t matter the length or style, they look dope.  We all know someone like that, even if they’re only a friend in our head.  You know the Solanges and Halles of the world.  She was one of them.  Her hair was flawlessly styled in a low cut caesar and was a chestnut brown color which was the perfect accent against her skin, the yin to her yang.  Her ears were not adorned with large ear candy, only small, elegant studs, so as not to distract from the real candy in the room, her face.  As the conversation went on she started telling me how she used to wear her hair the way I had mine and one day had the urge to just cut it all off.  She desired a new look and was frankly tired of the maintenance that came with having so much hair.  Who can blame her for that one?  Just thinking about all the twisting and braiding, deep conditioning and steaming that goes on every week in natural hair households all over the world is exhausting!  She went on to tell me how everyone is always asking her when she is going to grow her hair out, not just her immediate circle either, strangers who for whatever reason think natural hair is an invitation to tell you what you should do with your hair.  She told me how she never intends to grow her hair out and how it gave her back her freedom and countless hours being slave to some weekly regimen.  Our long hair obsession is not unheard of.  How many length checks and protective styling challenges do we see every day on the blogs and vlogs all in the name of retaining length?  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that if you have “long hair don’t care” length goals, but it’s not ok to assume that everyone who’s hair is cropped or a twa, is lying in a stage of wait.  Waiting on their hair to be long that is. 

Have you ever made assumptions about someone else’s hair goals based on length?

Don’t forget to head over to Curly Nikki and check out my weekly contribution.

The World Didn’t Come To an End

I Didn’t Twist My Hair Last Night and the World Didn’t Come To an End

Ok, ok, before you turn up and start going in on me about breaking a cardinal natural hair care sin, let me explain a few things.  I am a rule follower; I don’t cuss in front of my parents, I don’t liter, and I don’t run red lights.  So of course I am all too familiar with the basic nighttime ritual rules; must rebraid/retwist or pineapple, must sleep in satin scarf.  However, there are some days when I have no intention of leaving my house the next day or when I am just not feeling it, I confess to laying my head down on a satin pillow case and calling it a night.  Such was the case last week.  Try as I might, I could not will myself to stand in front of nobody’s mirror and do anything to my massive coils besides look at it.  The thought of separating, spraying, or anything of that nature was exhausting so I literally said eff it and went to bed.  The ultimate blasphemy against natural hair code, I know.

The next day, still on my rebel *ish, I went about my day around the house without a hair care in the world.  Until….I received a phone call requesting my presence at dinner.  “Of course!” I responded.  As soon as the words left my lips, I had this feeling of regret in my stomach.  I immediately saw myself walking away from the mirror the night before and wished I could turn back the clock.  My left hand involuntarily went up to my coif and started feeling around.  What am I going to do with my hair?  I went to the mirror and that feeling of regret turned into straight panic.  I started thinking of all of the beautiful natural hair You Tubers who look so fab with their afros and chunky manes.  The look I’ve always crushed hard on but thought I could never achieve because of my curl pattern.  I then realized I could rock that look too or at least something close to it.  I ended up shaking my hair out, throwing on some face paint and heading out the door.  I’d put so much credence on natural hair conduct that I didn’t consider how much it was influencing my options.  Now of course there are other ramifications to such incongruous behavior as not following the “nighttime regimen” but it’s not the end of the world.  Another natural hair lesson learned.

What natural hair transgressions have you committed but it turned better than you thought?

Remember to check me out today and every Friday on Curly Nikki.

Contemplating Havana Twists for Summer?

It’s that time of year when conversation about what to do with our hair for the summer is in full swing.  Cut if off, go into full protected mode?  For many, summer represents vacation, day parties and easy living.  We aim to have fun and look good while doing it and low maintenance is a fabulous way of doing just that.  Although Brandy has pretty much moved on from the signature braids we once knew and loved, she does revisit the look every now and then, giving us a dose of Moesha.  As far as I’m concerned, she still gets the MVP award for hottest braids.  Recently on Instagram she debuted a hot twisted look that was simply adorable and it made me want to get my own version.  Um yes I’ll take a headful of sexy two strand twists with a side of baby hair please.  I’ve said repeatedly that I am not versatile when it comes to hairstyles.  You will catch me in either a bun or a twist out, both of which I love but that’s about all I got on the style front.  It’s not that I’m not up for new things, I like to live on the edge like the next girl.  I’ve always wanted to try chunky twists with a Lauryn Hill flair but haven’t fully committed to the idea.  I have to admit I do struggle with style choices as it relates to my daytime gig.  However, having had my first feel of these sticky, muggy temperatures I am ready to surrender.  Enter Havana twists!  Here are some things I’ve considered while making the decision to try them out:

Will they compliment me?  I’m the same girl who after spending X amount of dollars and X amount of hours of sitting in someone’s front room getting micros installed during my transitioning period, removed each and every braid 2 weeks later.  Yep –sure did.  I just didn’t think they suited me.  I also don’t want to look like a human bobble head.  I have a really small head and I want to make sure the hair doesn’t overwhelm my face.

Workplace friendly?  While it shouldn’t matter, it does – to an extent.  I do work in a corporate environment so I always keep my look in mind.  Much like I do my tattoos, wardrobe and any other aesthetic that may be judged in the work place.  While I am still myself, I am human and these things sometimes dictate my choices.  I’d be lying if I said otherwise.

Is it time for a hair break?  Yes, for me, it’s long overdue.  I want to simplify my routine for the summer. Having my curls tucked away in a diverse, classic manner is the perfect way to do that.  I’ve never entertained a long term protected style (longer than 2 weeks) so I’m excited to do this.  So there you have it!  I’ve read up on how to take care of them and my natural hair while wearing them so I’m ready.  I ordered my hair and I am anxiously waiting on the special delivery! 

Have you tried Havana twists?  Any tips you can offer?  Ready, set, weigh in!

Don’t forget to check me out today and every Friday on Curly Nikki!

    

 

 

The Afro Pick – Creating Volume in Natural Hair

I am always in the search of something to add volume to my curly locs.  I live for big hair and yes, size does matter.  I can’t think of enough cliché comments to convey how I feel about it.  “bigger is better”, “go big or go home”?  For me, it’s not so much about length as it is volume nor is it about pure aesthetics because we’ve all seen some super dope twas, I used to rock one myself.  I have very fine, low density hair so it takes some effort to get the big, disrespectful, intimidating coif I crave. 

I just purchased myself an afro pick and let me tell you I was super pumped to use it!  No, it’s not the blaxploitation, fisted handled tool with the heavy ass metal teeth we think of reminiscent of the 70s but it’s an afro pick just the same.  I had been rocking my usual twist out when the pick showed up on my porch (I do the majority of my shopping online).  I greeted it with such excitement.  Am I the only one who gets excited about all things hair?  *Kanye shrug* My twist out was still in its infant stages at 2 days old so this was right on time to interject some life into it.  I gently poked and prodded my curly roots with no rhyme or reason, just random lifts here and there.  Once I got to coifing and beautifying, there was no stopping me and the camera phone.  I admit I didn’t go far enough because it wasn’t as big as I like it but I plan on continuing my afro pick lessons. 

Remember all of this is done in a gentle manner.  Pulling and tugging on your natural hair is not recommended. Disclaimer J

Honorable mention to a few other volume producing methods go to:

·         Shampooing with a volumizing conditioner

·         Stretching (low heat setting blow dryer)

·         Wash and go using a diffuser

 

Have you ever been excited about a new tool?  How do you achieve volume?

Don’t forget to check me out on Curly Nikki today and every Friday!

Deuces!

XX

Mistakes of A Transitioner

As with any journey, transitioning presents its own unique challenges. While everyone’s experiences are different, it can be helpful to see how others have navigated through the process; all in the name of networking.

 

Disrespecting the game

As the journey of transitioning is underway, it is important to recognize the hair that is still relaxed while respecting the new texture. Carrying on as if the modulation process is not taking place could have a negative impact.  The inability to commit to the new coils in your life and putting up resistance to allowing them the freedom to do what comes “natural” will prove to be futile. You must come up with an entirely new plan of action for this step in the journey.  For example, blending the now two textures will be a breeze if you chose styles such as twist outs and bantu knots vs. a straight style.

Using the old to address the new

Transitioning not only applies to your hair journey but also the products you use.  It is debatable whether or not it is an absolute necessity to use only natural hair products for natural hair, however, certain ingredients have proven to benefit textured hair that are not contained in many non-natural commercial products.  As your new hair grows in it will require a new regimen that addresses its needs.  You will find that as the transition approaches completion, it is possible that you will switch products yet again.  Paying attention to your strands and how they respond to certain ingredients will be essential to a successful process.

Lack of due diligence

Jumping into any commitment without doing your due diligence puts you directly in the path of failure.  Researching the logistics of natural hair care will save you a lot of heartache and assist in the overall management.  There are countless websites, blogs (uh-emmm *clears throat), and You Tube channels dedicated to the topic.

Using the wrong tools

Relaxed hair and natural hair have different demands so it stands to reason that some of the tools used to manage those needs will be different.  
(example: wide tooth comb)

No deep conditioning

If deep conditioning was not part of your relaxed hair regimen, it needs to be an integral part now. Since natural hair is inherently dry, extra care to infuse moisture is important and including deep conditioning in your new regimen is one way to achieve this.

Not taking advantage of the versatility
During my transition I didn’t appreciate the versatility that came with it and I forgot to have fun with it by trying new looks.  When I wasn’t flat ironing the hell out of it, I was doing wash and goes and that’s it.  A few times I flirted with the finger coil method but for the most part I only entertained wash and go’s….boring.

Looking back on your journey what do you feel you could have done differently that may help another chica going through the transitioning process now?

Don’t forget I wear out my welcome weekly over on Curly Nikki!

Quick Summer Hair Tips and Tricks

Not only are there general dos and don’ts for natural hair but those rules are broken down by season!  I know!  I know! “ain’t nobody got time for that!”…Ridiculous right?  Something about the word “rules” just screams “break me” and automatically incites challenge and resistance.  Hence the old adage “rules were made to be broken”.  To avoid feeling so combative, I say don’t view them as “rules” and regulations; but more as helpful tips and tricks to exploit and make your hair life easier.  Some you’ll put into practice, others you won’t, and it’s that simple.  With that being said, here are a few tips and tricks as we approach escalating temperatures and hopefully a season full of good times, good friends and good hair!

Put away the heating tools

It’s almost futile to resort to any heat styling during the summer months.  Your tresses won’t like it much and furthermore don’t need the added stress that comes with blow drying and heat exposure. However, if you are totally committed to the idea of straightening/blow drying your hair, at the very least opt for a leave in conditioner designed to protect and use the sectioned blow dry method.  Before blow drying allow hair to dry at least half way before diving into the process and always be mindful of heat settings.

Care free is the key

This doesn’t mean you don’t have to maintenance your mane.  It means simplify your routine to allow more time with family and friends vs. a five hour hair session.  A wash and bun (wash it and put it in a bun) is a simple, yet sophisticated way to stay cool with minimal styling.  If your hair is not quite bun length, a low maintenance look surrounded by a decorative headband/head piece will neatly guard your face from fly away hair.  A cute side braid is another adorable, stylish look that is easily achieved.  Whatever carefree styling works best for you is what you should opt for during the summer.  The goal is minimal effort, maximum flyness.
 

Check in with your local weather person

It helps to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.  If you know what you’re up against as it relates to the elements, you can be two steps ahead.  This will also be a lifesaver when it comes to product selection, i.e. humectant vs. anti-humectant, gel vs. cream, etc. 
 

Hands off…at least until your hair is completely dry

Constantly coifing and re-coifing the hair while it’s wet will only lead to unwelcome frizz.  Settle on a look and then let it be. Textured hair tends to have a life of its own so let it live.
 

What tried and true quick tips are you arming yourself with this summer?

Don’t forget to check me out today and every Friday on CurlyNikki.

 

 

 

How Social Media Has Contributed to Our Obsession With Our Natural Hair

Instagram me - CurlyChics

As much as like I like to distance myself from all things crazy, I recognize that like many of us, I am obsessed with my natural hair.  Remember this article?  Having social networking sites at our fingertips has allowed us to continue with the frenzy; enabling our hair obsessions.   

Impromptu photo shoots allow you to boldly strike super ambitious poses and flaunt disrespectful hair bigness.  Whether you’re in the store trying on new clothes for your next haul or sitting in your vehicle stuck in traffic.  What’s the first thing you do?  Pull out your phone and start snapping pics, obsessive, albeit fly.  It gives others a visual glimpse into your day – snap shots of your life, which of course includes your gorgeous natural mane.

It starts out as curiosity being piqued, you know, let me get in on this hype.  From Facebook to Twitter and now Instagram, it has become a natural girl’s dream!  Dare I say I use my phone more for these activities than actually having an oral conversation.  If anyone were to find my phone and peep into my photo gallery at the well over 3000 photos it would wreak of unleashed vanity, but in reality it’s all in the name of #bloglife and of course social networking in general.  That’s how it started for me anyway, a platform to showcase my blog.  For some it has become the ideal to way publicize how wonderful their afro is – you know a little “my hair is better than yours, damn right it's better than yours” braggery.  Flaunting dope twist outs can sometimes come off a bit egocentric but it’s all in fun.  I see it as a healthy diversion from the heavy, serious stuff that adults contend with.  Others are simply sharing and offering suggestions on how to achieve hair greatness which is always inspiring.  Sharing new products and experiences in true networking fashion is always appreciated.

 
But really, how many pics can one take of your coils?  Wet hair, dry hair, shrunken hair, stretched hair – oh yeah, don’t forget nighttime, turn’t up hair, date night hair and work hair.  How many audacious but carefree images, all deemed worthy of public display, can one post?  I, myself have become all too familiar with the infamous #bathroomselfie - translation; a picture of yourself taken in the bathroom.  I mean why not?  The bathroom has the best mirror and it’s the one place we all visit multiple times throughout the day.

 

What’s your take ladies and gents?  Has your natural hair obsession stepped up with the hype of social media?  Could you go a day without snapping a pic?

Don’t forget to check me out today and every Friday on CurlyNikki!

PDA With My Hair

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I’ve always been what I consider to be a rule follower for the most part.  I believe parameters are put in place for good reasons that are not always transparent and serve the purpose of balance and order.  Of course that comes with a few qualifiers; will it affect my life negatively, i.e. will I go to jail?, does it compromise my morals and values?  That being said, I do things that fall outside the proverbial invisible lines we are not supposed to cross but nothing that requires much more than a slap on the wrist.

 

Its rule #104 on the natural hair don'ts list and goes against all things holy as it relates to handling your delicate tresses.  We are all too familiar with said list.  While it annoys some, others seemingly worship it.  The indubitable Hand In Hair Syndrome (HIHS) is almost of epidemic proportions and afflicts most of us.  What girl doesn’t engage in a little hair play throughout the day?  It’s only natural to want to show affection to your soft coils or touch your coif in admiration.  For some it’s simply a habit done without even a thought.  Others are getting familiar with their new texture or style.  Every now and then, just as a reminder of how dope my mane is, I gently twirl my curls around my finger.  Whatever the reason, it can lead to consequences down the line; unwelcomed frizz and breakage just to name a few. 

 

Do you suffer from HIHS or PDA?  What do you do to combat it?  I still haven’t figured it out yet!

Check me out on CurlyNikki every Friday.

Gone With the Wind Fabulous

Top down and a new pair of sunnies!  This week the temperature finally broke 75 degrees as we welcomed Spring for the second time this year.  The first one signaled by the calendar, the latter dictated by the weather.  Either way Spring has arrived and I’m ready.  After such a long, challenging winter season, it’s a nice to leave the coats behind in exchange for light jackets.  For me the warm weather represents freedom and hair liberation and I want to ride around with the sunroof open and let my hair blow in the wind while taking in the sunrays.  Sounds dreamy but reality is, wind can wreak havoc on your precious locks by robbing it of moisture causing dryness and brittleness as well as massive tangles and knots.  Steering clear of the wind is simply not a practical solution so here’s my plan of action.

1.      Utilize gel in a different manner

I am not a fan of using gel for anything other than edge control primarily because of the crunch feeling that comes with it, however, in this case the crunch works in your favor.  Combining gel with my styling cream of choice gives me some holding power.  (A cream gel product is also an option).

2.      Continue deep conditioning practices for extra nourishment and dry and brittle hair prevention.

3.      Apply a leave in- conditioner after each shampoo session for added protection against the wind and all the other elements as well.

4.      Minimize heat exposure – no need in upping the dry quotient by excessive heat usage.

5.      Be consistent with my monthly protein treatments.  I deal with high levels of porosity which will contribute to the extra dryness caused by the wind and protein addresses this issue.

6.      Protective styling

For me this simply means tucking my coils in a bun, which protects the ends while keeping it stylishly in place.   

 

While it is impossible to completely eliminate the sabotage, it is possible to minimize it and still have great hair moments this Spring and Summer.  What is your plan of action to protect your mane from the wind?

For articles like this one, check me out on Curly Nikki every Friday !

 

Bring Back the Afro

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Did you hear? The afro is making a comeback!  Shout out to the 70’s for taking the look reminiscent of the era back never again to be seen.  Unless you look in cities such as New York, Philly, or Baltimore just to name a few, that is.  Simon Doogan is championing the cause and has called for the return of the afro.  It’s almost like Christopher Columbus discovering America.  Um, sir, it’s been here all along.  Question is where the hell have you been?  By now everyone’s heard about the controversy surrounding statements made by, fashion commentator, author and creative ambassador for Barneys New York.  In the article penned for Slate.com, Mr. Doogan talks about the current state of the afro during his interview piece with the iconic Pam Grier, best known for her 70s Blaxsploitation films.  If you haven’t had the pleasure, allow me to provide you with an excerpt.

 

 “I take comfort from the fact that style is a cyclical mutha and that everything comes back into fashion, eventually. The current global obsession with pin-straight hair will run its course, and the afro, and maybe even the jewfro, will return in all its glory.”

He goes on to say:

“Thanks to the current unpopularity of the afro, afro picks can be purchased at rock-bottom prices. I recently paid $10 for a box of a 50 from a beauty supply store in Harlem. These objets d’art make great gifts and can be used to tweak and tease non-afro coiffures. The grooviest picks have a Black Power fist in place of a handle. The revolution is coming, and it will be YouTubed. So get your pick now and start practicing.”

Is he being a cheerleader for the afro and simply regurgitating what many black people say all the time, and that is reject the European standards of beauty and wear your natural like a crown?  Or is his ignorance of his surroundings (he is a resident of NY where afros are a dime a dozen) more telling of a bigger issue?  His seemingly finger pointing statement “African-Americans have largely turned their backs on the freaky ’fro” seems to have really pushed some over the edge but does he have a point?  Is he just expressing feelings of nostalgia not only for the afro but for the time period?  Some critics say while his tone may come off a little condescending, he is speaking out of admiration, if not adoration for both Ms. Grier and the afro, describing the afro as “natural, symbolic, regal, unisex, and glamorous”.  Is is yet another opinion on natural hair, which he is entitled to, even if he is a white man?

To check in the article in full, click here.

Ready, set, weigh in!

P.S. While Doogan has yet to respond to the negative response his article is generating, I have a feeling he will soon.  #Don’tbelievemejustwatch!

You can find this article and others like these weekly on Curly Nikki.com!