Meet Actress & Model Felizitas Cipolla

Name: Felizitas Miracle Cipolla

Q: What is your hair story?  Have you always loved your curly hair?

A: I decided to go natural during my freshman year of high school. I had been perming my hair since 4th grade and had just added highlights to my do which resulted in a very thin, unhealthy head of hair. I was teenager who, like most teenagers, was very critical of myself because my peers were; because of this I wasn't brave enough to cut my entire perm off and start fresh. I slowly grew my hair out and cut off my permed ends little by little. The in-between phase wasn't fun and at times I considered giving in to the chemicals, but I hung in there and as my curls emerged my love for them quickly grew. Now I love my curls because they are soooooo low maintenance. I love the versatility of my hair; I can flat iron it for that nice sleek look and be back to my crazy curls the next day with a little water.

Q: As a model, have you run into any issues with wanting to embrace your natural hair? Or have you had any pressure to change your image to fit in?

 A: I haven't run into many issues with my curls as a model. People typically LOVE my big crazy hair and it definitely fits my free-spirited personality. However, as "Bay Bridge" in the Miss CA USA Pageant 2013, I  am feeling the need to get a long straight weave, or clip-ins or something for the pageant, because I feel like that is what the judges will be looking for. If would greatly appreciate any help with my pageant transition,  so feel free to contact me on twitter or my facebook fan page if you’re a hair stylist who has experience dealing with natural hair and weaves (esp interested in "fusion" hair extensions).

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A: #1 "Curls" Brand "Cocunut Curlada Conditioner" #2 "Kinky Curly" Brand "Knot Today Natural Leave-In Conditioner" #3 "Kinky Curly" Brand "Curl Custard Natural Hair Gel"

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?

A: I would say be like Nike and "Just Do It" lol No, but seriously, there are MANY different ways to tame and style natural hair so for anyone who's considering "going natural" they shouldn't be apprehensive due to free of being rejected. It may take sometime, but you will find a natural style that works for you. In your personal life, those who truly love you for who you are wont reject you just because you decide to embrace your natural mane. In your career, you may have to tone down your natural style in certain instances (i.e. interviews), but it's called adaptation people; once your out of that interview or off from work you can let your hair down, or out so no worries =)

Q: How can we keep up with you and your modeling ?

A:  Welllllll although I'll never turn down an opportunity to model (because I love it and believe in being well-rounded), I am focusing on pursuing my acting career. I am also representing "Bay Bridge" in the Miss CA USA Pageant 2013. Anywhoo, to keep up with my acting career, as well as my journey to the Miss CA crown you can "like" me on Fan Page www.facebook.com/felizitasmiraclecipolla and follow me on twitter @felizcipolla. Thankies loves =).

Multi-talented Kendal Turner

"My name is Kendal S. Turner. I am a poet and author. I was featured in the November  2011 issue of Essence magazine in the natural hair edition (with Kerry Washington on the cover). I am also on the bag of Afro Puff weave by lord & cliff. I have been natural for about 6 years now with locs."

Being a Poet and published Author: "I started writing poetry about 5 years ago as a therapeutic way of releasing all of the toxic emotions I felt from my past and present. What started out as healing for me eventually ended up helping other people.  They would tell me “you need to write a book!” because my poetry is so personal and transparent. So I googled “how to write a book” and I wrote and self published all of them.  One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I was a local celebrity. I love to encourage other women to be true to themselves and live their own truth because you never know who may be inspired by you.” - Kendal

Update from Sashae

"I have been officially natural since Dec 13/11 yay!!.. I strongly believe that we need to liberate our natural beauty & share positive energy within our community so others may be inspired. So I have created a personal hair reaffirmation statement in a creative way to inspire others."  ~  Sashae 

Meet Natural Beauty - Jessica Roberts!

"I have been natural for almost two years. I decided to do the big chop back in August 2010. My “must have” hair care products are shea butter, olive oil, and water. I also use a leave- in conditioner mix with Kinky Kurly Knot. Today [I use] aloe vera juice, and oil (I got this idea from Kimmaytube), which I put in my hair after it is washed and detangled. I do this routine at least once a week. Just recently I started using Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo and I love it. For my conditioner, I use Organix Macdamia. My natural hair goal would be to maintain my healthy hair and hopefully reach a shoulder length (in its natural state). I would also love to open my own natural hair salon within the next few years, so that I can educate others about “our” hair, how to be comfortable in the skin they in, and to embrace their heritage!" - Jessica. 

Jessica is from Baltimore, MD. To contact Jessica, go to her Facebook Page or Twitter

Art by Courageous

I would like to introduce you to an amazing Bay Area artist, by the name of Courageous.  He paints, carves wood art, sculpts and more!  I had to chance to meet with Courageous, so that I could interview him for the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog. 

Q:   How long have you been creating art?

A:   I’ve been creating art since I had motor skills. I’ve been doing art professionally for 17 years. 

Q:   Where do you get your inspiration?

A:   I get my inspiration from many of life’s beautiful experiences such as acts of kindness from everyday folks, spectacular scenery and tranquil places and moments. I would say Gods many flowers, plants, trees, and beautiful ladies inspire me most.

Q:   What are all the types of art you create? 

A:   I have created many of types of art over the course of many years. I enjoy creating figurative oil paintings. Graphite, charcoal and pastel renderings, wood sculptures, and conceptual furniture.

Q:  What is the overall message that you try to convey in your art work?

A:   My art conveys to the viewer that there is always an inner child in each and every one of us that has the ability to dream. My art suggest a Tranquil, Loving and Seductive world that exist beyond this world that we know as reality. I hope to inspire every viewer to have the courage to create her or his own beautiful worlds. Even if these worlds exist only in our minds.

Q:  Did you study at an art school or are you self taught?

A:  No, I haven’t formally studied at any universities or continuing colleges. I was personally taught by God.

Q:  Who has been your biggest supporter in you journey to get to where you are today as an Artist?

A:  I must say God and my parents. Otherwise, I’ve had so many wonderful Angels enter my life for short and long seasons of time. They have all supported me in various ways.

Q:  What is your advice to other creative people who want to follow their dreams of being an Artist for a profession?

A:  Money is defiantly a good reason to pursue a career in art. Though there is a great potential to make a fabulous living doing art. Doing art for a living should provide peace of mind and happiness to the artist first. If your art is the peaceful place that you can retreat to then you should be able to weather the many challenges that artist often face. When the challenges come you must always remember why you first desired to be an artist to begin with, and that should be because you love making art.

Q:  How can people find you?

A:  Courageousart.com,  courageousconceptsart@gmail.com or by phone at 510 367-6824. 

My Interview - The Birmingham News

I was interviewed for the The Birmingham News newspaper. To see the full Article, go to More black women are embracing their natural hair.

Natural Beauty of the Week! Jaye Kennedy

Natural Beauty of the Week - Jaye Kennedy, tells us about her natural hair experience: 

Journey: I had relaxed hair just about all of my life up until my second year of college. I rocked the wrap, weaves, roller sets, twistees - you name it and I probably had it done. I grew up in a salon that my Uncle owned and became very close with the stylists there, so I changed hair styles the way I changed clothes.  My hair was past my shoulders and layed on my back. But when I went away to school I noticed it was thinning. The hard water there was so harsh on my hair! I'm kind of a renegade, so one day I just started chopping off pieces of my hair until it was shaved in the back and had no longer than an inch all around.  This took place November 2006 and I haven't looked back since.

I had NO FEARS about going back to my natural texture. I always figured that if I didn't like it, I could always get a relaxer again. My train of thought was always "It's just hair! It'll grow back!" I can't say the same about my sorority sisters that watched me chop off chunks of hair everyday though. They weren't as convinced as I was to say the least.

Products: Three products I absolutely can't live without are: Triple Silk Therapeutic Conditioner -it detangles, opens up my pores and keeps my curls looking great. Murray’s Bees Wax-sometimes my edges need a little help with staying under control. A Banana Clip-they are the perfect tool to use when trying to get a mohawk effect. They are pretty hard to come by these days though.

Advice for others: My advice to someone who is scared to embrace their natural hair is simply this: If you don't like it, you can always go back to what you had before. You only live life once. Why not try something new, you might love it! Some people may not be as bold as I was and start from scratch by cutting all of their hair off but you can always wear braids or rock sew-ins until you achieve your desired length. After all, it is just hair. It'll grow back!

Interview with Natural Jael

Name: Natural Jael

Q: What is your hair story? 

A: Did you use water and grease in your hair when you were a child? Well, my mom was sealing in the moisture before sealing was called sealing. LOL. I appreciate my mom for not putting chemicals in my hair at an early age. My hair has been an inch long and that was the true meaning of wash and go. I actually used to call it “dry washing”. LOL! After about seven months, I relaxed my hair again out of ignorance. I honestly didn’t know what to do with my hair. My earliest memories were just water and grease and I wasn’t feeling that any more. I wasn’t big on styles and hair salons. I think I have always known that I would eventually wear my natural hair, I just thought I would be in my 40’s. Now here I am back to water and well oil, instead of grease.

Q: What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?

A: I was the typical black girl with relaxed hair – long and straight. Although, I wore rod sets, braids, updos and the occasional quick weave, so there wasn’t anything unique about it. Although in 8^th grade, I had my natural hair rocking a shaved asymmetric hairdo. Picture day was flaming mess. LOL!

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
 A: This quote by Arnold Glasow sums up my journey in 12 little words: “Parents can tell but never teach, unless they practice what they preach.” It was because of my daughter, I began my transition. I watched her hair morph into lifeless strands from relaxers, no balding spots or sores – just limp, lifeless hair. I made the decision not to relax her hair and to keep it braided. I

now know, this was the start of her transition. After a year with braids, she started to wear her natural texture and that is when the teasing began. Kids can be so cruel and the constant teasing from the other kids devastated my daughter. As a parent, one of the hardest responsibilities that come with the job is to see your child hurting. Now comes the time to pick up the pieces. All of the teasing and name-calling was because her hair did not look like their hair – anymore. I constantly told her that she was smart and beautiful, not just beautiful on the outside, but a beautiful person. I explained, as best I could, that God made us perfect. Our hair is exactly how it is suppose to be. If he wanted us to have straight hair, He would have given it to us. But He didn’t. So be happy with what you have. There I was with long flowing relaxed hair, giving encouragement to my daughter – who was natural with short tightly coiled hair. That did not make me feel good. As a parent, there are two things that I have to remind myself of: children will usually do as you do and hardly ever do what you say. I feel like I should be the best example for my children – if not me, then who? Now, feeling extremely hypocritical, I came to a pivotal point and a decision needed to be made. Either I stay relaxed and relax her hair again or she stays natural and I transition. Now, four years into my natural hair journey, we have no regrets.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes. My biggest fear was trying to figure out if my husband was going to like it. He married the girl that went to the salon often, that had long relaxed hair and I didn’t know how he would feel about natural textured hair.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
 A: Currently, Hydrothermal Naturals has my complete attention and throw in a little olive oil and I am good to go. However, I can not forget my heat cap. I love the results of my weekly deep conditioning.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
 A: [Insert her name], you know, in life there comes a time when we all will come to the cross hairs of making decisions. (Hand gesturing – do I or don’t I) During this time, you must take these seven steps:

1.        Know exactly why you are going natural and wanting to wear your natural hair.

2.        Have a plan that will guide you through your transition.

3.        Set goals to help you stay focused and take action to keep your plan real.

4.        Become a life learner of natural hair.

5.        Make a commitment to keep an open mind about your natural hair.

6.        Create a regimen and make it a priority, make it important.

7.        Be patient. I know this is easier said than done but it will help keep anxiety down.

8.        Don’t fret, your hair is growing J.

These steps are important because they are the building blocks of your mental transition – which is an integral element for a successful transitional journey. Think about these steps and I would love to speak with you more once you have thought about the answers and have taken action.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
 A: You can join me at: www.naturalhaircommunity.com

A: I tweet several times a day – so follow me: www.twitter.com/naturaljael

A: I post regularly: www.facebook.com/naturaljael

A: Watch our videos: www.youtube.com/naturalhaircommunity

Interview with Lia Miller

Tell me about yourself:

"I am a single mother of three daughters. One of whom is a teenager. I promote natural living, active parenting and a spiritually driven lifestyle. I am a commercial print and promotional model and, have worked in nursing, the past 12 years. I also have background in high end fashion resale/retail and boutique ownership. I have lived in a total of two countries, seven states, approximately 25 cities and every coast in the US. I can relate to most anyone. My talents are - cooking and concept creating. I stand on an active children right’s platform, with a strong focus on the abolishment of child sex trafficking. I enjoy - playing with my children, reading, cooking, quote and poetry writing, reflexology, attending concerts, swimming, fine dining, natural alternative research and watching new films. I love my life and would not change a thing."

Tell me about your natural hair:

"I have been natural most of my life because of my tri-racial makeup. I made attempts to use relaxers in the past, but chemicals never took to my hair. With one shampoo or drop of rain, my kinks and waves returned. I feel and look far better with my natural hair. Now that I am completely natural, to the point of just “wash and go,” it has affected me in a very positive way. I don’t have to spend any of my time styling my hair, nor buying an excessive amount of products.  Being natural tends to bother some people."  Not everyone is "kink/curl fans. I own my beauty and can only encourage opposing views to remaining true to character and self confidence. I have always described my hair as a war against many nations, that are all leading in equal victory. My hair is kinky, curly, wavy and silky. With a good conditioner and brushing, it becomes straight to wavy.  My hair regiment is very simple. I shampoo daily, with Miss Jessie’s Shampoo and Aubrey's all natural lavender conditioners. Then just comb through wet hair with a large comb, shake and air dry. Occasionally, I mix and apply organic coconut oil and lavender oil to my scalp and hair. The Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Detangling Shampoo is a must have in my home, as my three daughters are also natural. It is a time, and life saver. The mistakes I’ve made with my hair that I have learned from are, applying damaging heat, going against my curl pattern and combing my hair while it is dry. I enjoy a wet comb through and a ionic blow out, with a diffuser, when I want to switch up my style now and then."

What advice would you give others:

"One piece of advise I would give anyone that is newly natural or considering the transition, is to allow the walls of dissimulation to fall. Remaining true to who we really are is far more admirable and self fulfilling. The very best thing about being natural is, freedom of embracing my origin."

Lia is located in Atlanta, Georgia. To see more and learn more about Lia, go to -  Online Portfolio and her Blog.  To contact Lia, email her at www.vixenliamiller@live.com.

Natural Beauty of the Week! Tomayaful

Name: Tamaratare Omaya

Style Inspiration:  I love the singer Monica’s fashion sense...... and Brandy Norwood. Classy meets sexy is my style inspiration. I like collared work button up shirts with shorts, and a pair of heels, or short sexy suits....Big dazzling earrings, bangles, and makeup. I love the bold red lip, the Smokey eye... pretty foundation... burgundy, and brown shades, and well as the nude pink or beige look on lips. I also love false eyelashes to make my face pop. I love Glamorous eyes to go with the Glamorous afro! Whooooo!

Favorite looks on how I rock my natural hair: Chunky twist outs are my favorite it makes such a statement with me, and brings me out. I love it. I also like my hair in mini twists as a protective style, and I play up my look with big earrings, and pretty lips!  I love silk scarves with vibrant colors, and clips to accessorize the blown out fro, or chunky twist out fro.

Advice I would like to give other naturals: Look into the mirror, and call yourself beautiful every morning. Please look at people on youtube, there very informative, and theirs a whole natural hair community waiting for you with open arms. Research, and ask other naturals questions. Take a professional photo shoot for more confidence. Try a different style every week. Make Natural hair goals, and length goals. Thank your creator with what he has blessed you with, and DONT COMPARE your hair with someone else's.

To see and learn more about Tamaratare, go to Youtube & Facebook.

Interview with Nekiwa Smith

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I started getting relaxers at age 5, so all I knew of my hair was the thin, straightened relaxed hair version. I wore every popular and trendy style in the book, from wraps, roller sets, extensions, braids, cornrows, buns, ponytails, you name it!

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I originally tried to go natural in 2003 but with a lack of knowledge on how to properly take of my hair, I went back to relaxing. In May 2009, I decided to transition again, remembering how healthy my hair was in its natural state. I knew and wanted my hair to regain its strength and health and knew I had to go natural again to get it.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A:Oh yes! There is a lack of support in our community regarding natural hair, especially during earlier years. Now, more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits and are starting to support and embrace natural hair and its culture. I have family members and associates that did not fully agree with my hair decision initially and aggressively tried to pressure me into relaxing. Some even stated that natural hair isn't "professional". My having my own business, I was definitely afraid of how potential clients might perceive.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Most of the products I use, I make with ingredients in my pantry. I have to have Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel and EVOO(Extra Virgin Olive Oil). I use all of these in many of my recipes. I can't live without them.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: It took my husband a while to accept and view my natural hair as beautiful. Speaking from experience, making the decision to go natural is revolutionary. I consider this to be a revolutionary move being that the majority of society accepts other styles more so than natural hair. If you are considering going natural, know that you can do it, regardless of the rejections you might receive. Know that the health of your hair is more important that what any one could ever say, think or perceive of you. With natural hair, you will see your hair healthier than it has ever been, grow to long lengths and you will feel confident and empowered. Once your loved ones see your new-found confidence in what you're doing, it will be contagious and they will began to see your hair as beautiful as well.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A:  Find me at: Beauty As Designed, Twitter & Fotki

Interview with Charisma Manley

1.  How long have you been natural?

My last perm was in August of 2008. However, I transitioned for nearly two years after.

2.  Why did you go natural?

My inspiration came from many of my close friends going natural in high school. Also, I became a big fan of Kai at maneandchic.com, and followed her through her transition. I was so interested to see what my true hair texture looked like and just how long I could grow my hair, so I started my transition in my Junior year of college.

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products?

 I truly don't have any staples. Even three years later, I'm still experimenting with products. I have used and liked SheaMoisture, Kinky Curly, Miss Jessies and Jane Carter.  Also natural products such as coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and raw shea butter. I'm still searching for staple products, but in the meantime I'm enjoying experimenting!

4. Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share?

My go to style is the puff pony tail...quick, simply, easy.

6. Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like?

 I never truly did a big chop. With my last perm in August 2008, I transitioned until 2010 with trims in between. I let go of the last permed ends in June 2010. Even so, that was such a liberating day to finally be free of the perm and able to wear my hair completely natural!

Charisma was photographed and interviewed by photographer Leon Dale. Thank you Leon for sharing this interview and beautiful photos with the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog.

Leon Dale Photographer.
http://www.LeonDale.com
678 698 1604

Interview with Sashae!

How did your Natural Hair Journey Start?

I’ve decided to transition because I want to liberate my natural beauty. I came to the point where I want to show myself and others that to embrace yourself naturally is a blessing from the Creator and no one should ever be afraid to be themselves. Also I was tired of the perception that “relaxed hair” is the way to go. I want to be unique, and versatile in the way God intended.  

What inspired you to wear your hair naturally?

I’ve decided to transition to my hair natural because; I no longer wanted to feel bounded my relaxers… Also I’ve came across many ignorant people; and I want to inspired others/myself by showing that natural hair is phenomenal. in addition I absolutely decided no turning back when I found your blog/website honestly that is truly what has kept me going on my journey. Ms. Karen you are my inspiration; your work is greatly appreciated. 

Any fears you may have, had or have overcome?

During this transition stage I’ve been wearing extensions (to grow out my hair) I still need to gain complete confidence for when I’m 100% natural to be able to wear it & not be afraid.  I have overcome the myth that you can’t do much styling when your hair is natural; because “natural hair” is the most versatile. 

What your natural hair goals are for the future?

To have long and healthy natural hair. Also to wear a variety of styles i.e. Bantu knots, twist outs…

What are you favorite products?

Mane’n Tail Original Conditioner, Grapeseed & Jamaican Black Castor oil, Elasta QP  leave-in H2.

What advice do you have for those who are afraid to transition to natural hair?

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows." Making the decision to transition to natural may not be easy. However you need to overlook the negative things you’ll here from others, and be optimistic about what you want. You should have Will-power, Patience, Commitment & Dedication.

Sashae's profile: www.hairlista.com/sunshine74

Interview with Classcie!

Name: Classcie

 

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?

A:August of 2010 was the last time I relaxed my hair before I decided to go natural. My best friend was natural and she always told me I didn't need a relaxed but it took awhile for me to actually research the idea. After seeing many videos and success stories about natural hair, I decided to try it out. I began my transition by straightening my hair regularly. This continued for about 5-6 months until I introduced myself to the natural hair community on YouTube. I immediately became infatuated with the idea of having long, gorgeous, textured hair and began to seek information on how to grow my hair out healthy. I realized that I was not taking the protective route, I should have and I immediately decided to put down the flat iron and do my first braidout. After that, I did braid-outs regularly and occasionally tried new styles like flexirod sets and protective styles that allowed for all of my ends to be tucked. After realizing I was having a lot of breakage, I decided to big chop on July 20, 2011 even though I planned on transitioning for 2 years.

Q:When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

A: Most of my life, I have been relaxed. As soon as I was old enough for my hair to stand up against the harsh chemicals of a relaxer, my hair was relaxed. In the time that my hair was relaxed from age 10 to age 23, my hair fluctuated in length. I couldn't really put my finger on why I couldn't get my hair to keep growing. My best friend told me I should go natural because I didn't need a relaxer and at the time, I really felt that I couldn't pull it off. After careful consideration, I decided to go natural after realizing my hair wasn't as healthy as I'd like.

Q:Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?

A: Yes, I definitely had fears going into the process. When I first proposed the idea to my mother, she was not for it at ALL. My friends, however, supported me even though they thought I was nuts. My biggest fear was no one liking the look on me. Before I went natural, I had always worn my hair straight down. I never even wore ponytails. So to go from long, straight hair to tightly curled hair was a very drastic change for me. Fortunately, almost everyone I informed of my journey supported me and understood why I made the decision. Some of my friends even want to try it out themselves and there's no better feeling than inspiring another person. 

  

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A: My favorite product would have to be my Giovanni Direct Leave-In conditioner. I LOVE that product! It makes my hair so moisturized to the touch and I love the consistency of the product. Another product that I can't live without is my EcoStyler gel. Whenever I need to tame my hair to do something, whether it be to slick down my edges or eliminate frizz, I use EcoStyler gel in moderation. Shea butter has also worked wonders during my natural hair journey. I use it primarily for my braid outs and twist outs and I love how it is light on my hair and doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?

A: At the end of the day, what you do with your hair only affects you, it doesn't affect anyone else directly. For those out there that don't want to embrace your change and support your decision to go natural, if they are dear to you, educate them and explain to them why you are going on your journey.

Q:How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)

A:Twitter = @classCie

Blog - www.classcie.com

YouTube - www.youtube.com/classcie

Here is video footage of my big chop - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuFvYnFE6cI

Diedre's Hair Story

Fellow blogger Diedre Callam talks about her Natural Hair Story -

"I created my blog,  keepitkinky.blogspot.com, for those who want options for managing their natural hair in any way that they desire.

I'm quietly emotional and extremely expressive. My often hidden explorative personality constantly oozes out of my scalp, nurturing the myriad of hairstyles I have done in the past five years. I've been locked-natural thrice, loose-natural about 4 times and relaxed about 2. Oh yeah, and I don't play with ideas of cutting my hair off. I just do it. I'll say what need not be said though, natural hair generally wins for me and is my preference. Right now I am newly braid-locked and loving it. If I could give a newly natural one piece of advice, it would be to love yourself. I don't mean the you that people see, I mean the you that is stripped down and clean every morning after a shower. Love that you and embrace your assets and your flaws. Self acceptance is the key to accepting more than just your natural hair but the natural you."  To learn  more about Diedre, check out her blog Keep It Kinky. 

Interview - Erika from Empty Locket

Introducing Erika. Fresh faced natural beauty! 

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A:  My mother permed my hair at the tender age of 5. I started out with two long, kinky, beautiful braids and ended up with brittle, bone straight hair up to my ears by the time I was sixteen. I was in high school when I began experimenting with various products and black rinses. One day I showed up at my childhood dominican hair salon and the stylist who gave me my first perm looked at me with a sad face and she goes "Ay mami why you hair look so bad?" 

I was ashamed of my hair ever since. I struggled with my hair all throughout my teenage years and it was shedding more by the day. I began to get braids which I hated. They'd pull and tug at my scalp. I hated the smell of the green gel they used, the smell of weave and burned hair and grease and throbbing headaches after I was done. A few years later, I cut my hair off just out of the blue one day.  I grew out an afro that was big enough to wear in a small puff, but it was still shedding. I was using vegetable glycerin and I had no idea what I was doing with my newly natural hair, I didn't know how to care for it at all. One day, my coworker and I were having a conversation about hair and she simply asks "why don't you get dreadlocks?" I thought about it all day and that night. I decided to do my research on locs and how to care for them. I wanted to go to a reputable salon to get them and I decided on Deeply Rooted in Atlanta, GA. I printed out two photos to show the stylist exactly how I wanted my locs to look :-P.  I drove 4 hours to Atlanta and my locs were born.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: I have always been comfortable with natural hair but since it was so short, I didn't feel like it fit me or my personality. Some women look beautiful rocking a fro, but I did not and I knew that. I was especially afraid of how others would view me, but I quickly got over that and began to make the best of my hair as it was :).

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A:  I don't use many products on my hair anymore at all. For me, the health of my hair is mostly internal. So I'd have to say water, a good diet and my aloe vera gel.

Q:  You have a great  natural hair blog. What was your inspiration for starting the blog? And what has been the most rewarding part of your blogging experience?
A:  EmptyLocket initially started out as a personal blog where I had planned to talk about my love life (or lack thereof :)). But I  quickly realized that I was a lot more comfortable and interested in talking about my hair. A lot of my friends at college were interested in going natural and would always come to me for advice. I enjoyed educating them and seeing their faces light up when I'd give them transitioning tips, etc. It came as second nature to me and I decided to turn my blog, into a hair blog.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)

A:  http://emptylocket03.blogspot.com!

Interview with Natural Beauty - Isimot

 

   

Name: Isimot

Q:  How long have you been natural?
A: I have been natural all my life and when I was 5 years old I asked my mom to give me locs. It was pretty weird to hear a 5 year old asking for locs but it was something I really wanted and I have had them ever since, i am now 22 years old.

Q: Why has it been important for you to follow your heart, and not give into the pressure to have permed straight hair?
A: It was always important for me to follow my heart and not give into the pressure to cut my locs, and perm my hair or straighten it because I always knew I had a passion from a young age for my locs and I felt completely comfortable being different in my skin and with my hair naturally. In 1994-95 (when i was 5) you did not see many little girls with locs so having locs then always allowed me to stick out like a sore thumb but I loved it. I was always one to be against the grain and that is what has kept me from even having the smallest desire to cut my locs, get a perm or wear bone straight hair.


Q:  What would you say to someone that doesn't feel like they are beautiful with their own natural texture?
A: I would say that it takes time, it takes patience that one must have with themself. When that time finally comes when you accept yourself and your natural hair texture that is when you will feel you are beautiful. The most amazing part about finally reaching that point is the sense of liberation that comes with it. But time is of the essence in order to reach the point where you feel beautiful and liberated with your natural hair texture and yourself overall.

Quote: "Living is pretty, and being free while living is beautiful."  ~ Isimot

*To learn more about Isimot, see her on Twitter or on Youtube.