Nina Simone inspired Bee Hive!

Hallo my lovelies! I trust that you are all well and beautiful as per usual! I come to you today with a Bee Hive hairstyle inspired by the musical icon that is Nina Simone. (I loooove this woman and cannot wait for her biopic to be released, regardless of the numerous dramas as a result of the casting!) This look is quick,super easy and super duper cute! Enjoy ladies! Please stop by my channel and do subscribe while your there, its FREE! Bless up!

Connect with me on: https://www.youtube.com/user/KenyanMystic

Words of a man in love with a struggling Naturalista

This note was written by the husband of one of the naturalistas who left a comment on this post about another naturalista's husband's reaction to natural hair. After cat calls for his opinions by other naturalistas, well, here you have it. The man has spoken.

Natural hair! Natural hair!! Natural hair!!! Where do I start from? Well, let me start from the beginning. A few months after I started dating my wife, I accompanied her to the salon she wanted to have a perm. I noticed that after having a perm, her hair was very thin and scanty, and I could almost see through her hair. When I mentioned it, she told me that her hair was a cause for concern. She said she had been praying and fasting for the growth of her hair for as long as she could remember.

Fast forward to my life as a married man to a beautiful wife with hair problems, I would chuckle each time she told me her prayer points included the growth of her hair. One day, after some research, she announced to me that she was going natural. This was after trying different hair styles from Mohawk to twists. I knew she was nervous about the whole thing so I decided to do a little research of my own to see if there was any way I could help her. As you know I am her knight in shinning armour, and my job is to make her life as comfortable as I can (big grin), secretly I have always loved the natural look.

In doing my research, I found out that black hair can actually grow very long, and also have a lot of interesting textures and styles, but it requires a lot of the right kind of care. In my wife’s quest of having healthy hair, she hadn’t taken the time to actually take care of her hair or even know what kind of texture of hair she had, things like being careful as to what one puts into one’s hair, using a lot of olive oil which I discovered is very good for the hair, heat not being her best of friends etc, so she started the natural hair journey. Now I must say my wife isn’t a very patient person, so on several occasions, she would lose her patience and decide that she wants to have a hair cut. I always discouraged this because I knew that she was just being frustrated and was going to regret it in the end.

In all. I must say her hair has become fuller, longer, and healthier. I will never forget how she looked on our fourth wedding anniversary. She had combed her hair out with a wide tooth comb, she was excited that it had grown. I too was shocked but pleased that it had grown, and was very healthy as well. How could I resist my own African Queen with such luscious kinky hair?

The Kamsons on their 4th wedding anniversary

Did I mention that my wife is very impatient? Yes I am sure I did. Well she would love the length of her hair to get to her bottom, I would love that as well but not in 6 months. It doesn’t work that way. For now she is hanging in there, watching the hair grow and getting to love it.

Will I continue to support her? Yes I would and all the naturalistas out there, because it takes a brave woman to stay different, I love your guts. In fact I am so into making her natural hair journey a success, that I am watching videos on how to take care of little girl's hair, as I wouldn’t mind being my daughter's hairstylist and prevent her from getting damaged hair to begin with.

Signed 

A naija man in love with a struggling naturalista.

Bolaji Kamson

Caring for your dual textured hair while transitioning

Hi Naturalistas!

Last time I started talking about managing your dual textured hair, that is as a result of transitioning. If you missed it click here

One of the problems most people have is breakage. This is due to the different textured hair (the relaxed and the natural) growing as one. Usually, the hair splits where the two of them meet resulting in massive hair loss.

Here are 7 helpful tips:

1. Avoid heat - Some people make the mistake of promoting this massive hair loss by using a lot of heat in an attempt to straighten the hair to make the two parts blend. Like I mentioned earlier, the best thing to do is to treat your whole head as though it were all natural. It is the safer alternative. Excessive exposure to heat will dry the hair out and cause fizziness and breakage

2. Moisturize - moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Never stop moisturizing. It will prevent your hair from drying out and breaking off. Deep conditioning your hair is a nice way to ensure maximum moisture retention.

3. Use natural hair friendly styles: try the braid outs, the twist outs, the Bantu knots and the pin ups. 

4. Protective styling: if need be put it away under a nice weave or with braids, or wrap it all up with a scarf.

5. Avoid tension: Avoid the excessive combing. Invest in a good wide tooth comb, moisturize the hair well before combing and remember to finger dentangle to ease the knots.

6. Avoid harsh chemicals - Check your hair products and make sure they promote natural hair growth as opposed to maring your efforts. 

7. Take the extra steps - for example, you will need to guard your hair from rough textures by using a nice satin bonnet when sleeping, do not neglect it just because you have the processed parts overlapping it, it still matters.

I'll be back with a few hair styling pictures just to give you a visual interpretation of some of the styles I mentioned, and maybe a step by step tutorial for some of them. 

Let me know what ever style you would like me to take you through, I or our style expert can give you a step by step guide on how to replicate it.

Until then, keep your heads high and rock your kinks with pride.

JB

twitter: @janylbenyl

Please help: I lost my hair to weaving with extensions

Source

Hi AN,

I wove my hair with extensions years ago and it was very uncomfortable, especially along the lines of the parting but I didn't know the extent of damage until I loosened it. The hair along the parting line fell right out.

I didn't think anything of it cause I figured it would grow out so it wasn't until years later that I was advised to quit relaxing cause the patch was spreading. I could show you a picture. 

I need your advise on how to grow that part out back. I did cut my hair over 3 years ago now and I have done the clean swipe twice. Everywhere else but that part has grown back. It is closing up (I pray) but I really need to know what to do.

I have to keep wearing wigs as a result or fix a weave although am careful about that part. So, help! Please?

A


Hi A,

Thanks for getting in touch with us. What happened to you is so unfortunate. I guess the hairdresser pulled your hair too tight.

You are suffering from traction alopecia. I am happy that you have seen some changes in your hair over time.

I would strongly advise that you stay off extensions for a while, please. 

Continual use of extensions would cause the recovery of your hair to be minimal of even non-existent. Try sticking to wigs for about one more year, and you should see a big leap in the change.

Also stay off relaxers and harmful chemicals for a while too, its good you are already doing that, at least, till your hair recovers fully.

You would really need patience. In the mean time, you can get castor oil from a supermarket. Dilute it with olive oil or coconut oil, and massage that area every morning and night, after spraying a little water on it. You can add a drop of lavender oil to this mix, if  you can lay your hands on it. 

If you are interested, I sell a hair butter that helps with alopecia, but that is only if you are interested.

Please, please, and please, once your have fully recovered from your traction alopecia, stay away from Ghana Weaving.

I hope I was able to help you.

Best Regards

AN

What does a Typical Regimen look like?

Hey ladies!

It's FRIIIIIIDAY, which means lots of fun for the weekend, I hope. Typically, a lot of naturals spend some part of the weekend on their hair care regimens. During the week, with work, school, and life in general, it can be hard to make the time to "properly" indulge in your hair care routine. I came across a post on Think & Grow Chick about how her hair care regimen lasts for 3 hours from start to finish. Hence, she has decided to change her routine. What led me to her post initially was my quest for a typical regimen for natural hair. She didn't disappoint, and I'm here to share with you...

1. Pre-Poo - The first part of a typical regimen consists of preparing the hair for shampooing. A lot of shampoos can leave your hair feeling stripped and dry, so in order to retain as much moisture as possible, one or a mix of oils (coconut, jojoba, etc) is applied to the hair. Once done, cover with a plastic/shower cap for approximately 15  minutes.
2. Detangle - Natural hair has the tendency to tangle very easily. Washing hair that has not been detangled can make the styling step quite painful, and cause hair to break. There are different schools of thought here: finger detangling vs comb/brush detangling. Whichever camp you're in, just be sure that your hair is properly detangled before washing. 
3. Wash (in sections) - Time to get the dirt/grime out of your hair. Using a mild shampoo (free of sulfates), gently run your hands through your hair from root to tip. With longer natural hair, it can be easier to wash by putting your hair into sections, and taking it one by one. 
4. Condition - Want hair that's [relatively] soft and manageable? Use a good conditioner that will moisturize and strengthen your hair. Leave it in for a minute or two, then rinse out. I usually skip this step now, especially since I deep-condition. I just feel like there might be something like "too much" conditioning. I'm not trying to get hair that's soft as a cloud and falling when the wind blows. :p But then again, some people just do a co-wash, which is washing your hair with conditioner - that would knock off the previous step (or rather, combine it with this one).
5. (Deep Condition) - This step isn't necessary every time you wash your hair. You can do this twice a month. Deep-conditioning consists of using a deep conditioner (usually mayonnaise) and running through hair from roots to tips. After hair's covered, place shower cap on head and either sit under a dryer  (preferably hooded) for 10-15 minutes or wrap towel around head for 30-60 minutes. Then rinse out completely.
6. Leave-in Condition - I've seen a couple of posts out there from people who don't agree with using Leave-in conditioner. I have no problem with it, as this step helps your hair retain moisture and keeps the hair soft.
7. Style - Head on over to Irene's posts here, or check out other videos on Youtube, or use my best friend, Google for style varieties :)
8. Moisturize - Natural hair NEEDS moisture. And no, moisture isn't oils or creams. Water is your best friend here. You may also add in a moisturizer. The point is to make sure your hair doesn't dry out. A spray bottle with water (and oils with/without leave-in-conditioner) is a good way to get the necessary moisture in your hair.
9. Seal - Ah, the final step. Sealing ensures that the moisture from the previous step, is sealed in and doesn't get out. This is typically done with oils or hair creams/butters. 

*the Style step may be done after Moisturizing and Sealing - that's how I do mine*

Obviously, this is not a FIT-FOR-ALL, and some ladies might choose to skip one or two steps with every other wash day.

I know I'm not a very patient person with hair. I usually want my hair done in an hour or less (even when braiding). My routine has maybe 5 steps, and I deviate every other time, so I'm not sure I should even call it a routine. Anyways, what's your regimen like?

Berry

After Trying, what next?

I don't know how discouraged you've ever been when the natural hair thing doesn't seem to work out for you and you don't get to see your hair growing like all those ones you see on Youtube or even on some blogs.

Sometimes, it can be pretty frustrating most especially when someone with relaxed hair boasts about how healthy and long her hair is becoming after removing her weaves. She doesn't have to go through what you're going through, doesn't have to stress her hair just because she wants soft hair, neither does she have to go through the expense.
I've often asked myself if it's worth it...
         

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I believe it is
Don't give up. You tell me you've done all you can, you've been on your natural hair for like a year and it's still not as long as you wish it to be..
Don't let anyone discourage you.
What do you do after trying, You Watch and Wait. Just Wait and See How Your hair will keep growing inch by inch, step by step, horizontally and vertically. This FACT should give you hope.
It can never be the same as it was a year ago. That's impossible!
I've been a natural hair keeper for more than five years now and believe me when I say My hair is not even close to @ilola's hair who I'm sure wasn't a natural hair keeper before me.
And yet, she has long twists!..people ask me how come my hair is looking smaller and I tell them it shrunk. I encourage myself in the Lord..lool...The hair is growing...that's all I know. At least, there was a time I was on low cut and it's now medium length.

You might even start wondering what are the advantages of this whole Natural hair thing, well, it has loads and loads that I will discuss with you next week.
And so, wondering what next after trying and trying and doing all you can just to see your hair grow?..
Just Watch, Wait and See while you keep doing what you can.
It's like a seed planted and wetted. It wont just sit in the soil, but it will sprout out to bask in the sun.
Wait for your hair to keep sprouting to bask in it's own glory 'cos it will surely happen

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Mane Matters with Kovie Anna Parker

I've decided to bring to you people I know that have either done the big chop or are trying to transition. We are calling the interview series on this blog Mane Matters. Today we would be meeting the Lovely miss Parker.

Whats your name?
Kovie Anna Parker

What do you do for a living?

I'm a lawyer and I work with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

How long have you had your natural hair?

About five months now

4 months post BC

What was the motivation behind it?

My relaxed hair had become badly damaged and I'd cut it time and time again but it just went really bad again (I was terrible at managing it). I began researching for possible solutions to my hair dilemma when I came across pictures and blogs of beautiful natural-haired black women, it was instant love for me and I wanted my hair to be like that. Needless to say, I also realised that it'll force me to properly manage my hair. It took me a while to psych myself into beginning this journey and I know it's only been five months but I love my hair!!

So big chop or transition?

Trying to transition

I tried to transition but only lasted a few months. I was so eager to see my natural hair that I promptly did my big chop. 

BC

What were your fears?
I had quite a number of fears, the first being that I wasn't sure I'd be disciplined enough to take proper care of my hair. I was also not sure how I'd look with really short hair. Luckily for me, I've never really been one to care much what others thought about my appearance so acceptance wasn't an issue. I just needed to be 100% sure going natural was what I wanted to do... That took a while, but as soon as I made up my mind, deal was done. 

Do you have a regimen that you follow for your hair? 

Not really. I co-wash as often as I can. I also rinse with apple cider vinegar every once in a while. My hair's extra tough so deep conditioning is my friend. My hair is usually done up in loose braids because of work anyway, so I'm not manipulating it too much. I carry around a spray bottle which usually has water and oil in it, or leave-in conditioner. That's about it really. I love seeing growth, no matter how little, every time I take down my braids.

Whats your must have product?

Shea butter. Before I started my journey, one thing I didn't want to be was a product-junkie. So for me less is always more. I try as much as I can to keep it simple. As long as I have water, shea butter and some oil (usually extra virgin olive oil), I'm good. Once in a while I may add something to the mix but my basics are always there. I also keep hair mayonnaise for deep conditioning... In addition to whatever else is available at the time.

Enjoying your journey so far?

Loving it! My hair's still really short and I can't wait to see what it's like when it's longer but I love my hair. Whenever it's not done in braids, I enjoy flaunting it. I enjoy the somewhat weird looks I get sometimes. I even enjoy when people ask me why I won't relax my hair. I love being the "odd one". Lol.. I enjoy the attention (even the negative ones). I'm getting good at shrugging off the snide remarks. I love my hair and that's all that counts.

Advice for anyone that wants to go natural?

Be sure that's what you want to do. Do your research and go natural for you. Make sure you're doing it for you. That's the most important advice really. Whatever your reason for going natural, let the basic be that it's for you. That's one sure way to love the process. 

Also, be prepared for the bad hair days. I find that it helps to keep pictures of natural women that motivate you. On the days, when you just want to relax the hair and be free from the "struggle" those pictures will help you keep calm. Lol.. At least it helps me.

Thanks for your time.

Boho Chic inspired pretty style!

Hiya Chicas! I hope and trust you are all doing awesome! This is a really cute style I want to share with you today for a quick perky and cute upgrade to your natural style. You can do a lot with bobby pins and a little imagination. Just watch and let your ideas begin to flow......

Connect with me on:   http://www.youtube.com/user/KenyanMystic

Kiko Yato si Kiko: African Hair Threading made beautiful

*Subject Translation: Threading is different from Threading (Literary). There is Threading, and then there is Threading (Real).

Now, I am one of those people who do not really care about what people feel about how I carry my natural hair or afro. If I think I look cool with some kind of style on my head, then I will rock it, no matter whose ox is gored. While at work, I have been known to carry big puff puff style, and even the most local kind Didi you can think of. People stared, while some applauded. I even carried my style to clients' offices. The firm and clients I worked for were multinationals, so you can imagine the level of tushness there. However, I was lucky to work for a firm that is more interested in how you do your job than whether you are rocking the latest style you saw in 1978 Abija Awara yoruba movie.

In my daring spirit, there is one style that has never being my thing as a naturalista, and that is African Threading. I mean, how can a young single beautiful big Lagos girl like me carry that thing on my head? For what na? Yes, I know I don't send. and have been known to do the weirdest things with my hair, but my case has not reached that level, lol.

However, African Threading has many great benefits for Natural hair, ranging from detangling to stretching, protecting, and making our hair healthier and softer. So how do we take advantage of these benefits, and still avoid looking like some diabolical statue? Well, I come with good news. Let the pictures below do the talking.

What people think of when they hear African Threading. 

Now, let us see how we can funkify it, so that ladies of this generation can do African Threading.

Step 1: Throw away the rubber thread
Step 2. Purchase black knitting wool, and add a pop of colour to it. The objective is to make out threading look cool, so why don't we go all the way? Lol
Step 3: Walk to your hair dresser, and ask her to thread your hair. Tell her how long and full you want it.

In the picture below, you will see I made mine really long and full. I made sure my stylist did not section my hair as big as a slice of yam. The longer you make it, the more versatile it will be. The good news is that even if your hair is short, you can make it long, but you will be using more wool, and definitely spending more time.

Feeling like Janelle Monae with my side pomps, lol.

.
As you can see from the pictures, the threading is long, and a quarter of it is coloured (2 extra colours) while three quarter is black. Even though it is mostly black, the brightness of the golden wool makes the hair kinda shouty. The good thing the colour is just in one corner of my head, so I can style the hair in such a way that the colour is covered up, and I get a conservative look. Some people make theirs all black, and add a pop of coloured wool to the end, the choice is yours

Please note the following.
1. Since you will not be moisturising most of your hair during the period you have this style on, it is important that you have your hair completely detangled and moisturised before covering it all up.

2. Please, please, please, don't let your stylist pick your hair tight when doing this style, especially if you are going to make yours long. I made sure it was as loose at possible. Don't sacrifice your edges for any style, please. I have one of the fullest, albeit most fragile edges, so I don't joke with it.

3. Don't let your stylist take 5 or 6 strands of wool to thread your hair, especially if you want the full version. You will end up with hair that is heavy, and overburdened hair strands. 2 or 3 strands is okay

So here it is. This is to prove to you that you can still rock African Threading on your natural hair, and get its benefit without looking like a village girl.

Indeed, Kiko yato si Kiko.

Tips for transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair

Hi Naturalistas!

Read to the end. Important notice at the end!

Last week I started talking about the option of transitioning when it comes to growing your natural hair. Today I will love to spend some time to elaborate on it as well as highlight some of the areas you will need to emphasize on. Transitioning, as I already mentioned has to do with discontinuing with the use of your relaxers, texturizers or any other products that seem to distort the natural texture of your hair with the intent of getting rid of those parts until all that is left is a full head of natural hair. One of the greatest setbacks with this method is that you can easily want to wake up and change your mind about it, thus you need to sit down and define your reasons for wanting to go natural and never lose them. Disciplining yourself will help you cope with those days when you want to just grab your relaxer and get back to what you're used to when you are too tired of the new process of having to manage your hair.

Let me be sincere with you, it can be tiring. It is good to prepare your mind for the challenges ahead. Sometimes, I believe just putting the scissors when you have made the decision to go natural is truly a step in the right direction, on the other hand, transitioning gives you a lot of time to test drive and re-decide on what you really want. For some people who would really appreciate their partner's approval, this is something that is very rewarding.

Another problem is that transitioning can be misleading because it does not give you a true representation of what to expect. With transitioning, you are managing 2 hair textures, the processed and the natural parts, which is not as easy as having to deal with just one.

It requires a different technique. The mistake people often make is to treat the natural parts as their permed hair instead of doing the opposite. People are usually seen trying to blow dry their hair as well as flat ironing the natural parts so that the two parts can blend in. More often than not, before the end of their journey, the hair experiences heat damage resulting in another sort of unhealthy hair, exactly what they were running away from when they decided to discontinue with the use of chemicals. The optimal method is to treat both parts as though they were all natual. Apart from providing your hair with more ease of management, it also equips you with what you will need to do to manage your hair for the rest of life. Most of the techniques you will use while styling your hair are those you will need through out your hair journey. The sooner you master them, the better. You decided to go natutral because you want to stay natural right? The transitioning period presents itself as a good time to look for the best ways to style and manage your natural hair.

I will try to share some styles you can rock while transitioning and a few other tips next time.

Notice to all African Naturalistas

This blog is here for us to share and interact with each other. One way to contribute here is by sending YOUR pictures to grace our posts. We would love to see what you guys are up to with your hair, as well as know what you have been able to gather from us here. Let your pictures speak. Join the conversations on our Facebook page and let us all see your beautiful hair.

Next week, I would love to select some of them and share with other Naturalistas. I did not transition for long when I did the big chop. I had a TWA when I started. If you transitioned until your hair was long enough, please share some of your pics on the facebook page or send it via email, nigeriannaturalhair@gmail.com, ASAP. Your pictures will be shared in my next post.

Until then, keep your heads high and rock your kinks with pride.

African Naturalistas Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Africanaturalistas

Help, my hair keeps breaking and pulling out.

Hi AN,

Please my hair is so weak and its breaking, it's natural but am not comfortable with it at all. 
Here's the hair sample (*attaches sample), it keeps pulling out. Please am expecting your reply soonest.

A

Hi A,

Thank you for your enquiry. Sorry about your issue. But please, don't get too worried or stress yourself.

Lemme quickly ask you some questions, before I recommend what to do. Has it always been weak, or did you just start having that problem recently? Did you face any stressful event in the past six months? Have you been on any form of prolonged medication in the past six months? Did you get pregnant or put to bed recently? Were you on any form of diet in recent times? Do you have any form of medical condition like cancer, etc.?

If you are not facing any of the above, from what you have described, I suspect you have an issue with protein balance on your hair, thus making your hair weak. If that is the case, the problem is very easy to solve.  Please, do a protein deep conditioning treatment of mayonnaise, olive oil, honey, and Shea butter on your hair.

If however the problem is a moisture balance problem (which I don't think it is), I recommend that you do a moisture deep conditioning of avocado pear, coconut oil, coconut milk, honey, and Aloe Vera gel on your hair.  We also sell our African Naturalistas deep conditioning treatment, which has properly balanced both moisture and protein, and I recommend that you get one if you don't want to bother getting all these mix and doing it yourself. Doing this DC treatment on your hair every two weeks should be able to sort the breakage out.

For more info on how to find out whether its a moisture or protein balance. Please, read the details below

From science of black hair

(When Wet or Dry) Stretches slightly and returns to its original length without breaking, you are balanced! Stick with maintaining!

(When Wet or Dry) Stretches a little more than normal then breaks, you need more protein in your regimen.

(When Wet or Dry)Stretches, stretches, stretches with no significant breakage yet, add a bit more protein to your regimen.

(Wet)- Feels weak, gummy, mushy, or limp, you need to add more protein to your regimen.

(Wet or Dry) Experiences very little to no stretching, and simply snaps or breaks, you need to increase the moisture in your regimen.

(Dry) Feels rough, tough, hard, dry, tangly, brittle, or any combination of those, you need more moisture in your regimen.

Tips gotten from http://hairscapades.com/2011/11/30/moisture-protein-finding-the-balance/

So I went to Naturals In The City (5th Edition)

Hello lovely ladies and gentlemen.

I was really excited last year to hear that there was a quarterly naturals meet-up in Lagos. For various reasons however, I was unable to attend any of them (found out too late, was out of town or 'Blame it On the Rain' like Milli Vanilli, who by the way were natural - or wait, were their locs/braids as fake as their music?) Anyways, the point is that THIS TIME, I made sure my schedule was cleared in advance and I was determined to go and see for myself.

It was an extremely hot Saturday afternoon, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I walked in to see a secluded space, buzzing with girls like me "OMG, your hair is so nice... How did you get it done like that... My hair's dry and brittle and I don't know what to do... My dad hates my hair... I need glycerine... Do you use shea butter... Ah ah, I'm buying 5 hair accessories, dash me one extra." (That last one was me :p)

The first person I encountered was Ms. African Naturalista herself. Up to that point, we'd only communicated via email. But we recognized each other immediately, giving each other hugs and she said she thought I would be much taller (I'm 5'2"). I went there with a budget so while I perused the different vendor stands, the only things I allowed myself to buy were hair accessories. I still managed to overspend - but hey, pretty headband trumps Sunday lunch.

After hanging around the vendors for a bit, it was time to go inside for presentations by Natural Nigerian, Eden Life Nigeria, and more. Some of the things they talked about were:

• Heat and Natural Hair - Natural Nigerian spoke about different sources of heat, how to prevent heat damage, and what to do before blow-drying natural hair.
• Cosmetology/Aromatherapy and Natural Hair - Ms Freddie is a teacher and cosmetologist, who shared on the different essential and carrier oils that are used in hair care (both relaxed and natural). Lol, her teaching background made the session funny, as she'd say something and almost bark out "Ok, write that down!"
• The Man's Perspective - Two gentlemen spoke about their preference for natural-haired ladies. I'm not sure I can say that they speak for most Nigerian men, but it was nice to hear that some guys prefer this look/lifestyle.

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of my own, so I'll share the ones I found online. All pictures are from Natural Nigerian's website.



African Naturalistas stand

Yours truly pointing out my pic on AN's flyer (side note - I gotta lose weight NOW)

 

For more pictures (and LOTS AND LOTS of hairstyles to copy), check out the post on Natural Nigerian - NITC 5 In Pictures.

Make sure to attend the next one, when it happens :)

Berry



Comparing Twists on Wet Hair and Dry Hair

hello guys,
                                      

Source

                                                 

I tried something this weekend...
I washed my hair and Deep Conditioned my hair
I read about how people kept talking about doing twists on wet hair and thought I should try it out.
Ever since, I've always twisted my dry hair after a week of stretching and packing it to work
Going to work every morning with packed hair, we both know, isn't an easy task, neither is it all that pretty if it's not long or if you have to comb it everyday

I did this because of the stress of twisting my hair myself during the weekend after the whole stress of washing and DC--ing, and so, I decided to go through the stress and twist my wet hair and I noticed the difference.
It was soft, didn't tangle easily and was bouncy. You get the fresh feeling of clean and washed hair and the ends do not tighten together.

On Dry hair, it was also good and I got to pack it after twisting it, but I think it's more preferable to twist wet hair as it is still in it's soft state.
Have you given it a try?
Please, share with us how it went

Updates about African Naturalistas products

Good Day people. Hope you are having a great time on this blog? We have three important announcements concerning African Naturalistas products.

1. African Naturalistas products now available at The Kinky Apothecary. L'Espace, 19a, Olosa street, off Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island Lagos. So if you don't want to order our products online, and are around that area, pop in to get our products.

2. By popular demand, we have included multi-purpose 530ml (18 Oz) spray/stream bottles for daily application of moisture or liquid products on your hair in our Products Store.

The bottle top toggles between three positions. Spray, Stream and Off. Use whatever position you desire. The spray position is for spraying moisture/liquid products all over your hair, and the Stream position is for applying oil/moisture in a particular section of your head (as an oil applicator).

This Spray Bottle costs just N500.00. 

3. Current Promo on African Naturalistas Product Store

Buy any combination of products of N4,000.00 and  and get Giant Size Deep Conditioning Treatment for free. Hurry Now. Offer valid while stock lasts.

Summery Twist Updo!

Hey lovelies! The sunshine is finally here for some of us! To celebrate this, I would like to share with you this very simple but gorgeous updo that looks absolutely stunning on natural textured hair! Its really easy to do, so don't worry about spending ages huffing and puffing over your hair. Enjoy!

Please connect with me on:

https://www.youtube.com/user/KenyanMystic?feature=mhee

When Your Man Doesn’t Like Your Natural Hair.

Source: Link no longer active

I wasn’t natural when I met my husband even though I rarely relaxed my hair then, maybe twice a year. Relaxers had been given me issues with burning my scalp and hair. Because I didn’t know better I just kept relaxing my hair when it was time to.

A year after we got married, I finally decided to go natural. I wasn’t aware of a natural community per se, so this was just me deciding there had to be a better way than burnt scalp.

I had hinted to my hubby I was going natural, or rather, that I was going to stop using relaxers finally (I didn’t even know there was a term called natural then), but we didn’t discuss it so much, therefore it was an absolute shock to him when I came back home one day with the big chop done. Funny I didn’t set out to do the big chop that day, but somehow, it happened.

My hubby was not impressed at all. He didn’t understand what this natural concept was about. We had a few arguments over my hair from time to time but each time, I tried to explain to him why I made that decision. Relaxer was damaging my hair and scalp. Period.

Four years down the line, I think he kinda gets it. At least, he doesn’t complain any more, but he sometimes tells me he misses my straight silky relaxed hair, and hopes maybe one day I will go back to relaxers. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening any time soon.

Now armed with more information through the natural community, if I could go back in time, I would have done a few things differently. At the very least, prepare him!

Here are some tips on getting your man on board the natural hair wagon.

1. Educate your man about natural hair, and also your reason for wanting to go natural. Give him time to get used to the idea
2. Show him pictures of natural women and the versatile styles that can be created with natural hair.
3. Ask him what his concerns are and address them. If you don’t know the answer, find out more information and get back to him.
4. Compromise where you can. Fix braids, weave or wear wigs while he is still getting used to the idea of your natural hair.
5. If he doesn’t like you with low cut, consider transitioning for a while instead of doing the big chop.
6. To the best of your abilities, make sure your natural hair always looks neat & presentable especially when you are going out. Don’t give him any opportunity to lament.

Yes I know it is your hair, but I don’t think it is worth fighting over with your man. So it is best to manage his expectation.

What if you are single, and your (intending) boyfriend is not keen on your natural hair? The steps above should apply. If he still not happy then you have two choice- go back to relaxers or reevaluate your relationship. 

Hopefully, he will see that you are more than just hair and, embrace your natural hair.

How do you deal with your spouse or boyfriend not feeling your natural hair? Interested in reading more tips and/or your experiences.

************************

Aloted Omoba (pseudonym), is a natural chica who runs the Super Working Mum website, a resource hub for working mothers who desire to optimize their relationships, resources and time.

You can connect with her here:

Website: www.superworkingmum.com

Twitter: @aloted and @superworkingmum.

Facebook: SuperWorkingMum

How to go natural: Transition or do the big chop ASAP?

Hi Naturalistas!
Going natural simply means caring for your hair with natural products as opposed to processing it with chemicals. People usually process their hair to modify the texture for easy management and styling.
Natural hair products will not alter the normal structure of your hair. As Africans, our hair was created to be kinky and nappy naturally. Being able to retain this sort of hair type will prevent undue damage to the hair. The hair from the roots to the ends has to be maintained in such a way that it follows this natural pattern, which is why people usually need to start things afresh whenever they become aware that they didn't do it right initially.

I know most people do not like to do the big chop leaving behind an extremely short hair. I personally did not quite appreciate it at a point in my life so I can understand if it bothers a lot of people when they have to shave their whole head off to ensure a good start off. The very short hair might not sit so well on some faces, thus making them dread the whole natural hair idea. A lot of people have adopted the technique of transitioning and it has worked for them. The end however is to have a full head of unprocessed and undamaged hair and it does not really matter what methods you take to ensure that. Some people prefer to nurture their short hair from the 'no hair on the head' stage to the days of glory - beautiful, full, thick and long hair. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter, what matters most is what works for you.

I must be sincere with you, both methods have their peculiar pros and cons, and in my opinion, these should be the basis for your preferences.
With the extremely short hair, you have to be very careful with your outfit and makeup. It is almost like you need to work harder to emphasize your persona.
You also have to go through the stress of growing your hair slowly from very short to long again. Styling your short hair can also be strange for people who are not well equipped, as well as it's management.
It could also be very depressing whenever you touch your full head and realize that it has changed a lot from what it used to be. Some people have to work extremely hard to come to terms with their new image after a big chop.
A gradual change through transitioning would be an effective way to manage the social and emotional hiccups.

Contrary to the popular belief, you do not really need to scrape all the hair off to welcome your natural hair. I know it has become some sort of a status quo to show off your big chop video, mark the date you had it and celebrate it like an anniversary. Do not be compelled to it if it is not your cup of tea. This certainly is a case of "different strokes for different folks". I did not do all of that abd you really do not have to. Work with what you are comfortable with.

I cannot over emphasize the need to be comfortable with your hair. During the first days, you might feel some pressure and it is worse if you were already having some basic struggles like trying to come to terms with accepting the new image. I'm not saying your journey would be void of struggles, I'm only saying some of them, like this one can be carefully avoided.
With transitioning, you can allow your hair grow like it has always done except that you have to stop adding restructuring chemicals to your hair. After a certain point, when you believe you have grown enough hair to help you handle your worries well, you can trim the processed/damaged parts off. It is a win - win situation because you always have your full head of hair while still embarking on your natural hair journey (only trim it off when you are well convinced you are ready).
I will intimate you on how to care for transitioned hair next time because it is a different ball game.
Until then, keep your heads high and rock your kinks with pride

JB
Twitter: @janylbenyl 

Styling and Accessorizing your hair at different lengths

Hello Ladies!

I have noticed that most naturals I meet are very monotonous with their hairstyles, maybe because they are comfortable with it or they do not know any other. This post is here to show you different hairstyles suitable for various hair lengths. Enjoy!

THE TWA (Tinny Winny Afro) FOR CURLYS WITH SHORT HAIR

Below are handy hair stylesincase you run out of hairstyles

Moi..side swooped TWA with am elastic hair band

Me again..both sides swooped with a mini fro hawk

Simple Curls

TWA with a beanie

In case you are having a bad hair day, you can always turn to your beanie for help! She styled it well.

Swooped sides with curls

Bantu Knots

This is for the bold! If you are up to the task flaunt it! Its nice tho..

Cornrow up do with curls

Cornrow up do with twists (Moi again...hehehehe)

Cornrow twist out fro hawk

Flat twist cornrow with a fro

Boy cut TWA

I love this hair cut! 

HAIRSTYLES FOR SISTAS WITH SHORT-MID KINKS


Rock your Short-mid kinks with pride sistas!

Finger coils fro hawk

Cornrow curly puff

Cornrows with twist!

Puff with sleeked down sides

Wash and go with a beaded hair band

HAIRSTYLES FOR SISTAS WITH MID-LONG KINKS

When you attain this length or at this length there is so much you can do, below are a number of styles you can rock with your Mid-Long kinks...

Sleeked side fro hawk

Corinne Bailey Rae is rocking a chuncky braid out

Simple Twists

Mega high puff

Super high bun!

One sided Twists with Cornrows

Braid and Curl outs

Single cornrow puff

Front puff

Braid and twist outs 

Side parting roller curls

Centre parting braid outs 

Flat twist side parting with a low bun

Braid out with a high puff

Up do with a Quiff

Styled Side parting twists

HAIRSTYLES FOR SISTAS WITH LONG KINKS

Omo na to let your hair grow this long before rocking these styles oo!! LOL just kidding!, there are a lot you can do with long kinks, but these are just a few styles you can rock with you Long Kinks. 

Side parting braid out

Braid out with a quiff                                                  Flat twists with braid outs

Styled Mohawk

So Ladies, I hope you find this post helpful!

You can also check: HAIRSTYLES FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS

Styles for Different Hair lengths!

Dolapo
http://tzipporahskinks.blogspot.com/