Affirmations for Natural Girls

Look 

in the mirror and repeat the following: 

I am more than good enough
I am everything
I am All that I need to be
Fear is a Liar
Doubt is a Liar 


Love the versatility of weave? Enjoying the results of protective styling? I'm not talking to you!
I'm reaching out to the girl who feels that she is not enough. I'm writing to the woman who is submerged in self doubt. I want to provide her clarity. I want to share another perspective.

This Could be Us..... But it's Not

The internet has a way of making everything look great. Social media timelines are filled with perfect celebrations, perfect pictures, and What seems like perfect lives. Well, I live in the real world, and Today I'm not feeling pretty. In fact, I am feeling quite ugly. I thought about slapping on a head wrap, or slicking my kinks into a bun. As I reached for the gel, I realised how I felt, could not be fixed with a handful of gel or a colourful scarf. Bad hair days are inevitable, but negative feelings can be overcome. I share my top "pick me ups" for mind hair and soul.

Tips For Curly Swimmers

Sun! Sand! Surf! Summer is quickly approaching. As the temperatures rise,  many are flocking to the beach to catch some sun, or catch a few waves.  As you soak up the sun, and splash in the waves, be sure to take a few precautions to ensure your hair and skin remains healthy all year long.

Sun

From the moment you step outside, the sun’s UV Rays are attacking your hair and skin. Wear a hat to provide coverage from the direct heat of the sun. There are so many cute styles, from stylish fedoras, to  big floppy brim hats.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU USE A PRODUCT BEFORE YOU REALIZE ITS GREAT OR BAD FOR YOUR HAIR

HOW LONG DO YOU USE A PRODUCT BEFORE YOU REALIZE ITS 

GREAT OR BAD 

FOR YOUR Natural HAIR

Countless times I have sworn off a hair product, only to revisit it later. This has happened so many times, I no longer toss the products I don't like. Because of this, I am saving money, and expanding my hair horizons. If a styling creme didn't hold my twistout, perhaps its good enough to perfect my puff?  Here are more tips &  Finding alternative uses, and easy fixes for a lack luster product.

Before You Toss it, Give it Another Try.  

 Before you give a thumbs down,  set aside 2 to 3 weeks of consistent use, making sure the application of the products are correct. 

Give it another try. So many things can have an effect on how a product acts in your hair. Weather, Your hair cut, other products, and your hairs health, can all have an effect on final results when using product. Some products do not mix well together. Are you getting flakes? Hair too gooey? Hair became sticky? If you used a product and your were unhappy with the results, give it another try, and layer it with an alternative product. If you are still unhappy revisit the product when the weather is different. Hated it in the summer? You may Love it in the winter!

Mix it with.... I cannot count how many times I have ran out to buy a conditioner that others have raved about,  only to be disappointed. Not enough slip, hated the smell, not heavy enough? When I am presented with theses problems, I mix until satisfied. If  more slip is needed, add Grapeseed oil. If the conditioner is not thick enough,  add JBCO to the bottle and enjoy. Some products do not mix well can can result in flakes, adding oil, water, or swapping for  an alternative product  may cut out any flakes.

Spring Hair Show

This Past Weekend was the Spring Hair Show in Atlanta, GA. The Internet was buzzing with excitement from the festivities. We look forward to being at next years show. Here is a Summary of this past weekend with

CeCeNaturally

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 IC Lifestyle Section

How To make SunScreen For Your Hair

The sun can reak havock on your hair 

To keep your hair and skin healthy, it is reccomeded that you use sunblock. Here is a recipe for Home Made Sunscreen for curly hair. 

Many natural oils can act as a sunbock. Carrot seed oil has a SPF of 38-40, while oilve oil can have a SPF of 2-8. Mix 3 or 4 of theses oils in equal parts, and incorpoerat them in your styling regomine. You can also use grapeseed oil as your base and sweeten things up with raspberry oil, and macadiamia oil. Combine theses oils in a small jar and use as needed, and during the final parts of styling.  If your hair loves the thick stuff, reach for Avocado oil to coat your strands before heading out the door.

A Serious Condition

This past winter was harsh! To give my strands a break, I decided to do a protective style challenge for the next 60 days. This 60 day challenge will give my strands a break from the stress of daily styling, and manipulation damage. I expect to see some growth and length retention over the next 60 days. What I did not expect was, that this challenge would be so difficult. I’m currently experiencing curl withdrawal. After growing to love my tightly coiled hair for the past 3 years, I now find it difficult to go long periods of time without them.

Creative Curly Girls

Creative Curly Girls  

D.I.Y. Distressed & Tapered Denim 

How this curly girl maintains her curls, and jazzes up her thrifty finds! She shares how she stays put together from Head to Toe! 

BY CherrieAmore 

My hair gets really dry so I use a lot of moisturizing products. Below are the products that I always have on hand for my hair!

My Hair Must Haves

Shampoo:

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Conditioner

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
VO5 Moisture Milk Conditioner (pre-poo)

Deep Conditioners

Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner

Spring Time Curl Care

After winter dumped 56 inches of snow on my town, I can help but celebrate the end of this winter. Thank Goodness spring has returned! Goodbye polar vortex, hello warm sunshine! Now that spring has returned, we can toss those knit hats, and let our curls down. As the spring time sun hits your curls, you will have to shift your focus to keep your curls healthy all year long. 



I already put my winter hats away, and the sun is shinning.  In the Spring, and summer months,  be sure to layer your hair (and skin) with protection against the elements. While you are out enjoying the beautiful weather, be sure to protect your strands against the sun.  UV exposure can break down hair proteins, causing hair to look dull and weaken hair’s tensile and physical properties. This damage is more intense on the outer regions of the hair shaft, so people with thick strands have more natural resilience against UV damage than those with fine hair, who can experience more damaged hair. 



Thus, the connection between hair and sun can be bigger than expected, and it can impact the appearance of your hair. Want to keep your kinks shiny, use these popular oils, and butters, when sealing your ends to protect your 'fro from the sun. If the sun has already taken its toll on your strands reach for a protein based conditioner to revive your tired strands. 

Year round I use shea butter, and coconut oil as part of my hair care routine. I suggest you add one of these natural oils and butters to your daily routine to avoid damage from the sun.

IndigenousCurls

On

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My 4 c Wash n Go | Under 30mins

Make 4c curls MELT | 4 Easy Steps

Beer Rinse to Bounce Your Curls Back!

Beer Rinse for Kinky Curls

As I shared last week, I am embarking on a 60day Hair challenge. For the next 2 months, my hair will be in protective styles. This challenge will allow my strands to flourish without manipulation damage. Currently, I have in a straight weave and about a 2 by 2 inch leave out in the front. 

Day 3
Starting to Revert

Almost Immediately I regretted leaving so much of my curly hair out. Blending the textures is becoming more and more difficult with each day. I originally pressed my hair, taking extra time to seal in moisture, but with each day that passes, my hair reverts a bit more. I have tried wrapping my hair, and setting the small leave out in a large roller to keep it stretched. Nothing, short of applying more heat seems to work. After week 1, my leave out is starting to return to its 4c kink, leaving me in an awkward position


Damn that Damage | Grow That Hair!

Not Feeling this Leaveout
Day 10

I have made it a point not to press my hair as it reverts, to avoid damage. As I search for a better solution,

The World Loves Kinky Updo's and Curly Fro's -- And Advertisers take note

It seems like curls, and natural hair are taking over the world, slowly. Kinks are featured in Todays New York Times Style Section, making a splash at Paris Fashion Week, and on day time TV. Advertisers and major brands are taking note! 

Gap is working with Natural Hair crush Urban Bush Babe   Cipriana   on their New Campaign "Back To Blue.   

Add this to the list of things I love!

At&t features this little Curly cutie in their recent ads. So cute!

I recently came across this new collection from Diesel. Here's how their site describes the collection:

Diesel+EDUN present the second and final collection in their two-season collaboration. Inspired by the deep blue sky and dark nights of the African desert, treated and shimmer-coated denim run throughout the collection this season. As with last season, the garment theme is informed by a reinterpretation of the four-pocket jean of the 1970s popular on the streets of South Africa.

This 35-piece denim focused collection is entirely manufactured in Africa with the finest CCI cotton from Uganda. Running through the whole collection are four unique symbols inspired by Dogon culture and designed to reflect the heart of the collaboration

Models: Spoek Mathambo, Faarow – Siham and Iman  Hashiand Olugbenga Adelekan

Advertisers and large brands have always taken note of the changing fashions and trends, but Natural Hair is here to stay! I'm excited to see more Curly hair in print, & digital ads as well as on TV. 

Spotted a Kinky/Curly Head On TV? Let Us Know! 

Team Natural In the New York Times! Style Section

Add this to the list of "Things that Make Me Smile"!

The Afro as a Natural Expression of Self

By  RUTH LA FERLA of the New York Times 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/fashion/the-afro-as-a-natural-expression-of-self.html?src=dayp&_r=0


if you are a NYT Subscriber, Comment on NYT site to show your CurlySupport!

Top 7 Countdown | Hair Accessories

The Top 7 

Countdown

The only thing that makes perfect, ‘over the top’ curls better is, Gorgeous Accessories!

IndigenousCurls counts down the top 7 hair accessories for natural hair

Coming in at #7 is the Hat

Who doesn't love a fly hat?!          Enough Said.

 

Coming in at #6 is the Head band

From tapered cuts, to knee Length hair, Hair bands jazz up any hair style. They come in unlimited styles, materials, & colors so finding the prefect head band for the occasion is easy! 

Coming in next at #5 is the Simple Bow

These simple cuties, work great for children as well as the young & playful at heart.  There are nearly unlimited patterns and colors and sizes!

 

 

Coming in at number 4 is the Hair Ribbon

This little strip can hold up your pony, bun, and spice up almost any style, and can replace those disappearing scrunchies. 

 

 

 

#3 on the list is the Hair Flower

Pretty. Feminine. Simple. You can never go wrong with a flower! 

Coming in at # 2 is the Beenie 

Casual stylish elegance for just a few dollars. 

Instant swag: Priceless.

Number 1 on the list is the Hair Scarf

 

There are a million ways to tie it, and zillions of patterns, fabrics, and colors to choose from. The Ultimate bad hair day saver. Every curly girl should have at least 1.

 

SOUND OFF! What is your favorite hair accessory? How do you Jazz up your curls? How do you save a bad hair day? Share with Us! 

All photos credit Tumblr 

The Beautiful Thing about Beauty

The beauty about beauty is that it’s subjective. We all crave and admire life from different perspectives.  This simple thought is something that many of us take for granted, very often, when it comes to hair. Many of us spend hours trying to craft the perfect style each and, every time. Allowing room for imperfections seems ludicrous. Primping, and panicking to ensure perfect ringlets, waves, smooth edges, and immaculate wash n go's.  But from the outside in, Beauty is in the imperfections. Even that crazy bushy, gravity defying hair is perfect. For example, Bantu Knots when done meticulously, you can have carbon copy curls that evoke envy for days, but a perfectly imperfect knot out is perfect within its own right.

Next time your hair is giving you a hard time, try going the way of "beautiful imperfection", I  set my Bantu Knots  with a Shea oil mix and let my hair do what it do. I love the clumped curls, slight frizz & ease of it all. Sometimes, I try to gather my hair into perfectly equal sections for perfectly equally over-sized twists, and it  can be daunting. One of the great things about curly hair is that even when we don’t have hair that comes out as exact as we had intended no one else around ever seems to notice. Even if you are obsessing  someone over your shoulder is admiring. To them your hair is awesome, cool and fabulous. When you throw "perfection" to the wind, you end up with the hair that strangers stop to tell you they wish they could have themselves.

Now get out the mirror, and go flaunt that perfectly, imperfect beauty! Just a couple of simple ingredients and a positive attitude about your hair can get you far. Messy hair is sexy and  imperfect curls, updos, braids and frizz is the real beauty of it all. You are already everything you need to be. You are, in fact, Everything. Breathe it all in.....

Coils, Kinks and Waves are Critically Acclaimed

2 Reasons Why  I'm addicted to 

|Orange Is The New Black  

On Netflix

1   #1    This groundbreaking Netflix original series is hilarious! Immediately your connected to the flawed, but lovable characters, and soon realized there’s much more than meets the eye. I binged watched this show, and I’m eagerly awaiting the 2^nd season.  Cleverly written, the story slowly unfolds leaving you wanting more of each character. Great writers! This show is  based on a woman’s experiences spending a year  in a minimum security prison.

2.       #2 Team Natural is WELL represented  in this critically acclaimed series, and I love it! From adorable  TWA’s  to Twist outs, and puffs, the characters are doing hard time, while the actors are  showcasing our amazing coils, kinks, and waves. Go Ladies! Looking Great! 

Danielle Brooks   

 Vicky Jeudy

 

Tanya Wright

 

Michelle Hurst

 

Samira Wiley 

Uzo Aduba

You Need this show in Your Lives!