The Big Reveal

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is Samantha and I just so happen to be the founder of this blog and a few others. I'm a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, blogger, activist, Jesus follower and in uni studying architecture.

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for about 4 years now.

When did you get your first relaxer and why did you get it?

I'm not exactly sure when I got my first relaxer, but it was between the ages of 4 and 6. However, I big chopped and then got a relaxer between the ages of 7 and 8. Each time, I got a relaxer because I wasn't born with a manual. Haha. My parents didn't know how to manage my hair and therefore, my hair broke many combs. Actually, it broke every comb in the house at some point.

What made you decide to go natural?

Well, I was 13 years old (same month as my 14th birthday) and I didn't know what my natural texture looked or felt like and I was just so curious about it, what I can do with it and how I can grow it out to the length it was while I was little.

How did your family and friends react to the idea of you going natural?

Oh my! They were not having it! My mum told me that she's not going to help me out with it (shout out to my mamma who's natural now), my paternal grandmother thought it was a bad idea because my hair was "too tough," my dad was cool with it, my brother wasn't (and he still tells me to get a relaxer because straight hair is more attractive, according to him) and some of my friends liked the fact that I was going natural while others told me not to do it and to just get another relaxer.

What's your hair journey been like so far (and how has it changed your perception on some things)?

My hair journey has been pretty eventful! I heat damaged my hair during my first year natural (and grew out the damage), I lost a bit of hair from box braids (with extensions) that weren't installed well (my hair fell out), my hair got cut by a stylist when I didn't ask for it to be cut and (fast forwarding) I have damaged hair (and not so "BigHair") right now, from a bad weave (which I might add was my first weave as a natural and my first weave in about 7 years). Besides those, my hair journey has been pretty nice, discovering new styles and products and just having fun switching between long (stretched) hair and short (shrunken) hair.

My natural hair journey has made me realise that people look best when they embrace the natural things about them. It also makes them happier. And I guess that it has made me realise that so many people are scared or very judgemental and we just have to accept that because we can't please everyone so, we just need to be happy with who we are.

Picture from shortly after I noticed the damage.

What is your daily hair regimen (including your night-time routine)?

This changes a lot. I would say that daily, if my hair was set in a bantu knot out, I saturate my hands in oil, take down the knots, separate the curls, fluff out my roots, pin up a bit of the sides and that's it. If I'm doing my lazy girl style (which is actually kinda chic), I take my hair down from a low ponytail, shake it out and fluff it out with my hands, put it in a low ponytail again, braid the ponytail, attach pre-braided extensions to it, tuck in my hair and then pin the extensions round my head forming an elegant halo braid (or series of halo braids). At night, I just divide my hair in 4-6 and put it in loose bantu knots (to preserve the initial style) or I leave it in a low ponytail (no extensions) and cover it in a satin scarf (although i don't care much about the scarf now that I have a satin pillowcase and duvet cover).

I should add that I wash my hair every Saturday after my workout (because I don't have the time to do so, any other day), shampooing once a month and co-washing every week. I stretch my hair out using a blow dryer on a warm-cool setting just to speed things up for myself.

Do you think you might be changing or incorporating new things to your regimen soon? If so, what do you have in mind?

I would deep condition more often, if I could. Right now, my schedule is too hectic because of uni so, I can't change much.

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it?

My "lazy girl" halo braid and bantu knot out are my favourite hairstyles and they are described above. As a side note, I always do my bantu knots over a braid out or an old twist out for best results.

What are your must-have hair accessories and tools?

Bobby pins! You can never have enough of those! Those little guys disappear like it's nobody's business. Metal-free ponytail holders are also a must-have and if you're in uni and not on the best schedule, a good blow dryer with a cool setting is good too.

How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage, length retention and moisture?

The only day I comb my hair is on wash-day and in the shower with conditioner in my hair and under the shower stream. I seal my hair with oil and shea butter or Shea moisture's restorative conditioner and some times, Shea Moisture's Gel Soufflé too (that product is so moisturising). I also try not to touch my hair much and I sleep with my hair covered in a satin scarf or on a satin pillowcase (and I dry my hair with an old shirt instead of a towel).

What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?

I use the shampoo, conditioner and gel in the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus line and I really like the products. They are moisturising, minimise frizz, have slip and are not too heavy. I use Shea Moisture's Restorative Conditioner as a leave-in and detangler and it's awesome for those. I also use extra virgin olive oil and Terressential's Mud Wash in Lavender and Cool Mint and I like both. The lavender mud wash leaves your hair feeling so soft and nice and the cool mint stops itchy scalp (and dry scalp) quickly.

(I also use the deep conditioner by Midas Naturals and can't wait till it's back in stock because it is AWESOME).

Hand-In-Hair syndrome -  an issue I have only that....it's not my hand. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair or do they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

It's actually not been so bad in the past year. People actually ask now if they want to touch my hair (most of the time) and I'm cool with it although if someone doesn't ask before they touch my hair, I get a bit annoyed (esp. if I don't know the person/I'm not close to the person) and I calmly tell them to ask next time. Oh! And I make sure my hair's not been messed up each time (gotta do that!)

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

Versatility! Not just with hair styles, but with hair lengths too! I can switch up my length daily. My hair has a personality of its own too and it's beautiful and just so unique!

Any advice for the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

You do you, boo! Go natural, stay natural if you want to. Try different styles and learn how to take care of and style your hair by yourself because not every hair stylist knows how to properly care for curly hair and you'll be able to treat your hair better than anyone can once you master what to do.

Where can we find you online?

On here, of course.

And on:

♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❦ ❧SammyWithTheBod♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❦ ❧

♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❦ ❧SammyInTheSpirit♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❦

After Her

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

p.s All pictures without extensions are post-damage and all curly hair styles are day 3-4 hair.

Simbi Akanni is Naturally Glamourous

 

Simbi and I first met when we were much younger. However, after she moved, we hadn't contacted each other till this summer. I am glad we're in touch now.

Simbi is an inspiring young lady (I say that like we're not the same age!) and I'm glad that I got the chance to interview her for this blog.

Check out her out online! All her links are at the end of this interview!

I hope you enjoy this reading this interview!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm Simbi Akanni, an 18 year-old student and Christian blogger!  I was born in New York, raised in Nigeria and now I'm back here in NY for as long as God desires. In addition to that, I'm a sister to 3 handsome brothers and 1 loving sister. I've been blessed with an amazing family!    

In my spare time, I blog, edit films and videos (yes, I'm a Nikon and Final Cut Pro X girl), I love dancing, singing and frolicking around in pretty dresses with sunflowers in my hair. That's a bit about myself for now!  Thanks for having me on your blog today.

How long have you been natural?

Oh man, I've been natural since 2009. That's 6 years now! Wooh! 

When did you get your first relaxer and why did you get it?

Here's my little relaxer story (according to my mom!) I had just moved to Nigeria and I was about 5 or 6 years old. The hairdressers and my mom constantly complained that my hair was too "hard", it cut their fingers and all the other regular unkept natural hair problems. Therefore, momma put a relaxer in my hair.  She regretted it though, because my natural hair was really long and cute. It was what I had been known for.

What made you decide to go natural?

When I moved back to america, I just decided to stop relaxing my hair. If I remember clearly, my hair had been breaking off and I decided I wanted it to grow. So I transitioned from 2009.

How did your family and friends react to the idea of you going natural?

No one really knew because I always had a protective style in. I would wear braids and weaves back to back (drake reference, did you catch it? no? ok) but leave my hair out for a week or just the weekend.

What's your hair journey been like so far (and how has it changed your perception on some things)?

My hair journey has been awesome. Most girls want long hair and that was my goal for a while.  Now, I focus more on healthy and bouncy curls as opposed to length.  I'm also getting more comfortable with wearing my hair out.  I never knew how to style it so I would always hide it, but thank God for YouTube!  I've grown to love my kinks/curls/fro, whatever you call it.

What is your daily hair regimen (including your night-time routine)?

When my hair isn't in a protective style, my go-to hairstyle is a braid out/high-puff. I spritz some water on my hair, apply some of my shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and put about 9 single braids in. Then in the morning, I unravel the braids and voila! However, if I have more time, I love doing flat twist outs with perm rods at the end. Those usually come out looking pretty dope!

Do you think you might be changing or incorporating new things to your regimen soon? If so, what do you have in mind?

Not really, my regimen works for me. It also matches my lifestyle. I'm always on-the-go so I need a quick and easy regimen that doesn't take up too much time. Although, if I were to change my regimen, I'd probably be a bit more consistent with my protein treatments and just treating my hair in general. Laziness is an underlying theme lol!

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it?

I think I may have answered this in a previous question but to recap; my go-to is a quick braidout. My fave is my flat twist out with perm rods at the end. I tried a bantu knot out a while back and I was pretty disappointed but i'm actually giving it another shot tonight, so we'll see how that goes. (update: it came out looking great)

What are your must-have hair accessories and tools?

For about a week now, I've been rocking a high puff. So in this case, it's a wide tooth comb, my hands and the stockings I use to tie my hair up.  

How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage, shrinkage, length retention and moisture?

Shrinkage is beautiful! Let's accept it and not see it as an issue. But to answer the question, I put a few braids, twists, bantu knots (or something) in my hair every night before I sleep. I try to keep my hair stretched as much as possible because that hang time is beautiful too!

As far as breakage, oh gosh, I deal with this so much. Most of my breakage results from super tight braid patterns under my weaves. I literally have patches of broken off hair because of this and it sucks. However, I'm now enforcing less tension in my hair routines and hair styles, keeping my hair soft and making sure I deep condition (or do a protein treatment every now and then). Let's see how it'll work out.

Length retention- I'm not afraid to trim my dead ends, cut off a few inches and allow my hair to grow back healthier. Protective styles are also really good for length retention and growth (braids, weaves etc)

Moisture- This is tough to keep up with when my hair is in a protective style, but when it isn't, I'm usually really good with moisturizing my hair. I love to use the l.o.c. (liquid, oil, then cream) method. For that, I use water, coconut oil and my shea moisture curl enhancing smothie.

What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?  

Currently, I'm loving my shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, extra virgin coconut oil, creme of nature moisture & shine argan oil shampoo, shea moisture restorative conditioner and my home-made deep conditioner. 

Hand-In-Hair syndrome. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair or do they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

I love hair, so my hands are always in other people's hair (sorry guys).  I also really like when people play with my hair, as long as they aren't messing up my hairstyle, we're good!  No one has ever just reached out to touch my hair without my consent though.

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

Being naturally curly gives me so much variation.  Because of the way my hair is, I can do so many different styles.  One day it's straight, the next it's an afro, the next it's just huge.  Curls are so beautiful and I would never trade them for anything.  It's not all beautiful because sometime's it's just outright tough, but believe it or not, it's like a relationship.  You don't love bae every day. lol.

Any advice for the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

 Teens - Don't get pressured into thinking your kinks and curls aren't beautiful. You are set apart.  God created you in His image, which is ultimate perfection!  Whatever hair texture you have, what makes it beautiful is that it's yours.  No one can ever take that away from you.

Parents- Tell you daughters how beautiful they are.  Give them the affirmation they need.  Your words mean the world to them.  I walk around with a mantra that goes "Momma said I'm beautiful, so that means, I'm beautiful and I don't have to wait for anyone else to say it." 

Where can we find you online?

You can find me at www.SimSpirituallyInspired.com.  I upload blog posts every Sunday!  It get's really personal on my blog, so please join the ride.

YouTube- SimInspired.  I have a couple of videos on there

Instagram - @Sim_Inspired

And, that's all I have!  <3 

Anjola Fagbemi is Naturally Glamorous

I have know Anjola for YEARS! I recently reconnected with Anjola via Facebook and realised that she was natural now and guess what! She has amazing hair! Sooooo.... I decided to interview her and I was glad when she agreed to do the interview.

Anjola is a wonderful person so I hope you enjoy this interview and when you're done reading it, you go check her out online (the links will be left down below), subscribe to her YouTube channel and 'Like' her Facebook page.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello guys! I’m Anjola Fagbemi of TheBejewelledBud. A self proclaimed fashion enthusiast and modish minimalist. I am a Fashion and Lifestyle blogger who is currently in University. I also produce video content on YouTube and I am a photographer!

How long have you been natural?

I just did my big chop in January 2014, so I've been “natural” for about five months now and I love my hair! (Well sometimes I feel like copping it off too lol.)

When did you get your first relaxer and why'd you get it? 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had straight hair. I had no say in the decision to relax it because I was really young and my mum made the decision. It was second nature to get a relaxer as soon as I had growth so I just kept getting it in because it was normal to me.

What made you decide to go natural?

I had a friend in A levels who was trying her best to convince me to transition and go natural. She was ahead of the craze and was one of the first people I had seen who was actively taking charge of her hair. When she big chopped, I was utterly and absolutely convinced because she had the most magnificent afro. I took on the challenge because I wanted to see how big my afro could get!

How did your family and friends react to the idea of you going natural?

Oh my gosh, you would have thought the sky was falling because they were all opposed to it. My mum fought it so hard, and my cousins joked that it was because she had worked so hard to grow my relaxed hair to the beautiful, long position it was at that moment in time. The hair dressers advised me against it; my aunties didn’t want me to, and my friends had no clue because I had just changed schools and they were basically clueless about my journey.

What's your hair journey been like so far (and how has it changed your perception on some things)?

At first, it was just a huge relief to chop all the dead ends off because my mum had finally agreed to let me get rid of it. But then, I had no clue of what to do with it so I ended up wearing a hat to church the next day because I couldn’t get it to look right. But, so far my hair has taught me how to be patient! There are so many days (like today) were I feel like chopping it all off, and other days were I absolutely love it. 

What is your daily hair regimen (including your night-time routine)?

It’s summer time and I’ve hardly stayed at one location for a week so having a regimen has been really tough! Right now I have a weave in so it is very low maintenance but before that I had a bunch of regimens! My old regimen consisted of deep conditioning and washing my hair ever weekend ( If I was lazy I could skip a week of doing anything to it). After which, I would twist my hair or bantu it into a style it would remain in for the rest of the week!

Do you think you might be changing or incorporating new things to your regimen soon? If so, what do you have in mind?

My most recent one is the no-comb regimen combined with a minimal product regimen. Not combing the hair as often reduces breakage and reducing the amount of products used increases the amount of moisture the hair strands receive.

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it?

At one point in time, I could only pull my hair up in high buns because it was so short and it is still my go-to. I haven’t got the length to rock that many styles yet.

What are your must-have hair accessories and tools?

Huge hair ties and a ribbon. A ribbon is one of the only things that can squeeze all my hair in at times! 

How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage and length retention?

To combat breakage I hardly comb my hair; and if I do, I do so gently- working my way from my ends to my roots.

What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?  

I currently use Argan oil based products, and I find that they moisturize really well!

Hand-In-Hair syndrome -  an issue I have now only that....it's not my hand. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair or do they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

It bothered me a lot before but don’t really care anymore. Random people just stick their hands in my hair, and it was a shock at first; but, now I just stand there (while quietly thinking of how messy my style is going to end up).

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

I can defy gravity. That’s pretty cool, huh?

Any to say to the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

You guys are so beautiful! I admire your courage and willingness to find your definition of beauty even though it is different from what the society might portray it as. I think you are strong for stepping out on a limb to learn more about who you are through your hair, and you are awesome.

Where can we find you online?

My fashion and lifestyle blog: bejewelledbud.com

My YouTube channel where I share more hair related things:  TheBejewelledBud

My Tumblr, for my creative expression: TheBejewelledBud

And of course Facebook: TheBejeweledBud

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I hope you enjoyed reading this interview and you check out Anjola online soon! :)

Aaron Harris is Naturally Debonair

Hey people!

Guess who's finally done with her exams - Me! and guess who finally got to interview a curly guy - Me! :)

Okay! So this is Aaron. I stumbled onto one of his YouTube videos a few weeks ago and had to interview him for this blog. I was glad that he agreed to do the interview. So, without further ado, here i is:

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Tell us a little about yourself.

Hey everyone so, my name is Aaron Harris and I'm 20 years old I am originally from Detroit but I've been in Atlanta since I was about 10. I grew up wanting to be a professional tennis player, but over the last two years I've found a newfound passion for acting and music. I am a senior in college majoring in software development and I want to move to L.A. probably in 2017 or so. My free time consists of acting classes, writing music, staying in shape, hanging out with people with good energy (very important) among many various other things.

When did you start your hair journey?

I started my junior year of high school in 2011, but I recently got 90% of my hair cut off last year for a acting gig. I regret doing it to be honest. I've been growing my hair out 4 years total but my hair length now is about 15 months of growth

What motivated you to want to take better care of your hair and to grow it out?

Not sure what totally sparked me growing out my hair, but I remember I was in high school and I had two brothers so it was expensive for us to get haircuts every week like most guys do, so we would often get ours cut once every 1-2 months and i remember this girl I liked said she liked my mini fro and I really liked it too so I just kept it. It's weird cause now I can't even see myself getting another haircut again

How did your family and friends react to the idea of you wanting to do this with your hair?

My mom and dad didn't like me growing out my hair at all for the fear of me looking unkempt and thuggish. I remember at one point my mom threatened to ground me if i didn't cut my hair. I don't think my Dad liked it either because he would always ask me if I wanted to go to the barbershop with him LOL. My friends loved my hair and thought it fit my personality well and so did I. Of course I got teased by a couple of people in high school but I think deep down they were jealous they didn't have the courage to grow their hair out

What has your hair journey been like so far?

Really good, I feel like a different person since I started growing out my hair. I don't think the hair is the reason I changed, but I believe it was the start of me doing what I want to do regardless of what my parents, and friends thought. So it's kind of empowering in a way

What is your daily hair regimen (including your night-time routine)?

My daily hair regimen is a wash and go. I was doing the max hydration method for a while, but I've modified it to fit my needs. I wash my hair every 2-3 days with bentonite clay/ACV then finger detangle with conditioner and then put gel on my hair in sections. I don't really have a night time routine, I just sleep on a satin pillowcase. In between the days I wash my hair I use a spray bottle with water to spray my hair every morning.

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it? 

Like I said earlier, wash and goes all day. I tried twist outs 2-3 years ago and hated how they looked and they took forever. Sometimes I'll put my hair in a ponytail if I'm playing sports but I try not to do that often because wearing ponytails all the time I heard can cause breakage.

What are your must-have hair tools?

Hair bands for sectioning hair. I dont use a lot of tools

How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage, length retention and moisture?

I think properly moisturizing your hair will give you length retention and stop breakage. So I make sure to wet my hair 3-4x a week in the shower and the days I don't wet my hair in the shower I spray it with water from my spray bottle. I know a lot of naturals can be obsessed over length retention and stuff, but I think its also important to have a simple regimen that you doesn't feel like a lot of "work". 

What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?  

I use bentonite clay and ACV for cleansing, Tresemmé Perfectly UnDone Conditioner for detangling/conditioning and I'm currently experimenting with a bunch of gels (sweet soul magic curl stimulator, AS I am curling jelly, my own homemade gel, etc) I don't like to use a lot of products.

Hand-In-Hair syndrome -  an issue I have had for some years now, only that....it's not my hand. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair or do they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

Yeah I've had some people do this to me. Mostly some of my friends. I've never had a stranger touch my hair without asking. My friends will touch my hair without asking and then realize I have product in my hair and try to rub it off on my clothes. I get really irritated by this because for one you didn't ask to touch my hair and two you are staining my clothes. Once I have a conversation with them they understand and normally don't do it again. 

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

I love how curly hair is so unique and everyone's curls are different.

Any advice for the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

My advice for naturals would be to keep it simple and let your hair do its thing. Find people with similar hair characteristics (porosity, length, texture) and do what they do

What resources (tailored to men) did you use when you started your hair journey? I know there aren't that many out there so, let's support the few that are.

Oh this is a really good question, to be honest there weren't many male Youtubers doing natural hair videos when I first started in 2011 so most of the stuff I learned was from female Youtubers. I remember searching for male natural hair videos and all I could find was like texturizer videos and how to get 360 waves and stuff which wasn't really what I was looking for. At the end of the day natural hair is natural hair regardless if its on a female or male so I think men can learn from both sexes regarding natural hair. Some good Youtubers I like are MahoganyCurls, ThaKidPuma, Quest for the Perfect Curl, DanabNatural, theres a long list of Youtubers that I've watched over the past 4 years and they all have good hair practices. I take certain things from each Youtuber that works for my hair type and toss the things that I don't. Theres a lot of experimentation I do and still am doing. 

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You can find Aaron on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. Just click on the following links:

YouTube

Twitter

Instagram

Marissa Chukwu is Naturally Glamorous

I know I haven't done an interview in a while and I guess it's because I've been busy with school and stuff and also, I've been waiting to stumble onto a picture of someone that makes me go, "I HAVE GOT TO INTERVIEW THIS PERSON!"

So, I'm going to introduce you to my very good friend of 'God-only-knows' how many years, the crazy girl that you will never fully understand, who makes orange juice when life gives her lemons and leaves you wondering how on Earth she did that, a strong lil ol' lady, Miss. Marissa Chukwu! :)

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How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for a 1 year and 4 months now.


When did you get your first relaxer and why'd you get it?

Sadly I have been relaxing my hair all my life up until now without choice due to the fact that my mom was not so keen on me having nappy hair at the time (But now she loves it :D )


What made you decide to go natural?

I had a very bad experience with heat and weaves due to my hairdresser who believed that straight hair was the only way to go so my hair was practically on the verge of falling all off and breaking on all sides. I didn't really think of going nappy at the time cause alot of people around me weren't really into the idea but I guess I wanted to try something a little different, having straight hair most of my life was getting boring ha ha.


How did your family and friends react to the idea of you going natural?

Lol! Everyone I knew thought I had gone bonkers: no one took the idea positively at all which was simultaneously hilarious and depressing to me. (*cough* *cough* I gave you "subtle" lol hints to go natural years ago, even wrote out a list of products and blogs for you) The day I decided to do my big chop was actually very unplanned. I had woken up, looked in the mirror with disgusts of how my 3 month old transitioning hair was looking (curly at the base, straight at the ends) and decided its time. I big chopped my own hair in my bathroom! I can never forget the shock my mother had on her face when she saw most of my hair on the floor.

What's your hair journey been like so far?

Absolutely amazing! I wish I had gone natural years ago. I've had the chance to experiment with so many style and hair regimens. I didn't even realize how much hair care I could have been doing since if not I had gone natural. To be honest, for me, its not watching my hair grow that's the fun but learning more and more of the possibilities that come with having nappy hair. I;m even looking forward to trying more regimens and styles as I discover them.


What is your daily hair regimen (including your night-time routine)?

I like to keep my regimen as simple as possible because it's not what you use that matters but how its's used. IN the mornings I moisturize my hair using coconut oil/avocado oil, Cantu Shea butter conditioning hair repair cream or just raw Shea butter that I have imported from Nigeria, a little spritz of water and voila! Nothing too special. Then at night I spritz my hair with a mix of water and apple cider vinegar, moisturize with the Shea moisture raw Shea butter deep treatment masque (believe it or not that product makes some awesome twist-outs) and also an oil; most definitely coconut oil/avocado oil/olive oil. Ladies! Silk scarfs are your friend, nothing worse than sleeping after moisturizing your, going to sleep and finding all that product on your pillow. I've learned the hard way ha ha. I also wash my hair weekly to make sure my hair is clean, fresh and moisturized well; deep condition twice a month.

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it?

You'd be surprised the amount of styles you can achieve with an Afro. I definitely am a fan of up-dos like medium to high puffs but I don't do it excessively cause it tends to affect my edges sometimes so when I'm not rocking my up-dos, I would be rocking like a nice fro-hawk or your everyday protective styles like kinky twists.


What are your must-have hair accessories and tools?

Afro Comb! Afro Comb! Afro Comb! Ha I'm kidding, no but really my Afro comb is my number one tool right next to bobby pins, I've tons of them! I don't really go over board with using much accessories when it comes to my hair, I have used shoelaces numerous times to do my up-dos. Other times I may just have like a plain black head band, bandanna around my head for a lazy day style but that's it, nothing really crazy.

How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage, shrinkage, length retention and moisture?

Lord, I fear breakage, I hate it so badly. I definitely keep my hair moisturized as much as I can to prevent breakage and I've disciplined myself to not touch my hair alot or comb alot. Initially shrinkage and I did not get along, I hated the fact that I would have my hair all puffy and high one day and then get so flat the next. But hey! That's nappy hair, now I've accepted them, embraced them even but if need be I resort to stretching my hair using cornrows and twist-outs.


What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?

I am a great fan of the shea moisture coconut and hibiscus hairline but just the shampoo and conditioner. As I went along with my hair journey, I realized I didnt need much of the curl enhancing smoothie to do a good twistout but I definitely love the scent it leaves in my hair. I also love the Tresemme Shampoo and Conditioner for natural hair. They leave my hair so soft and smelling lovely it is ridiculous! For moisture I'm really into oils but not much; just coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil. For even more moisture, I love using the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque and Cantu Shea Butter Hair Repair Cream. Apart from that water in a spritz bottle is my classic :)

Hand-In-Hair syndrome - an issue I have now only that....it's not my hand. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair or do they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

I guess people have noticed I am a fanatic about my hair care so they know better than to touch my hair without my permission. Hand in hair syndrome is very hard sometimes ha ha especially when you're rocking a style that you made yourself that came out right. I guess it's just about disciplining yourself. Most times I can handle not touching my hair cause I'm distracted by school work.

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

Diversity, the many forms that curly hair can take. Today my curls could be extra defined, another day my hair could be so puffy. With straight hair I couldn't really do much, but with naturally curly hair, the possibilities are endless!

Any advice for the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

Patience is key, at first your hair may look like it wont do anything but before you know it, boom! Also, you-tube and Google are your friends, no one really taught me what I do, it was through research and experimenting with what works best with me. Don't look at other people's hair and neglect yours, the ladies you see rocking mega Afros were once at TWA's making the most of it so like I said earlier, patience is key.

Are you still into art and are you working on anything we should look out for?

Heaven knows I miss art more than anything but between school work and the extras of being a pre-medicine student I barely have time to paint anymore. However I am hoping this summer I will be able to get back on so be expecting some surprises ha ha.


Where can we find you online?

I've got twitter @marissa_cc and Facebook as Marissa Chukwu. I also have a tumblr at marissa-cc.tumblr.com.

Lol, I am still contemplating getting an instagram.

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So, guys, go check out, my good friend, Mesa! :)

Hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as enjoyed it!

Curly Men

         
           

Hey,

Ladies, we are the only one in the limelight (or we're mainly the ones in it). I don't think we've ever stopped to realise that some guys have really amazing curls and kinks, though! I mean, most guys are natural, but most of them also don't give a hoot about their hair's health. Let's celebrate the ones that do. Let's celebrate the ones that are putting themselves out there. Let's not just celebrate our heads of hair, but theirs too! :)

So, I'm going to feature some curly guys on my blog this summer! So excited! Eeep!! :)

~SammyWithTheBigHair

Sandeey is Naturally Glamorous

The first prize winner of my giveaway, the beautiful, Sandeey!!

Here's my interview with her.

Enjoy!

And then check her out on her blog!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Sandeey and I am from Nigeria. I currently study in Oxford, United Kingdom.


How, when and why did you decide to start embracing your curls?
I was tired of relaxers and my edges were thinning. So a friend of mine convinced me to grow out my natural hair. I hesitated at first but when I researched and began transitioning, I felt good about my decision.


Did you ever feel insecure about your hair?
At my TWA stage, I was not confident about going out with my hair in public. This was mostly because I had always had long hair and did not know how people would see it. Also, at the time, most people I knew were not even dreaming of having natural hair. It took words of encouragement from my boyfriend at the time (husband now) for me to rock my hair.


What is your daily regimen (including your night-time routine)?
I use African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Leave in conditioner and/or SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, followed by Coconut oil. At night, I apply same but this is only when re-twisting for a twist out the next day.

What are your go-to hairstyles, which is your fav. and how do you achieve it?
I love braid-outs/twist-outs and also, the simple bun. I don’t think this needs much explanation. They’re probably the most basic styles a natural would know.


What are your must-have hair accessories and tools?
I cannot do without my tangle teezer-like brush, bristle brush, hair bands and hair-pins!


How do you deal with hair issues such as: breakage, shrinkage, length
retention and moisture?
I make sure my hair is always moisturized. I must confess that since day one of being natural, my hair breaks when styling. It’s a wonder how I have managed to retain length. Most of what comes out is shed hair but I notice the shorter hair, which I know is broken hair. From time to time, I trim my hair when I feel the ends are split. I also try to ensure my hair is moisturized all the time. This is a task for me because my hair seems to swallow and hide every product I apply. 

What products do you currently use, and how are they working for you?
Coconut Oil, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Nature’s Gentle Touch Deep Conditioner, Shea Butter, African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Leave in Conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, V05 heat protect styling spray, Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

These products work for me and I will stick to them…for now. I love trying new products.


Hand-In-Hair syndrome an issue I have now only that....it's not my hand. Do you have this issue? Do people ask before touching your hair
or they just randomly reach out and touch (or grab) it? How does this make you feel? What is your reaction to this?

I no longer have hand-in-hair syndrome. I noticed that I have stopped wanting to play around with my hair at random times. People usually ask before touching my hair and I have no problem with that. I have problems with those who don’t ask and who touch it roughly oblivious to the fact that it took hours to get the style ready!!!! I usually voice out my anger.

What do you love the most about being naturally curly?

I love the fact that I can change my hairstyle daily and also, no need for salons!


Any advice for the natural teens, parents, kids and grandparents?

The best advice I guess is to be confident and treat your hair very gently. Natural hair is beautiful no matter what texture.


Any upcoming projects?

I see a natural hair salon in my future…

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on instagram @hairoflife

My blog address is: Hair of Life 

Also, my email address is hairoflife@gmail.com

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So, people, GO CHECK OUT SANDEEY!!

Danièle Watts is Naturally Glamorous

I sooooooo couldn't wait to upload this. OHMIGOSH! OHMIGOSH! IT'S DANIÈLE! I GOT TO INTERVIEW HER! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! :) When she agreed to do the interview, I literally squealed. Oh....my.....gosh! I was so happy and excited. Anyways, Sammy, Sammy, calm down, it's just Danièle Watts. OHMIGOSH! IT'S DANIÈLE WATTS!!!!

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How long have you been natural?

I started growing my relaxed hair out by getting braids 4 years ago..

When did you get your first relaxer and why'd you get it?

When I was around 4 or 5 my parents got a divorce and my mom relaxed my hair so it would be easier to take care of.

What made you decide to go natural?

I was tired of feeling like I needed someone else to make me feel beautiful. I was tired of having to pay someone else to make my hair socially acceptable.

How did your family and friends react to the idea of you going natural?

Overall my black friends thought I moved to California and got all crazy hippie on them, and those who weren’t black just thought it was cool that they got to see my natural hair. My mom actually told me she didn't think I had curly hair "like the mixed girls in the magazines"... I almost believed her until I realized that all I needed was the right products to help define my curls.

What's your hair journey been like so far?

The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that all the external transformation was actually more reflecting an internal strength and a deep internal growth. The days that I felt insecure and ugly because my hair wasn’t “done” were the days that I also wasn’t remembering to breathe and allow my thoughts to flow freely. The braids were incredibly helpful during my transition because wasn’t worried about keeping my hair straight. I began doing more yoga and sweating my hair up regularly in a way I had never felt free to do before, but also putting my attention on balancing my body mind and spirit when before it had been more obsessed with the external. As I broke out of trying to please people externally, my whole self-concept opened up. I stopped being just a “black girl” and began to feel more like a free being—unbound by other’s expectations of how my hair “should” be. I went through a phase where I refused to comb it at all because I didn’t want to give myself a panic attack and start obsessing again. I found myself attracting new interesting friends who didn’t expect me to, or care whether or not I combed my hair. Finally I’m at a point where I can enjoy presenting myself however I want from moment to moment. If I work an acting job where the character wears her hair straight, I wear my hair straight and I don’t judge it. Its much more manageable considering that I’d much rather be creating fun experiences than worrying about my hair… The people who really love me, and not some idea of me with my hair looking a certain way are those who I continue to collaborate with… So I don’t have to worry about living up the expectations of fake friends. 

What has your hair journey taught you? 

The big surprise initially that it was the non-black folk who seemed to accept my hair the most. And then I realized that they weren’t bogged down with all those oppressive thoughts that many black folk have had to deal with their entire lives… Ie. Making our hair look more presentable.. Ie more mainstream so we can more easily assimilate into mainstream society. I did a lot a research and learned about the backlash to the black power movement in the 70s … people didn’t want to be thought of as revolutionary because the US government was cracking down on groups like the black panther party who carried guns, supported equal rights and wore big afros… because of this, the stigma of “revolutionary” became a threat and a fro could keep a woman from getting a job, so black women got perms... After I had braids for a while, I still didn’t feel quite confident wearing my hair natural and I had a motto: I’d rather get a weave than a “day job” … because I was frustrated that I wasn’t working and I thought it was because of my hair and sure enough.. I got the weave and booked like 5 jobs the following month… Even now I consider going back to a weave so I can work more but then I am reminded that the jobs that I really want are the one's where I'm working with a team of artists that trust that I am a powerful versatile actor and don't just judge me by my hair (which can change!) That's one of the greatest things my hair journey has taught me is that my hair is powerful, versatile, and can change whenever I want! I'm not desperate to fit in. I'm no longer afraid of missing out. That's the biggest relief: NO MORE FOMO.

People believe that dark skinned ladies should have their hair relaxed straight. My own brother has told me to get a relaxer one too many times. What are your thought about the idea that it's a must for dark skinned ladies to get relaxers?

My thought is that it’s just an idea... Ideas can be very powerful. They can feel like they have power over us. For me, this realization is a huge key to my freedom and my ability to excel creatively: ideas only have power over me if I agree to them. My feeling of freedom comes from knowing that I am the one who decides to agree to someone else’s ideas or not. I know when an idea is for me because it brings me joy. ..

 …Some people feel good about themselves when they tell others what to do...its like a surge that the ego gets when it feels like "i'm right and you're wrong" ....often times it comes from an impulse to help. Its the same kind of thinking that led European churches to colonize brown people all over the world.... This idea that they were helping to save them from their "kinky" existence.... My mom says she relaxed my hair because I would cry every time she tried to comb it, but on a deeper level it think because she didn't want me to have to suffer the embarrassment of being different.  I don’t think my mom was wrong to do that, but now that I’ve had enough experience in making my own choices, I have the wisdom to know that the ideas I agree to are my own decision.

When acting, I know there's the whole hair and make-up thing before you get on set. During the hair process, what do you usually do?

All of the above. It changes with every set, every character is different. I’ve worn weaves before and if it comes down to it, I don’t mind doing my own hair.  I like the idea that every choice I make with my physical appearance is done in the spirit of play. So I don’t take it too seriously and usually trust the hair dressers to share with me their vision of what they’re excited about doing with the role. On really big sets, like Django Unchained there are so many energies to dance with… I enjoyed surrendering to the process and allowing the hair stylist to choose. Other times, if people don’t have specific ideas, or aren’t comfortable doing natural hair I like to come in with my own ideas that protect my natural curl.

How do you avoid hair damage (breakage, heat damage....)? 

When I was straightening my hair I used to be really obsessed and disappointed when I would get split ends and breakage. Now, I enjoy my curly hair whether it gets a little damaged or not…. And when I notice its damaged, I like to treat it with something simple like washing it really good with a nice sulfate free conditioning cleanser and twisting it up overnight with olive oil like an overnight hot oil treatment…Sometimes a little damage is a great catalyst to get creative and try out a new hairstyle that doesn’t put so much strain on the hair….

What products do you use on your hair?

When I first started wearing my hair natural I swore by mixed chicks leave in conditioner and diva curl no poo conditioning cleanser. Those two together got my curls really defined and nice. Now, I’m experimenting with more natural products like pure olive oil and shea butter.

What's your hair regimen like 

I started growing my hair natural so I didn’t have to abide by a regime.. The regime was keeping me down. Now, I do what I want with my hair… when I want. It changes every day. 

What's your go-to hairstyle on days you're not acting?

When I was a little girl I dreamed about being as free as the white girls who didn’t have to have a set “hairstyle” and were allowed to go swimming everyday without getting in trouble for getting their hair wet… That being said, when I go to auditions, I usually just pull it up to the top of my head with a scarf, and when I’m just hanging out I usually just set it free. I sometimes still feel the pressure that I’m expected to create a hairstyle, or that I would be prettier if I “did something with it”….but when I’m brave enough to just let it be as it is I usually feel most free and happy about it… and I don’t give myself a headache from tying the scarf too tight lol J

There are times when people just reach out and grab my hair or suddenly gasp and are like, "is that your real hair?" or "is that hair all yours?" You're famous, like loads of people know you so I'm sure many people want to meet you someday (I know I do) and on top of all that, you have really beautiful hair, do people approach you and just grab your hair or do they like stare at your hair while talking to you?

Haha you have great hair I’m not surprised! Thank you for liking my hair! Yes people do, and its usually on the days I haven’t combed it in a couple of days and I’m feeling a little insecure about whether it looks good. After years of feeling insecure about my hair or trying really hard to have “good hair” I’m continually surprised and delighted that people of all colors seem to appreciate what my hair does naturally… even when I don’t comb it.(lol)

Do you have anything you'll like to say to the little kids with a head full of curly hair and to preteens, teens, and adults who are considering going natural, are transitioning or are already natural?

One of the hardest things about growing at any age is trusting oneself … learning to listen to our own inner voice... and ultimately trusting that the inner beauty will translate into looking and feeling beautiful.  If my journey to loving my natural hair can be any inspiration hopefully it comes from the idea that  my hair is just a reflection of an inner journey…  my inner beauty is enough for me to be happy and achieve my dreams in the world. Before I had a regular part on a TV show (WEEDS) wearing my hair natural, I was still unsure of my own natural beauty. It took someone validating me from the outside for me to realize that all that inner work I was doing (yoga, meditation etc) was translating to outer beauty and the achievement of my dreams. I’m still on that journey of trusting myself, but for me the first step was simply embracing my own vision about how I wanted my hair to be and following through with that idea… which made me appreciate myself as my own creation….ever in-process… Loving the journey, not just the destination ;)

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You can find Danièle on:

1. YOUR TV (turn it on and go watch her! :) )

2. Her Twitter page