Inspiration 02/22/2011

January Inspirations

NEWly NAturals..2010

LET's get the ball rolling....Here is my LOVELY LINESISTER B. Scott....she is a great momma and wife that has alot on her plate... a family yot take care of, a toddler to raise and school on top of all that.....

NM: What’s your name how old are you and where are you from? Brittany Scott 24, Houston Texas

NM: Why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?I chose to go natural because I realized that relaxers were damaging my hair and not offering much versatility in styling options. Also, I decided to go natural because I feel that my natural hair is more manageable and easier to maintain. I decided to go natural just a few short months ago. I believe my last relaxer was in Novemeber of 2009 I can't really remember, it may have been before then :)

NM: What products/ingredients do you use? Products in rotation: Fantasia IC hair polisher, Doo Gro Mega Thick Growth Oil, Wild growth hair oil, organic root stimulator (ORS) olive oil, ORS replenishing/deep penetrating conditioner, tresemmes moisture rich conditioner, creme of nature shampoo and ORS leave in conditioner. I really love the Organic Root Stimulator porducts because they smell good, they're affordable and I get great results

NM: Could you describe your regimen? My regimen currently consists of conditioner wash with the ORS deep penetrating conditioner 1-2 times/week, in between washes I alternate between the wild growth oil and mega thick growth oil 1-3 times/week. I use the olive oil cream and IC gel daily around my edges before styling for moisture and smoothness. I also use a spray bottle filled with water and leave in conditioner to style my hair in the mornings.

NM: What mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you've learned from?Mistakes I have made include using too much oil at first, I believe this slowed my growth. Now I use only a little a few times a week and my hair is growing fast and thicker. I have also learned to not to comb my hair with small tooth comb (ouch!).

NM: Where do you get style inspiration from?I get my style information from different natural hair videos I have watched on youtube.com, various pictures of celebs with natural hair and a little bit of my own style.

NM: How does your hair work for your life?So far so good, my hair is something fun now instead of being a hassle. I look forward to working with my hair instead of dreading getting a perm! No longer living the LYE and feeling more liberated as a natural woman.

NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?
Surprisingly no, my hair is growing very fast. In two months without a relaxer I have well over an inch of growth which is way more than I ever experienced while relaxing my hair. Not only is my hair growing longer, it is very thick and healthy now.

NM: What's the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is knowing that I have the control, not the relaxer. I can change my hair (i.e. dyes & color) at any time without having to wait 2-3 weeks after getting a perm. Another great thing is that it is fun! My natural hair makes me even more unique and interesting.

NM: Favorite Quote?
Favorite quote Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

and anything else you'd like to add for your POST!!!  Extra: This journey is not brief but it is SO worth it!

Hairfluence #5

INTRODUCING Joceyln "PRETTY AKA"


LADIES let me preface this by saying I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE looking at Ms J's pictures...Not only is she my SOROR but she is a great fashion MASTER....Please take a moment to browse her pics and read her comments!

NM: What’s your name how old are you and where are you from?
Jocelyn, 26, Nashville

NM: Why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?
I went natural in high school because I had a basketball coach who was naturally curly




NM: What products/ingredients do you use?
Ive used soooo many but now I staying with Ms. Jessies and KINKY CURL (i love it)

NM: Could you describe your regimen?
I had a regimen before I found the kinky curl but not anymore it works wonders


NM: What mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you've learned from?
Using products for white girls and bleaching my hair!!



NM: Where do you get style inspiration from?
I love the 80s so I like to spin off on their style

NM: How does your hair work for your life?
It works great because I don't have to worry about rain or sweating my hair while doing hot yoga! (info plug..but Ladies Hot Yoga is not for the meek..LOL )

NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?
It didn't take long at all. It actually grew alot quicker when i conditioned it more and stopped using curling irons.


NM: What's the best thing about being natural?
Exactly what it says, I'm 100% NATURAL

NM: Favorite Quote?

Never lower yourself to the level of your opponent or you will never be a true contender of the game.

and anything else you'd like to add for your POST!!!

HAIRFLUENCE #4

................Introducing CAREE!!!!

NM: What’s your name how old are you and where are you from?
Caree Banton, 27, from Jamaica

NM: Why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?
I always wanted to go natural, mostly because I really loved Lauryn Hill's look when she bursted on the scene with the Fugees in the early '90s. But also because I really wanted to make a statement to my really snobbish family--have them think twice about judging the lifestyle of Jamaican Rastafarians. I figured if somebody in their family have dreadlocks too, then ... I wanted to go natural from the late 90s but since I had to remain in my parents' home, it thought it most prudent to wait. I decided, after several attempts in college, to finally grow looks around the end of 2002.



NM: What products/ingredients do you use?
I started out using lock it up, then there are some Jamaican mango lime products (smells great and available at most hair stores)


NM: Could you describe your regimen?
Hmmm, I don't have much of one. Sometimes I like having it neat and sometimes I like it looking real unkempt!

NM: What mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you've learned from?
One time my roots had grown out so much I decided to texturize it. (don't do that, makes your hair really weak).


NM: Where do you get style inspiration from?
I really hate the elaborate styling of dreadlocks. But sometimes if I am wearing something really chic I will do my hair up nicely. I consider myself some kind of a bohemian-chic girl, so I often come up with hairstyles that reflects that!

NM: How does your hair work for your life?
Hmmm, when I played college soccer it was great! No sweating out perms and all this other crap. But my hair is beginning to get on my nerves now. Mostly because I like changes and having dreads don't allow for much versatility. You also find that maintaining dreadlocks can take up just as much time (sometimes even more) than having a perm. That defeats one of the purpose of why I got them in the first place!

NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?
If you put braids (extensions) in your hair, it will grow out quickly, i've found.


NM: What's the best thing about being natural?
The absolutely best thing is that you don't look like a Rhianna wannabe! Everybody else walking around in the same hairstyle, all this fake ass wigs, hair pieces, running from themselves...They all FAIL and lose at life! I like looking different!

NM: Favorite Quote?
Happy to be Nappy homie!

and anything else you'd like to add for your POST!!!
April, I'm really impressed with your move. I admire you for that. Let's keep in touch.

HairFLUENCE #3.........RORO

OKAY so I was planning on saving my next Hairfluence for next month but this sister is so totally on it that I CANNOT possibly keep her all to my self....LADIES and Gentlemen This CHICA ROCKS...VERY secure, happy , BEAUTIFUL and GIVING inside and out....SO HERE IS MS. RORO

"Hey Lady!
Ok, I can't tell you how excited I am to be featured on your blog! Yipee skippy! I told all 5 of my friends who actually care about blogging..lol. I'm so serious tho. Oooh and I blabbed about it on my blog at http://fyre08.blogspot.com/"




NM: What’s your name how old are you and where are you from?

My name is RoRo, yeah, I'm from Long Beach, yeah and when you see me, yeah, you know I'm BEAT, yeah. go Roro, go Roro, go Roro...lol... I'm kidding. My name is Romneka, but I go by Roro or Rommie.

NM: Why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?
My decision to go natural for me was simple. Either go natural or go bald. My hair has always shed. Fact of life for me. It wasn't until I noticed that it was not only shedding but breaking off at the top/middle and thinning out did I get freaked out and concerned. So I decided during the summer when usually no one was at school to stop perming my hair. I knew how to braid so I kept my hair in braids. Micro's, mini's, kinky twists, w/e. I did that for a whole year and some change. Then when I felt like my new growth was long enough, I had my daddy cut off all my permed hair and shape my fro with his clippers. I shampooed my hair and have been natuarl ever since. That was April 2007 suring spring break. I was nervous. My daddy didn't like it but his sensibilities had been dulled by my mom and my sister. I was more afraid of what my boyfriend would say than anything. And true to form he hated it. He didn't come out and say it, all he said was "its really short. like, boyish short" and I know he hates when girls look like boys in any way shape form or fashion. So for a few days I was scared he'd break up with me. But then after talking with my sisters and my mom, and getting a few compliments from strangers, my confidence came back and I was ready for the world.

NM: What products/ingredients do you use?

For the longest time I didn't know what to use. I was always searching for advice. My best friend LeeAnah has been natural for years. And she would makes suggestions, which I followed while I had my fro. But after about 2 months, I realized having a fro was just as much work as having a perm. I was tired of working that hard for hair. Somy mother twisted me up using Organic Root Stimulator's Loc and Twist gel. I don't like intermixing brands so I stuck with that line of hair care products. Their latherless shampoo, the Olive Oil Shampoo and the Olive Oil conditioner.

It wasn't until I used a new locking technique did I decide to switch to natural products. The problem was, I couldn't find any inexpensive kind in Raleigh/Durham area. This area isn't really known for supporting women with natural hair but its coming along. It's way more "in with the times" than most people realize. But a coworker of mine was using Carol's Daughter and suggested I try that. So I bit the bullet and ordered the Loc butter. I was a skeptic, but after using it once, I was in love. It wasn't greasy like the other loc gels I had tried. It didn't dry out or flake up. It smelled good and was easy to wash off my hands.

NM: Could you describe your regimen?

Since I have dread locks, my regimen is more relaxed than most. I stopped tying my hair down with a scarf once I was fully locked. I shampoo my hair maybe twice a month or after strenuous excersice or the pool or sweating really badly. Depending on my weekend, I may have to wash it after going to the club. Hair holds odor. Which is why after being in a smoke filled room, I shampoo my hair. I use the lather-less shampoo after work outs. Washing your hair that much can really dry out your scalp which is what a lot of people with locs suffer from. But not me. After each wash I deep condition. Then use the loc butter to moisterize my scalp. I use a spray leave-in conditioner and I roll my hair to get it curly. I like how it looks curly as opposed to straight. The curls usually last for a month or two. When they fall out, its usually time to wash them again.
The only daily task I do is pick lint. Dreads are a lint magnet! I'm always pulling lint out from somewhere.

NM: What mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you've learned from?

That what works for one may not work for you. I started out trying what worked for my mom and my sister but after realizing we all have different grades of hair, I had to customize my regimen and change the products I used. The other mistake I made was when I had a fro I thought i had to wash my hair daily.... and I didn't. As long as it was moisterized, I really only had to wash it once a week, if that much.

NM: Where do you get style inspiration from?

I look for pictures on the internet of different styles. I have yet to try a pinup style, but for curls or waves, I hit google. I don't know any other girls with dreads that I could talk to. My mom used to have them so I always ask her for tips and advice.

NM: How does your hair work for your life?

I'm not gone lie, for a while I thought it was working against me. I thought that employers would see a nappy headed black girl and think "oh my.... is she serious?" But after a few interviews, that was shattered. Now, I feel like my hair is the essence of me. It's healthy, cute, funky and natual. It is, what it is...and that's exactly who I am. I am me, nothing more, nothing less. You either like it or you don't. I have to say that having my dreads give me more confidence as a person and as a woman b/c I feel like it sets me apart from a lot of my peers and counter parts. Well it used to anyway. Now, it's like having dreads is the new black. Everyone is growing them or has them. Like it's the trendy thing to do.

NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?

Uhm, it took me about a year and 3 months to get a 2.5 inch fro. My hair was scared to grow. At least that's what I used to say. But once it started growing, it didn't stop. Most people with dreads, relock their hair every 2 to 4 months. I can't wait 4 months. If I wait 3 months, it'll look like i'm growing a new fro. If I'm honest, I could relock my hair every month but that's alot of stress on my roots and I don't want my dreads to thin out...cuz that has happened before too. So I relock every 2-3 months. Stimulating your scalp helps with hair growth.... and I have a bad habit of rubbing my scalp.

NM: What's the best thing about being natural?
For me, the best thing about being natural is the cost. Although I go thru shampoo faster than most, I usually only have to buy a bottle once every few months. Same with conditioner. I bought some loc butter last year, I still have the same jar. I think I spend a total of $50 buck on hair care products every 7-9 months maybe. It costs more to get my eyebrows done in a year than it does to get my hair done!

NM: Favorite Quote?

"Life is a culmination of the choices you make. Stand firm in your decisions and choose wisely."

I came up with this on my own one day while talking to a friend about the choices we make in life. They asked me how I could live my life having nothing to regret and that was the answer I gave her. I feel like every choice I made was mine to make and there's no point in regretting something I actively chose to do.



****X-tra****
I have heard some of the absolutely funniest things while in transition and even now, fully locked. From "how do you keep it like that" to "did you do it cuz you a weed head!" Unless the person asks you has natural hair or been exposed to it... most people won't truly understand the growth and the changes that come with going natural.


I have to also say, that for those who think it will change anything, it won't. Your hair is just an extension of who you are inside. Just like your sense of style, choice in shoes, movies and drinks. But, going natural, forces one to truly focus on your definition of beauty, your definition of who you are and it forces you to decide who you are in a societal prospective.


No sense in denying, society has its rules of what's proper, right, how people should look, talk, act, think, etc. When you make the decision to go natural, you are telling society that you are going to be who you are no matter what and guess what? Society will not always agree with you, society will not always appease you.
But the inner strength, courage, patience, and tranquility you gain thru your journey will be something society can not take away from you.


Do not let things like corporate america, bf/gf, family members, naysayers, haters or w/e deter you from doing something you feel is right for you. Besides.... IT'S JUST HAIR!!! It will grow back! lol.

HAIRFLUENCE............Introducing

SHARI D. ....
A Completely natural Grad student at University of Minnesto


NM:Where are you from? I’m from Choudrant, LA

NM: Why did you make the decision to go natural, and when did you do it?
People often ask me this question and expect for me to give a really “deep” answer about my blackness or something, but the truth is it was June of 2005 I was in Minnesota for 3 months and hadn’t had a perm since April 2005 (2 months before I went). I didn’t have a hair stylist and refused to use a box perm (thinking my hair stylist back in LA would kill me), after finding out the prices to go to the salon in MN were double the prices in LA I decided to “go natural” until I got back to the south. Little did I know those 5 months would be so freeing and liberating! After 5 months of getting to know my hair and looking on blogs (like this one) and websites (such as Nappturality.com) I began to embrace my napps and kinks and curls! I mean really LOVE MY NAPPY-KINKY-CURLY fro! I transitioned for a year and did my BC May 2006 after seeing the India Arie Video I Am Not My Hair video for the 1st time!

NM: What products/ingredients do you use?
My hair regimen is really SIMPLE! The only products I use are Suave conditioner (they have a great variety of scents), Carol’s Daughter Hair milk (it really defines my curls), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and ingredient for my hair smoothie! Sounds like a lot huh...but it’s really low maintenance!

NM: Could you describe your regimen?
Weekly regimen: I wash my hair weekly and I don’t use shampoo only conditioner (most of the time suave because it’s cheaper and very light). For moisturizer I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (yes right off the kitchen aisle in the grocery store lol). Since moving to Minnesota I have started using some Carol’s daughter Hair milk. I really like it because it defines my curls when I want to wear a wash-and-go! Most of the time I just wear a twist out or just my natural curls in a fro or pin up.
Bi/Tri-Monthly Regimen: Since I don’t use shampoo the conditioner can leave build-up so I clarify every two months with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1 cup of water for every tbsp of ACV). Also for deep conditioning every 3 months (or whenever necessary) I make a hair smoothie with a banana, avocado, honey, and olive oil and let that sit on my hair for an hour. It makes my hair SO soft!

NM: What mistakes have you made in your natural journey that you've learned from?
I wish I would have known that I shouldn’t straighten my hair at first so much. It damages your curls and changes your curl pattern. My hair is still very curly, but I can tell the difference because of the straightening. Had I known this, I wouldn’t have sacrificed my curls for a week of “fitting in” with the mainstream culture. This comes back to realizing that this journey is not only a physical one but a mental one as well. You have to be mentally ready in order to really love your new look and not care that others aren’t as accepting or ready for it as you are!
NM: Where do you get style inspiration from?
I guess it comes from the way I feel every day. I love being different and trying new pin ups and styles, so I guess it comes from my mindset that my curls are wonderful and I want to showcase them for everyone to see!

NM: How does your hair work for your life?
Being a graduate student, I don’t have much time for my hair so it works GREAT with my schedule! My twist outs usually last for a week so I “comb” my hair on the weekends (usually Sunday nights and untwist them Monday mornings before class)!

NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?
Not long at all! When I BC’d I had about 3-5 inches of natural hair. But it grows really fast, once a year I get Marley Twists to grow my hair out without messing around with it, this causes it to grow REALLY fast! Some days I wake up and I’m like, “Wow my hair has gotten so much longer! When did this happen?” 

NM: What's the best thing about being natural?
I LOVE when “permies” ask me about my hair and I get to educate them on how GREAT it is to be au naturale and free!

Hairfluence # 1

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Karen Hartfield, the summer of my junior year in high school, where we both participated in "High Ability" (Advance program where "high schoolers" are given the opportunity to experience college life). Even then she was very opinionated and self assured!
Today She is an awesome and thriving Entrepreneur and MOM!

Introducing K. Hartfield:


NM: Where are you from?
K: I'm from Lake Charles, LA







NM:Why did you make the decision to go natural and when did you do it?

K: I decided to go natural after Katrina, when I moved back home I became frustrated with hair stylists out here. Dedicating my Saturdays to the beauty shop, just got old afterwhile. My last perm was August of 2006. I transitioned until May 2007 when I did the "Big Chop"

NM: What Products or ingredients do you use?
K: I'm not product loyal @ the time, but i do love using Sunsilk's Captivating curls defrizz conditioner after washing with Do-Grow shampoo. as far as daily moisturizing i use Mizani's oil free moisturizer, Just for Me creme conditioner & hair dress, Smooth & Shine's curling mousse & styling gel.

NM: Could you describe your regime?K:I truly just go with what i feel is needed using the products above.

NM: What mistakes have you made in your Natural Journey that you have learned from? K: not combing through & getting trims when needed

NM: Where do you get style insppiration from?
K: my mood, it's like getting dressed for the day. i ask myself "what look am i in the mood for?"




NM: How does your hair work for your Career and life?
K: As a business owner of my own massage therapy practice it works well, even with it being Red! People love it & so do I. It always makes for a great conversation piece;-)




NM: Did it take long for your hair to grow out?
K: Not long @ all. that's kind of a hard question to answer, b/c it never stops growing. but to get to a length where i could truly feel my new look, about 2-3 months.




NM: What's the best thing about being Natural?
K: Not having to worry about the weather;-) And the Sense of freedom isn't to bad either. I like that it sets me apart.

Latest Pics: New Red Color

Hairfluence: Introduction

I am starting a new topic here where I will Profile some of the Natural ladies in my life and circle who have the most gorgueous heads of Hair....Each lady is picked not only for their natural hairstyle but also because they each have a banging attitude and personality to match!!!

STAY TUNED for Hairfluence!!!!

**********************Name changed due to other Blogg with same name as Title*******************