tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28535023179119393472024-03-13T02:31:15.092-05:00Conversation StarterNew, Natural, & Nothing like you expected....welcome to my blog on kinky, curly, coily, wavy, natural hair. Whether you have curls, just did the big chop, or plan on returning to coils, this site will help you explore your options. Because so many people (complete strangers, even) ask "How did you get your hair like that?", natural hair is truly the conversation starter.Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-45915091043158469922012-08-15T20:34:00.001-05:002012-08-15T20:34:52.642-05:00Natural Hair Salons - Jackson, MSHi Ladies and Gents! Nope, there's no typo in the header, this post is about natural hair salons in Jackson, MS. I was just like you, thinking there must be some sarcastic joke hidden. I am glad to be wrong this time--and may I add, I am rarely wrong :). <div>
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For all of my followers who live in Central MS and surrounding areas, feel free to check out <a href="http://www.naturalusalon.webs.com/" target="_blank">Natural U hair salon</a> located in the heart of <a href="http://naturalusalon.webs.com/apps/location/" target="_blank">Jackson</a>--okay that part was a joke; I'm not sure there is a such thing as "heart of Jackson"--but I digress. Natural U is owned/ operated by fellow natural, <a href="http://naturalusalon.webs.com/styleteam.htm" target="_blank">Melody Washington</a>. I can trust a stylist with hair like mine. Although the website appears a little unconvincing, I believe a visit to the salon will definitely change your mind. She and her stylists care about healthy hair and will try to set you on a path to luscious locks and trendy tresses. And if nothing else, you have gotta love the fly logo. Plus, I think Melody regularly hosts natural hair meet-ups in Jackson. I am not certain, but would be will to bet she's the only one doing so in the area.<div>
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Another hair salon, <a href="https://www.vagaro.com/EuniqueStudio" target="_blank">Eunique studio</a> is operated by Eushawn (sorry I don't know her last name, but you know how it is; she has to be good to go by first name only). She specializes in natural hair and serves the Jackson area. I believe a lot of her clients are natural and/ or wear extensions. Based on my friends' reviews of her work, I believe she would be a great stylist to visit. Her salon is in the Fondren District (2906 North State Street Suite 333 Jackson, Mississippi 39216). If you're in the area and think you want to give the salon a try, stop thinking and stop by to set up an appointment. </div>
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Okay, that's all for salon recommendations in Jackson. Hope this helps someone who lives there!</div>
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~Nappollonia</div>
Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-73422912033944052492012-06-26T22:14:00.000-05:002012-06-26T23:31:58.513-05:00CurlBox Review by Bridgette<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happy Tuesday! I have been seriously thinking about trying CurlBox to feed my PJism, but luckily of me, one of my friends has already tried out this fab subscription. Below is her review!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is a CurlBox?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNqk3Ny2ZQekvXB_YZ3yZywKK_wISjFMHtJ3DsfG4q8hU0ycmk6XiW-8ZVXQJuO5WVshut5uqNB9EPdFqnsT108Z3JAIcgWpwUTTmyXWP1SRFNVHGkTX7G8qUuT7h7kGQdlcTJ1r5JfI/s1600/curlboxlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNqk3Ny2ZQekvXB_YZ3yZywKK_wISjFMHtJ3DsfG4q8hU0ycmk6XiW-8ZVXQJuO5WVshut5uqNB9EPdFqnsT108Z3JAIcgWpwUTTmyXWP1SRFNVHGkTX7G8qUuT7h7kGQdlcTJ1r5JfI/s1600/curlboxlogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: subhead_font; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 2.25pt; text-transform: uppercase;">an affordable, effortless and EASIER way to explore
new hair products. You can discover hand-selected curly hair products delivered
to your doorstep every month.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yep, it’s just that. For $20
a month (shipping included) you get to try out hair (and usually other
cosmetic) products. However, you can’t just go to the site and place an order.
You have to sign up for a subscription, and the sign up list is not always
open. If the subscription list is closed, you sign up to receive additional
information. Once you sign up for more information, you will get an e-mail
letting you know when the subscription list will reopen. If you want in, be at the right place, ON
TIME! The subscriptions sell out quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I ordered my monthly
subscription (they have yearly subscriptions available for a discount) in April
and received my first CurlBox in May. Lucky me, it was a special box, the
owner’s birthday month. Here are a few
photos of my box. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY4PMzr-UMLp8b_kjE3OMC_i7M5q7cMO3jLxstDcVaI__jlNTHGb-tF3BWPzT11ZP-z2P_Rvz8GHORRJsbl3QnXO7C__pGpm5hkSUsGC8bSp_ydxs0t97-ZI92TqHMU4GtaQ-cGTbR1Q/s1600/curlbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY4PMzr-UMLp8b_kjE3OMC_i7M5q7cMO3jLxstDcVaI__jlNTHGb-tF3BWPzT11ZP-z2P_Rvz8GHORRJsbl3QnXO7C__pGpm5hkSUsGC8bSp_ydxs0t97-ZI92TqHMU4GtaQ-cGTbR1Q/s1600/curlbox2.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeDqqoMAy4XAx0rVhQmQmheb34bzvZIk6z4ZlxMooFgH6ywrO9RDXp4Vzc3AWOy1Mp2HcE_hTNIcOUCsRF2GOSZJ7rzQSCFfrQYabO3aO0XIvQwdoqqlF_hX0SlNx2vVUmqKspeyVD8M/s1600/curlbox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeDqqoMAy4XAx0rVhQmQmheb34bzvZIk6z4ZlxMooFgH6ywrO9RDXp4Vzc3AWOy1Mp2HcE_hTNIcOUCsRF2GOSZJ7rzQSCFfrQYabO3aO0XIvQwdoqqlF_hX0SlNx2vVUmqKspeyVD8M/s1600/curlbox3.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd45seUK_JPGQUZIM3r5LkzympSjzhSuynTbdvvWUJFd-UNRnwbAruAb2K5xnBn9lFcN__WqffYg1cssy4bZqf99N7-ClZ6o-N91nfUdqHRTBGWSwRZGJIxcxM5CqEQbhYA8kQ1WUzrY/s1600/curlbox4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd45seUK_JPGQUZIM3r5LkzympSjzhSuynTbdvvWUJFd-UNRnwbAruAb2K5xnBn9lFcN__WqffYg1cssy4bZqf99N7-ClZ6o-N91nfUdqHRTBGWSwRZGJIxcxM5CqEQbhYA8kQ1WUzrY/s1600/curlbox4.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAB2p89kO8_9Eev8FytpwKjdG-ugsPbmurM7FZnsC5RxEWJLiTV1bZUX3hVmZKKx_b_UWPW-SLagJSwOlxd0or_AlrP4RVFXyNghrjOJ8vBCvrNEROmH1ZGGB77bAJyXyXNuERi8ZZTc/s1600/curlbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAB2p89kO8_9Eev8FytpwKjdG-ugsPbmurM7FZnsC5RxEWJLiTV1bZUX3hVmZKKx_b_UWPW-SLagJSwOlxd0or_AlrP4RVFXyNghrjOJ8vBCvrNEROmH1ZGGB77bAJyXyXNuERi8ZZTc/s1600/curlbox.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contents? <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8oz Kynx </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Refreshing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Leave in Moisturizer</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
(I’ve only used it once. It has a lemony smell. Not sure how I feel about its
styling capabilities),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2- <span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8oz <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Design
Essentials </i>Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Jojoba</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (Love, hate relationship with this one. It worked
wonders on my bantu knot, twist out, holding them up during a hot and stormy
Mississippi Saturday. Literally all day! It was 6 AM when I left home and 7PM
when I returned, and yes, my hair was still fly, in spite of the ridiculous
rain and heat! Sorry no photos, what a shame. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">L</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. So what do I hate? Although it has no sulfates, parabens,
etc., it has something in it that gives it a coating property and with me
following the Curly Girl Method, my hair notices the difference. Attempting to
re-wet and twist at night proved futile. ) ,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> - </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8.25oz Elasta QP </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (Very moisturizing. It helped define my flat twits,
but it’s not a CG friendly product. Oh well.),</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">4- </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Habibi </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vanilla & Rose Body Balm</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!! This product alone was worth
the $20 I spent on the box. The 4oz jar that I received is $25 online! And a
little goes a long way. Not sure I will be ordering this product any time soon
(a bit pricey), but I will be trying to recreate the smell when I whip up my
next batch of shea butter mixture.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">5-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8.50g Luster
Renutrients Slick Stick</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (I haven’t
tried this one yet.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">6-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample
packet of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Olive Oil </i>Hair Masque</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (I haven’t tried this one yet.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">7-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample
Packet of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Olive Oil</i></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(I haven’t tried this one yet.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">8-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample
packet of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shea Butter </i>Hair &
Scalp Lotion</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (I haven’t tried this
one yet.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">9-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample
packet of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hair Repair</i></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(I haven’t tried this one yet.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mini “Love
the Journey” journal</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (I haven’t
written anything in my journal, haven’t been in a journaling mood. But I like
the journal. My sister is currently transitioning and I am definitely getting
her one!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1-<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Coupons and brochures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So what do I think?</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think CurlBox is a very
creative idea that allows me to try some products that I have always wanted to
try, but could not convince myself that they were worth the price, and to be
introduced to new products that I had no clue about. Even with me CGing it
these days, I feel it’s $20 well spent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here is a preview of my June
CurlBox. Yep, I have the June one and haven’t even used all the products from
the May box. Oh, it was a full bottle of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Curls</i>
Coconut Sublime Conditioner, but I just had to try it since it falls into the
CG rules. Smells great, still debating the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contents:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">14oz Curls </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Coconut Sublime Conditioner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4oz C<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">url Care</i>
Frizz Control Serum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.7oz <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nutress Hair</i>
Wrap-Guard Foam Wrap Lotion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.7oz packet S<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of’n
Free GroHealthy</i> Milk & Protein Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning
treatment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample packet of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Herbal Cleanse</i> “Dry Shampoo”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample packet of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ambrosia Hair</i> Honeybush Replenishing
Hair Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">7.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample packet of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Free Your Mane</i> Baobab Brilliant Restorative
Hair Oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">8.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample packet of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Free Your Mane</i> Daily Detangling Conditioner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">9.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sample packet of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bugs Off</i> Waterproof Mosquito Repellant Band <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-3825191977459929172011-11-01T20:04:00.002-05:002011-11-01T20:04:41.720-05:00So, I went to Miss Jessie's Soho Salon.......and it was absolutely beautiful! The decor was classy chic and the salon had an upbeat ambience. What's more? Titi and Miko actually style your hair! Sounds pretty awesome right? It did to me too.<br />
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Flashback--two weeks before my visit: I call Miss Jessie's to schedule an appointment for my birthday. There is a $75 deposit which will be applied to the service I receive during my appointment. Cool, I expected as much. The receptionist tells me to make sure that I wash my hair three days prior to coming in to the salon and remove all products, braids, etc. so that my hair is in its most natural state. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Warning: I can't speak for the rest of you ladies, but my hair is not cute when it is uncombed, frizzy, dry (borderline ashy) and un-stretched</span>. Fast forward to the day of the appointment. I wake up early and tie my hair up...I wanted to beat the crowd on the subway (minimize the number of people that get to see me with my hair in fritz). So, I hop on the 6 train and head to Grand street. <br />
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I get off the train in the middle of Chinatown, and head towards Broadway to get to the salon. I am crunched for time (as usual) but luckily, my intuition kicks in and I make it to the building with 2 minutes to spare. Once inside, I hop on the elevator and head to suite #2. As I walk out of the elevator, angels start singing in my head as I behold the uber trendy lower-Manhattan salon (technically I don't think this counts as Soho...but hey, whatever sells). <br />
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I complete the first-time client form and wait to be called for my "consultation." The wait is not too long. I don't know why I thought the styling consultation would be longer than 5 minutes, but it was not. The consultant suggests that I get a dry twist out and angle balance cutting. Sounds cool, I can work with it but...I really wanted a new look. Something that set me apart from my 26 year old self. *sigh* I tell the consultant that I usually wear twist outs and the style normally only lasts two days. He immediately replies that the salon-styled twists would last much longer...at least 4 days (shut the front door). Okay, cool. I don't want to argue, I just want my hair to look better than it looks while I'm sitting in the salon chair...because it looks <a href="http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/music/bad">bad</a>. <br />
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The consultant advises me that the salon policy is to settle all bills prior to styling the customer's hair (I guess this prevents people from not paying for services received). Cool. I ask for my total. He replies, "we will apply your $75 deposit, so with the shampoo, angle-balance cutting, and dry twist-out, that will leave a balance of $400."<br />
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As I regain consciousness, I realize that this was not a horrible dream wherein I was repeatedly punched in the face by someone wearing brass knuckles. Okay, back to the consultant/ man that is trying to overcharge me for a 4-day hairstyle. I ask if there is a less expensive option. He says, "sure, we can take off the angle-balance cutting and that will leave a balance of $275."<br />
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If anger could encompass exactly what I felt at that moment, I might describe myself as angry. However, because anger does not adequately describe the venom that pumped through my enraged veins, I won't use it. *cues rant* <i>Really Miss Jessie's?!?! Really?! You think you can charge several hundred dollars for a wash, trim, and twist out? You have gotta be out of your mind. This is outrageous. Are you kidding me? A four-day hairstyle...that I have to freshen up each morning. *</i>ends rant* I realized at that moment that Miss Jessie's salon is not for me, nor will it ever be. Not because I cannot afford it, but because it is ridiculously overpriced. Would I spend several hundred dollars on clothing, jewelry, handbags? Yes. Why? Because those items last more than 4 days.<i> </i><br />
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So, I ended up getting my hair washed and styled (for less than the above amounts) and leaving as fast as I could. Some places are more fantasy than reality. I'm not knocking any lady who goes to Miss Jessie's regularly. I just think that the salon is overpriced. Beyonce better be doing my hair while Solange deejays in the background for those prices. *cues Party (featuring Andrè 3000)*<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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NappolloniaNappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-27981662187883336932011-03-09T19:23:00.003-06:002011-03-09T19:29:02.661-06:00Back to Natural<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hi All! I'm super excited about today's post. We have all heard expressions like, "hair is just hair" or "your hair is your glory" or "long hair, don't hair"......but what happens when your hair is on the floor, rather than on your head? What happens when your ponytail is a 'fro? Or fade? What do you do? Who do you sue? (No pun intended) If these thoughts are racing through your mind, in the name of Natural, I ask you to stop....and read this post.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Meet Jasalyn, a curly girl, who tresses to impress.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVRRmWVx_g3x6pjS7TrJoI4oMXOaGNfw3knFlflT4Hsg1x1XiX2LoVKNajkx4vl-Ye-qe3SyXpfKjWdMh6QkcwA3Ksv0_0HWmrN6GfNWIrgA9cwlY5AL3unyyi3CfAjzoHv5Lzf-VkYk/s1600/J2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVRRmWVx_g3x6pjS7TrJoI4oMXOaGNfw3knFlflT4Hsg1x1XiX2LoVKNajkx4vl-Ye-qe3SyXpfKjWdMh6QkcwA3Ksv0_0HWmrN6GfNWIrgA9cwlY5AL3unyyi3CfAjzoHv5Lzf-VkYk/s320/J2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">How long have you been natural?</span> <br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Since July 9, 2010</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Why did you decide to wear your natural hair texture? </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">After my aunt's breast cancer returned and began spreading throughout her body, I decided to chop it off and make her a wig. But the Lord called her home before she could see my big chop. I had done the same big chop two years prior for my mother.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDUdSqVzvp6f4yZrjdmqRHLG4JthiGQElr1SGS2JSn6bUPtFId5ZdlEbW7N_iSasVzGYnElqPC893LFJ9vR-d8ITP77tvEXilMUtsC0CTx1A8wt3CoIP6oDDQQO8y6pc6eUO3LO7VfNA/s1600/J11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDUdSqVzvp6f4yZrjdmqRHLG4JthiGQElr1SGS2JSn6bUPtFId5ZdlEbW7N_iSasVzGYnElqPC893LFJ9vR-d8ITP77tvEXilMUtsC0CTx1A8wt3CoIP6oDDQQO8y6pc6eUO3LO7VfNA/s200/J11.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">What reaction did your family and friends have to your natural hair? </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">There were definitely some mixed reviews. My family was upset, shocked, and surprised. My mom's exact words were "you're definitely a rebel!!". My sister thought it was cute but masculine. Keep in mind I did a total chop, low fade with red coloring. My father didn't like it at all. My stepfather thought it was nice and eventually fell in love with it. My male friend at the time, actually stopped seeing me.</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">(Hold on, I think my jaw just dropped)</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">He was definitely against me cutting my hair. He told me if he wanted to date a girl with boy-short hair, he'd be gay..My male friends were shocked and upset. I never noticed how much attention guys paid to women hair. They idolized my beautiful long tresses, and I totally didn't know that. Overall it was a very liberating moment. To go from beautiful relaxed hair to now short curly hair, was quite an experience.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRO4Yfr71K_PKwszGrRzumbb07P_loPcrfsE-qifb7GkjPZ5MDlA1St7hZ0wHpJPpf6IOFerj7RVv-NJ63zNnIHJ_mg7RgdmO8zsBxL2fzywblFIZviCNftglhnipHpK3A_pRh7GmNOI/s1600/J4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRO4Yfr71K_PKwszGrRzumbb07P_loPcrfsE-qifb7GkjPZ5MDlA1St7hZ0wHpJPpf6IOFerj7RVv-NJ63zNnIHJ_mg7RgdmO8zsBxL2fzywblFIZviCNftglhnipHpK3A_pRh7GmNOI/s200/J4.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">What is your favorite natural hairstyle? </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">My favorite natural hairstyle was definitely the short fade. It was very convenient during these 100+ degree temperatures in Alabama.</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">(I miss the weather in the South, *sigh*)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Some of my readers live in areas that have harsh winters, like NYC, so how do you wear your hair during the winter months? </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Well given the everchanging weather, during the colder months, I wear crochet bonnets or hats. I love to two-strand twist my hair and wear hats. I seldomly wear a fully extended afro.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Have you found a a hair routine that works for you?</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">I wish....unfortunately even with the time I've been natural, I still haven't mastered any regimes. I am still researching various products. Currently I am experimenting with Finger Coils.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8NJwaiTiq4PDfprll9FAM5jjrnn53b2NqQv0J-QT4upyXxeCi4BX4WCnwwA4Wd379M3ac6-hV49xjs1iYqHELwGLE-b36YsNofr6f0kWNUT-fek5J7jPlJGyhQt0KEG_UUNcwTzFyEQ/s1600/J7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8NJwaiTiq4PDfprll9FAM5jjrnn53b2NqQv0J-QT4upyXxeCi4BX4WCnwwA4Wd379M3ac6-hV49xjs1iYqHELwGLE-b36YsNofr6f0kWNUT-fek5J7jPlJGyhQt0KEG_UUNcwTzFyEQ/s200/J7.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Are you anti-heat?</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Not anti-heat unless it's not well protected with oil-based serums...I personally don't use liquid based heat protectants, only because it wets the hair folicles. This damages the hair...permed or natural, because it takes it to its weakest state..wet!!! I am thinking about asking my mom to straighten it for me this weekend...we shall see..I'm still considering because my childhood memories still taunt me.</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">(*cringes at the thought of the pressing comb and Blue Magic hair grease*)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">If you could describe natural hair in one word, what would it be?</span> <br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><strong>Liberating</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">What's been your best natural hair compliment from a man? </span><br />
<em><span style="color: #e69138;">"I'm loving your natural swag...you have to be a beautiful and confident person to rock a bald head."</span></em> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Now keep in mind all the male friends have come back around to apologize for their initial reactions. I guess they were caught up on the cosmetic appeals of permed hair.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVkaST7KlUwhFNju1M2lMv_fDrqhjuiWV5gWdYcXZJfgrkDFkFXCDVplsMuEDrMH2S918e4W9OjUIdjOp6xb5lt04-RGobTyLqyGArmX7VCCmyfemOTYZPLnY3iZ2UUirEvUXzMVJReg/s1600/J1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVkaST7KlUwhFNju1M2lMv_fDrqhjuiWV5gWdYcXZJfgrkDFkFXCDVplsMuEDrMH2S918e4W9OjUIdjOp6xb5lt04-RGobTyLqyGArmX7VCCmyfemOTYZPLnY3iZ2UUirEvUXzMVJReg/s320/J1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">What do you think is the biggest misconception about natural hair? </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Many people still believe in order to be beautiful you have to have silky, straightened hair. Now keep in mind my hair is curly and wavy, both natural and permed. I would go through a year with 3 or 4 perms. So I naturally knew perms only relaxed my curls. Various races are still receptive to natural hair. I've got mixed reviews from various races while being natural. One day I wore my hair straight to work, and several coworkers complimented me on my hair quote on quote looking "more professional". Whatever in the heck did that mean....I'll let the readers respond to that...But as I journey through this hair phase, I've enjoyed, regretted, missed, praised, fell out and back in love with my hair. I've even come to the point of perming it, but thankfully haven't....</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;">The Pre-Natural Days</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #6aa84f;">What advice do you have for newly naturals? </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Don't give up...it is a very time consuming and stressful process. Natural hair doesn't mean less management. Instead it means more, because you're forcing your hair to do something it was designed to do but has become accustomed to something else over the years.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Do you have anything else to share with the readers?</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Thank you for taking the time out to share with me during my natural hair journey, hopefully something inspires you.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DI0P-ZNherlO_hBpVkQ39D4trlpnWefo9JJxUF8eJjS_4s03sKPwHrGlfzsJ-iQ_RHqbvLCNhEUmD2SpifmjA4j9KGuNfj31qLK7pF6gyuO9S8gXa2U1etbJ-uzO9PVqjcVDdE4J2sw/s1600/J3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DI0P-ZNherlO_hBpVkQ39D4trlpnWefo9JJxUF8eJjS_4s03sKPwHrGlfzsJ-iQ_RHqbvLCNhEUmD2SpifmjA4j9KGuNfj31qLK7pF6gyuO9S8gXa2U1etbJ-uzO9PVqjcVDdE4J2sw/s200/J3.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-83859974707950201812010-12-19T16:02:00.001-06:002010-12-19T16:04:09.144-06:00Lets Set Things STRAIGHT<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Hi Ladies</span>! I want to start with an empowering quote:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">"Real women never have to worry about being a dime because real men don't carry change"</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">I posted that quote on Twitter today, and absolutely love it. Now, you can go "run tell that homeboy!" (I can't help it. Antoine Dodson tickles me more than Elmo). Okay, back to the business at hand. Here is an interview you are sure to enjoy. Nikki, a long-time natural, likes to keep things straight--especially her hair. With no chemicals, she attains her straightened tresses with the help of the ever-so-trusty pressing comb. Hats off to Nikki, cause Lord knows I was glad to get away from the pressing comb. Something about a hot comb, my mama telling me not to "jump", and a kitchen stove....quite frankly gives me the "hee-bee gee-bees". But hey, they say beauty is pain!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS29QjcXotfpVxK1P1bWzfZuRsbISi0T2F0D6VH50UwpXmt_Ve_noBvSsG6GOG5uaVT6gj8FZ-4HOqTPiMSSh97TF_gB3O14pNnmBgATTA6oS9Q6bb6uDlnVUkVC5lb71PpWeeMlrJYjk/s1600/Nikki3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS29QjcXotfpVxK1P1bWzfZuRsbISi0T2F0D6VH50UwpXmt_Ve_noBvSsG6GOG5uaVT6gj8FZ-4HOqTPiMSSh97TF_gB3O14pNnmBgATTA6oS9Q6bb6uDlnVUkVC5lb71PpWeeMlrJYjk/s320/Nikki3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">(Press 'n Curl)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Nikki, tell us, what's your natural hair story?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been natural for about six years. I have only spent like 8 years of my life with a relaxer. I didn’t receive my first relaxer until 7th grade and I received my last relaxer junior year of college. I stopped relaxing my hair because I felt my scalp wasn’t strong enough for a relaxer. The lightest perm would burn my scalp. Also, I had highlights in my hair, and I had breakage at the back. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Did you big chop?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I did not do the big chop. The shortest I have ever gone was shoulder length. The last haircut I had was in August. I decided to try something new and got my hair layered. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">When you were 100% natural, did you ever feel the need to over-accessorize?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No I didn’t feel the need to over accessorize. People have always thought I have a relaxer because I have always been a fan of press and curl. From time to time, I would do more natural styles with my hair. I just completed a two month stretch of nothing but natural styles. First style, I call a wet-twist because I twisted my hair while wet and used setting lotion on it. I let the twists stay in about a week and then took them out. Second one, I call a dry-twist because I blow dried my hair and twisted my hair without setting lotion. I keep the twists in for 2 weeks. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsaYX6JKpGO-L_VmRhmd8rrWc2MrexJADxQhGxiCbihSG8uZIhqusM_qO7et_6MoPQZeCRAwxujQx9qz0-c_J7qTGR8EFFZWutym7DptlYPvQeUx2qXDSMgyiW6Sglfh8TDAoYTnFkM0/s1600/Nikki1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsaYX6JKpGO-L_VmRhmd8rrWc2MrexJADxQhGxiCbihSG8uZIhqusM_qO7et_6MoPQZeCRAwxujQx9qz0-c_J7qTGR8EFFZWutym7DptlYPvQeUx2qXDSMgyiW6Sglfh8TDAoYTnFkM0/s320/Nikki1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Wet Set</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">How did your family and friends react to your natural hair?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My family was blown away when they first saw my hair in twists. My brother suggested I get dreadlocks like him. (This my mama twisted most of my hair) While wearing my hair in twists, someone asked me, “What’s wrong with your hair?” to which I replied, "It's called natural hair." <span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Yeah, some people are "special".</span> </span>Little did people know...my hair has been natural since the first day we met. Press and curl had everyone fooled. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Protective Styling (if any)?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I don’t feel like getting my hair pressed I just pull it in a ponytail. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">How often do you use heat? Have you experienced any heat damage?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I get my hair pressed probably once a month or twice in three months. I don’t have any heat damage. I am trying to grow out the straight hair phase. The relaxer did more damage than the heat. My hair shed really bad with relaxer and not so much natural, even with me applying heat. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavX-2cgfMwm8Sr0HosGUdmrMLnRctTMuspy1D1bpGJa2uD3ZFKBj-cw09W2VKbrht7YrfrbVeM5OsSkY-ZU8EA5_QCnGMBJoa-9stiiXV88bpUfxfhnM_A6JfMIiztYj5ks_lkITOMIs/s1600/Nikki4a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavX-2cgfMwm8Sr0HosGUdmrMLnRctTMuspy1D1bpGJa2uD3ZFKBj-cw09W2VKbrht7YrfrbVeM5OsSkY-ZU8EA5_QCnGMBJoa-9stiiXV88bpUfxfhnM_A6JfMIiztYj5ks_lkITOMIs/s320/Nikki4a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Little Big Chop :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Do you have a set hair regimen?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I am doing it myself, like my latest natural styles phase, I deep conditioned it every 3 weeks when I wash it. Any other times I go to hairdresser once a month or twice in 3 months. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">What has been your best natural hair compliment from a man?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, I was told that my hair was beautiful, which was funny because three weeks before I had straight hair. Then, of course, I had to explain the entire natural ordeal to him. I am really not sure if he wanted to listen though. LOL</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Do you think natural hairstyles are "professional"?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think they are professional. In fact, I have received more compliments from other races than my own race. It is definitely a growing trend. However, I am not entirely sure if I would wear a natural style to an interview or first day of work. My hair is really big. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">What advice, if any, would you give to newly naturals or those currently transitioning?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don’t necessary think that you have to do the big chop to get the job done. I think gradually cutting it will get the job done and you will get the same result. It also takes discipline to go natural. I spend 4 to 8 hours styling my hair after I wash it. Flat ironing doesn’t take as long as twist styles. Sigh. And for those of you that would rather wear straight hair, don’t be afraid to try the press and curl if your hair can stand a lot of heat. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu0RVP2A73IXYU10ZdFHMD6AlojzGtVr0fy7tjY9O9voB6JkP9z0BiFuPq3u5Pjc68vl9LdzoOVwIvrXXg_SFgWA9bh1dN6q90C9kuvGW3sSpeeb4YjcBnJXITylDT9E8QVB3BGjKBx4/s1600/Nikki4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu0RVP2A73IXYU10ZdFHMD6AlojzGtVr0fy7tjY9O9voB6JkP9z0BiFuPq3u5Pjc68vl9LdzoOVwIvrXXg_SFgWA9bh1dN6q90C9kuvGW3sSpeeb4YjcBnJXITylDT9E8QVB3BGjKBx4/s320/Nikki4.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">(braid out) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Is there anything else you want to share?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, and I'm sure this is random, but I have a really dry, flaky scalp. If I didn't have so much hair I would have to wash it every two days to control the dandruff. <span style="color: #bf9000;">I have experienced dry scalp as well, but I find natural oils to be helpful. I also wash my hair at least once a week during the winter. During the summer months, I can wash my hair up to 3 times a week. Oh, and conditioner is my hair's very best friend :)</span></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-80061260579555254872010-10-22T09:19:00.000-05:002010-10-22T09:19:48.921-05:00Split Ends....How Many of Us Have Them?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRzKDz87lnsiyrd3Wje3XVjCgHEZJ0OObzLcfibwGvSdqXZVT3mFSL6tb45EIc6w8vYHm8NAYsUNldqxIacXuOWnFqVigz3hdCOwi8J46IKSFytQxVg0GMoK_9TMHHZOnqw0E-NkU2sk/s1600/split_ends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRzKDz87lnsiyrd3Wje3XVjCgHEZJ0OObzLcfibwGvSdqXZVT3mFSL6tb45EIc6w8vYHm8NAYsUNldqxIacXuOWnFqVigz3hdCOwi8J46IKSFytQxVg0GMoK_9TMHHZOnqw0E-NkU2sk/s320/split_ends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;">What are split ends?</span></strong><br />
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Split ends, scientifically known as <em>trichoptilosis</em>, occur when the hair cuticle and/ or cortex is destroyed. Hair will then split into two or more strands. Once a person gets split ends, it is best to get a pair of shears and start cutting (or go to a stylist that can do the honors for you). The possibilities of getting split ends are practically endless. Damage can occur from hair styling, dying, excessive heat use, overexposure to sunlight, excessive washing, and the list goes on. <br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><strong>How can I prevent split ends?</strong></span><br />
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Though there are ways to decrease the amount of split ends you may get, there is no way to completely stop getting split ends altogether. To help combat split ends, it is recommended to keep the ends of your hair moisturized, avoid excessive heat use, get hair trimmed on a regular basis (it will grow back! ever heard of "mo' hair, grow hair"???), wear protective hairstyles, and using leave-in conditioners. <br />
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***And ladies, please invest in a good pair of shears to trim your own hair....do not use the scissors your mom uses to cut fabric or the scissors children use to cut paper. I am pretty sure the use of those types of scissors will increase the amount of split ends you will get. <span style="color: #e69138;">I threw this one in for free :)</span>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-10749278599607052882010-10-05T20:58:00.000-05:002010-10-05T20:58:03.620-05:00Straight or CurlyNatural Divas, <br />
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Do you prefer to wear your hair straight or <span style="color: #f1c232;">curly</span><span style="color: black;">? It's a big question in the natural hair community. Some divas swear off heat, whereas others embrace and are completely open to it. </span><br />
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<em>Personally, I prefer my hair in its naturally curly state. This may be because I really like "big" hair, and my natural hair falls into that catergory. </em><br />
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So, which do you prefer?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hmnSU3qUFByh5l5DkZCFZ6CFfGQ6ehOTkhOMaBipYuHOwfDprplgVXY6tRtQd9dZPN7eDrwSJkql9JHluX0tAQGRdjiAj7Xo7pF1pXdMyohTN2Z-FWmHeSYgryDlCXPJ2Wkf98z7WwE/s1600/natural_hair.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hmnSU3qUFByh5l5DkZCFZ6CFfGQ6ehOTkhOMaBipYuHOwfDprplgVXY6tRtQd9dZPN7eDrwSJkql9JHluX0tAQGRdjiAj7Xo7pF1pXdMyohTN2Z-FWmHeSYgryDlCXPJ2Wkf98z7WwE/s320/natural_hair.gif" width="294" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNLwSAPy_hxmmSecAMLYPjsdqBKYo5e9NnOVGSTg40VGpE245hOmIK37s1l3CAI9a6SRmR3am0B4nQldy2_ntQzZJem87CQ6cz5x0gAMXq5SRnZ1G-V_1v5-VvhByBx9fQ5-zCiCtfWE/s1600/African_American_straight_hair_style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNLwSAPy_hxmmSecAMLYPjsdqBKYo5e9NnOVGSTg40VGpE245hOmIK37s1l3CAI9a6SRmR3am0B4nQldy2_ntQzZJem87CQ6cz5x0gAMXq5SRnZ1G-V_1v5-VvhByBx9fQ5-zCiCtfWE/s320/African_American_straight_hair_style.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-57994967654392674112010-08-18T21:30:00.001-05:002010-08-18T21:33:51.445-05:00Naturally Chic...Transition Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yz89A1s9PutQUf-6KIY89LMVXA1a1TRxGJFG7v4_u1xKEm_kHHAM_QR3pwh3E6003CWGjG3T85JAFrS44ZN24qI27jVDXhv-5ck7cdttFgy08nIYTtB2xhQ3mZaq2w-xG4GpzO3Jx4U/s1600/KD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yz89A1s9PutQUf-6KIY89LMVXA1a1TRxGJFG7v4_u1xKEm_kHHAM_QR3pwh3E6003CWGjG3T85JAFrS44ZN24qI27jVDXhv-5ck7cdttFgy08nIYTtB2xhQ3mZaq2w-xG4GpzO3Jx4U/s320/KD1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Kashonda is attempting to transition to natural hair for the third time, and as the saying goes "third time's a charm!" Her personal natural hair journey is very inspiring, and should encourage anyone who is considering making the transition. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">How long have you been transitioning to natural hair?</span> Almost ten (10) months, and I can't believe I've lasted this long!!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">What has your journey been like so far?</span> Like any other journey, it has it's ups and downs. I have a great support system. My husband has been very encouraging, probably because both his sister and daughter have natural hair. Most of my friends are either already natural or transitioning like me. Sometimes my hair looks great and sometimes not. My mom could be a little more supportive, but that's ok mom, you're the greatest!! It has taken these ten months for me to get to know my hair and what does and does not work for it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrLPhdyTSwOULFcKydeFysAd-Zi8rVDvm2Nm8KEoXYmFpvWf37bmwr_bxUU6j9o93FZHcr2Nj2E4rCu_tm765w4eMohDrZMQxAI0ICa9woTiegMigyM71I5gq6O0YDysOPeFf5Yk_uGk/s1600/KD2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrLPhdyTSwOULFcKydeFysAd-Zi8rVDvm2Nm8KEoXYmFpvWf37bmwr_bxUU6j9o93FZHcr2Nj2E4rCu_tm765w4eMohDrZMQxAI0ICa9woTiegMigyM71I5gq6O0YDysOPeFf5Yk_uGk/s200/KD2.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: #e06666;">What made you decide to go natural?</span> Actually, this is my third attempt at going natural. The first time, I gave up after about 2 months, the second time after 3 months. Now, I'm just determined and it also helps that so many of my friends are sharing this journey with me or guiding me along the way. However, I decided to go natural because I actually like having hair in the back, I actually like the thickness of my hair and with the relaxer, both of these were becoming nearly impossible. The relaxer was breaking and thinning my hair. I have hair just like my mom, who is in her 50s with thick beautiful hair. So, I know that thin hair is no where in my blood. Plus, even when my hair was long, it was impossible for me to wear a ponytail because of the breakage in the back. I've always wanted to sport my natural hair and last October, I'd finally had enough of relaxers. And hopefully, there's no turning back now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueyzs5sHxZ56nATa_mmLa6SL4cb9_KRhTFawnQ57xLzh9bdPLyFKj3_T0JiL8AnKRj5-uXvMCo7-IeywpzRjcNfwCo6bJZsdmmIc2wMLmQuUlFFNJAcufizvbJ1Y29muxUA7KL8JG3MQ/s1600/KD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueyzs5sHxZ56nATa_mmLa6SL4cb9_KRhTFawnQ57xLzh9bdPLyFKj3_T0JiL8AnKRj5-uXvMCo7-IeywpzRjcNfwCo6bJZsdmmIc2wMLmQuUlFFNJAcufizvbJ1Y29muxUA7KL8JG3MQ/s200/KD4.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">What hairstyles have helped make your transition easier?</span> I started out flat ironing my roots. I've also worn sew-ins, buns, and now I'm "rocking" a braid out! Lol<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Have you found any products you like?</span> I love <a href="http://cremeofnature.com/">Creme of Nature</a> products (conditioner, deep conditioner, and leave-in). They do great with my 4a/4b hair. I also use my own mixture of shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e oil, castor oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. <a href="http://www.curls.biz/">Curls</a> products work well with my hair also. <br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">What words of advice, if any, would you give to others who are currently transitioning?</span> 1. This process is not for the weak. Some days your hair will look great, some days not. Working with two textures is very difficult and you have to be willing to put in the time required to take care of your hair and be willing to become knowledgeable of natural hair and all that it requires. In other words, this is high maintenance! 2. Be confident, not everyone will like your natural hair, it may take some time for you to get accustomed to how you look with natural hair. You have to be sure of yourself and the decision that you've made to be a natural chic. Know that the natural you is beautiful. 3. What works for others may not work for you. 4. Run from the phrase "good hair". I can't believe that people still use it. Stay away from anyone who does! Lol 5. Moisturize, wash with conditioner, deep condition often, shampoo less, wash in sections to avoid knots, stay away from heat, find someone to share the journey with, and enjoy it! <br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Do you have any natural hair inspirations/ idols? Who?</span> My best friend Vernadette from grade school. She has been natural since our first year in college when natural wasn't such the trend that it is today, and she hasn't turned back, her hair is awesome. Jill Scott's afro is bad. My sister-in-law Brittany is so confident with her hair and we have similar hair textures. My line sister Khira visited me last October and I saw how healthy her natural hair was. She was one of my inspirations for going natural. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHc4FjIVlGhgZeNcVx4FNUe5N7Jm1NdrhqIuW6VMLuz0cWbj6dyqoJTcANfwODUq0541fqDhowMgj0yR4_Hd5XjcMmL7-XdgR2vmn_rWgmYL31ElqUMGIOgCimDVABzUdgWYx74PyEU8/s1600/KD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHc4FjIVlGhgZeNcVx4FNUe5N7Jm1NdrhqIuW6VMLuz0cWbj6dyqoJTcANfwODUq0541fqDhowMgj0yR4_Hd5XjcMmL7-XdgR2vmn_rWgmYL31ElqUMGIOgCimDVABzUdgWYx74PyEU8/s320/KD3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #45818e;">What problems are you currently facing with your transition?</span> Just working with the two different textures is difficult. I also had one horrible experience with knots. Now, I wash my hair in sections and haven't had any knots since. I wore a sew-in twice for about three months each. I had my natural part so that the hair would look like mine. I had to flat iron the part that was left out so that it would blend. I'd heard horror stories about how too much flat ironing could lead to permanently straightened hair. I just knew that this was impossible with my very coarse hair. But guess what, that little part that was left out of my sew-in is now permanently straightened. No more flat ironing for me. Transitioning and natural hair require a lot of time too. So for me, it's sometimes difficult to find the time to work with my hair. I'm now wearing a braid out and I love it!!<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Do you think you will BC or Let it Grow Before You Let it Go?</span> Let it grow before I let it go definitely. I plan on transitioning until either January 2011 or July 2011.Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-16250333998206392732010-08-16T11:11:00.001-05:002017-11-30T22:49:30.230-06:00Protective Styling - Tree BraidsHi Ladies! This weekend, I got tree braids. What are tree braids? I thought you might ask. This is a braiding technique where the stylist cornrows your own hair, and leaves the extensions out. Once the style is complete, all of your hair will be in cornrows, and the extensions will hang out. I know I just horribly explained that...but here's what the people at <a href="http://fromgrandmaskitchen.com/Natural-Hair-Beauty/articles/3910/1/Natural-Black-Hair---Tree-Braids-or-Intelock-Braids/Page1.html">From Grandma's Kitchen</a> have to say about it: <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Tree braiding is similar to micro-braids but distinguishes itself from this traditional style by allowing a smooth transition from the braided section to the loose hair. The idea is as you braid your way down the hair, you remove small portions of the hair to be braided from your revolutions. The removal of this hair camouflages or covers the braid allowing for a more natural look to the braided hair.</span></div>
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Here are a few pictures of tree braids I found online:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Snc556yLWvBzhOSy_3eou44wB_P2G6S5TKagS81DvsDh1kar6sxdBQp9SXTtEBKD7-cqi636oMRMUMztdOZlzfOAKMnZIDoEXlguaUEFzQNzl-oGvF8SZIEAVfRs2AGxEqYNDzbBmWw/s1600/TBKL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Snc556yLWvBzhOSy_3eou44wB_P2G6S5TKagS81DvsDh1kar6sxdBQp9SXTtEBKD7-cqi636oMRMUMztdOZlzfOAKMnZIDoEXlguaUEFzQNzl-oGvF8SZIEAVfRs2AGxEqYNDzbBmWw/s200/TBKL.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">You can use straight or curly hair.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74_W4MPao-u2pg0vgSgYVduDJ_EoxbGSkqkq3-zH9SpbagakcttdSS6pWtDH-jjZlWpwszbH5Iyk5lNtQ_mdMNjUWOVyvRMYy6NqvbrcMgqcO8lAyNIjEU0xchoJjNhPL911Y6fbCqw8/s1600/TBCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74_W4MPao-u2pg0vgSgYVduDJ_EoxbGSkqkq3-zH9SpbagakcttdSS6pWtDH-jjZlWpwszbH5Iyk5lNtQ_mdMNjUWOVyvRMYy6NqvbrcMgqcO8lAyNIjEU0xchoJjNhPL911Y6fbCqw8/s200/TBCH.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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This style typically lasts 6 - 8 weeks. I will let you gals know how long I keep mine. What are your thoughts????Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-31370310472520214592010-07-31T21:03:00.001-05:002010-07-31T21:06:24.632-05:00Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & ConditionerI know I always talk about products I'm trying or products I like....but I felt it was time to talk about a product I dislike. I heard rave reviews of Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner. I saw videos on YT of people who swore by it. Sadly, I cannot say the product has lived up to the hype...for me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDXIZYs31Sx0Qph_hy4UKElUHh5B84ixelrA5D-HuU3otFuz25fQIQoszj1Z4JwoTdmE03dirYRrPkOqVqfHUmnNTZglpAM_X9Oyewrg0Y_F9lDIhcyD7AjfvORSGy4dmwldmwyX4LfQ/s1600/organix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDXIZYs31Sx0Qph_hy4UKElUHh5B84ixelrA5D-HuU3otFuz25fQIQoszj1Z4JwoTdmE03dirYRrPkOqVqfHUmnNTZglpAM_X9Oyewrg0Y_F9lDIhcyD7AjfvORSGy4dmwldmwyX4LfQ/s320/organix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Why do I dislike it, may you ask? I am not a fan of this product because it caused me to have extremely dry scalp. At first, I thought it was the shampoo...so I tried to co-wash with the conditioner. The problem was still there! This was no normal dry scalp. I would have to wash my hair, or face the possibility of people thinking there was a snowstorm on my head. Dramatic? Yes. Truthful? Absolutely. <br />
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Some people may love this product, and I am not knocking it if you do. All I can say is that the shampoo and conditioner were not friends to my hair...or scalp for that matter. If you used this product and had a different experience, please share. If you want to share your own horror story about this "organic" (a name that is particularly misleading) product, please do so.<br />
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As a matter of fact, I dislike this Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner so much that I am swearing off Piña Coladas for a year....or 6 months....no, no, a month.....okay, maybe just a few days, but you catch my drift.Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-25558768742589175222010-07-24T18:04:00.003-05:002010-07-24T18:07:44.229-05:00Natural Hair...According to Janice<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Janice, a long-time natural, who learned to *treasure* her naturally curly hair.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNGcJs8Q-SPWLhRGyg_Hw4uuZAuNNGJpt9seFbtPN95mCAJL8Lkpea9VH_5_NBp8m5PJx-tA0W2kZkUXYAOyLhyphenhyphenWynFXM99fAbRISKp8Sje57p8qgwSaxksQZVyb4sGJVuUF8NmI6ISM/s1600/janicehair3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNGcJs8Q-SPWLhRGyg_Hw4uuZAuNNGJpt9seFbtPN95mCAJL8Lkpea9VH_5_NBp8m5PJx-tA0W2kZkUXYAOyLhyphenhyphenWynFXM99fAbRISKp8Sje57p8qgwSaxksQZVyb4sGJVuUF8NmI6ISM/s320/janicehair3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>How long have you been natural? <span style="color: #e06666;">5 years</span><br />
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Why did you get your hair relaxed? <span style="color: #e06666;">As a kid in elementary school, I remember looking at all the other kids around me who had straight hair, and I wanted to be like them. One day, I asked a neighbor how she got her hair to be straight, and she informed me that she had a relaxer. That same day, I asked my mom for a relaxer. She told me I was too young and did not need one. I was finally able to get the much desired relaxer in junior high because I really wanted my hair to be straight. My naturally curly hair seemed unmanageble, and I could never wear it down because it was so curly and frizzy. I was excited to get my hair relaxed in junior high!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTqcE_krMPrmdPeRUdeNptoqUi6MZYGwZJ_IeECgkq_m9SMx2z7_2-O8bvwhtCHjNZ_TBfpl_7J08aQTgOxKazX07jQu-m2CXIFrHczFsseoJEYcSFMrdf-WV0CiWjtjGsvJqlekfxiI/s1600/janicestraighthair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTqcE_krMPrmdPeRUdeNptoqUi6MZYGwZJ_IeECgkq_m9SMx2z7_2-O8bvwhtCHjNZ_TBfpl_7J08aQTgOxKazX07jQu-m2CXIFrHczFsseoJEYcSFMrdf-WV0CiWjtjGsvJqlekfxiI/s200/janicestraighthair.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Did you big chop? <span style="color: #e06666;">No.</span><br />
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When you get bored with your hair, what do you do? <span style="color: #e06666;">I don't ever get bored with it. I sometimes get tired of the maintenance. When I get tired of it, I comtemplate getting a relaxer or cutting it but I haven't followed through on either of them. :-)</span><br />
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A lot of members of the natural hair community are against cones, heat, and weaves. Are you? <span style="color: #e06666;">No, I am not. I feel that you should use what's best for your hair. I can't judge anyone's hair but mine.</span><br />
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How has the use of heat affected your hair?<span style="color: #e06666;"> I haven't used heat on my hair in over a year. I do not remember any negative effects from using heat. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu4K6LerjVvAT0wImlksTnga5cSIecNFlTnYioCHi5EvEyEBqpreGchQCpUVdz2lOfpz6rftnJMlBZ3rDEYqZUJGrdJKZwnnfRgwEYaA8G4F6kLizkhtPAMeuainRjXcUVuWuhGZ2f8Y/s1600/janicehair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu4K6LerjVvAT0wImlksTnga5cSIecNFlTnYioCHi5EvEyEBqpreGchQCpUVdz2lOfpz6rftnJMlBZ3rDEYqZUJGrdJKZwnnfRgwEYaA8G4F6kLizkhtPAMeuainRjXcUVuWuhGZ2f8Y/s200/janicehair.jpg" width="200" /></a>What is your current hair regimen? <span style="color: #e06666;">I wash my hair DAILY (which is what I get tired of). I use the Generic Brand of Matrix Curl Life. I purchase it from Sally's. It is called Beyond the Zone Noodle Head (Orange containers) and it is a lot less expensize than Matrix. I shampoo it and condition it daily and I let it hair air dry. That is all I do!</span></div><br />
Were you ever a product junkie? Any favorites? <span style="color: #e06666;">I was at first and I can't even remember all of the products I used. I am satisfied with Noodle Head for now.</span><br />
How often do you deep condition? <span style="color: #e06666;">Rarely; maybe once in 5 years.</span><br />
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What are some “professional” natural styles you wear?<span style="color: #e06666;"> I wear my hair down mostly. I do not like headbands or clamps. I let it freely flow. I joke around and say that my hair does itself every morning! LOL!</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmD64zvbeRuoKNCI57Qm0OQjRgQId6GWzQrATDIV8YRmckusb-PSL51dafeGPY_Q_fw0GlqKgtnB-eoy2-dQmZ_nvRwR-O3cijCJlBGQaEwArcFfZJUjVAL01yQxZWBh2j6Dwrx2oEY/s1600/janicehair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmD64zvbeRuoKNCI57Qm0OQjRgQId6GWzQrATDIV8YRmckusb-PSL51dafeGPY_Q_fw0GlqKgtnB-eoy2-dQmZ_nvRwR-O3cijCJlBGQaEwArcFfZJUjVAL01yQxZWBh2j6Dwrx2oEY/s200/janicehair2.jpg" width="200" /></a>What has been your best natural hair compliment…from a man? <span style="color: #e06666;">Good question; I do not know. They usually say that I stood out because of my hair and want to touch it.</span><br />
</div><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>What advice, if any, would you give to newly naturals or those currently transitioning? <span style="color: #e06666;">Hang in there. :-) I went natural because my hair and scalp told me to go natural. They made it very clear that chemicals were not for me. I am not a natural expert...I just happen to be natural. I would say listen to your hair. I do not think everyone should be natural and can relate and understand the relaxed sistas as well. I say do you----whatever that is!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEZOZOySvFPkVkzMNWOrhs_XckigAI1xEp_9b02w3QdkDu6gkG43d7QF1SFYCpWocIjQFRBnmE3zB7XeV02EpZEo8SqYy0D-xhV4BY8IaKMkFY1UZ0e7ZX0DASEDObaRoFZdFqi9n9y8/s1600/janice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEZOZOySvFPkVkzMNWOrhs_XckigAI1xEp_9b02w3QdkDu6gkG43d7QF1SFYCpWocIjQFRBnmE3zB7XeV02EpZEo8SqYy0D-xhV4BY8IaKMkFY1UZ0e7ZX0DASEDObaRoFZdFqi9n9y8/s200/janice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-18097638131582742542010-07-20T21:54:00.000-05:002010-07-20T21:54:02.785-05:00Protective Style: BraidsWhether you're thinking cornrows, micros, tree, or box braids, this style can help protect the ends of your hair. Can't find a stylist? If you're in the Jackson, MS area, try <a href="http://www.bbshairbraiding.com/">BB's African Hair Braiding</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-AdSrRhZZRv1QFrHnSPpJHlvePIp800ky3iCdI5Vl4Ll7L9CGsY0d-ZfyBt7Snwl9vB09uV5f3ANtOjRGgSGeaXw9ErCGXvGoKCD5Z5cXlKF_1V6vOfqNbfAYt7OvY2VGSWCa2IRxTI/s1600/microsnk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-AdSrRhZZRv1QFrHnSPpJHlvePIp800ky3iCdI5Vl4Ll7L9CGsY0d-ZfyBt7Snwl9vB09uV5f3ANtOjRGgSGeaXw9ErCGXvGoKCD5Z5cXlKF_1V6vOfqNbfAYt7OvY2VGSWCa2IRxTI/s320/microsnk.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div align="center">(micro braids)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8S48n2p37YC3Aa9Yy5oGC08bAx3WW_YvAU0KeqhS__t3SheyXB_hOhfbqnmO1mZ0qTxSQXXNe2LfwxuPPaUO2KivNWSaFmNplbz_K9DkJ6Weu_DTUQN02DiDMC8jP2LPQ9ntGKZEr0A/s1600/microsnk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8S48n2p37YC3Aa9Yy5oGC08bAx3WW_YvAU0KeqhS__t3SheyXB_hOhfbqnmO1mZ0qTxSQXXNe2LfwxuPPaUO2KivNWSaFmNplbz_K9DkJ6Weu_DTUQN02DiDMC8jP2LPQ9ntGKZEr0A/s200/microsnk1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Micro braids typically last between 2-3 months, and can be styled according to your liking. Just make sure the stylist does not braid your hair too tightly, as it can cause hair breakage. Pay close attention to those edges! Happy Tuesday Ladies!!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-68594115497315485642010-07-07T13:52:00.002-05:002010-07-07T18:34:01.819-05:00ABC's of Natural Hair TalkThere are so many acronyms (and so much lingo) used in the natural hair community that one could easily get confused. Here's a list of some of the most often used terms:<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">BC - big chop</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">DC - deep condition</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jxmsPyEgHBlvJN9Tk9ZxnVSeEs9nqIcBf-mbzHq8BHi2x9E7-I8LT8gkRieohvoqlJ8qOZUjZEc7h5BNisGc8Fk2paGinr9ZVUtZ-njqRhcHkxkfbhZHHNSVhOLABGG6XIuEg9KTrDM/s1600/Natural+Hair+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jxmsPyEgHBlvJN9Tk9ZxnVSeEs9nqIcBf-mbzHq8BHi2x9E7-I8LT8gkRieohvoqlJ8qOZUjZEc7h5BNisGc8Fk2paGinr9ZVUtZ-njqRhcHkxkfbhZHHNSVhOLABGG6XIuEg9KTrDM/s200/Natural+Hair+lady.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #45818e;">PJ - product junky</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">TWA - teeny weeny afro</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">EL - ear length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">NL - neck length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">SL - shoulder length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">APL - arm pit length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">BSL - bra strap length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">MBL - mid back length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">ACV - apple cider vinegar</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">EVOO - extra virgin olive oil</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">EVCO - extra virgin coconut oil</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">JBCO - jamaican black castor oil</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">KCCC - kinky curly curling custard</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Cones - silicones (products containing them)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">HH - hello hydration (herbal essence)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">BSS - beauty supply store</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Cowash - conditioner wash </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">No Poo - no shampoo (usually cowashes)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Slip - when conditioner helps hair glide through comb</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Protective Style - style worn to protect ends of hair and preserve length</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjRQqLHEb3p2FaYU8oR8oqPbeIe73FecSz7mUYxSjEHAe3XMF6JwWWvEkW1Ud3lHP0WVsF9KZWUHlyWmmvRqeBH6mKhy21MfdKe03QMeW31Fi1opeg8THoY8Sbyf8SY2_9bK1sNFmRd8/s1600/erykah-badu-photograph-c12124745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjRQqLHEb3p2FaYU8oR8oqPbeIe73FecSz7mUYxSjEHAe3XMF6JwWWvEkW1Ud3lHP0WVsF9KZWUHlyWmmvRqeBH6mKhy21MfdKe03QMeW31Fi1opeg8THoY8Sbyf8SY2_9bK1sNFmRd8/s200/erykah-badu-photograph-c12124745.jpeg" width="160" /></a><span style="color: #ea9999;">*** Just My Lingo ***</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">OMG - Oh Em Gee (a term you will see me use often)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Cool Beans - everything is okay (term initially used by my friend, Kristen, but has rapidly spread to anyone I talk to)</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">WTF - Dubyah Tee Eff (I don't curse)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">IMO/ IMHO - in my opinion/ in my honest opinion</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">YT - YouTube</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Feel free to add any terms I have not covered! </div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-20151495117354382292010-07-02T10:50:00.002-05:002010-07-02T10:52:18.561-05:00To Chop or Not to Chop....that is the Question *Allilia's Answer*<span style="color: #bf9000;">Long-time natural, Allilia, provides insight to transitioners debating about whether to BC or Let it Grow Before You Let it Go.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixoPuLk2BsiMOgRFCjYj0RopKr7H0PSrUBqibTbQ2C6ky7KmiZ803Mv29VUCVTYMwEM7CnYZsKDOwdnSbqXKyJIdhFSOZhr9dfGoW8SvW_ma3ilEQLAMsiOvH5lVAWFVMlcPl9NQFVSk/s1600/topAP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixoPuLk2BsiMOgRFCjYj0RopKr7H0PSrUBqibTbQ2C6ky7KmiZ803Mv29VUCVTYMwEM7CnYZsKDOwdnSbqXKyJIdhFSOZhr9dfGoW8SvW_ma3ilEQLAMsiOvH5lVAWFVMlcPl9NQFVSk/s320/topAP.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Why did you decide to go natural?</span> <br />
I would wait 13-15 week intervals between relaxers from age 12 (first mild relaxer) through age18. First semester of college, I realized Atlanta had many natural salons, although I never would go to a salon in Atlanta. I would get my hair done (trimmed, relaxed, and deep conditioned) at home in Mississippi over holiday breaks and just maintain it on my own over the course of time. I didn't trust new stylists that easily. That all changed. I had a friend first year in college who was from suburban Maryland. She always wore scrunch mousse to make her hair look naturally curly, and she thought I should try it. We were just wearing the mousse all the time trying something different. Eventually, I ended up just always wearing that mousse and straightening my own hair (because I never sought after a stylist freshman year). Later, I found out that I had been undergoing "the process of going natural" and didn't even realize it. So, by November of my first year, I'd stop receiving relaxers because I liked how my hair looked with the mousse over the roots. Later.. (second year in college) I realized that mousse was tearing it up because of the alcohol percentage.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Did you consider doing the "big chop"? Why didn't you?</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I considered chopping my hair off. Yet, I did not. I spoke with different hair stylists and girls who'd worn their hair natural all of their lives, and some who hadn't, and comparing my texture, I decided against it. I kept it trimmed and eventually got layers, but never made a BC while "going natural."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">How did you transition to natural hair?</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrPrOWOrbc_OKxXJtyg0QGwoYKMSZHhEtHvVn1B0k9q2BOKMlaAz5hTGbQ_-zTrvYK0Ou5zf43jtIJeCAAazbfdesDBUOIATuCsZta-hLRK3QVvRzB4j7o4y9lSOuCQl1id5IJUQfirk/s1600/allilia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrPrOWOrbc_OKxXJtyg0QGwoYKMSZHhEtHvVn1B0k9q2BOKMlaAz5hTGbQ_-zTrvYK0Ou5zf43jtIJeCAAazbfdesDBUOIATuCsZta-hLRK3QVvRzB4j7o4y9lSOuCQl1id5IJUQfirk/s200/allilia.JPG" width="136" /></a>It took me a full 9mos to fully turn over all natural. I kept it trimmed every 2 weeks, and deep conditioned every week. I wore straw sets allll the time. I also wore long spirals. I wore it straight here and there, but the majority of my process was over the summer in the South--not a great idea to wear straight "going-natural" hair a lot. I also just let it go sometimes, as in shampooing, conditioning and letting it air dry into its own style (just to see what it would look like). I had fun with it.</div><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Did you cut your own hair or go to a stylist?</span><br />
I would never cut my own hair. Ever. If I trimmed or cut anything, it was a stylist.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">How did you manage the two hair textures during your transition?</span><br />
I wore a lot of mousse (of different types), a lot of syrum for moisture, and different leave-in conditioners between deep conditionings. Eventually, and even now, I just leave "regular" conditioner (not leave-in) on my hair after shampooing because it absorbs it as if it's hair lotion. The conditioners (and shampoos) I use MUST always have the extra-moisture formula base. I have very thick hair and I need as much moisture as possible in order to tame the natural fly-aways, etc.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCrzY4Z7L_gEnBbvIc2xoJKNubV7BkuhOUTxUsuaf0yfovVtiepKDwQDGj8wpk7iQV4Huqv_lusrdjL0fE1FiHknF3k4hOlc4h9dX3qbTh4wnxBxXhCb2ApDbB1ULf-nmrC_QmMjcW6E/s1600/funnatural.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCrzY4Z7L_gEnBbvIc2xoJKNubV7BkuhOUTxUsuaf0yfovVtiepKDwQDGj8wpk7iQV4Huqv_lusrdjL0fE1FiHknF3k4hOlc4h9dX3qbTh4wnxBxXhCb2ApDbB1ULf-nmrC_QmMjcW6E/s200/funnatural.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #bf9000;">Was your hair easier to manage once you were 100% natural, and not having to deal with the two textures?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was easier to manage once all of the balancing was done, however, the process of caring for it has never really changed. I still deep-condition it (on my own, or at a salon) regularly (every 2 weeks now) and have it trimmed regularly (once a month).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #bf9000;">Do you wish you had big chopped?</span><br />
No, I do not wish I'd made the big chop. I appreciated watching it grow out into it's natural form. It was fun to wear different styled and test out many different curls (straw, spirals, etc) that I probably wouldn't have done so much had I kept a relaxed look.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Once your hair was 100% natural, did you feel liberated? Or regretful?</span><br />
I definitely felt more liberated once it was all natural. I felt as if I were a part of a smaller, stronger community of women who were more in tune with themselves and their bodies and spirits. It's a great feeling. I felt more aware. I still feel that way. Although it's become a huge fad nowadays, it still has it's specialness to knowing you aren't allowing some "corporation" to pour chemicals (from who knows where) onto your scalp. I have been fully natural now 8 years. I still read natural hair articles, visit hair stores and boutiques seeing the "newest" products, and talk with natural friends about processes and products--more so products than processes. It's a community of its own. I even went to the natural hair expo in Baltimore a few months ago, and was a promotional natural hair model for a master stylist in Memphis for 2 years.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">Is natural hair really all it's hyped up to be?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCRwzdN72HO5JS7LngxjrIN_AA2acJOL-hOvu0LY4QT8-uJlPAbo5xIc-Ah1epAayA0FYMkHL4K5p257GNl8olmzeX1oo3OOvYEi6jDzS11zmBtVcyz-LMHrnXpV-GlWpdoPBZ4YpldA/s1600/AP1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCRwzdN72HO5JS7LngxjrIN_AA2acJOL-hOvu0LY4QT8-uJlPAbo5xIc-Ah1epAayA0FYMkHL4K5p257GNl8olmzeX1oo3OOvYEi6jDzS11zmBtVcyz-LMHrnXpV-GlWpdoPBZ4YpldA/s200/AP1.JPG" width="148" /></a>I believe it can be hyped up a little more than necessary, especially for the sacredness of the community of women who hold the liberation to a high esteem. I believe it is very cool to be natural, but I do not believe it's the end of the world for people who prefer to wear relaxer treatments. Natural hair is expensive, in that there are many nice products and lines that keep your hair in whichever natural form you choose to wear regularly--straight, curly, braided, locked, etc. I believe the different genres of natural hair also have communities of their own. I do not wear a lot of products that have been commercialized as "natural hair products," mainly because I don't have locks or braids (and I don't plan to). But the locks/braided community is larger in respect to that type of natural look. The hype around wearing 'regular' or relaxed styles versus simply curly and remaining all-natural is definitely hyped up, but mainly where it regards fear for the hair styles/texture looking so different from what your hairstyles were before. This is a huge consideration especially for women working amongst those "professional/corporate" environments that base status quotas on the physical persona as much as their business ethic. This is where sexism and race are implored upon more amongst women who choose to make a statement of purpose wearing natural hair (say, to an interview or meeting with the boss) instead of the "boring but socially accepted" pressed or straight hairstyles.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TnCz2kc1faQPEPLfBwCp3XTQw_NCE-ZD_8B3ATuCu9oAjn5fAmWj6DI1Nsn7rgoMVSULtxuKn94vwKiyNswx7HjX-G15INX601yKmwt5WpaXGIFKr0ZU7aXF_hr8JPPBGqq-CVbeNjE/s1600/blogAP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TnCz2kc1faQPEPLfBwCp3XTQw_NCE-ZD_8B3ATuCu9oAjn5fAmWj6DI1Nsn7rgoMVSULtxuKn94vwKiyNswx7HjX-G15INX601yKmwt5WpaXGIFKr0ZU7aXF_hr8JPPBGqq-CVbeNjE/s200/blogAP.JPG" width="181" /></a><span style="color: #bf9000;">How did your friends, family, and colleagues react to your natural hair?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Most of my circles loved the transition. Everyone was really surprised! All of my friends loved it. Of the guys I dated, those from natural communities (namely the North), were apt to it, not those from the South. It was a transition that they had to come to understand. My mother was my biggest challenge because she kept my hair nicely groomed in grade school, and not wild and curly. It was a transition, but once she realized just how much more versatile the hair was wearing it natural yet still being able to straighten it, she slowly came around.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Do you miss your relaxed hair now that it is a distant memory?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcgxhHBcbrftUMyq3ty3L9mbX4KSd27eifT5sNNJ2lSMJ4qLi7vDB-FcPdTpj85fcWEh6NuBUO6yDHMdSa-uv0K1LTqbevoIGmguoxOozyQuQNEbEljlOKU4xzHCUo0dHOOZLxp0jiDI/s1600/testureAP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcgxhHBcbrftUMyq3ty3L9mbX4KSd27eifT5sNNJ2lSMJ4qLi7vDB-FcPdTpj85fcWEh6NuBUO6yDHMdSa-uv0K1LTqbevoIGmguoxOozyQuQNEbEljlOKU4xzHCUo0dHOOZLxp0jiDI/s200/testureAP.JPG" width="200" /></a>I do not miss relaxer treatments at all. There were moments while working out that I'd think of how much easier it'd be to manage if I had a relaxer, but I still didn't regret having it natural overall. Now, for me, it really is a distant memory because I can straighten and style my own hair just as well or better than some stylists, so working out is no biggie. I have managed ways to tame my curl pattern in a way that I feel is appropriate for a corporate or formal setting, and I also have the timing down pact in case I need to break out my flat irons.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">In your opinion, which do you think is better: Big Chop or Let it grow before you let it go?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let it grow before you let it go. It further liberates you to see your hair growing out of its "unnatural" shell and back into its natural state. It's beautiful. Embrace the real you! It really heightens the experience.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g1IqfCfQQn1IGVQqrUYTZbzQLQ7Do-KfXjYSSIlANd4c855eIBHWslzaUiST0sslDrq00Kq6R1IiUmD0fBCtZ11uYphuiNjsur6OA1pRRg-zaKDFWOXATdbuSMKuGNBzwKrt5twPWKk/s1600/endAP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g1IqfCfQQn1IGVQqrUYTZbzQLQ7Do-KfXjYSSIlANd4c855eIBHWslzaUiST0sslDrq00Kq6R1IiUmD0fBCtZ11uYphuiNjsur6OA1pRRg-zaKDFWOXATdbuSMKuGNBzwKrt5twPWKk/s200/endAP.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">So ladies, natural hair is really what you make it. And if you're going to make it, you might as well make it fly!</span></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-13998211506361663492010-07-01T19:48:00.007-05:002010-07-01T20:14:32.260-05:00To Chop or Not to Chop...that is the Question *April's Answer*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_xzdytqKPvcp6Jdys5ogo1BFrTIZ7YN8ZodGw780UfW6UOWjpmf3gFPy9SET0KjiJzLU-TG5-ZevlEn6LGV_By9tiIxf9aZgVwoeaHipJJreeR0Fk48Gn1Pt7Ka9gEetflhUY82i1M4/s1600/nathair_AG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_xzdytqKPvcp6Jdys5ogo1BFrTIZ7YN8ZodGw780UfW6UOWjpmf3gFPy9SET0KjiJzLU-TG5-ZevlEn6LGV_By9tiIxf9aZgVwoeaHipJJreeR0Fk48Gn1Pt7Ka9gEetflhUY82i1M4/s320/nathair_AG.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(5 years relaxer free)</div><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Why go natural?</span><br />
I was very unhappy with my chemically relaxed hair. When my hair was relaxed, it always grew to a certain length and then broke off severely. So, I decided that I would try to go natural; I couldn't lose anything!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Did you ever consider doing the Big Chop?</span><br />
At first, <strong><u>no</u></strong>! Never considered the big chop. About a year and a half into my natural transition, I did....mainly because I wanted to be free of hair duties (lazy). If anyone didn't know, natural hair is high maintenance, baby! Much attention required!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">How did you transition to natural hair?</span><br />
I made my transition into natural hair by backing away from the creamy crack by extending my touch up periods. At first, I would get a touch up every 6 months. Then, every 8 and so on. Once I reached the year mark, I said, "No more creamy crack for me" (so, as you can see, it took me some years to convert). During my transition, I wore my hair in roller sets, twist outs, and ponytails to manage the different textures. It took me a total of two and half years to fully transition to my natural state. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Did you cut your own hair or go to a stylist?</span><br />
Stylist. I would go to my favorite natural hair salon in Atlanta, <a href="http://www.toogroovy.net/">Too Groovy</a>, and get my hair blow-dried, straightened, and ends clipped every six weeks. That way I would shed the relaxed ends instead of just doing the big chop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28sC_hRj4goXGRGF4I3TeoUM9EY1TzAbt7LqaL36ZiU17rnCjEp3CZNSgDCKg1TdwFOlk5niZKc2ePOjLeDWtodxIQguvIfqTi4T3SdYRmLJ6SYljKNIewJ6GFgQUpEW-h46rRP144T4/s1600/AGnaturalblowout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28sC_hRj4goXGRGF4I3TeoUM9EY1TzAbt7LqaL36ZiU17rnCjEp3CZNSgDCKg1TdwFOlk5niZKc2ePOjLeDWtodxIQguvIfqTi4T3SdYRmLJ6SYljKNIewJ6GFgQUpEW-h46rRP144T4/s400/AGnaturalblowout.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="color: #a64d79;"></span></div><span style="color: #a64d79;">How did you manage the two hair textures during your transition?</span><br />
I manage like 4 different hair textures! I had one side that was wavy, one curly, one straight and a super kinky side. Lol! But I managed with different hair styles like, wet twist sets, spiral roller sets, etc. I believe that you can train your hair to do whatever you like so I was very persistent with having it in a style that showcased all of my hair as the same texture!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Was your hair easier to manage once you were 100% natural, and not having to deal with the two textures?</span><br />
YES! Less tangles! Thank God for Knot Today by <a href="http://kinky-curly.com/">Kinky Curly</a>!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Do you wish you had big chopped? </span><br />
NAW NAW NAW<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Once your hair was 100% natural, did you feel liberated? Or regretful?</span><br />
Liberated! I love my hair so much more now! It's beautiful, it's healthy, and I have endless options for hairstyles!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Is natural hair really all it's hyped up to be?</span><br />
I really don't feel that it is as hyped as it should be! Natural hair, believe it or not, is for the high maintenance! Whether you're rocking dreads, an afro, or have your press-n-curl game going, you have got to take care of it for it to look good! But it's worth it; my hair is not me, but if it's on me, it will look good!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">How did your friends, family, and colleagues react to your natural hair?</span><br />
Family and friends that didn't understand were non-believers until they saw my long, healthy strands of hair hanging down my back. That usually would shut the negative peanut gallery down! Thereafter, I would get calls and questions on tips about "how you do that?" or "what you do to your hair to get it like that?"<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My coworkers, on the other hand, never said they didn't like my hair. Funnily enough, whenever my hair is straightened, they are quick to let me know how pretty it is. But when I'm rocking my hair in its natural state, um...not so much the same reaction. But what can you say, society has its own way of thinking.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqZ77-VF6NH61OPGH1uUOu_tt7b7uP4lGzG-HrFXWOy4ApVslTR7Y3w_7ya7wZZlNudP0BdXOHCmo2OlD-kIrBrtgkaC_A5q2_Z-pbxkEJDdD8ApV3Hq9KvYL_pKPs6JfJzxPaIe8OEk/s1600/April.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqZ77-VF6NH61OPGH1uUOu_tt7b7uP4lGzG-HrFXWOy4ApVslTR7Y3w_7ya7wZZlNudP0BdXOHCmo2OlD-kIrBrtgkaC_A5q2_Z-pbxkEJDdD8ApV3Hq9KvYL_pKPs6JfJzxPaIe8OEk/s320/April.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #a64d79;">Do you miss your relaxed hair?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not by a long shot!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">In your opinion: Big Chop or Let it grow before you let it go?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Can't really say because everyone is different. For me, I clearly think the let it grow process is better and that is just because I am a very deliberative thinker.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div> <br />
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*If you liked April's interview, check her out on <a href="http://channel2.typepad.com/checkpleasefl/series.html">Check Please!</a> She knows good hair and good food!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ivp4uG_FyXNg_7z-YPaGFNzKEiExyVnS5gmVDW_Ai-BiVG3JOU6OruNFUaP3AHmmVXc3yXAVYFau0jVMOKRHbsK1-OrHh_Eviy5E_mmLHL6e3kCmQsUDz0mCg8OkDQQdF6RCG2OKMzY/s1600/Aprilshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ivp4uG_FyXNg_7z-YPaGFNzKEiExyVnS5gmVDW_Ai-BiVG3JOU6OruNFUaP3AHmmVXc3yXAVYFau0jVMOKRHbsK1-OrHh_Eviy5E_mmLHL6e3kCmQsUDz0mCg8OkDQQdF6RCG2OKMzY/s640/Aprilshow.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853502317911939347.post-71511174085370074012010-07-01T11:45:00.014-05:002010-07-01T14:30:56.871-05:00To Chop or Not to Chop...that is the Question *Shonta's Answer*<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Remember the song "Chante's Got a Man," by Chante Moore? Well, I'd like you to meet another Shonta' who has a different song.</span> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLc3-J-ldRbq3LJ_wZMyfuNyXt24_4nMv14VCi77fkHJywzqb3C7K0ds2h_msBd8v_RP-oTlDslEXvK8sbZ2XzAduEutBp_-IUp6kGu2A_Ox1kw_UPySskdZKXFB-CKNICf_iCtObqH8/s1600/Renee's+Wedding+and+Tressa+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLc3-J-ldRbq3LJ_wZMyfuNyXt24_4nMv14VCi77fkHJywzqb3C7K0ds2h_msBd8v_RP-oTlDslEXvK8sbZ2XzAduEutBp_-IUp6kGu2A_Ox1kw_UPySskdZKXFB-CKNICf_iCtObqH8/s320/Renee's+Wedding+and+Tressa+001.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Why did you decide to big chop?</span><br />
I decided to BC because the two textures were doing more harm than good to my hair. Struggling with both in all actuality was ripping my natural hair out also.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Were you nervous?</span><br />
Very nervous, I have had long hair my whole life. I knew people would be like wtf! LOL<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Did you cut your own hair or did you go to a stylist?</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hahaha! Well, first, my mom cut my ends off. Then, a couple weeks after that, I went to a stylist because I still had straight ends sticking up. My mom was afraid to cut anymore off. I wish she had, though, because the stylist was a disaster! She gave me a Boosie fade. <span style="color: #38761d;">(I guess Shonta's Got a Fade) </span>LOL No lie. I had a pretty good size fro when I did the BC, I just need to get the straight ends cut off. Despite giving the stylist clear cut instructions, I walked out with a fade. Sooooo yeah!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WKPDpkdY8MuC4JKVR1zHN8ME874eFlptJJxlzRZXZPGFfbetIDimkm6SLCArzDnXMEkCBAQ-3IVHxLtwmGTJeC7fSt72obQSuY2hSHpTT_qQ66mjzoRO4IL139CmPlvQPdVhT54ZiGI/s1600/fullLB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WKPDpkdY8MuC4JKVR1zHN8ME874eFlptJJxlzRZXZPGFfbetIDimkm6SLCArzDnXMEkCBAQ-3IVHxLtwmGTJeC7fSt72obQSuY2hSHpTT_qQ66mjzoRO4IL139CmPlvQPdVhT54ZiGI/s200/fullLB.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Rapper, Lil Boosie)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3f0Cu0K8mh8xmbqro7Zlxq-RQNufczca8IThHmWYPW3ItwaAHgvpdVKO2ZinaZFmbwx9BzZ1kCqTCPu1gfFi1FgnivY5LdiOEldYs5Ys5rcjhGXBIs966mMzUkBOwyx7fwxRY4uD7eU/s1600/New+Years+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3f0Cu0K8mh8xmbqro7Zlxq-RQNufczca8IThHmWYPW3ItwaAHgvpdVKO2ZinaZFmbwx9BzZ1kCqTCPu1gfFi1FgnivY5LdiOEldYs5Ys5rcjhGXBIs966mMzUkBOwyx7fwxRY4uD7eU/s200/New+Years+014.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #38761d;">What were your first thoughts after seeing your hair on the floor, rather than on your head?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There is no turning back now!!!!</div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Did you feel regretful or liberated?</span><br />
I felt like I did what I wanted to do.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">What reaction did you get from family, friends, & colleagues?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">EVERYBODY was surprised that I actually did it. Of course people made the “but your hair was so long” comments but I think all in all they grew to like it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkt6gjyY5GRD4PdigmDN6Gn4G6rKxbprn9_FFR5HM_lPEOk-S2J1LFNZT3CoE_NUKBCUXBKm4IuvzXFmqIrf7LoSCPJysZG4K26Eq64Gw3VTvFHgZ-McnOk0xyIj583rOkTWTkUWKFgk/s1600/Long+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkt6gjyY5GRD4PdigmDN6Gn4G6rKxbprn9_FFR5HM_lPEOk-S2J1LFNZT3CoE_NUKBCUXBKm4IuvzXFmqIrf7LoSCPJysZG4K26Eq64Gw3VTvFHgZ-McnOk0xyIj583rOkTWTkUWKFgk/s320/Long+hair.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #38761d;">Do you miss your old hair now that it is a distant memory?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Umm I don’t think I do. I like my hair as it is now. I am constantly telling people that if I were to straighten it, it would probably be back to the same length.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;">In your opinion, Big Chop or Let it grow before you let it go?</span></span> </div>I say to let it grow a little, but don’t hold on to it. As soon as you get a little length cut it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nappolloniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492121383663700062noreply@blogger.com0