Naturally Obsessed

1.When and why did you decide to go natural?

I have been natural my entire life.  However, I did not know the right products to use on my hair or how to care for my hair properly.  I would use products that were alcohol based and that contained many other unhealthy ingredients that would dry out my hair terribly.  I also had color treated hair and would frequently get it straightened.  Which resulted in some pieces permanently losing their texture.  I often wore tightly slicked back hairstyles which caused a lot of breakage.  This past summer I decided to do my own Big Chop to get rid of all the color and heat processed parts of my hair.  I had a lot of length taken off.  I started off with APL (Armpit Length) hair and left the salon with my hair hitting my ears stretched.  It was a big change, but I knew it was the healthiest thing to do.  I wanted to grow out my hair and start with a clean slate and use healthier products.

2.Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

 My family and friends were definitely supportive of my decision.  Well...my mom of course was a little hard to convince at first.  She is definitely old school and loves her some long hair.  Between my sister cutting off her of Halle Berry style and myself, she got used to it pretty quickly.  Ultimately, it is really about how you feel as an individual in your hair.

3.What is current hair routine?

i shampoo my hair about every 2 weeks with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat, which really makes my hair feel minty clean and fresh.  I co-wash 1-2 times a week, using Suave Coconut Naturals, leaving a little of the conditioner in my hair.  After washes, I usually do protective styles (Two Strand Twists) using Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel.  I find myself not doing too many wash & gos, as they can be a little drying to my hair.  Also I love, love, love virgin coconut oil and use it to moisturize my ends and scalp daily.  Moisturizing is key.  I do a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment once a week and a protein treatment with Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner once a month.  Protein, for me, can be a little drying if I use too much, so I try to limit my use to only once as month. 

Henna has been workings working wonders for me.  I henna once a month as well.  I am planning to trim once every 6 months or twice a year.  Lastly, I sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet every night to protect my hair.

4.What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?

 My hair goal is to continue to maintain healthy hair.  I would grow out my hair to BSL (Bra Strap Length).  I think that moisturizing is a crucial part to maintaining length, as it prevents breakage and split ends.  I use coconut oil on my hair everyday.  I also exercise and eat a balanced diet, I believe if you are not healthy internally, your hair and skin definitely will suffer the consequences.

5.How do you protect your hair in cold and warm weather?

In the winter the cold air just sucks up all the moisture from your strands.  I wear a lot more protective styles to help keep the moisture in.  For the summer, I pretty much do the same thing, I protect my hair by doing protective styles as well.  Loose buns, ponytails, 2 strand twists and also covering my hair with a colorful scarf or hat to protect my hair from the sun....Gotta keep it stylish!

6.What is your definition of "Good Hair" ?

Good Hair to me is healthy hair.  It is hair that chooses not to be tamed or to be assimilated into the societal standard of beauty.  It is beautiful hair that defines who we are as individuals and as a people.  It is diverse, spontaneous and full of life and of zest.

Blog: kiffecoco.blogspot.com

Fotki: fotki.com/metisse86

Product Description:  Smooth as silk conditioner: Creates silky-smooth texture. Protects hair and controls split ends. Adds volume, shine and an incredible feel. Silk. It has the most incredible feel, the most incredible texture. it makes you feel sexy. Desirable. Smooth as Silk Conditioner makes your hair feel so smooth, so silky, so amazingly detangled. It works only where needed to create a silky-smooth palette that's repaired, renewed and ready for your own unique kind of style. Smooth as Silk provides smooth moves indeed. Enriched with certified organic botanicals. No animal by-products. Cruelty free. Made in U.S.A.

Ingredients:  Aqua (Purified Water) With Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis) (Certified Organic), Nettle (Urtica Dioica) (Certified Organic) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil (Certified Organic), Birch Leaf (Butela Alba) Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilus Flower) Oil (Certified Organic), Clary (Salvia Sclarea) (Certified Organic), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) (Certified Organic), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara) (Certified Organic), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, (Certified Organic), Mallow (Malva Sylvestris) (Certified Organic), Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil (Certified Organic), Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja) (Certified Organic), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived).

Cost:  3 Pack of 8.5oz $23.97 @Amazon.com or 33.5oz pump bottle for 12.99 at your local Marshall's store

My Thoughts:  Loves It!!! I had no intention of trying this product, but during a recent visit to my local Marshall's department store I stumbled upon the beauty section and could not resist.  I was sad to see that they were out Bed Head Moisture Maniac (they always are, that stuff goes quick), so I started to look at some other products that I'm not to familiar with.  They had EO, Chi, Biosilk and a whole bunch of other stuff.  My eyes zoomed right in on the Giovanni stand.  After reading the product label over I was like "Eh, I guess I'll give it a try", but after looking at the price tag that read "$12.99 compared price $24.49" I was like "Oh yes ma'am I will be trying this".  Rushed home could not wait to try it out.

The consistency of this conditioner is on the thin side, which is usually a negative in my hair.  However, it still provided me with a ton of slip, I did not have a problem getting my Denman or Jilbere shower comb through my hair.  I decided instead of washing it out immediately I'd leave it in overnight, covered with a plastic cap, and wash out in the morning.  My hair was due for its weekly deep condition anyway.  After rinsing it out the next day my hair felt moisturized and smooth.  My hair smelled fresh and clean, not like it had been soaked in an over powering fragrance like some other conditioners.

Overall it was a great buy but, I would only repurchase it from Marshall's.  It's a recession boo :-)

WARNING:  If you have not taking the proper medication to treat PJS, Product Junkie Syndrome, please do not attempt to visit the beauty section of your local Marshall's store.  Rashes, dizziness and fatal trauma to the wallet are just some of the side effects being reported.  Don't be a victim, take your meds.  May the force be with you!

KKQ

As a model, you constantly have to change your look for shows and various photo shoots, that can be quite damaging to your hair.  How do you keep

I've been on a journey of self discovery for so many years, and I think I'm finally coming into my own.  I'm not an insecure as I was once, and the things that I thought mattered don't mean much to me anymore.  Who cares if my hair is nappy or I have all these freckles on my face.  I can accept and appreciate me for me.  I walk with my head up high, but I remain humble and thankful for all my blessings.

Blog: Model Liberation

Agency: Grace Model Management

Taking the twists down was a breeze, so much easier than taking braids out.  I worked on each twist slowly with my fingers, carefully separating the hair and working through tangles.  If I came across a knot or if the hair was just too tangled to get with my fingers, I left it alone.  Trying to pull out knots on dry hair can be a frustrating and damaging ordeal.  Its best to tackle them once the hair is wet and soaked with conditioner.

After all the twists were out, I placed my hair into two ponytails, one on each side.  Hopped in the shower and began to rinse one section at a time.  Shampoo'ed with Elucence Moisture Benefits, focusing on the scalp and letting the suds cleanse the length of my hair.  I then loaded each section of hair with Suave Pro Sleek Conditioner (cheap and gives great slip) and then pinned the hair back up to let the conditioner set for 5 minutes or so.  This step allows the hair to soften and become more manageable, it makes the de-tangling process much easier.  Once my other shower duties are complete, I began the finger combing process.  The two sections are broken down into six smaller sections each (12 sections all together).  I saturated each of the twelve sections  with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus, gently finger combed and braided the hair to keep it from tangling anymore.  Covered my hair with a plastic cap and went to sleep.

In the morning my hair was soft and slippery, perfect condition for detangling.  One section at a time, I carefully went through with my Denman brush.  Starting from the ends and slowly working my way up to the roots.  Rinsed and then repeated until my hair was tangle free. 

When the entire process was done I was too tired to really style my hair and I didn't have plans so a Wash & Go, using the conditioner only method, was what I did.  With a little EVOO underneath I raked a small amount of Suave Pro Sleek Conditioner throughout  and let it air dry.  Midway trough the drying process I got bored and pulled my hair into a puff.

Grab a pen and paper and get ready to soak in what Kimmay is bringing.  Lots of great information in this video below, I had to watch it twice...Enjoy ;-)

For more videos check out her YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube ...Don't forget to Subscribe!

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural in June of 2007, so it's been about two years and some change (it definitely feels longer).  As far as why I went natural, it wasn't a profound realization of the beauty of natural hair at first.  I was starting college and I realized that no one would be be there to keep up with my hair, and I was never really attached to my hair to begin with.  I was the one who begged my mother to cut it, and she had a much harder time with it than I did.  My plan was to transition for a year, but I only made it about 5 months before I got sick of my permed ends.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

My mom was the only one in REAL protest.  She had a hard time letting go of my hair because it wasn't like my permed hair was unhealthy, I took good care of it and it grew well.  But I was ready for a change and I needed to save money.  The more I found out about natural hair, the stronger my attraction to it became.  Overall everyone was very supportive of my decision, which made it so much easier.  When I first BC'd I got a couple of looks and snide remarks from many black people.  Unfortunately, the craziest times were when I had to explain to other black people that the hair that grew out of my scalp wasn't naturally straight.  But I was able to ignore it and move forward.  I was finding a strength in being natural that distiguished me from many other people around me.

What is current hair routine?

LOL..This question can't be answered straight.  My routine changes depending on my wallet and my mood.  I go through moments of product junkyism....

My first routine is the one found on TightlyCurly.com, which is the conditioner only method.  I can say this is mainly my summer routine..pretty much its leaving in a heavy conditioner, like herbal essences ( the color treated one is my FAVE, the smell is to die for!!), and using my trusty Denman brush to define my curls as I de-tangle.  I can't remember the last time I used a comb.  Many people complain that the Denman takes a lot of hair out, and my trick was removing three rows of bristles.  It gave me the same results with none of that "snap-crackle-pop", if you've ever used a Denman on 4a/4b hair then you know what I mean...lol.  After de-tangling the hair I twist it , then let it out the next day.  I sleep with a satin bonnet, and I'll do it all over again 2 days later.

My second routine, mainly for the winter, is kind of the same except I use an all natural conditioner (which I rinse unlike the first routine) and a leave-in conditioner.  My main products are the Aubrey Organics line and the leave-in I swear by is Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner.  I use the Direct Leave-in to twist and I usually leave my twists in for the whole week, sometimes two weeks and have a fly twist-out by the end of that.  I really stress my hair in the summer with a lot of manipulation because of the frequent washing (sweat + natural hair = gross).

I'd say overall my 3 main rules for hair care are:

No Shampoo - No Heat - Condition, Condition, Condition!!

And my secret weapon is Coconut Oil!

What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?

 You know its funny because I used to be obsessed with with length in my early stages.  I would look at those with length ("hangage"), and wonder when I would get there.  I definitely went through my stages of curl envy.  I've realized along with embracing my 4a/4b hair that length is not really something I care to entertain.  I actually am very tempted to cut my hair again, but I going to wait and see how big this bad girl can get :-)

I actually think I have reached my hair goals, which were to have beautiful, full, thick, healthy hair.  I'd say my next goal is to stay healthy while coloring, because while I was a permie and in more recent months I've frequently experimented with color (with good and bad results) and I miss that.  I've been patient waiting for a new color but I think the time is right, so you'll have to visit my Fotki soon to see my new one.

How do you protect your hair in cold and warm weather?

In both warm and cold weather, twists are my haven.  I have been able to find cute up-dos and styling aides with twists that for the summer keep me cool and gives my hair a break.  For the winter twists protect my fro from the frigid temperatures.  I use to swear by braid outs, but I realized twists are what my hair really loves.

What is your definition of "Good Hair" ?

I hope you got your tissues ready, be prepared to drool..lol

Agency: Sutherland Models

Source: ModelWire.com

Last week was my final week with my twists. I moisturized my ends and massaged my scalp as usual.  Styling was kept to a minimum, I wore them down or in a loose pony for the most part.  Now I already know some people are going to say that I could have left them in longer or that they still look good.  Which is true but, I know my hair and I know how far to go with my hair.  I plan on twisting my hair up again sometime next week and keeping those in until the end of December.   I was a little busy last week so I didn't have time to take a lot of pictures but, here are a few fun pics I took a day or so prior to taking them down....Enjoy :-)

1. Avoid shampoos that contain sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate.  These chemicals are synthetic detergents that are used in dish-washing liquid and other cleansers.  They are valued because they lather well, but they are very harsh and can dry out your hair.  Instead look for shampoos made with decyl glucose, or decyl glucose, which are much gentler.

2. Give yourself a hot oil treatment to deep condition your hair.  Warm oil penetrates the hair shaft making the hair more flexible and giving more shine.  This can also help to prevent split ends.

3. Eat right and consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements to encourage healthy hair.  Several vitamins and minerals have been shown to help hair growth and condition including biotin, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C and MSM.

4. If you are an African American or if you have extra curly hair avoid brushing your hair.  Use a wide toothed comb, or your fingers to work with your hair.  Brushes can destroy African American or extra curly hair by shearing it out of the scalp.

5. Look for essential oils, herbs and vegetable oils in your hair care products.  Essential oils, such as rosemary, ylang ylang and west indian bay help to stimulate hair growth.  Lavender and tea tree are naturally antiseptic and help to fight dandruff.  Vegetable oils such as soybean oil, safflower oil and corn oil are moisturizing and conditioning to the hair shaft.

6. Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc.  This can lead to hair damage.

7. Massage your scalp to stimulate hair growth.  Massaging helps stimulate hair growth by increasing the blood flow to the scalp.  This nourishes the hair roots and helps to stimulate the growth process.

8. If your ends are damaged, give yourself a trim ever so often to remove damage.

List by Olodade Franklin courtesy of PioneerThinking.com