Naturally Obsessed

Check out these cool links from around the web!!

Embracing Shrinkage: It's Just Hair

Finally Defined: Naturally Kinkerbelle

Am I Black Enough For You: Clutch Magazine

Give Me That Hair: Mop Top Maven

Experiments In Acrylic: Passion Fruit

The Do's & Don'ts of Self Publishing with Tia Donaldson: The Indiestry

Bored with a 5 day old braid out and not up to co-washing my massive bush, I decided to throw in some two strand twists.  In small sections I spritz some Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries, smoothed on a little Bee Mine Curly Butter and twirled my ends with a dab of Castor Oil.  Armed with a few bobby pins that I was able to find (ever since I've had my niece all my bobby pins have disappeared) I threw my twists into an updo.  An after a 4 days of the pin up a fluffy twist out was born.  It wasn't super defined because I didn't use much product, but it was very soft and smelled like fruity candy ♥

Side note: I think the Cassia has lightened parts of my hair a light brown color. You can see it in the last picture. I'll try to get a pic in the sun so you guys can see it better...

No there is no fro or curls in these shots, but Liya is working it out in these pics and I just had to post them.  Fab!!

Images: TheYBF.com

Last week and after many days of not so good weather, I woke up with the sun beaming through my window.  I am so not a morning person and usually have a stank attitude if you wake me up too early, but that day was different.  I felt rested, energized and blessed that I was able to wake up and see the sun.  With my camera phone beside me, I had to snaps some pics...Enjoy ♥

And of course my niecey poo had to jump in...I LOVE this girl ♥

"Natural hair is a glorious movement, rapidly spreading like a sunrise. Now that it's daylight there is no excuse not to be apart of it. "

Keep It Soft & Pretty!

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural in October of 2008.  The decision happened at the same time that I was applying my last relaxer ( it was to late to turn back at this point, the relaxer was already on my hair and I wasn't ready to shave ALL my hair off at that time).  There are many reasons why iI chose to go natural.  I went natural because I was insecure about my thin, never really growing relaxed hair.  While relaxed my hair had never grew past the hunch in my back, so I realized that the relaxer was doing no good to my hair.  I already knew how to style natural hair so that wasn't an issue.  The reason that really topped off why I I made the decision to stop relaxing my hair is a statement from a man that I worked with.  He said "I don't understand why women relax their hair and then put a weave on top of it".  That statement completely opened my eyes ♥

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

My friends were not supportive, especially my boyfriend since he was used to dating women of other ethnicity's.  I was able to move forward because I had faith that my hair would be healthier and fierce.  Plus it was growing like grass..lol!  My family loved the idea of me having natural hair, they even loved how it looked on me.  Once my hair started to grow and the health and shine of my hair started to show my friends began flirting around the decision to go natural themselves.  I am proud to say that one of my friends has gone natural and another is contemplating it...Yay!!

What is your current hair routine?

I co-wash every other day or if I worked out hard that day I will co-wash that day.  I use Herbal Essence Hello Hydration mixed with olive oil, unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil for a deep treatment.  I leave this mixture in for an hour and then rinse, my hair loves this!!  My style for now, since my hair is only 4-5 inches long, is a puff slicked back with Clear Eco-Styler gel.

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

By April of 2011, I want my hair to be at APL (armpit length)and I want to inspire other women to go natural.  The steps I'm taking are as follows...

I will be using olive oil and coconut oil as a leave in.
I will wear kinky twist most of this year (at least 6 months out of this year) as a protective style.
I will pray.
I will massage my scalp 2x a week which stimulates the hair root and promotes growth.

I will take a Biotin supplement of 3000mcg once a day.
I will use a growth oil (such as BlackOnyx77's growth oil).
I will workout 5 days a week.
I will drink a gallon of water 7 days a week.
I will embrace and be proud of my natural hair no matter what others think.
I will take the time to style my hair and show others that natural hair is versatile and beautiful!

What is your definition of "Good Hair"?

Good hair is hair that is healthy whether relaxed or natural.  Good hair is also hair that captures and maintains moisture, hair that is not breaking at the slightest comb through or pull.  Lastly, good hair is good habits put forth toward the maintenance and styling of hair, which prevents bad hair.

Get the Rachel Roy look on a Macy's budget :-)

Here's an interesting blog I found, written by Lynn Drake MD, that breaks down the affects that stress can have on your hair.  Below is a short excerpt of the article...

When the body and our heath is negatively affected (trauma, pregnancy, emotional stress, major illness) your hair no longer has priority for your health maintenance.  It's as if your body is saying, "I've got bigger problems to worry about and take care of, I don't need to worry about hair growth right now." 

Your body's built-in self healing "process" considers your other problems so important, that it concentrates on those problem and ignores your hair.  Severe mental stress can have this affect as your body and mind tries to deal with your emotional issues. This process, known as telogen effluvium, occurs when more hairs go into a "resting phase" and are shed.  Telogen Effluvium is characterized by sudden, diffuse hair loss caused by an interruption in the normal hair growth cycle. This interruption is often the result of trauma, such as chemotherapy, childbirth, major surgery, severe stress, and severe chronic illness. This trauma causes large numbers of hair follicles to enter a stage of telogen, or rest, simultaneously.

The telogen phase can last 6 to 12 weeks (and much longer if left untreated) and affects women much more then men.

To read the full article please click here.

Source: HairLossLibrary.com

Not Really...LOL!  The flash on a camera can be a deceiving little monster.  Now yes in person there is a nice sheen to my hair, but its nowhere near the high shine that is sometimes seen in my pics.  Here's a some flash-less pics of a wash & go I did a few weeks ago below...

**My favorite products to add shine are: Coconut Oil, Evoo and Castor Oil...A little goes a long way**

The curly haired model is working it!! Ugh, I can't wait for summer....

Well these YouTube channels might be able to help you!  Like I've said many times before, loving and appreciating our natural hair starts at home.  Our little girls look up to us and its our job to let them know that they are beautiful...AS IS!!

 Beads, Braids & Beyond

The Rave Review

AFRICAN EXPORT 

My Curly Baby

If you like what you see make sure you subscribe and support these women. The direct links to all the channels are placed above the videos. If you know of any other Youtube channels or blogs dedicated to natural hair kids please leave a link in the comment section below :-)

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I always wanted to go natural, but I finally got up the courage to BC on January 19, 2010.

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

My mom was mortified!  Even though I have had short hair before it was always relaxed...but she is coming around.  Especially when I show her blogs like Naturally Obsessed :)   My friends could not believe that I actually went through with the BC beacuse I always said I would transition for at least a year.  I tried that twice and it never worked.  So this time I just went out on a whim and did it :)  Honestly, people at my job are acting a little funny...I really couldn't care less.  My fellow natural co worker came over after work and we cut it all off.  I had brown/blonde highlighted shoulder length relaxed hair and it was shocking at first but I loved it as soon as we were done ♥

What is you current hair routine?

Right now I am wearing a sew in to give my hair a break.  I always took good care of my hair even when it was relaxed, but now I co- wash with Trader Joes or Aubrey Organics.  I really love deep conditioners now and I'm totally into any and everything organic ...

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

I just want healthy hair, I know it sounds cliche, but it's true :)  I'm drinking lots of water and taking vitamins and educating myself on sites such as this!  Youtube is a godsend ...

How has your perception of beauty change since going natural?

Before I always measured my beauty by my hair, no matter what I did my hair just wasn't good enough.  Now, it's more than ok to just be "me" the way God made me!!  In my opinion, that is where true beauty lies.

What advice would you give to a new natural?

Black is Beautiful!!  Educate yourself and know that natural hair requires alot of work, but it is well worth it.  Truly loving ourselves requires that we respect and pay homage to our culture on a daily basis.  Your hair is your crown and glory Queens!!!

"Gorgeous"

Cute stuff, cheap price!!

Sorry guys for the delay in postings, I've just been a bit busy with family and school. No need to panic though more posts are on the way!  Until then check out these pics of a fab braid out turned up do :-)

They're more than just push up bras and sexy undies!!

When and why did you decide to go natural?

This is actually my second time going natural.  First time I did it back in 2001 for convenience.  I was on a weight loss mission and was tired of having to worry about my hair so I cut it myself.  I would stay a TWA if it wasn't for my own curiosity.  Knowing that my hair grew pretty long permed I figure it should grown even longer and stronger naturally.  I decided to go back to perms after I had my twins because I didn't have a clue how to care for my hair in the in between TWA and "Stylable" stage.  I gave up. (Man!!!  Why didn't I back away from that perm, I can only imagine how my hair would look now!!!) My last BC was 11 12 09.  This time I was truly tired of the perming routine, the breakage.  I live in a small town and would literally have to drive an hour and a half to a beautician.  This was just not Furlough Friendly (I'm a California State employee).  I also remember how I felt many times running my fingers through my roots and wondering what my hair was really like.  I don't regret making the decision.  This time I found a whole on-line community to answer just about every question I had!

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

As far as reactions, many were shocked that I did it because there was very little discussion prior.  I have to admit that hearing people tell me, "You have a good face for short hair", or "You look good in short hair", did a lot to ease me into my new lifestyle.  Cause it is a new life.  One of freedom!!  Now one of my twins (7 years old), took one look at me when I stepped out of the bathroom and said, "I'm gonna cry, you look like a boy".  After thinking of how I spent many years putting others feelings and needs ahead of my own, I looked at him, smiled and said, "You'll get over it!", went back in the bathroom, closed the door and smiled at my beautiful self in the mirror.  I was more than ready!!!!  I think it's a great way for them to be more comfortable with kinky/curly hairstyles. 

What is current hair routine?

Currently my hair routine consists of moisture, moisture, moisture.  I have actually cut my hair twice since the initial BC in 11/09.  The reason being I was so anxious to "Divafy" my hair I put a color in it the same day I BC'd.  Didn't take me long to realize I practically sealed my freshly cut hair with more chemicals.  It started to feel dry within days.  Not that there's anything wrong with color but I felt I didn't even give myself time to know who I really was naked.  I cut it with a pair of clippers using the 3/8" safety.  I love the way my freshly buzzed head feels.  But now I'm in it for the long haul.  My hair loves fresh aloe juice/gel.  It sucks it right up.  I'll do that in the evenings when I feel the winter air has been hard on it.  I love my olive oil.  I'm still trying to find my way.  My main issue is moisture since my hair tends to suck up moisture quickly that's why I've named my mane SAHARA!!  LOL  She has a mind of her own ♥

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

My goals are long, strong, healthy hair.  I want my crown to look as beautiful as yours KKQ!  The steps I take to achieve these are to constantly pay attention to what my hair is telling me.  Before I just kind of expected it to take care of itself I didn't really do any extras.  These days I'm always looking for a reason to give my hair some kind of pampering.  One of my favorite things to do is, when I'm on the computer or doing house chores, just take my water spritz bottle and totally drench my hair with water and let it air dry.  It loves it.  I always have some type of leave in conditioner/moisturizer.  I love African Royale braid spray (has loads of herbs in it, smells sweet and keeps hair soft, moisturizes without greasy feeling), Aveeno and Infusium 23 leave in conditioners are my current staples.  These are subject to change as I try to adopt a more chemical free regimen.  I'm anxious to get some fresh avocado in my hair and see what those oils do to it!!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

My perception of beauty hasn't really changed since going natural because I've always admired women who were real, and were comfortable with their unaltered selves.  That in itself is a beautiful thing.  Before a natural woman opens her mouth, her style speaks volumes.  What's changing is my reception of others perception.  I'm no longer allowing myself to be angered by the labels such as good hair or bad hair.  When a person reduces others to labels and stereotypes, they are actually telling you, that they themselves have fears of how others perceive them.  Unfortunately this was probably behavior learned growning up.  I've always told my 3 boys, 1 16-year-old, I don't care who you bring home to meet me, just make sure you're with them for the right reasons.  'Right' meaning, you like her person, what she stands for as a whole.  Not the arm candy element.  That should just be icing on the cake!

What advice would you give to a new natural?

The advice that I would give to a new natural is know EXACTLY why you're going natural and make sure you have that confirmation inside you that says I'm in this for the long haul NO MATTER WHAT!!!    Karla♥

To learn more about Karla's journey please click the links below!!

members.fotki.com/KayLaLaGODsDiVa

www.KatwalKatharsis.blogspot.com

**Simply Gorgeous**

When and why did you decide to go natural?

January 6th or 7th of 2010.  I had never liked perms in general and hated getting them, but I didn't know what else to since I wasn't taking care of my hair.  It would usually get to be to much for me to handle, so I would get a perm whenever I couldn't take it.  That was usually a year at a time, I rarely got a perm more than once a year because I couldn't stand the burns.  What perms did to my hair and how it thinned and basically took away the versatility of my natural hair.  I didn't know what else to do, I saw perms as a way to make my life a little easier.

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

My mom and one of brothers were, my other one doesn't care, but one of my brother's will hate it when I cut it, or when it's naturally out in fro. He finds it to be nappy in a big fro, but that only makes me want to do it, because I don't care what he thinks!

What is current hair routine?

So far, co-wash weekly, detangle weekly, moisturize daily or every other day depending on the weather, deep condition every two months after I cleanse my hair, but that's about it for now. I plan to shampoo once a month, but have yet to find a shampoo I like. I only just becoming conscious of the ingredients they put in my hair last week, so I don't really have a favorite product line yet and I made a lot of mistakes. Unfortunately I'll have to use products that have stuff that I don't like because I ran out of money, but I hope to get the products I want soon.

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

I want to get to where I'm use to styling my hair and find some appropriate products for it. I want it to be softer, stronger, and thicker than it every was. Length is secondary. I'm keeping it moist, detangled, and conditioned to keep it in tip top shape, and I'm always looking for new products to try out, but money holds me back so far

 What are your favorite hair products? What are your least favorite?

The ones aimed at natural hair and use little or no chemicals, lots of natural products, and are inexpensive. I hate expensive products that have ingredients that are damaging to my hair and usually avoid.

What is your definition of "Good Hair" ?

My hair. My hair is good the way God made it. It's thick, big, durable, forgiving (because I don't know what I'm doing a lot), and loving, plus it's what God gave me so it's got to be the best. It lost some of it's good qualities when I permed it, but I'll get it back to it's original shape asap and take way better care of it then I ever did.

These pics were taken of singer Jill Scott working the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards this past Saturday.  Of course I was tweeting while I watched and read a lot of mixed opinions on Jill's new hair do.  So I have to ask do you Hate It or Love It?!!?

Images: GettyImages.com

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