Naturally Obsessed

A letter from Juanita...

I absolutely love your site.  You have inspired me to go au natural....LOL!!  I literally cried looking at some of the stories on your site.  I have seen how many women embraced being natural and I was always ashamed.  Years after having completely damaged hair I am almost bald and have finally
decided to embrace my natural hair.  My family does not agree with it which makes me scared, but you and your site are truly inspirational. I would just like to thank you. When I finally get the courage (which will be sooner than later) to do the big chop you will definitely see me on your site pictures, smiles, and all!

Wow!! Your very welcome and at the the same time, Thank You!  I don't blog for myself, I blog to inspire other women to love and be confident about themselves.  Your letter just let me know that I'm doing my job and I truly appreciate your support.  Also I would love for you to share your Big Chop/TWA story with us, those are my fav.  Just make sure you take that step when your ready!  Stay Blessed....KKQ :-)

And to all of my readers, subscribers, followers and supporters....

Not much has changed since last week except.... I realized that Shea Butter was making my hair a little too greasy and I'm pretty much out of Bee Mine Curly Butter, so I used BB (Bronner Bros.) Oil Moisturizer with Castor Oil on my ends and it worked out great.  It was very hot and humid this week and that combination made my twists swell.  You really can't tell in the pictures but I can definitely see a difference in size.  This is my first summer wearing tiny twists so I wasn't expecting that, but they still look good so no big deal.  Wasn't really in the picture taken mood this week, but I woke up thursday morning and just started snapping random hair pics so I'd have something to show ya'll lol....enjoy :-)

My roots...

Flat twists and two mini buns...

Big bun and a swoop....Almost forgot to mention, I retwisted a small section on this side, because they were too big and didn't match the other side.  If you compare last week's update to this pic you can see the difference....

One big twist lol....

Big messy bun...It got really hot and picture time was ova lol!!  In my head I was like "they better like these pics, got me in here sweattin!"

Moving on to week 3....

Interview with Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry: Honey Magazine

An Epidemic...Lace Front Wigs: The Fresh Xpress

Nappily Ever After: She's So Flyy

Does My Hair Make Me Black?: Nu Kynk

Six Ways To Bust Your Chocolate Cravings: Texture Playground

What Black Men Think About Black Women Dating Outside Their Race: Clutch Magazine

Dominican Salons Taking Over: Urban Curlz

Mineral Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Naturally Curly

Taking a break from hiting the stage over in Dublin, Rihanna step out on the street in this simple outfit as she greeted fans and snacked on M&M's. Not to look too basic, RiRi adds a fabulous animal printed fanny pack (fashionista's call it a "belt bag") to the mix. I tried to find a cheap replica, but I failed miserably :-( However I love my cheap version and so does my wallet!! Images courtesy of RihannaDaily.com

via MattersOfTrust.org

-Anyone and Everyone: salons, groomers, individuals can sign up to donate hair and fur clippings and nylons for our Oil Spill Booms. Our Excess Access program sign up is FREE, fast and helps us to coordinate the masses of donations.

If you are interested in donating carefully read the instuctions here: http://matteroftrust.org/programs/hairmatsinfo.html

Every little bit helps!

** All New Posts Can Be Found Below!! **

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I did my BC on October 10th 2009 and I transition for around 5 months.  In high school I was always in my stylist's chair faithfully every 2 weeks!  I never missed a perm date and was basically planning things based on my hair appointments!  Horrible right??  But I always wanted curly big poofy hair, so after going on youtube and looking at the millions of videos posted on there about natural hair I decided that I would no longer get perms!  So I go my last perm in March and Then I got a sew in kept that in for 2 months. When I took it out I said to myself "what can I do with my hair"!  I was broke so I couldn't even go to the salon and get a relaxer.  The only decision I had was to go natural!!  Up until October I would do bantu knots in my hair and use flexi rods.  I got tired of doing that and one day I woke up and said "hey let me cut my relaxed hair off.  I went to this cheap salon. and asked them to cut off all my relaxed ends!  I was excited I had about 5 inches of non relaxed hair so I knew that I wouldn't be completely bald!   

I sat in the lady's chair and watched as my hair got cut off. I started to see strands of my natural hair fall onto the floor and I started to freak!  I said don't cut that hair off just the relaxed parts!  She said she was just making it even then I heard the clippers and i just blacked out!!  When I woke up and looked in the mirror I had about 1 inch of hair on my head!  I was like OMG!! what did i do!!  Everyone was giving me complements saying I had the head for short hair... whatever that means.  Eventually I got used to it  and started to like having no hair.  I could just wake up and be out the door!!

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

My friends were very supportive in me going natural! They really encouragedme and told me how beautiful i looked with my hair short!! When i came back home for thanksgiving break  showed my friends and family my new hair and they were shocked! The first thing my mother did was touch my hair and say oh wow its so nappy! and my brother made fun of me saying that i looked like a boy! But besides that i got great reviews from many people.. so even telling me to keep my hair short!

What is your current routine?

I try to keep my routine as simple as I can!  Key word "try".  I just really like trying new things in my hair! I'm a product junkie!  I shampoo my hair once a week with Dr. Bronner'sall in one soap.  It doesn't dry my hair out at all and I have 4b hair.  I deep condition with Yes To Carrots Mudd Masque or I might mix up my own concoction of bananas, honey, and olive oil.  I use Giovanni Direct Leave In conditioner or I'll use some Infusium 23.  Then I two strand twist my hair with raw sheabutter and seal my ends with Castor oil.. my hair love those two things.  However, I'm still experiementing with what works best.  I've never been good at caring for my hair.. so me being natural is helping me alot!

My advice for any new naturals is yay!!  You did it and feel good about yourself!  You are beautiful and soon everyone will be trying to go natural.  If you ever need any encouragement go on the internet and read all these natural hair care websites!  Especially Naturally Obsessed :)  They will lift ur spirits and keep u on track and excited about all the cool stuff you can do to your hair!  Also you'll be SAVIN MADD MONEY!!  No more $50 trips to the salon every 2 weeks!!!

Thank you for sharing, you are gorgeous sis! -KKQ

 

Products Mentioned...

More Infusium 23...

It's been a full week since I finished my twists and they're still looking good.  Every few days I apply Wild Growth Hair Oil to my scalp, not a lot just a little bit.  This oil does not make my hair grow, but it makes my roots really soft  and keeps the frizzes from forming at the crown.  I like to smooth Safi Avocado Shea Butter along my edges to keep them in check and at night  I simply cover with a satin bonnet.  This style couldn't be anymore easier to maintain.

Here's a few flicks of a loose pinup I did yesterday....

♥ Bonus Pic...Me & Niecey Poo being silly ♥

 Have A Great Weekend :-) Peace!

"When one door closes, another door opens, but we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the the one that's opened for us."

I would like to say thanks to you for your fotki and your blog. You've inspired me from my transition and beyond :-) -McGradyLady

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural because I needed a change in my life.  Physically I wanted to lose weight and take better care of my body.  I figured why stop there and decided to start taking better care of my hair.  Plus I was really tired of wearing a wrap hairstyle lol!

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

My BFF was very supportive.  My family had doubts (and expressed those doubts) about whether or not I would actually go natural.  Some of them even took bets on when I would break down and relax my hair. After transitioning for 8 month I BC'd.  They were shocked, but now they are sweating me and my hair lol. Because of fotki pages like yours I was inspired and able to move forward.

What is your current hair routine?

When my hair tells me it needs something I give it. I do deep condition every Sunday.  I also cleanse/shampoo my hair once a month (twice if my hair is feeling icky). Protein treatment once a month as well. Always on a Sunday.

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

Good hair to me is healthy hair.  From root to tip!

To see more from McGradyLady please visit the sites below...

Blog: http://workingoutthekinks.onsugar.com/  Fotki: http://members.fotki.com/Natural-Swagg/about/

Q: Hey, love what your doing with your hair, its so beautiful. The reason why I'm writing is because I need your help to get my hair back healthy again. I have rather long African American hair that goes a little past my shoulders. I perm it every three months, but I want to stop doing that and go natural. I recently dyed my hair black with a box treatment and now my ends are breaking off and looking dry.  I have a good grade of hair but after I dyed it, but its struggling to be healthy again.  I try everything and nothing seems to work . Please help!! -Alexis

A: I had this very problem before I decided to go natural.  My hair was thick and healthy and had a ton of volume and body.  But then I started experimenting with color.  At first I only used rinses to color my hair, but then I started using permanent color and my hair began to fall apart.  The combination of relaxing and dying your hair can be very damaging to your hair.  And if your not properly moisturizing and taking care of your hair, like I was, it makes it worse.  In a nutshell your hair needs a break!  Lay off the perm and dye and nurse your hair back to good health.  Deep conditioning is a must!  I'm not sure how often your doing it, but I suggest DC'ing once a week.  Also you may want to add a protein treatment into your routine as well.  I use the Aubrey Organics GPB  (Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner) every other week when my hair is loose to strengthen my hair.

If you can no longer take the breakage and if your bold enough to Big Chop then go for it.  But if you're scared of the TWA, like I was, you can transition until you feel more comfortable.  I hope this advice helps you and take care :-)

KKQ

**This is an old post that I came across while going through some of my archived posts and I still find it funny.  I also love the message so I thought I share it again.

Funny video I thought I'd share about the "problems" or insecurities that we ALL face with our hair.  We're a lot more a like than you think!!  Enjoy :-)

Thoughts?!?

Who Is Aiyana Jones??: Clutch Magazine 

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding Review: Addicted To All Things Pretty

Butters & Oils Are Not Moisturizing: A Girl Can Mac

Meet Anthony Dickey: Naturally Curly

Bed Head: Mop Top Maven

My Wash & Go: Mane and Chic

Yes, Yes, YAASSSS!!! Janet Jackson was spottted over in London sporting a short ( very short ) new cut.  And I love it!  What do you think?!!?

Sidebar: I'm loving that jacket she's rocking...I think I just got my next "Style Inspiration" post :-)

Images: Daily Mail

I completely forgot to show you guys the final result of my current set of twists.  Everyone keeps how long does it take and the answer is that it's different for everybody.  For some people it takes 8-10 hours, for me it usually takes 2-3  days to complete.  One thing you must know about me is that I can't not sit still for long periods of time.  I start thinking about all the others things that need to get done around the house and I make those things a priority too.  So I'll do a small section, then wash the dishes, do a small section, then focus on my niece, do a small section and start dinner.  That cycle goes on and on...lol!  Also my younger sister went into to labor and delivered her baby the same day as my niecey poo's birthday, May 11th.  I stayed with her in the hospital while she was going through the process, and that to a huge chunk of twisting time away from me, but it was all worth it!  She delivered a beautiful baby girl we call Charlie...I don't know how that name came about but I just go with it..lol!

When I finaly finished twisting this was the result....

♥ Bonus Pic ♥

Video spotted at Essence.com, please click the link to read full story. Please share your thoughts.

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural for the second time in May of 2009.  There wasn't any real reasoning behind the decision, I just couldn't keep any hairstyle for longer than a month and I wanted to try it again.  The first time was back in 2004 and I really didn't know how to take care of my hair then so I gave up.

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

I had only told a few people that I was going natural and they really didn't say anything.  I was already known for switching my hair up so much, I'm sure they just didn't give it any thought.  They were already used to me doing something different on a regular.  However, my supervisor at the time thought I was nuts, she was all about having long luxurious weave!!  She laughed at me when I came into work after my big chop and I had a fade.  It wasn't that deep for me.  My motto courtesy of my Grandmother is "I ain't trying to impress nobody".  I rocked my TWA until it grew to that stage where I had no clue what to do with it so I got Micros until it grew out a few inches longer.

What is your current hair routine? 

I wash my hair at least once every 1-2 weeks and co-wash at least once a week unless I'm doing a protective style.  I try to deep condition at least once a week as well.  I've got dry hair and it needs all of the moisture it can get.  I usually keep it twisted for a few days and then do a twists-out.  This time around I tried my first bantu twists out and I LOVE IT!!!!!  Will be doing those more often ;)

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

I don't really have any hair length goals.  As long as it's healthy I'm good.  I'm liable to decide tomorrow that I want a fade again and get it all cut off.  I just maintain my routine and it stays nice and healthy.  I get a little lazy at times, but since this is the only time in my life that I've actually enjoyed doing my hair, I have no other choice but to keep it healthy and strong.

What are your favorite hair products?

I'm a self proclaimed product junkie!!!  I have so much stuff.  But I honestly only use Suave conditioner for my co-washes, I deep condition with Roots of Nature's Shea Butter Green Tea Deep Treatment and shampoo with my own Castile soap mixed with olive oil and essential oils mix.  For my twists I use another of my own mix Cocoa cream which is just cocoa butter, mango butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil.  I also like Oyin Handmade products.  Frank Juice all day!!!

What is your definition of "Good Hair"?

Good hair is happy hair.  And hair is happy when it's healthy. 

Head on over to Naturally Curly.com to take part in their 2nd annual Best of the Best Survey.  Your input and suggestions really make a difference in what they choose to sell in CurlMart, which is an on-line store dedicated to all types of curly girls.  Those who participate are also eligible for a $100 gift certificate!!  So click the image to take the survey and let your product junkie freak flag fly!

Just a quick video to show you how simple these twists are. All you need is plenty of time and the motivation to do it...that is all!  I'll post more pictures soon. 

This video is dedicated to those of you who still don't believe that I do my hair myself, with my own hands....LMBO! You guys are hilarious :-)

"Natural hair, whether it is a true statement or not, will always scream I have accepted me and I am willing to share my true self."

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I went natural my senior year in high school. I had an up and down relationship with my relaxed hair. When I was 13 all of my hair broke off from a relaxer and my mom had to cut it all off. I got box braids for about 2 years and my hair grew out really long. Then I got it relaxed again and it was still growing and healthy. On a whim I got that Rihanna hair cut and my family thought I was crazy for cutting off all that long hair LOL!! But one day I started researching growing in edges. My edges have always been bald. I developed traction alopecia at around 7 years old, which was also the age of my first relaxer...rolls eyes lol! That's when I learned about going natural and i asked myself why I never considered natural hair as a viable hair option.

I started transitioning around January and cut it all of in April. I guess that means that I've been natural for a year, but I don't really count it because I didn't know what the heck I was doing in the beginning and my hair didn't grow that much. Plus I kept trimming for no reason..smh!!

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

My mother was very supportive. She has crazy hair whims. Long permed hair one year, a short cut, a fade the next and now she's bald!! I think she wants dreads next :-) SHe supported me, but my family was a little hesitant mainly because they saw how long and healthy my permed hair had become. Now they are fine with it.

What is your current hair routine?

I DC weekly with various conditioners , sometimes witth coconut milk and honey, I haven't found a staple yet. I always mix my conditioners with olive oil, coconut oil or honey. I then do a twist out with a leave in like Suave Tropical Coconut or Oyin Handmade Conditioner. And I seal with Fleurzty's Curls Nurture Cream. I do wash and go's every now and then with Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Knot Today.

I usually wash at the end of the week or I'll do a baking soda treatment or Bentonite Clay treatment. I wash with diluted castile soap or diluted Kinky Kurly Come Clean.

SideNote: Am I the only one who doesn't seem to to like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Yes To Carrots or Giovanni ?!?

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

I want big VOLUMINOUS natural hair!! I want to be very versatile with my hair. Doing twist outs, wash and go's, roller sets and curl formers...the options are endless. I don't really have a length goal in mind, but stretched MBL or so would be fine.

Now I'm taking great care of my hair with DC's and such. I now know that my ends have to be stretched and moisturized at all times to get maximum growth. I plan on getting yarn braids in a week or so to proect my hair from my hand- in-hair disease...lol!!

How has your perception of beauty changed since going natural?

Honestly, I've always thought natural hair was pretty, I just never thought that it was "right" for me. I then realized something that my friend told me, natural hair is right for everyone and it looks good on everyone. God made us this way and he knows what he's doing, he makes no mistakes!!

But I used to be someone who would say stuff like "Asians have the best hair" or " Latinas have the best hair". Now I realize that Black hair is amazing! Our hair is diverse, unique and versatile. I love our hair!

Gorgeous girl Althea and I love your attitude, thank you for sharing.....Oh and mama is fierce with her cut :-) - KKQ

Click the image to see what advice the fierce curly head "Mop Top Maven" has to offer transitioners...Enjoy!

I started this set of Tiny Twists on Friday evening on a brushed out braid and curl using only Unrefined Shea Butter to twist.  I barely touched my head on Saturday due to some mind blowing cramps...gosh I hate being a girl...just kidding lol!  I plan on finishing up my whole head after church  today, but here a few pics until then.