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A scalp massage at a spa will cost anywhere from $30-$70 dollars for 30 minutes, but you can enjoy one for free in the comfort of your own home! All you need are just two ingredients from the kitchen and these easy tips.
Why a scalp massage?
Stimulating the scalp with a massage increases blood circulation in turn promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. There are so many pressure points in the head and neck that massaging this area will also relieve tension and stress.
Some studies also claim that a scalp massage can even increase endorphins and serotonin levels!
What you’ll need: Oil
Oil acts as a conditioner that prevents dandruff. Warming the oil is optional, but not necessary since the oil will melt against your scalp’s body heat. Great options for oil include:
Or try an exfoliating sugar paste
The use of a little organic sugar while massaging exfoliates your scalp, removing excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells while helping to improve cell circulation.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of organic brown sugar
- >3 drops of an essential oil
When should I massage?
Massage before you cleanse, this is also known as a pre-poo treatment. You can also give yourself a massage the night before you cleanse and leave the oil in overnight by covering it when you sleep and wash it out in the morning for an extra deep conditioning treatment. A scalp massage doesn’t need to be a weekly or monthly treatment, you can give yourself a scalp massage every time you co-wash!
How to give a scalp massage
- Add one teaspoon of oil (add more depending on preference”> in the palms of your hands and rub your hands together.
- Rub your scalp in small circles using all five finger pads.
- Never scratch! Our scalp is skin too, and scratching the surface with your nails can cause damage by disrupting the hair follicles.
Removing oil
Using a good sulfate-free shampoo in the shower should remove any oil from your scalp, I like Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Shampoo.
If you’ve used a heavy oil or too much oil for your massage and it’s left your hair too oily, try applying a baking soda and conditioner mix to your roots and rinse.
Try adding this to your routine to enjoy the many benefits for your scalp — from stimulating growth to relieving stress at the end of the day!
Is a scalp massage a part of your routine?
[prodmod]
You have seen it before.
Two friends in a dressing room at Department Store X trying on their picks from the shopping floor. One friend says, “Hey! I’m ready. Come and see how this looks.” And the other rushes over for a quick dress inspection, followed by a sigh and a proclamation, “It looks great on you! I’m sure it would look nothing like that on me though.” Heck, you might have said it to a friend yourself.
Whether it was at Shoe Store X or Hair Salon X, women compare themselves to anything from the model on the latest cover of that popular magazine or another women walking down the street.
So we compare ourselves–whether it’s clothing, body shape, make-up looks, or hairstyles. We’ve done it for ages or even eons. While some comparison can lead to inspiration and motivation, constant comparisons can chew through our self-image and stifle us from trying anything new. With naturally curly hairstyles gaining popularity, this comparison theory has found a new subject to infest.
Embrace your hair at every stage–style it and explore how versatile your looks can be at your current length.
The solution
The solution sounds simple because it is. The first step to stop comparing yourself. Whether the “experts” say short hair looks best on heart-shaped faces, or long-hair should be parted in the middle, stop comparing yourself in envy. It’s not worth the mental real estate. Chances are, the woman in the picture is staring at a picture of some look she thinks she can’t get. It’s up to you to put a stop to the cycle. Don’t let your pre-determined thoughts fuel the fear of a failed style. You’ll never know until you try! If you see a look you like, try it! Push that fear aside and give a new daring style a try. If it doesn’t turn out the way it looked in your inspiration photo or video, embrace your own version.The options are almost endless when it comes to styling curly hair. Versatility is your friend and even if you witness a failed style, chances are there are several different ways to achieve your desired look. You may even discover a look along the way that you like better!
Embrace Every Stage
Are you frustrated because your desired look requires longer hair? Give it some time. It’s been proven time and time again, anything worth having is worth the wait. I can personally say that I wish I had explored more styles when my hair was shorter, and have even thought about cutting my hair just to get a shorter style. Embrace your hair at every stage–style it and explore how versatile your looks can be at your current length.
At the end of the day, it’s not about getting someone else’s “look”
It’s all about feeling the best you possibly can with your styling choices. Embrace what you think looks best on you and go for it. Imagine a world where we all had the same hairstyle. There would be no room for individuality or uniqueness. The beauty of humanity is that we’re all created uniquely. Experiment and explore your styling options, and embrace the unique character of your curls.
This article was originally published in 2013 and has been revised for grammar and clarity.
1. Start with freshly washed and deep conditioned hair.
This is what my hair looks like damp and completely product-free.
2. Moisturize with a creamy leave-in
I like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie–it has coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil for ultra moisturization. If needed, I will add some water to make sure my product spreads out. I use the Rake & Smooth method with my fingers for even application.
3. Apply a styler
On this particular day, I’m using Orignal Moxie Hold up Defining Serum. I use a total of a quarter size amount to give my curls that silky, clumping formation. Remember, rake and smooth the product for even distribution.
4. Seal with a light oil
I buy my coconut oil, and run it under warm water in my application bottle from Sally Beauty Supply if it solidifies. Occasionally I’ll go through individual pieces and twirl them with my finger to
That’s it! It usually takes me 10 minutes to style this. In my eyes, that definitely qualifies as a wash and go! I saved time by making sure I kept my hair detangled. Then, I preserve my hair in a bonnet overnight.
Watch my full tutorial
Dryness and curly hair just don’t mix! This makes deep conditioning so crucial. A regular and consistent deep conditioning routine is even more crucial when you are caring for colored treated curls.
We are often told how important deep conditioning is to a natural hair routine, but understanding just how important it is could keep us more consistent. Instead of looking at deep conditioning as a special treatment, especially with color treated hair, we have got to start seeing it as a crucial step in our regimens.
Since recently coloring my hair I’ve been careful to make sure I’m deep conditioning correctly so that I’m not wasting my time. Here’s how.
Preparation Time
You can’t just apply a deep conditioner and expect your curls to be super moisturized. Applying the deep conditioner to clean or freshly co-washed curls is key to getting the results you want. For example, I use a sulfate-free clarifying tea tree shampoo and then detangle with a co-wash. To prevent your color from becoming dull make sure to stay away from harsh stripping ingredients and sulfates! Rinsing out the co-wash thoroughly, 1″> removes all the dirt and environmental elements from your hair, 2″> gives you a clean canvas to apply the deep conditioner.Apply in 2-4 Sections & Rake
One of the common mistakes I see newly returned naturals making is applying product to their hair like they did when they had relaxed hair. For curly hair you’ve got to section and get ALL UP in there. I make sure to section in 2 -4 sections and rake the product through.
Too much? Create a balance!
I always use creamy deep conditioners or hair masques so it easy to use too much. It’s important to create a balance though! If you glob the deep conditioner on, you could be wasting product, which NO ONE wants to do. Focus on coating each strand.
By raking and smoothing (not globing”> the product on you can avoid wasting product and MONEY! Choose a deep conditioner that is specifically for color treated hair. My current favorite is SheaMoisture’s JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque.
Crack the Code
The secret to getting a good deep conditioning treatment is making sure the conditioner goes deep! To do this the cuticle, which is the outer most coat on the hair shaft, should be opened. Placing a plastic cap or bag over your head after applying the deep conditioner in a steamy shower, or even sit under a hooded dryer with a heat safe cap on for a while. By doing this you’ll open those cuticles right on up! I’ve almost doubled my deep conditioning frequency and time now that my hair is colored. 3-4 times a month and for about an hour. Do what works for you and your schedule!
The Colder the Better? Actually, yes!
Now that the hair’s cuticles are opened you want each strand to grab onto all the yummy deep conditioned goodness! To do this you’ll need to rinse with cold water to seal and close the hair cuticle.Previous to coloring my hair I would use cool water, but I have noticed a difference with colder water. If you wash your hair in the shower and don’t want to end your shower with a freeze, try getting a handheld shower head that you can use to point and rinse.
[prodmod]Are you thinking about coloring your hair? Let me know what questions you have about the change! Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow my blog- The KG Lifestyle for more beauty, hair, and fashion inspiration!
I’ve got to be honest with you all though.
Getting your hair colored means that you have to be even more serious about keeping your kinky/coily/curly hair moisturized. The questions I get the most now that I have colored hair are: “Have you noticed a difference in your curl pattern or texture?” or “Have you noticed that your hair is brittle/dry?” The answer to both of those questions is: NOPE!
Firstly, my hair took a very long time to move (for the color to lift”> so I wasn’t worried about curl pattern changes. Plus I trusted that my stylist would maintain the integrity of my hair. In fact you can see the entire recap here. Secondly, with no curl pattern changes my hair needs the same tender loving care it received before…but 4 times more! I knew this going into this process so I haven’t experienced dry or brittle hair. To find out how I’m combating the “symptoms” that seem to plague many of the curly girls who go brighter, check out my new hair care routine.
Moisturize Daily!
This has not changed. I use a water based moisturizer like SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line, or their Curl Enhancing Smoothie from their Coconut & Hibiscus line. I also like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream. I seal the water-based moisturizer (water is the 1st ingredient”> with an oil like coconut, avocado, olive or argan oil. I pat the moisturizer and oil (versus smoothing it”> on my hair twice daily to avoid frizz.Co-wash 2x Weekly
I used to wash my hair once a week, but with the weather getting colder and my hair being colored I’m making time to wash n go twice a week. I use my favorite: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner, but go in with Giovanni’s Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo which is sulfate-free, when I feel like my scalp needs a bit of clarifying.Deep Conditioning
Once a week during one of my twice weekly wash days I go in with my new favorite deep conditioner: SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. It’s awesome! I still use my Target bag to cover and either take a steamy shower or sit under my hooded dryer to really help the masque penetrate the hair shaft. I rinse with cool water until I see only a few bubbles and the water running clear, leaving in a little conditioner.Creamy Leave-Ins
After adding a bit of oil to each section of my freshly washed and conditioned hair to help seal the cuticle, I apply my leave-ins. My leave-in conditioners are just a repeat of the ones I use daily. I like to use a combination of 2 of these 3: SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In, their Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream. These products really keep my hair soft and fluffy all week long! As the weather gets colder I’ll go back to using my Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream.Less Crunch But Great Definition
I stopped using Olive Oil EcoStyler as often because it can be really drying after repeated uses on my hair. Now I like the really “watery” gels that fight humidity and give me medium to strong hold. I have less crunch but great definition when I use Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel and Original Moxie’s Hold Up Defining Serum. I apply them right on top of my creamy leave-ins and it takes a lot less time to smooth it through each section! Not to mention my drying time is HALF of what it was when I used a heavy gel. With these I can always tell when I’ve used too much because my hair will have a little more crunch.Air Dry
The less heat I apply the better when it comes to my colored curly hair. I notice a difference in my hair when I air dry versus diffuse. I also try to air dry because I know I’ll want to use a bit of heat to stretch my roots to achieve my big hair look! [prodmod]
Final thoughts
So far so good with this routine! It just takes a little extra attention and consistency when you have colored curly hair. I’m always looking for new ways to have fun with my hair and right now I’m definitely enjoying the journey!
Watch the Video
Watch my video on my haircut and new hair color below.
I cannot live without my iPhone (I work in social media”>, music, Sex and the City re-runs, a pair of Jordan’s, and a good leave-in conditioner.In 2008, after my college stylist explained to me why I didn’t need to relax my hair I decided to “unexpectedly” go on my “natural hair journey” and not relax. I transitioned for a year, trimmed my last bit of relaxer off in 2009 and I’ve never looked back.
Routine and products
I wash my hair weekly and deep condition biweekly. It’s always twisted on blown out hair, I just love the stretched/wild look. Retwisting nightly is a must for me so in the morning I take my twist down, fluff, and go. I can’t live without my Kurlee Belle Banana Nut and Avocado Deep Treatment or Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. These products keep my curls poppin’! At night I retwist with a simple oil and protect my hair with a satin bonnet. O-M-G I am soooo loving my color right now. I maintain by keeping it moisturized on a daily basis as well as deep conditioning every two weeks. Let me not forget my trims every 3 months. You have to keep those ends in tact. Do I get tired of natural hair? Ummm sometimes! I always switch it up with a protective style or more color. I wouldn’t have it any other way, my hair is more healthy than it’s ever been before.I feel your hair is VERY important when it comes to your personal style. Since I’ve been natural I feel more confident when it comes to my personal style. I find myself taking more risks, styling pieces that I’ve never thought about wearing before. My style has become more “funky” and evolved since I’ve been rocking a fro.
I started blogging in 2011.
At first it was all about natural hair and fashion because all the questions I would receive on Facebook were around the two. Now people want to know a little less about my hair and more about me so I’ve switched over to fashion & lifestyle. I still hold down Monday Kinks, where I ask questions or update my audience on products. Hard work, hard work, hard work!Blogging is a job in itself. I try to make sure I stay consistent, provide fresh new content, and give my readers what they want (most of the time, lol”>. Over the years I’ve connected with brands and built strong relationships by networking.
Beyond the blog…
Becoming my own boss and designing my own clothing line has always been a goal. So be on the lookout. My advice to others… It takes time, network your butt off, be yourself, stay organized, and most of all ENJOY the moment!Social Media
Blog: www.melissachanel.com Facebook: https://www.
My name is Nicole, however many know me as Ivycharlaine which is actually my middle name. Ivy came from my late great-grandmother. My parents are Jamaican but I was born in Scotland and raised in New York. I’m a wife, mother, sister and friend and I LOVE every role. I’m a hard core researcher and slightly obsessive with learning everything there is to know about things that I’m interested in. I truly cherish and hang on to every moment I’m blessed with, especially with my son and husband.
I have actually been relaxer free since 2002. I just got tired of my scalp burning during the process. However after that, I became obsessed with keeping my hair super stick straight by flat ironing it every two weeks. I had no clue that my hair was even curly.
I finally decided to return to my natural state in 2009. I had dyed my hair blonde and it was so severely heat and dye damaged, that it started breaking off and felt as crispy and hard as hay.
I was so curious about what my natural hair looked like, that I put down the flat iron, locked it up, threw away the key and ran away from it. The past 5 years have been fun with my hair, I dyed it and cut it several times, but I have learned to love my curls!
My hair routine
I’m all about being low maintenance. I’m a wash n go type of girl. I wash my hair once a week, put in my leave in conditioner/moisturizer and sometimes an oil (depending on the weather/season”> and l just let it air dry.
I have a few staple products that I alternate between depending on the weather. For cleansing I use either SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo or Aussie Moist (for co-washing”>. For a rinse-out conditioner/detangler I use Aussie Moist or SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. For a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer I use either Kinky Curly Knot Today or ShidaNaturals Moisturizing Cream Detangler. Sometimes I use a little bit of coconut oil or almond oil to seal the moisture in if my hair seems really dry. At night, I always either sleep with my hair pulled up in a pineapple and a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. My hair is naturally jet black. However, I have been getting grey hairs since I was in college. So these days I normally use the Clairol Beautiful semi-permanent collection in either dark brown or black.
[prodmod]Surprisingly, I do not get tired of my natural hair! I looooooove my curls, especially when they are in their healthiest state.
What I love most
It’s super important to make it an actual lifestyle and not a temporary change for a short term fix. A lot of people make the mistake of saying “I want to lose weight for the summer or for my wedding” You have to consciously make the decision to simply live a healthy lifestyle–eating clean, exercise, prayer, meditation, having a positive outlook, etc. It can be very hard to commit, but when you do, you will see such a huge difference in your overall self inside and out.
I started making videos on my Ivycharlaine YouTube channel in 2010. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve been truly blessed by all the love and support I’ve received. I don’t know if I consider myself a successful vlogger. I don’t do it for success or fame or recognition. I have shared my life experiences with my viewers from natural hair to pregnancy to being a mom to a son with curly hair. I simply vlog because I love it!
Wow, I love inspiring and motivating others! I recently uploaded a very transparent and open video on my Ivycharlaine YouTube channel talking about why I started vlogging. I truly shared my heart, and the outpouring of love that I received drove me to tears. I couldn’t believe how many women had gone through similar stories as mine. Knowing that I gave them hope and that I lifted their spirits through my story was extremely fulfilling to me.
The sun, moon and stars are the limit. I don’t know what’s next but I’m excited and open to new opportunities.
Beyond YouTube
The sun, moon and stars are the limit. I don’t know what’s next but I’m excited and open to new opportunities. I would love to be on TV or maybe an online show. My passion is motivating and uplifting others, especially women and mothers.
So we’ll see what the future holds. My advice to other vloggers: Just be YOU! Viewers love authenticity. Be as transparent as you are comfortable being. You want viewers to be able to relate to you.
I’m always on the lookout for new business opportunities. I actually started writing a book a few years ago, maybe I’ll put the pen back to the paper. I have a lot of new motivation due to recent life experiences these past few years.Follow me
I’m Jenell B Stewart, a super fun mom, wife, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and let’s not forget a successful influencer. I am the founder of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com and have been featured on many large publications most notably Essence magazine and I was a beauty expert on the Dr. Oz show. I have two adorable children, a husband that I adore and more blessings that one person can even handle. My family came to this country from Liberia, Africa with one goal—Get an education. I fulfilled my family’s dream and got my masters in education. I live in Long Island NY, where I challenge myself on a day to day basis to be great!
My hair care routine
My daily routine consists of pinning my twists up or wrapping my twists up into a head scarf before going to the gym. When I’m ready to get dressed for the day I take my twists down for a twist out and fluff to the GAWDS, take 15 selfies and then go! I have so many favorites products, but my holy grail products would be the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Lotion and the Masque from this collection, the Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner, the As I Am Coconut CoWash, Coconut Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and the EDEN BodyWorks Curl Defining Crème. [prodmod] I retwist my hair back at night and add a little product if my hair is feeling dry. I put on my bonnet and call it a day. Every wash day is like a new love affair. I feel the strength of my hair in my hands as I wash. When Im twisting, I feel the softness of each strand. And during the day I can’t keep my hands out of my hair!
Working full-time, being a mother = prioritizing
- 6:00am wake up, check and reply to emails, reply to comments and questions on social media.
- 7:30am get the kids ready to take my son to daycare. Make breakfast and get myself dressed for gym.
- 8:45 drop off then head to gym.
- 9:00 work out (one of the only times in my day that is dedicated to ME”>
- 10:30 -7:30pm phone meetings, write, edit and review articles, film and edit videos, emails and social media. All while my daughter is home.
I started blogging in 2005 but at that time I wasn’t a hair & beauty blogger. I just talked about all kinds of things. It wasn’t until I did the big chop in March 2010 that I started blogging about my hair journey. I started vlogging on YouTube several months later.
Being a successful blogger consists of…
Hard work, dedication, and consistency. At the time that I started vlogging there weren’t many women with my hair texture and also with short hair vlogging. I filled that void with my easy to follow styling tutorials and by demonstrating how beautiful and simple it was to grow and maintain kinky, curly, and coily natural hair. The more I shared information about my journey in a way that was educational where others could learn from it, the more people watched. My style and personality is what people are really attracted to. I try to put out at least 1-2 YT videos a week. I post on FB, IG and Twitter multiple times a day. And I host and attend lots of events. As a result of all my hard work I’ve been featured in Essence, Black Enterprise.com, VibeVixen.com, SoloDovePR, CurvyMagazine.com, Essence.com, BlackHairMedia.com, RollingOut.com, JuicyMagOnline.com, NewsDay.com, Examiner.com, ModernSalon.com, TribeCalledCurl.com, and CurlyNikki.com. I’ve been featured as a Beauty Expert on the Dr.Oz television show and have participated on various natural hair panels as well as an Audio Telesummit on healthy food options for kids. In 2012 I was named one of Essence’s top Instagramers and that same year my website, KinkyCurlyCoilyMe won an award for “Favorite Website” of the Natural Hair Community. In 2014 I was listed as one of Clutch Magazine’s 20 YT bloggers you need to know. This year I was also nominated for TheRoot.com’s 100 People’s Choice Award. I have partnered and maintained relations with various beauty brand such as Shea Moisture, CURLS, Karen Body Beautiful, Design Essentials, HairFinity, Soft n Free, Nothing But, Alikay Naturals, Jane Carter, Motions and many more!Knowing that every day I inspire another Black woman to fully believe in and accept her natural beauty is the greatest reward. Women from all over the earth are watching me and having revelations about what beauty really is. After years of being told “you aren’t pretty”, “you’re too dark”, “your hair is too nappy” or whichever degrading comments they may have been told, they watch my channel and immediately fall in love.
I actually already do a lot beyond YouTube and blogging.
About 35% of my work consists of hosting and speaking at events. I am a great speaker and love meeting with my audience. I’m currently on a Healthy Living Tour where I am unifying my love of beauty with my desires to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
When you start blogging or vlogging focus on building your audience around topics you can see yourself talking about forever. Because my core audience on YouTube and on Facebook was built around hair and beauty, when I tried to discuss other topics there like my children, my marriage, my health goals etc., my audience wasn’t as interested as I wanted them to be. For that reason I created the JenellBStewart brand to allow me a place where I can talk about ANYTHING. If you visit me on FB, IG, and Twitter all @JenellBStewart, you will see that I talk about anything I want and the audience there is always open to it and engaged around anything I share. So for you all, if you decide to build your audience around hair or beauty be committed to talking about only that forever or do what I did and make a separate outlet, but building two brands is no easy task!
I was nominated for @theroot 100 peoples choice award! Please vote for me, voting ends Oct 10th!
As a mother of two high risk pregnancies, that resulted in me being placed on bed rest, prematurity awareness and prenatal care is extremely important to me. I’m currently raising money for the March of Dimes to support their mission. My goal is to raise $5000. To support me anyone can make a donation of any amount here.
Watch the Video
What is it?
The “Baggy Method” started gaining popularity circa 2012. It was meant to speed up hair growth and maintain as much moisture levels for naturally curly hair.
Nighttime routine (once or twice a week”>
- Moisturize & Seal because by nature, naturally curly, kinky, and coily hair is dry. I like to seal with coconut oil.
- Twist your hair and separate into two big sections.
- Wrap your ends in plastic/sandwich bag. Add the scrunchies on the outside of the ponytail.
What you should know
Do NOT completely cover your head and practice this method every single night. This can lead to fungal infections, as your hair will not be able to breathe at night and bacteria/fungi can start breeding within the bag and your hair.
If you’re wearing a protective style (wigs, weaves, etc.”> make sure you are paying attention to letting your natural hair underneath properly dry.
It is imperative to keep your ends moisturized, as they are the most fragile parts of your mane.
What do you think? Will you be trying this new method for your naturally curly hair? Let me know in the comments!
Here in the NaturallyCurly community we talk a lot about caring for our curls, nurturing them, getting them to shine, bounce and last.
However, it is important not to get too caught up in our hairGASP! Yep, I said it. We are so much more than our hair and sometimes it’s okay to let it go. Shameless Maya demonstrated this last year with the world watching. The curly vlogger selflessly planned to donate her curly hair to Locks of Love.
Well this is a concept Emily, a 3 year old girl in Ontario, Canada, already understands. Emily’s hair may not be naturally curly but we could all learn a lesson or two from her. Earlier this year little Emily decided that she wanted to cut her hair and donate it to kids that were living with cancer and had no hair at all. She recognized that there were some that needed the hair more than she did.
I caught up with Emily and her mom, Amy, to follow up on her adventure and the aftermath of her viral video that has inspired countless around the world.
Watch the video
Why did you decide to have your hair cut?
Who cut your hair?“
Uncle Maffew cut my hair.”What was the best part of cutting your hair?
“Ummm….It was so fun to get a haircut like my Dolly. And my Daddy buys me donuts from the store near Uncle Maffews store.”
Was cutting your hair scary?
“I was a little bit scared (Emily was a bit nervous as she had never had a hair cut”>, but I was brave.” (it really helped that Dolly went first”>
Do you like your new hairstyle?
“I like short hair the best and I like long hair the best. It’s getting long again.”
Is your hair longer than Dolly’s now?
“Yeah. My hair keeps growing, but Dolly’s doesn’t.”
Do you think more people should cut their hair and donate it to kids living with cancer? Why?
“Yeah, because if their hair gets too long they can just give it to someone. “
Since the video went viral, Emily and her family have received emails from people all over the world. Some have written about how much they were encouraged as they are going through cancer themselves, others said a kind word to Emily for being brave and generous, and other mom’s have sent them pictures of their little girls doing the same. Her parents have had the pleasure of showing Emily that what she chose to do has inspired others to give what they can.
Just a reminder ladies that life is so much more grand that the curls on our heads. Personally I’m inspired by Emily’s bravery and courage. Not sure cutting my hair off is in my immediate plan, but I’ve definitely been inspired to keep the message of giving going! Let’s dedicate some time each month to do something nice for those who can’t return the favor.
What do you think about Emily’s decision to cut her hair? Would you ever consider doing the same?
Introduce yourself!
My name is Teesha aka Tee and I’m originally from San Diego but currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I am the Owner and Creator of Reciprocitee as well as the content creator for two YouTube channels- nappturalitee & reciprocitee.How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since 2004. I was in my last semester of college and wanted a break from my hair because I was so busy. After a few months I took my braids out and unexpectedly decided to cut off my relaxer. There wasn’t much thought to it but marked a new chapter in my life.What’s your daily hair routine?
For the most part I (at the very least”> spritz my hair with water. Nothing else is a routine…I go with the flow. I either wear a head wrap, or wear a bun. If I actually had time for my routine the night before, then I’d take out my braids or banded twists in the a.m.What are your favorite products?
Other than coconut oil and Reciprocitee body butter- I love Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner! I don’t really use many products.What’s your nighttime routine?
In an ideal world, I twist and band my hair in sections. If I’m wearing a braid out, I re-braid and moisturize. But since I don’t live in an ideal world- having my pillow bonnet (The WonderKer“> or satin head wrap is a must. [prodmod]
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
On your site you sell handmade natural products. Tell us more about how your natural hair journey sparked this business idea?
My “going back to natural journey” made me progressively interested in what I was eating and putting on my body. I’m learning more and more that being natural is not solely about hair. It’s about self acceptance on all fronts, being balanced, content etc. Our diets, products we use, company we keep etc. ALL have an effect on that. Reciprocitee emerged after this realization. It started off with me experimenting, then became a consistent hobby and now a business.
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
I’ve been asked if I’m fully black…for some reason people believe wholeheartedly that black women can’t grow hair. There is no texture exclusive to any particular mixed or black race. Skin tone isn’t even a factor, so I don’t get it. Despite my race, my hair is afro textured and it grows!When did you start vlogging?
February 2012My desire is to consistently produce relevant content that helps people; not for vanity’s sake but to build self esteem and encourage people to be healthy, live holistically and in turn understand what it means to be #naturallyfine.
photo courtesy of JAS Photo Naturals Campaign
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
I’ve been asked if I’m fully black…for some reason people believe wholeheartedly that black women can’t grow hair. There is no texture exclusive to any particular mixed or black race. Skin tone isn’t even a factor, so I don’t get it. Despite my race, my hair is afro textured and it grows!When did you start vlogging?
February 2012How did you become a successful blogger/vlogger/guru?
I chuckled at this question because I don’t see myself as a successful guru. Even if I gain 100,000 subscribers I’d still find that funny! I give what I can, when I can. My desire is to consistently produce relevant content that helps people; not for vanity’s sake but to build self esteem and encourage people to be healthy, live holistically and in turn understand what it means to be #naturallyfine.What do you like most about vlogging?
I love to receive messages from young girls who found self-esteem after watching videos of mine such as “Dear diary, I am ugly” and “You are enuf.” Those are by far my least “popular” videos but they have made the most impact in ways that matter to me.
What do you want to do beyond your site and YouTube channel?
My focus is to grow my business and expand my services. I’m currently getting my certification as an Ayuervedic health coach and plan on implementing principles into my product making. I would also like to include consultations, teaching etc. to my repertoire. The details will be figured out as I continue my studies. Stay tuned!
Do you have any advice for new bloggers/gurus or business women (what you wish someone had told you?”>
Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
We look up to curly girl Tanesha Awasthi as a leader in the body confidence movement, a female entrepreneur, and an award-winning blogger. She also happens to have a gorgeous head of healthy curls. We sat down to ask Tanesha how she does it all, and sought her advice for aspiring bloggers.
Introduce yourself.
Tanesha Awasthi, curly girl from the SF Bay Area.
How long have you been natural?
My relationship with my curls was a love/hate one for most of my teen and young adult life. At 18 I started straightening with relaxers containing lye, hot combs and flat irons. No one ever saw my hair curly – I would wash and straighten weekly.
Once I discovered the Japanese Thermal Straightener, I got it done against my hair stylist’s advice and I instantly wished I had my curls back.
After getting extensions to repair the damage the treatment had done, I ended up cutting my hair above my ears and starting fresh. As it grew, I cut the treated/damaged hair and never looked back. That was 10 years ago!
What’s your daily hair routine?
I shampoo and condition twice per week and condition every 2-3 days, depending on the weather. If it’s humid or I wear my hair down twice in a row I usually need to wash and condition sooner than 3 days because my curls get super tangled. (I only shampoo once per week because my hair is extremely dry and shampoo removes oils).
What are your favorite products?
Shampoo and Conditioner: Kerastase Nutri Thermique or L’oreal Professional Intense Repair (I use the masques as conditioner instead of the actual conditioner, it’s much more moisturizing).
What’s your nighttime routine?
I wear a loose top knot to sleep, although I know I should be wrapping! I’ve tried wrapping and I just can’t sleep well so I wake up with lots of frizz and flyaways, which I smooth with water and a small amount of gel if I’m not washing that day.
How did you get your hair color (if applicable), and how do you maintain it?
My natural color is very auburn with some gold tones, but I go darker using demi-permanent color in the salon, followed by Sebastian clear cellophane that helps lock in the color and also acts as a conditioning agent.
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
I get bored with my hair often because I feel as if there aren’t many ways to style it, so whenever I get bored I experiment with scarves.
On your blog you inspire women to embrace their curves and explore their personal style. Could you give our readers, who may struggle with accepting their hair any pointers?
It took me many, many years to realize that natural is better – on EVERYONE! If you’re struggling to accept your hair, you should ask yourself why you can’t accept yourself as you are naturally and look at other women rocking their natural locks. Seeing women who have similar hair to yours will encourage you to embrace it!
I love seeing other women with curls similar to mine. When I admire others’ hair, it reminds me how much I should appreciate my own.
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
When my hair is longer, I get tons of questions from people asking if it’s real, and some people even reach out to touch it as they ask! I don’t mind curiosity, but stranger’s touching my hair isn’t something I appreciate. I work hard to keep my hair healthy, so admiration is flattering, but negativity isn’t something I want around me or my hair! The next question I get frequently is what race I am. I always let people guess before I list everything out, haha. No one’s ever gotten it right. My Father is Jamaican, Cuban, Creole, Creek indian. My Mother is Israeli, Russian, German, Irish.
When did you start blogging?
Feb. 2011
How did you become a successful guru?
Well first off, thank you for considering me a guru! I started my blog as a creative outlet aside from my full-time job in tech and it developed into a mission to show women they can be confident, look and feel amazing in their own skin no matter what size.
What do you like most about blogging?
Being able to help my fellow female sisters of the world is the most fulfilling job in the world.
What do you want to do beyond your blog?
Right now I’m finishing my Fall collection! I launched my first piece for Holiday last year, followed by a few more pieces this past Spring and this Fall I’m launching my first collection (available at ShopGirlwithCurves.com).
Do you have any advice for new bloggers?
The best advice I can give is to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion and have your own voice – your blog is yours, so it should be treated as such. Authenticity will take you far!
Any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?
I have a few exciting projects coming up but sadly I can’t share any info just yet!
Check out Tanesha’s blog GirlwithCurves and her designs at ShopGirlwithCurves.
Watch the video
For more video tutorials on curly and natural hair tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel, The KG Lifestyle!
How I achieve my twist-out
- Moisturize. I use water and leave-in cream. You may use a twist cream as well.
- Finger detangle. I start from the bottoms to the root for smooth.
- Twist. Take two sections of your hair and twist them down.
- Twirl. Use your fingers or rollers to twirl the ends. Flat twist the front for more definition and a softer wave.
- Let it dry and untwist. I use coconut oil, scrunch it onto the ends to reduce frizz. Unravel the twists starting from the bottom, working your way up.
2 Easy Pompadour Styles
- STYLE 1: Create a small pompadour with the front twist-out sections of your hair. Cross the ends in the back toward the center of your hair, using bobby pins. I like to dress it up with a broach where the twists meet.
- STYLE 2: Follow the above steps, and then tuck the rest of the hair in back with additional bobby pins for a full updo.
MORE: Curly Girl Rehab For Damaged Hair
Neecie and Elle are the naturalistas behind Natural Hair Daily; the rapidly growing inspirational platform showcasing curly, kinky and coily hairstyles. Residing from London England, the ladies are on a mission to educate women and men worldwide about natural hair care and encourage them to feel confident whilst embracing their natural tresses.
How long have you been natural?
Elle: I’ve been rocking my natural tresses since June 2008. Prior to that I transitioned for 18 months, I wasn’t 100% ready to wear my hair in a shorter style. When I finally decided to chop off the relaxed ends it was such a liberating experience!
Neecie: My last relaxer was in February 2012 and I transitioned for 10 months. In December 2012 I decided to cut off my relaxed ends and this is when I discovered my true natural hair texture. It was the best decision I made and I’m in love with my hair and feeling confident rocking it!
What’s your daily hair routine?
Elle: During the week my hair is either in a bun, puff, twist out or I just wash n’ go. I moisturise daily with water, conditioner and a heavier creamy product. On the weekend I wash, deep condition, style using the LOC method and that’s when I love to get creative with my hair and try out new styles.
Neecie: I have to prep my hair in order to achieve the styles I like to experiment with. So a typical routine would involve unravelling my twist outs / bantu knots in the morning and using a little bit of oil on my finger tips to separate. I avoid using combs and I prefer to use my hands to fluff out my fro. My quick go to styles is a high puff or tapered do. Those styles are easy to work with and can see me through a couple of days when my schedule is hectic.
What are your favorite products?
Elle: I’m a self-confessed product junkie, however I can justify this! My hair prefers different products depending on what time of year it is. At the moment, I love good old water, Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner and the curling cream along with my own whipped shea butter mix that I use all over.
Neecie: I’m open to try new products because it’s exciting to see what each product can do for your tresses whether you’re styling wet or dry hair. My staple products are Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie, Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner, Vatika black seed oil and Eco styler argan oil gel.
What’s your nighttime routine?
Elle: It’s pretty simple – I either use a satin scarf to secure my hair in a pineapple or tuck my satin scarf around my pillow and use a hair band to pineapple my curls.
Neecie: Sometimes I will just tie my head with a scarf. When I want to have more freedom I tie my pillow case with a silk headscarf and just sleep with my fro wild! If I want my hair to turn out dope then I will retwist my hair overnight so the outcome is more defined.
[prodmod]
How did you get your hair color (if applicable”>, and how do you maintain it?
Elle: In February 2013 I took the plunge, chopped off about 12 inches of my hair and got blonde highlights put in by a stylist. It took a while to get used to but I love it! As colour can be quite drying, I make sure I deep condition my hair weekly and moisturise daily.
Neecie: I used a hair colour in ultra violet and for the first couple of months the colour was a deep tone of purple. However it’s now light brown–which I like. I maintain by deep conditioning it or steaming my hair to prevent any breakage.
Do you ever get tired of curly/kinky hair?
Elle: I love my curls and coils but sometimes they refuse to cooperate with me, which can be frustrating. I’m sure you can all relate! However, I never get tired of my hair because it is so versatile and the styling possibilities are endless. If I’m frustrated with my hair I just fall back on one of the styles I’ve done numerous times that I’m confident will turn out ok.
Neecie: Since going natural I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I love how thick and versatile my hair is so I can’t say I’m tired of it. I know every naturalista has a different hair experience but I’m embracing my tresses and all of the challenges that come to light.
On your IG and YouTube channel you inspire women and teach them how to style their hair. What are some of your most cherished lessons learned on your hair journeys so far?
Documenting your journey is key, whether it’s taking photos of your hair to writing down what products you used to achieve a great style. It really helps especially if you’re on a mission to find the styles and products that work well for your tresses.
Experiment and have patience. Sometimes the best hairstyles are achieved when you step out your comfort zone and explore different techniques.
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
We’re excited to announce that we are hosting Natural Hair Week UK 2014 (www.naturalhairweek.com“> in all six cities! The first event will take place in Leeds on 28th June and the last event will be in our hometown London on 2nd August. To say we’re excited is an understatement! We can’t wait to meet as many naturalistas as possible across the UK.
We have more exciting stuff coming up but we’re keeping it on the hush for now. Stay connected with us to find out what we have in store! Instagram: NaturalHairDaily | YouTube: NaturalHairDaily
Yolanda Renee is the fierce naturalista behind the brand, Et Cetera.
Introduce yourself.
A lot of people don’t understand why my brand is ETC BLOG MAG, lol! I’m kinda shying away from the “mag” part of it but I started blogging mainly about fashion, beauty, and celebrity entertainment. I was a blogger and graphic designer for Necole Kane of www.necolebitchie.com and she was my idol! Still is. Lol. So my own blog followed in her footsteps. Other than celeb gossip, fashion & beauty was a main focus as well. So that is why Et Cetera makes sense to me because I covered so many different topics.
However, once I went natural in 2012, natural hair took over my blog and my life! Lol. Now that I’m natural I have been able to branch out and start my very own popular YouTube channel, build relationships with huge brands such as Carol’s Daughter, Entwine Couture, Dark & Lovely, Private Stock Hair & more; I’ve started my own online natural hair inspired clothing line, self published a natural kids coloring book, attend events as a keynote speaker/blogger, and even have my own events!
Overall, I’ve branded myself in the natural hair community who have accepted me with open arms.
I think my curlfriends love me because I am a naturalista but stand out because of my creative approach with everything. Through my journey I not only inspire my curls to love their hair but I also encourage them to apply this lifestyle change to all aspects of life!How long have you been natural (brief natural hair journey”>?
What’s your daily hair routine?
Most probably wouldn’t believe me but my hair is protected most of my life! Lol. As a vlogger/blogger I work at home and spend most of my time designing t-shirts, editing videos, online shopping for my online store, processing/packaging orders, being a Mommy and girlfriend, etc. Whenever I’m at home my hair is in two strand twists, bantu knots or a bun. I say all that to let you know my daily routine doesn’t require much; I just make sure I oil my scalp every night and add moisture as needed. If I do let “Racquel” out to play I simply let down my twists by coating my hands and fingers with virgin coconut oil, shape and style my ‘fro with a hair pick! I keep a goody hair band in my bag just in case my hair gets out of control during the day. A puff always saves the day! I am a firm believer that your regimen should be basic, sticking the basics work! What is most important to have healthy hair to me is sticking to the basics of hair care, eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and exercising! I need to work on exercising! Ha! Genetics take the lead as well. So that is why I don’t really stress over the actual routine or regimen, sticking to the basics is good enough for me, even as a natural hair vlogger! And that is what I try to show through my channel.
What are your favorite products?
What’s your nighttime routine?
How did you get your hair color (if applicable”>, and how do you maintain it?
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
I wouldn’t say I get tired of it but I am definitely a fan of a fierce ‘fro! I love to rock my ‘fro because its beautiful, its different and I am able to show my curlfriends “definition” is not that important! Our hair is so versatile and I love it! I will also throw on a wig with the quickness if I get tired of doing my natural hair. So basically, I never get tired of having curly hair but I sometimes get tired of caring for it. Sometimes a girl needs a break and that is when the ‘fro comes out, a wig, or a turban wrap! Lol. [prodmod]
On your blog and channel you inspire women to achieve their dreams while promoting the beauty of natural hair and self-love. Did you meet any challenges on staying this positive and inspirational while building your brand? How did you overcome them?
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
Oh wow, there are so many! Where do I start!? Lol. Before going natural I use to wear weaves all the time! Once natural, I went through a stage of being so annoyed seeing people rocking curly weaves while I was struggling to grow my ‘fro to those same lengths. I know, its crazy but I did go through that stage and now understand how silly and selfish that was of me. Now that I’ve moved passed that train of thought I find myself getting annoyed by those who still think that way. Does that make sense? I rock weaves or wigs now whenever I need a break from doing my hair or to just protect my hair to try to retain length. I have some that get so annoyed when I tuck my hair away, especially if I rock a long, straight textured wig! My gosh! I’m admitting I use to feel the same way, I got over it and I really wish everyone else would too! We all need a break sometimes and rocking a weave, wig, or straight does not mean you have left the fight to show society that natural beauty is acceptable!
Hair growth in general is a myth in the natural hair community in my opinion! There are some who love to keep their hair short and in tapered styles but a majority of the community want to grow long, thick, healthy hair! I was scrolling through Instagram one day and came across one of my fav natural hair stylists, Jennifer Rose! She keeps it real! And she started a topic about hair growth and retaining length. It was very interesting and she made me realize there is a myth the black people’s hair does not grow like other ethnicities. That is a huge MYTH! I want people to understand that our hair grows at the same rate, approximately 6 inches a year. Those who do not think their hair grows that fast need to understand that retaining that length is what is playing tricks on you! You have to work hard to retain the length to see the 6 inches a year! That is why a healthy hair care regimen, diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of water is so important! And your regimen does not have to be complicated! Sticking the basics works! As long as you wash, condition, deep condition, moisturize, and style your hair properly you should be ok! Another myth that I have started seeing a lot lately, is that most naturals want a curly texture! That is so far from the truth! I have to admit when I first went natural I did crave for a curly hair type! Its a rookie mistake! Lol. But that was apart of my “newly natural stage” and not having a lot of knowledge about my journey. I got over that so quickly! And I think most naturals go through that stage. But seasoned naturals know that you have to organically fall in love with your own unique texture. I’m sure we all get over that stage. A lot of naturals, whether they have a type 3 hair type like Taren or not, like to rock a fierce fro! Taren loves her ‘fro! I love my ‘fro! Curls are not that important! I think a majority of the natural hair community is beyond curls and more focused on hair healthy and retaining length! I wish this myth can be put to rest so there is not a forced divide in the natural hair community! There are so many textures- curly to the kinkiest, and they are all accepted! Be proud of your texture and show it off so we can showcase to the world how proud we are of all textures! I’ve made this a core focus on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/etcblogmag! I posts lots of pictures with all hair types rocking a fierce ‘fro to remind my curlfriends, it is beautiful!
When did you start blogging/vlogging?
I started my blog in 2010 when I was following in the footsteps of my blogger idol Necole Bitchie, however, in 2012 is when I started blogging/vlogging about natural hair. Things happened so fast after that! I’m amazed by the rapid progression! Its a bit overwhelming but I love it! The natural hair community has been so supportive! And I thank God everyday for it! I feel so blessed that my hard work & dedication is being recognized and its people all at the same time!
How did you become a successful blogger/vlogger/guru?
I feel like I’ve been successful by working extremely hard, and never giving up! This applies to everything in life, not just being a blogger. I also stay true to myself because I know that is the one thing that is going to set me apart from the thousands already out here. Branding is very important. too! Your image will help you stand out. The smallest detail is planned out and executed with professionalism when it comes to me. I think people really take notice to those small details. Networking is also important to be successful in the natural hair community! I give myself a lot of props but connecting with other bloggers/vloggers like Necole Kane, Jenell B. Stewart, Curly Nikki Walton, Taren Guy, NaturallyGlam, Jouelzy, and even accepting offers like this interview on Naturally Curly benefits all parties involved. These women have helped me get my brand out there to masses. In a nutshell, work hard, be consistent, network, and have something unique to offer and success will come!
What do you like most about blogging/vlogging?
What do you want to do beyond your blog and YouTube channel?
Do you have any advice for new bloggers/gurus (what you wish someone had told you?”>
My advice is pretty much the same as my view on being successful- be yourself, work hard, be consistent, network, and never give up!
Honesty is also important! Your audience can learn so much about you in videos whether you mean for them to or not! This is of course an extension of being yourself! Your videos should be very honest because they will learn to trust your opinions and content of your channel. That’s a big deal and it should be taken seriously. Just represent yourself well because not only do your subscribers watch but brands watch as well. How you carry yourself on camera will have an affect on who your audience is as well as how your channel will grow by building relationships with blogs, websites, brands and other networks.
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
Absolutely! I am currently on tour, YOLANDA RENEE TAKES YOUR CITY which is a meet & greet tour that myself and Natural Partners in Crime are organizing. We started in NYC in April, which was amazing! Its sponsored by Eden BodyWorks and Carol’s Daughter! Our swag bags were the talk of the town! Lol.
Next up is DC on July 26th at Bar7; its a very chill vibe, music, food, drinks, hair talk, giveaways, prizes, swag bags, and more. I can’t wait for the DMV event, that’s my hometown! You can get your tickets now at http://yrtakesdmv.eventbrite.Follow Yolanda Renee on Instagram here and subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
How long have you been natural (brief natural hair journey”>?
Almost three years – July is my 3rd year NH Anniversary!
What’s your daily hair routine?
I try to keep it simple… I either have it styled in a twist-out, braid-out or wash & go. I do other styles as well but stick to the hairstyles I can actually do! I try not to fight my hair, rather than go against it – I go with it… “Que Sera, Sera.” translation… “What will be, will be.”!!!
What are your favorite products?
As a former product junkie, I’m happy to say that my list is very small as of recently. There is a cliché that goes something like, “less is more”. Well, after trying almost everything under the sun (believe me”>, I came to realize that a lot of the products were unduly hyped. These are the products on which I rely on a daily, weekly & monthly basis:
Trader Joe’s: Nourish Spa | Shampoo & Conditioner, Trader Joe’s: Tea Tree Tingle | Shampoo & Conditioner, Trader Joe’s: Coconut Oil, EcoStyler Gel | Krystal & Olive Oil, Braggs: (ACV”> Apple Cider Vinegar, Lily Of The Desert | Aloe Vera Juice (Whole Leaf”>, CrecePelo | Deep Conditioner (Dominican”>, Random MISC Products When My PJ’ism Kicks In! [prodmod]What’s your nighttime routine?
Chocolate, Anderson Cooper, Channel 4 & 5 news, never, never land LOL! I wish. But my nighttime routine is actually quite simple… depending on the hairstyle, it varies but usually I put in a pineapple along with a bonnet and I’m good to go!
How did you get your hair color (if applicable”>, how do you maintain it?
I haven’t colored my hair as a “Natural” but I’ve thought about it! I DO Henna my hair, which leaves a slight color on my strands, mainly my greys! Ha, ha!
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
To be honest, I occasionally get tired of curly hair when it’s washday. It requires more maintenance and ‘time’ which is taxed as it is due to my hectic schedule. I would LOVE to just simply ‘Wash & Go’ but that is NOT a reality in my curly haired life!!! In addition, I have 4 other curly heads to do besides my own; that in it-self is tiring BUT I’m always down for the challenge!
We love your reviews and the information for Moms on your blog. As a busy Mom of 4 kids how do you make time for caring for your natural hair, let alone blogging and vlogging?
Wow, that’s a great question! *DEEP BREATH* I like to call it ‘controlled chaos’. The reality is that maintaining a disciplined schedule is the key. I wake up early, kiss the hubby goodbye, and then get the kids ready for school. After breakfast, I drop them off at their respective schools and enjoy a brief respite: Starbucks coffee and the morning news. From 9-11am I concentrate on the housework. Then it is my time for business! Between blogging, vlogging, networking, and caring for my hair, the hours fly by. By mid afternoon its time to pick up my kids again, and then back to being an awesome mom.
(If you don’t believe me, just ask my kids… well, maybe, just take my word for it!”>When did you start blogging?
It’s hard to remember definitively, but I think 2011.
How did you become a successful blogger/guru?
It’s funny, but I don’t consider myself to be a guru. Granted, I have had some success, but that can largely be attributed to the many mentors I’ve had along the way. And possibly, that innate stubborn streak (I like to call it work ethic”> that makes people either love or hate me!
What do you like most about blogging?
Great question! What I like most about blogging is the platform my blog provides to reach such a broad based audience. I feel like in life, people all have the same basic needs: we want to be loved, we want to love, we want to matter, and we want to share our experiences. Not quite up to Maslow’s Hierarchy, but close, right? Blogging provides the platform for me to do these things on a national and international level.
What do you want to do beyond your blog?
Wow, another great question that requires bullet points:
- Be the best mom in the world
- Be the best wife in the world
- Be embraced by the ones that matter
- Help those less fortunate than me
- Further my acting career
- And be a good person in general.
Do you have any advice for new natural hair bloggers/gurus (what you wish someone had told you?”>
Become best friends with Curly Nikki! LOL! No really, do! Nikki Walton is an amazing woman… I love her to pieces! Aside from that, be persistent, respect those who have come before you, keep an open mind, and always remain humble. I learn from others every day!
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
There are GREAT things in the works… stay tuned, there’s more to come!!!
How to reach me:
Facebook www.Facebook.com/Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
Tumbleweeds
You know those balls of collected bush and debris in the middle of some desert in nowhere-land? That was my hair after this monstrous winter. Polar Vortex, polar smortex I was NOT feeling it. Literally, I basically ignored my hair this past winter. It’s true what they say you know: “You reap what you sow.” It felt like straw when I touched it and my curls were limp and uncooperative. I couldn’t blame it all on the harsh conditions. I stopped deep conditioning (a BIG no-no”>, stopped moisturizing daily, got lazy and fell into a new “I don’t feel like doing all that, it’s too cold outside to care” phase. Unfortunately for me this was PRECISELY the time to care for my hair. When the conditions outside were as bad as they were in the northeast this winter, natural hair begs to be cared for.
Welp, it happened. The winter is finally over and I looked up expecting my curls to bounce like bunnies in springtime. HA! This is what I got:
To be fair this was a twist out, but you can see how dry, brittle and just plain SAD my hair was two months ago.
The first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem right? So I did. I got it together and starting deep conditioning weekly again, moisturizing my hair nightly and in the morning, if need be as well. I was on it! My hair was looking better and better and then I decided to straighten it. LOL!In my defense, I straightened only after feeling comfortable that my hair was ready for the heat. When I grew tired of straight hair (which was pretty quickly”> I went back to my routine. So here is a guide to what I did to bring my hair back to life.
Chances are if you’ve been neglecting your hair, you’ve also been neglecting your scalp
I used a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to rid of any build-up on my scalp. You should apply the shampoo to a dry scalp to give the shampoo a fighting chance. Rinsing your hair first won’t be as effective.”
After washing and a conditioning…
I used the Purification Masque from Shea Moisture to help to rid of any build up as well. This is one of my favorite products. I applied it to my scalp and roots. Then I grabbed the Anti-Breakage Masque from Shea Moisture and applied that to the rest of my hair as a deep conditioning treatment. You don’t have to use these products of course. There are lots of great masques and deep conditioning treatments for naturally dry hair. Find what works for you!
[prodmod]
No time to sit around on wash day so tying this bag on my head while running around the house taking care of business is how I roll. I love a good Target bag for my deep conditioning sessions. The heat from your head creates a little steam cloud under there…works wonders.
After rinsing my curls feel great!
There’s really no secret to helping your hair bounce back from neglect or harsh weather conditions. Being consistent with what works for you, focusing on moisture retention and being patient are all key to bouncy curly success. One thing I didn’t mention is getting or giving yourself a good trim. YES curlies, trimming our hair is so important. Your trimming schedule may be different from mine, but pay attention to your ends. If you’re seeing lots of breakage (not shedding, that’s different”> or tangles, take note and schedule time to get those ends trimmed.
What are some of the ways you’ve been caring for your hair after this past harsh winter? Will your regimen change so that conditions are better?
Kala Garner is the founder of The KG Lifestyle, a dynamic lifestyle blog about hair, beauty and empowerment. She has also presented and hosted natural hair events and seminars across the nation. You can subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
Introduce yourself!
Hola! My name is Mel Burgos. I’m Puerto Rican and was born and raised in the Boogie Down Bronx. I am a veteran- served 10 years (active”> in the United States Navy. I currently work as a Management Analyst for the Department of Health and Human Services and in my spare time, I’m a blogger who loves to travel.
How long have you been natural (brief natural hair journey”>?
I had my first relaxer at 13 and transitioned for about a year but I also big chopped after a horrible hairdresser experience in 2010 so I’m currently rockin’ 4 years of growth.
What’s your daily hair routine?
I am a total wash-n-go girl. I have tried two strand twists and braid outs but those styles don’t work for me because of my haircut. I try to wash my hair at least once a week. I deep condition and steam my hair with my trusty Huetiful Hair Steamer on wash day. I let my hair air dry about half way, then I use my diffuser to finish the job. Before I go to sleep, I add a little bit of oil to my ends.
What are your favorite products?
- Cleanser –Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate Free Wash. If my hair is really dirty, I just wash with Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (undiluted”>.
- Conditioner & Detangler – Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Knot Out Conditioner.
- Deep Conditioner – DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, Nubian Heritage Grow & Strengthen Treatment, or Motions Naturally You Deep Conditioner.
- Styler – Sebastian Potion 9 leave in treatment and Ecostyler gel (clear”>.
- Sealant– Ella’s Concoctions Holy Grail Oil and Quickie Oil, Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil (you can find it at Sephora”>, 100% grapeseed oil, or 100% jojoba oil (I normally get these from Whole Foods”>.
I just simply sleep on a satin pillowcase. I have tried the “pineapple” but the scarf ended up on the other side of my room.
How did you get your hair color, and how do you maintain it?
I get it professionally colored but only on the ends of my hair. My colorist Sonja from David Rios Salon located here in Washington, DC created my color with her own personal mix. Also, I have a shower filter. The water here tends to have high mineral content so having the filter definitely aids in retaining the natural oils in my hair.
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
Absolutely not! There is so much versatility to curly hair- from color, to texture, and even length. I know this sounds nuts but I have to set an alarm while internet surfing curly hairstyles because I can literally be on the computer for hours.
On your blog you inspire women and feature the latest products for curly hair. How do you decide which products to try on your hair?
I’m just curious by nature so I would try almost anything.
How did you become a successful vlogger/guru?
Wait! Whaaaaaat?! Guru? Nooooo *blushing*
I started my blog without any expectation. I just felt that it could be a platform to create a discussion/awareness that we (Latinos”> wear our hair in braids, dreadlocks and of course afros.
What do you like most about vlogging?
An unanticipated bonus that I get from blogging is hearing from my readers. The questions, comments, and even critiques make a lively conversation and that has made me realize this is the real goal of my blog.
What do you want to do beyond YouTube and your blog?
Continue to travel the world.
Do you have any advice for new natural hair gurus (that you wish someone had told you?”>
Ask for help! A lot of time and energy is spent in researching and stressing about content. You could make your life a lot easier by reaching out and interacting with other bloggers. Not only will you get your questions answered but you might also gain a new friend.
Any upcoming projects/events you’d like to tell us about?
I am always full of ideas but I really am cracking down and learning how to edit videos so I can start vlogging. Watch out, YouTube!!
Visit Mel’s blog, RockYoRizos.blogspot.com, and follow her on Instagram- RockYoRizos.
Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
