Search Results: Tiana Woodard
As the winter season sucks out all the frizzifying moisture from the air, more and more curly-haired gals from all around are trading their natural textures for the classic silk press.
Though the silk press has been around for a while, some basic questions regarding its origin, preparation, maintenance, and effects on the hairstyle are still topics many naturalistas have yet to know.
Image Source: @prinshells_hands
But for the gaps of knowledge we might have on the silk press, there are people like Prinshell Williams, (Prinshell’s Hands) founder and North Carolina-based natural hair stylist whose years of slaying the hairstyle have made her an expert on the topic. With the proper preparation, execution, and maintenance, Williams believes silk presses can be as long-lasting and can show how to straighten natural hair without damage.
What’s a Silk Press?
Image Source: @versatilitynaturalhairsalon
“A silk press is straightening your hair without the relaxer,” says Williams. “Many people don’t call it a silk press, but there are different techniques.”
As compared to the standard press and curl technique, silk presses emphasize body and sleek shine, according to Williams. Silk presses apply less heat than the press and curl, giving the hair more movement.
“It’s overall the way that it comes out with the amount of body and shine it has,” says Williams. “The way that you press (and curl) and it’s all stiff and doesn’t move, pretty much like satellite hair where it doesn’t move. But the silk press, in my opinion, is just straightening the hair and still allowing it to have the amount of body.”
Where Did the Silk Press Originate Drom?
Image Source: @lala.myart
The silk press’ origins aren’t clear, but the straight iron that many use to execute the style has been around since the nineteenth century. No individual can receive all the credit for inventing the silk press, but according to Williams, the style gave women who wanted straight hair without perming an option.
“The silk press started when women weren’t getting relaxers and wanting their hair straight,” says Williams. “Now that women are going towards the natural hairstyles, they still want that straight, sleek look.”
What’s The Best Way to Prepare for a Silk Press?
Image Source: @shaielexis
First, Williams makes sure that all of her silk presses are done on extremely clean hair.
“You don’t want a lot of oils or a lot of buildup on the hair,” says Williams. “You want to make sure the scalp is clean and clear so that there’s not a lot of smoking once you start the process with a flat iron.”
Next, Williams applies a water-based rather than serum heat protectant to her client’s hair so she can straighten natural hair without damage.
What’s The Best Way to Execute a Silk Press?
Image Source: @hermanthaa
Hair stylists and naturalistas might all disagree on the best approach to perfecting a silk press. For Williams, she takes a pain-free approach to executing the style. She never detangles while blow drying, and she makes sure the hair is completely dry before straightening.
“Always detangle in sections, blow dry in sections, and then you’ll straighten in sections,” says Williams. “That’ll result in a pain-free silk press.”
How Long Does a Silk Press Last?
Image Source: @soleildoeshair
The average time to maintain the hairstyle differs from person to person, but Williams says that her clients can keep their silk presses in tact for three to four weeks. Making sure to wrap and pin curl the hair each night is what Williams says is best to wear the hairstyle to its full potential.
“I usually tell my clients to alternate between wrapping and pin curling if they want to maintain that bouncy look,” says Williams. “For clients with really long hair past their bra strap, I tell them to put their hair upside down in a very loose ponytail, and then they can pin curl the ends.
To maintain the hairstyle, you shouldn’t apply extra heat when going home and avoid moisture if possible.
What are the best products for a silk press?
Image Source: @culturecareceo
A cleansing shampoo, conditioner, and lightweight leave-in conditioner give the silk press shine without weight, says Williams. She uses Nairobi’s Detoxifying Shampoo, Pamper Soft Shampoo, and Humecta-Sil Moisture Replenishing Conditioner. However, the straightening tool that you use to do the hairstyle doesn’t matter at all.
“I always tell people to use a titanium flat iron that has a temperature dial so that you can change the temperature between each client,” says Williams.
Do Silk Presses Damage The Hair?
The short answer: it’s the technique, not the heat.
“I want a lot of naturals to understand that heat is not the enemy,” says Williams. “It’s more of the way the heat is applied. (Naturals) just need to be very knowledgeable about the stylist; they’re going to receive a silk press and make sure that they ask questions.”
Are you considering a silk press this winter? If you’ve experienced any heat damage in the past, check out Your Hair Isn’t “Heat Trained,” That’s Actually Heat Damage. Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!
If you don’t want to be weighed down by the sheer length of Lemonade braids but are still looking for a protective style, braided bobs are the perfect match for you. Though the shortcut of the hair might seem to also cut your stylistic options in the process, bobs still leave enough wiggle room for creativity and individuality.
Here are 12 of the many braided bob hairstyles we’re obsessed with.
1. Accessorized Fulani Braid Bob
Image Source: @creative.precision
Stand apart from the other bob rockers with this short Fulani style. To bring the style out even more, embellish the look with clear, wooden, or any other styled beads of your choice.
2. Half Up, Half Down Bob
Image Source: @realworldrae
Bringing part of the bob up allows you to play around with the look as well as overall volume of your hair. To achieve this style, pull the top layer of braids to the back and then secure it with a pin.
3. Faux Locs Bob
Image Source:@rockthefro
These faux locs are too beautiful to pass up. They’re neat and look so natural. These locs would be great for Summer adventures.
4. Long Braided Bob
Image Source: @trancasdasa
A long bob might seem like an oxymoron, but hear us out. Sweeping past the shoulders, longer braided bobs give you more to work with: whether that means more room for voluminous buns, extra braid cuffs, or extra inches of braiding string. A stylish hat also mixes well with this fancy, braided look.
5. French Curls Bob
Image Source: @_jazmj_
This soft and feminine French curl bob is such a stylistic statement. It’s accentuated with tendrils across the face and hues of light blonde and brown.
6. Knotless Box Braids Bob
Image Source: @supernovahairstore
This bobbed version of the knotless braids look is much lighter on the shoulders than its lengthier counterpart.
7. Ombre
@mcmlondon
Can’t decide between two colors for your next look? Meet in the middle with an elegant ombre. To add even more color to this vivid hairstyle, add on an elaborate head scarf or hat.
8. Feed-in Braided Bob
Image Source: @crespohair
Adding feed-in braids to your next braided bob hairstyle will result in a more intricate, sophisticated look that’s bound to turn heads. Braids of a lighter color, like platinum blonde, will bring even more attention to the complex rows.
9. Braided Bob with Beaded Ends
Image Source: @dees.andco
This style is perfect for those who like to keep it simple. The addition of colored beards to the end of each braid emphasizes this clean-cut, bob shape even more.
10. Boho Kinky Twists Bob
Image Source: @jhordanharrishair
Who knew boho kinky twists could make you look like a whole new woman? The hues of blonde throughout the style can make your bob as fresh as it was leaving the stylist.
11. Box Braid Bob
Image Source: @styles_by_tashi
This bob alternative is perfect for those whose freshly braided bob has become dull and repetitive.
12. Electric Red and Hues Braided Bob
Image Source: @justbraidsinfo
Last but definitely not least, this highlighted blunt bob is bound to shock everyone who crosses your path. Gold cuffs at the end of each bring out this electric hue even more.
Which look is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!
If you’ve just started your natural hair journey and have a fresh set of short curls, you may think that your hairstyle options are limited. But this is only a deception: with even short natural hair, your day-to-day hairstyle options are endless.
Image source: Chev B.
When running out of hairdo options, Youtube’s your best friend. To make your Youtube search easier, we’ve compiled 10 short natural hairstyles to give a try this season:
1. Wash ‘N Go on TWA
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C0PuSsM52IWash ‘n go’s are considered the ultimate go-to’s for short, TWA naturalistas, but they’re hard to perfect. This tutorial will make sure that you never walk out the house with an undefined fro again. After separating your hair into sections with hair clips, saturate the hair with water, rake it with Ecoco Ecostyler Gel, and repeat. Pinning up the hair at the nape of the neck will help get a tapered look at the bottom.
2. Jazzed Up Space Puffs
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MccgpPKpAFwHere’s a modified natural classic. Instead of simply parting the hair into two sections and making the puffs, this hairstyle also includes two braids. After separating the hair into two sections, part a small section right in the front to begin the braids. To add more definition to the puffs, apply some SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie at the end.
3. Elegant Two Strand Twist-Out
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjobWaIRb8UIt’s hard to perfect a twist out, but this tutorial has it down. Before twisting the hair, apply a moisturizer such as mixed with a hair oil of your choice. (This tutorial uses Jamaican Black Castor Oil.”> Don’t stress on parting the hair into perfect sections; making twists at random can help prevent parts from showing up in your twistout upon takedown.
4. Trendy Bantu Knots
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BNGYotkmUcAfter parting the hair into your preferred amount of sections, spritz the sections wih water, apply some Ecoco Styler Gel and your preferred moisturizer, then begin braiding the hair. Bantu knots are cute and eccentric, and they produce big, voluminous curls when taken down, too!
5. Short Natural Mohawk
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMm5yx4p4XIThere are many renditions of the classic short natural mohawk, but this one is simple enough for any beginner. When pinning down the sides of the hair, place the bobby pins closer to one another at the nape of the neck to make the hairstyle more tapered. Use some Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Wrap Set Mousse to give the cute side curls more defintion.
6. Bedazzled Updo
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ht6la3QwTwAll you need for this hairstyle is a makeshift head, a spray bottle filled with water, and a braid of synthetic hair. After slicking back the hair with Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Curly Magic Curl Stimulator, use a makeshift headband (this tutorial uses a cut stocking”> to pull the hair up. Then, secure the braid around the head with bobby pins. Add your own personal twist to this hairdo with a headwrap of your choice.
7. Short Braided Hairstyles
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2ECJF7kBN4These hairstyles are for the more experienced. This tutorial takes viewers through two intricate, braided hairstyles. A rule of thumb: the less hair you use for the braids, the cleaner the braids will come out. So take a rat tail comb, grab some embellishing hair cuffs, and begin sectioning away!
8. Flat Twist
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrSkNIaaUucEspecially if you have minimal twisting experience, it can be hard to prevent your flat twists from coming out as a loose, undefined mess. This TWA friendly flat twist tutorial takes viewers through the step-by-step process of proper twisting — from the proper hand position to sectioning of the hair.
9. Flat-Ironed, Super Short Hairstyle
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGOJ-w3SusQWith our hair so short, it’s normal to fear a scorching flat iron making contact with your sensitive scalp. This in-depth tutorial shows you how to slay a straightened look without damaging your precious hair in the process. After washing, conditioning, and blow drying the hair, make sure to use a rotating flat iron such as the InStyler MAX 2-Way Rotating Styler and Straightener for straightening; more than the comb chase method, rotating irons are more gentle on our fragile texture.
10. Perm Rod Sets Curls
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bSNQVbK3okThough they may be a pain to sleep in, perm rods can help give your curls some extra volume. For shorter hair, it’s important to use the rolling method, but when rolling, ensure that the ends are smoothed down and tucked in to prevent you from having straight ends upon takedown. When cared for properly and protected with a satin bonnet each night, these bouncy curls can last for up to a week.
Tell us your favorites in the comments below!
Source @avielleamor
History’s oppression of natural hair has long prevented progression towards understanding our own curls. This oppression leaves new members of the community at a disadvantage, guided by no one but their own curiosity towards proper hair care routine. If you find yourself struggling to find what practices and products work best, these 10 commandments are sure to guide any naturalista in the right direction:
1. Moisture is your best friend.
When you were a child, it was almost unspoken rule that curly hair and water don’t mix. But natural hair needs moisture — maybe even more than our straight-haired counterparts. Because of its curlier texture, it’s harder to retain moisture. Purchasing deep-penetrating conditioners such Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Conditioner and CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner are key.
2. Co-wash, not shampoo.
Once leaving the world of perming and going natural, some have the impression that they’re able to shampoo more frequently. However, shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural moisture. It’s recommended to replace this routine with a weekly co-wash. Co-washing uses conditioner instead of a harsher shampoo to clean the hair. Using your trusted conditioner is fine, but there are also co-washes such as that are specifically tailored for this practice.
3. Satin is your closest cousin.
To protect your hair, wear a satin wrap or bonnet before going to sleep. As compared to common fabrics like cotton and linen, satin helps lower the friction that occurs during sleep. However, with the abundance of oils that we apply to our hair to keep it strengthened and moisturized, make sure to change and wash your satin pillowcases often.
4. Pampering your ends leads to long hair.
When moisturizing our dry-prone curls, it’s a common mistake to focus on the roots. However, the ends of our hair are the weakest, most damaged parts. Focusing on the roots makes the scalp more susceptible to build-up and clogged hair follicles, some culprits of slow hair growth. Start from the bottom up when applying a leave-in moisturizer or essential oil to the hair.
5. Heat protectants are imperative.
Many of us remember using the hot comb, flat iron, or other straightening device every morning to straighten our textured curls. To maintain natural hair, it’s imperative to use heat sparingly. However, if you do decide to apply heat to the hair, be sure to protect the hair with a proper heat protectant such as Carol’s Daughter Cupuacu Anti-Frizz Smoothing Blow Dry Cream.
6. LOC the moisture up.
Leave-in conditioners, oils, and cream conditioners can’t work alone; they must be used in conjunction with one another to give hair the best results. To complete the L.O.C method, seal a hydrating leave-in with an oil, and seal the two with a heavier, cream conditioner. But if you have low porosity hair, the L.C.O. (leave-in, cream, oil”> method might work better at keeping your hair moisturized without receiving frizz in the process.
7. Transitioning calls for protective styles.
While transitioning to your natural texture, you’re more susceptible to breakage because of the two contrasting textures of hair: your old, straight ends and the curly new growth. Protective hairstyles such as box braids, locs, and crochet braids literally protect the ends from the elements, preventing breakage from happening.
8. Your hair is what you eat.
We truly are what we eat, and hair isn’t an exception to this rule. Foods such as eggs, spinach, and fatty fish are rich in the protein, biotin, vitamin, and omega-3 fatty acids our hair needs to grow. If you still aren’t getting enough of these vital nutrients in your diet, hair supplements such as Hairfinity’s Hair Vitamins will fill those gaps.
9. Know your hair type.
The key to knowing what’s best for your hair is knowing its scientific composition. Oprah’s hair stylist Andre Walker created a hair typing system which now serves. Ranging from 1A to 4B (or 4C on some systems”>, this categorization serves as a guide for hair products, styling tips, and other aspects of the natural world. If you find some of your tresses fitting more than one of his categories, don’t fret; many naturalistas have a mixture of hair textures.
10. In a world where everything seems to go against natural hair, push on!
Oppression and protest against curly hair is all around us. The constant pressure to straighten our natural curls is psychological warfare on our self-esteem, but the strenuous journey towards accepting your hair as it is can prove to be one of the most rewarding parts of your life.
Have any thoughts of your own to add? Share them in the comments below!
Over-processing happens to even the best of us. Whether you’ve been texturizing your hair for years, or are fairly new to the practice, we can make the simple mistake of processing the hair to the point of irreversible damage.
If you find yourself with over-processed, damaged hair, you might be asking: how can you remove texturizer from your hair? Well, as hard as it may be to hear, you simply can’t. In essence, texturizers are very similar to relaxers. As compared to perms, you leave texturizers in for less time (5-10 minutes rather than around 20 minutes”>, and it tends to loosen the curl pattern rather than rid your hair of its natural texture completely.
But texturizers, like relaxers, are still caustic chemicals that permanently alter your hair pattern. In lye texturizers, sodium hydroxide break down the hair’s keratin, and in no-lye texturizers, calcium hydroxide works to do the same thing.
While we don’t have the secret to reversing texturizers’ effects on your hair, we do have some ways to get rid of the damaged hair, show off some temporary curls, and care for your hair through this stressful time.
Cut it all off
The only sure way of ridding your hair of an over-processed texturizer is by cutting the damaged parts of your hair and allowing your healthier, natural hair grow out in due time. If even the thought of going through the big chop gives you anxiety, you can always transition and trim your damaged hair off little by little.
Fake it ‘til you make it
It might be time to invest in a good set of perm rods. If you don’t have the time to wait for your hair to restore itself, you can at least mask the damage with some temporary texture. Shorter hairstyles on straight, over-processed hair, such as a tapered fro or a curly pixie cut may not provide the same curls that you have naturally, but they’ll do until you can rock your natural hair with confidence.
Give your hair a much-needed protein treatment
Because texturizers’ ultimate purpose is to break down protein bonds in the hair, nursing your hair back to health will require some extra protein. Protein treatments replenish the strong bonds lost during the texturizing process, helping to protect damaged hair from further breakage. Here are a few protein treatments recommended most by natural hair stylists and bloggers alike:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask: Recommended by many beauty and lifestyle platforms as a top haircare product of 2018, this protein treatment can be used on hair in various stages of health as well as different textures. This blend including rosehip oil, algae extract, almond oil and B-vitamins is clinically proven to show a 75 percent reduction in breakage.
ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment: This salon service protein treatment is perfect for hair that’s too weak for any sort of chemical straighteners. Formulated to repair damaged hair and restore its elasticity for up to six weeks, the product includes magnesium and hydrolyzed proteins. Because of its runny consistency, we recommend using a spritz bottle to apply the treatment to your hair.
ORS Hair Mayonnaise: The most cost effective of the three, this hair mayonnaise uses olive oil, egg protein, and wheat germ oil to replenish the hair’s natural proteins. It’s also proven to restore the hair’s elasticity as well as reduce shedding and breakage that comes with overprocessed hair.
But this isn’t all to say that texturizers should be avoided like the plague. When properly applied to natural hair, texturizers have the potential to produce satisfying results. If you still wish to use texturizers on your hair in the future, it’s best to allow a stylist to apply the product for you or, if you opt to DIY, make sure to use the texturizer on solely your new growth and not already loosened curls.
Have you used a texturizer recently, or in the past? Was your hair damaged? Share your experiences with us below!
Having natural hair is like wielding a double-edged sword. We’re blessed with beautiful, textured curls that make any hairstyle work, but we’re also cursed with hair that requires extra money, hours of maintenance, and patience just to keep it luxurious and healthy. And our patience oftentimes wears thin, making a perm seem more tempting than ever. But don’t reach for those damaging chemicals just yet. Before reaching for the chemical perm and getting rid of your curls for good, try these seven ways to make you fall in love with your natural hair all over again:
Try a different hairstyle
Maintaining the same natural hair style can have you feeling dull or even thinking about getting a perm. But believe me: making the decision to chemically straighten your hair will leave you with even fewer options than before. As naturalistas, we’re blessed with endless possibilities for styling our hair. Braids, locs, twist-outs — the options never end. And if you’re still yearning to be a part of the straight-haired life, it doesn’t mean you have to relax your hair in the process. Try out a straight-haired wig, or if you’re up for it, apply a modest amount of heat to your hair.Pamper your tresses with a hair mask
Instead of covering your hair with relaxer, try covering it in a healthy, rejuvenating hair mask. Though they share many similarities with traditional deep conditioners, hair masks tend to have a thicker consistency. You can get a hair mask treatment at the salon, find a product in store or online, or even do it yourself. Most masks should be kept on the hair for 20-30 minutes. Want to make your hair mask even more effective? Apply some heat by wrapping it in a towel or sitting under a dryer.Try a hot oil treatment
Natural hair is prone to dryness, and oftentimes, dry, brittle hair is what makes us turn to chemical relaxers. But a hot oil treatment may be the only step between you and moisturized, natural curls. Other than adding moisture, hot oil treatments applied to the scalp can stimulate hair growth, prevent split ends, and add extra shine. You can undergo hot oil treatments as often as every week, usually for around 20-30 minutes.Connect with others in the natural-haired community.
In a world where straight hair is still considered the status quo, mustering enough courage to show off your natural hair to the world can prove daunting and even isolating. But when you think you’re all alone in your natural hair struggle, take advantage of social media. Platforms such as Instagram and Twitter have communities dedicated to textured-hair users, and other platforms that are focused primarily on natural hair textures are filled with fellow naturalistas, like yours truly, who share the same struggles as you.Seek out curly-positive media
It’s just as important to see other curly-haired beauties in the media you consume as it is to see them in the communities you hold allegiance to. Seeing a little bit of yourself in what you watch every day can work wonders on your self-esteem. Whether it’s through watching the Netflix original “Nappily Ever After” or watching a short natural hair journey YouTube video, make sure to give yourself the curly-haired representation you deserve.Make a personalized, curl-positive, wash day playlist
If you talk to any natural-haired beauty, the part of their hair routine that likely gives them the most stress is wash day. And the many steps spent keeping our tresses up to perfection is what oftentimes makes us resort to perming. We can’t take the hard work out of your routine, but we can add some much-needed fun. The best way to achieve this? A wash day playlist! If you’re unsure on what to add to your wash day soundtrack, songs like Solange’s “Don’t Touch My Hair” or Amine’s “CANTU” are a good start.
f
Keep your natural hair under wraps
Still can’t stand seeing your natural hair? On days when your curls refuse to cooperate, spare yourself and your hair the extra stress by just throwing it all in a head wrap. Available in a wide array of sizes, patterns, and color schemes, head scarves allow you to add your own personal flair to your style with less work. If you find yourself coming short on what wrapped style to try next, other members of the NaturallyCurly community have you covered.
For many, a breast cancer diagnosis can serve as a loss. But for Conchita Pleasant, it fueled the beginnings of her prospering hair care collection, Nefertiti’s Secrets.
Inspired by the beauty regimen of ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Nefertiti’s Secrets incorporates moringa oil and other essential oils into its unique formula.
Since its official launch in 2013, the brand has made strides in the hair care community. Celebrities such as the tennis-champions Williams sisters and actress Gabrielle Union, have incorporated her products into their hair care routines, and Harper’s Bazaar magazine has featured the brand in one of its articles. With an upcoming addition of styling products to the maintenance-centered line, Nefertiti’s Secrets is also set to move from its southern Florida base, to Sally Beauty Supply stores nationwide in 2019.
But the woman behind Nefertiti’s Secrets is just as admirable as the hair care collection itself. While battling breast cancer, Pleasant worked against setbacks with an unethical chemist, and the difficulties of the retail industry, to still end up on top. Pleasant recently shared the powerful story behind her innovative product line and unmatched success with the NaturallyCurly community.
What inspired you to create Nefertiti’s Secrets?
”I started out as an entry-level merchandiser with SoftSheen-Carson, Inc. I came to love the beauty industry and as I’m working in helping to build a brand, they decided to promote me. I became an executive and worked with them for 10 years. I learned a lot on the retail side of the business, but I always wanted to have my own business. I need to do this for myself. I kept trying to think of different ideas for a product line and one day it just came to me in a vision. It was just like a divine moment.
Why did you choose Queen Nefertiti for your line?
I was always intrigued by the Egyptian queen Nefertiti and her power, her beauty, and the mystery behind her tomb never being found. I wanted to know a little more about her and the secrets they used during her reign. I went back into ancient Egyptian medicine, I bought books and did research and development. I found out they use a lot of aloe, sage, and rosemary, but the main thing was moringa oil. It was discovered in Tut’s tomb.
How has your battle against breast cancer impacted your business journey?
I don’t regret what happened, because it made me a better person. I realized that it makes you look at life in a different way. Right now, I have to live life to the fullest, live out my passions and for the things that make me happy, and focus on those things that are going to help others in the same way. It’s helped me to overcome a lot of challenges in life. You find strength when you have to battle something that could possibly take your life. It made me want to pursue my goals even more.
Moringa oil is found in your whole product line. What are its benefits?
Moringa oil is actually a superfood. It’s known as the tree of life. This particular plant has been around for thousands of years — somebody just decided to market it.. One of the main benefits of that oil is that it’s highly absorbable. You don’t want oils that will sit on the skin, but that will penetrate the skin. Moringa oil penetrates the hair shaft, and it also has vitamins A and C.
How has launching Nefertiti’s Secrets impacted you personally?
Launching a product line, having a setback with failing the first time, being diagnosed with breast cancer, and also learning the ins and outs of the business have helped me grow as a person, because I learned to break fear. I found my strength in everything that was going on. Because I was able to persevere in my assignment, which is my passion, it has never been about money. It has always about my queens, and making them powerful, and beautiful. My fight has always been for them, and in fact, I forgot about myself a lot of times as a selfless person. I’ve learn to prioritize me, and then I’ve also learned to break fear and move past the challenges that come my way. I haven’t allowed the no’s that come my way to stop me. It’s helped me to build character and persevere.
What impact would you like to have on your consumers?
Definitely empowerment for women. Sometimes we tend to forget our self-worth. Nefertiti’s Secrets is really about reminding women to pamper themselves, take care of themselves, and also to love themselves. We want to remind women that we are queens. We’re all queens and we have to love ourselves and know that we are special.
Interested in trying this collection, or feeling inspired by Pleasant’s story? Share your thoughts with us below!
Image by iStock.com/ajr_images
We curlier-haired folk are accustomed to the brazen stares, ignorant questions, and constraining bylaws that come with wearing our hair out in everyday life, but few naturalistas have willingly undergone the hair rules and regulations that come with military enlistment. But surprisingly, heeding the nation’s call doesn’t mean straightening your curly strands in the process. Still skeptical? Well, then check out these five bloggers who have showed us how to rock our beautiful curls while repping our country.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QFrtMduwiULeslie Latrice
For Latrice, the military life runs in her blood. Her grandfather served, her uncles served, her parents served—the list goes on. Latrice took the baton of service from her parents, applying to become a U.S. Army military officer while completing her bachelor’s degree.The Human Resources Officer then decided to run her own blog, launching the platform Fierce is S(HE”> on September 25, 2016. Fierce is S(HE”>’s main mission is to empower women as they break through societal molds, celebrating fashion, makeup, and natural curls in the process. While running Fierce is S(HE”>, the military naturalista uploads content about her military life, natural hair journey, and personal experiences on her YouTube channel, which now has over 5000 subscribers.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVBuVwVCLZEJackie Aina
With her own TooFaced foundation line and Artist Couture highlighter products, most believe blogging beauty Jackie Aina only reigns over the makeup world. But on numerous occasions, Aina has proved to her approximately 2.6 million YouTube subscribers that she also uses her large online platform to give natural hair styling tips. Unbeknown to many, the 31-year-old beauty influencer also doubled as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. She even uploaded a YouTube video specifically highlighting her military hair and makeup routine, in which she shows viewers how she “serves with class and style.”
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C9LD_gOH-kNasia James
This next naturalista took her aspirations to the sky. As a former U.S. Air Force personnel specialist, wife, young mom, and dedicated blogger, James’ videos amaze anyone who watches them, for she can still maintain healthy, poppin’ curls while juggling these demanding roles in her personal videos. The blogger has been honorably discharged from the Air Force since 2017, giving her the freedom to spend time with family and release more natural hair-related content. Subscribe to her YouTube channel for some awe-inspiring videos of her healthy 3C/4A curls, flawless skincare routine, and even her adorable little daughter Zola’s hair routine that you can try out on your own bundle of joy!
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2PkJ6fTLnQ&feature=youtu.beJaelah Majette
Before partaking on their natural hair journey, many relaxed-hair baddies ask themselves one question: “Should I transition, or do the big chop?” About three years ago, Jaelah Majette chose the latter and uploaded a video of her tear-filled regrets on YouTube. Since then, Majette’s videos have highlighted her evolving relationship with her natural hair, motivating her 510,000-and-counting YouTube subscribers to take pride in their own tresses. But before even releasing curly haired-related content online, Majette kicked off her YouTube channel with a Q&A about her life as a U.S. Air Force reservist.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4LNTby4c6YJasmine Prophete
As compared to the other natural hair bloggers on the list, most of Prophete’s hair-related content involves wigs of all kinds—bleached, burgundy bundles, orange summer bobs, and even Rihanna-inspired bobs. If you can imagine it, Jasmine has probably rocked it. When she’s not enlightening us with wig reviews and natural hair product recommendations, Prophete uses her YouTube channel, Army Barbie, to inform subscribers about her military-related experiences and hair routines. A U.S. Army utilities equipment repairer, Prophete showers her 69,000 plus subscribers with military-heavy content often.
If you’re a natural-haired beauty with military aspirations, we highly recommend giving these five ladies’ uploads a quick look. Their content will give you the poppin’ curls and confidence boost you need to survive the grueling, taxing conditions of military service. Know of any other natural ladies serving our country who have blogs? Share them with us below!
You might have tried rubbing cayenne pepper into your scalp, hanging upside down or coating your hair in egg whites all in a desperate effort to achieve long, shiny and healthy hair, but have you ever tried adaptogens?
Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev introduced the term “adaptogen” in 1957, defining them as substances that heighten the body’s “non-specific resistance” to stress and fatigue. Adaptogens achieve this feat by regulating homeostasis through many processes, primarily the one that regulates adrenaline levels in the body.
Rosemary is a common adaptogen.
Although research into adaptogens’ benefits began around World War II, communities worldwide have utilized these powerful substances for millennia. And recently, many health enthusiasts have incorporated adaptogens into their daily routines, taking everyday supplements, tossing the herbs into their smoothies and even adding a few drops of its extracts to their water. More common adaptogens include rhodiola rosea, licorice root, rosemary, and some types of ginseng.
Doctors, herbalists, and health fanatics spout so much about their unmatched properties and biological composition, but here’s the question we’re concerned about: what can they do for your hair? Here are three ways that adaptogens can impact your hair health:
1. Promote Hair Growth
Many adaptogens promote hair growth in various ways.
Some use licorice root as an adaptogen.
Instead of taking those tedious hair, skin, and nail pills, try adaptogens if you’re hoping to add a few inches to your hair. While managing the body’s sensitive stress mechanisms, adaptogens also work in their own ways to keep your hair long and healthy. The Indian gooseberry helps metabolize iron for hair health, ginkgo helps regulate cell cycles, rosemary increases blood flow to the scalp — the list goes on.
2. Block DHT
Some adaptogens help block dihydrotestosterone, a hormone linked to pattern hair loss.
Like testosterone, DHT is crucial to male development, and women possess it in small quantities. However, studies have shown that it also plays a major role in premature balding. Thankfully, a good number of adaptogens, such as saw palmetto and cordyceps, help stop DHT production by inhibiting the body’s production of one its chemical components called 5-alpha reductase. Taking these adaptogens might help you manage to hold off the wig or shaving your head clean for a little longer.
3. Balance Cortisol
Adaptogens help balance your cortisol — a hormone crucial to hair retention.
Indian gooseberry is used to help metabolize iron for hair health.
Our precious hair and stress levels have a rocky relationship: one component can’t thrive without seeing the others’ demise. Stress impacts our cortisol levels. Cortisol, sometimes dubbed the “stress hormone,” is a complicated hormone; not enough of it can result in your precious hair coming out in clumps, and too much of it can produce an alarming amount of shedding. To keep your hair on your head, your cortisol levels have to be just right. Thankfully, adaptogens keeps your body from upsetting this sensitive scale. Studies show that because adaptogens are designed to regulate the body’s stress response, they also normalize cortisol levels. Thus, incorporating adaptogens into your diet will keep your hair in its proper place on top of your head.
Don’t overdo it
Despite their larger-than-life abilities, adaptogens aren’t an exception to the “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” rule. Taking excessive amounts of these super-substances can result in harmful side effects. Each herb varies, but adverse effects that most adaptogens share when taken heavily include insomnia, dry mouth, enabling burnout, anxiety, and rebound depression. So, as tempting as it may be to load up on these miraculous discoveries, remember that slow and steady always wins the race.
Have you tried adaptogens? Which ones? Did they work? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below.
