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How to Henna Tattoo Yourself

I’ve henna’ed my hair for more than a decade, and now I’m doing my own mehndi designs (henna tattoos) on my hands! 

At the top of the pandemic, I bought myself a copy of “Teach Yourself Henna Tattoo” from Amazon, to keep myself from getting an actual, permanent, henna-inspired tattoo on my hand. I wanted to be able to do my own henna art regularly— making what is usually a temporary situation, permanent-ish since I could re-do without making appointments! I also bought some pre-mixed, all-natural henna on Etsy (Zenia brand) and then got hella distracted with life.

About 5 days ago, I finally dusted everything off and gave it a try! It’s a new art medium for me, but I’m loving it! The stain from this brand is SOLID (I store the cones in the freezer) if you’re in the market for some. I created the design freehand using inspiration from the book, and let it sit on my hand for 4 hours (and carefully sprayed with lemon water) and even after almost a week, it’s going strong!

Have you tried doing your own henna? Let me know!

Kaftan- Target
Earrings- @lakaluka.accessories (IG)

With you in and AS Love,
Nik

DMTBeautySpot

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curlynikki, Khareem Sudlow

#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

The RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer- Does it Really Work for Natural Hair?

The RevAir is absolutely worth the price. It made wash day tremendously easier.

Hey hey!

I trust it’s all Go(o)d where you are??

Happy to hear it!

It’s all Love here, of course! Yesterday was hair day and things went way more smoothly than normal. But first, a story.

Back in late 2018 or early 2019 I was gifted a RevAir to try and review. I was in the midst of a life revamp and the $499 dollar hair dryer was lost in transit.  Fast forward to like 3 weeks ago and I’m scrolling on IG or FB and came across a super cute little girl putting small sections of her damp curly hair into a black wand, and pulling it out, STRAIGHT-ish.  Like, without the damaging round brush, or the harsh, whipping heat of a blow dryer, or the bi-cep building effort.  I’m sure you’ve seen the ads. They got me. I then remembered receiving one and losing it (without trying it) and decided to purchase a replacement, and then I saw that price. WHOA. Yeah.  So I wrote a note to the marketing director explaining what had happened all those years ago, and they were gracious enough to gift me a SECOND one! Oh happy day!!!!  It arrived on last Thursday evening, jus in time for hair day that weekend.  Okay, back to hair day, yesterday.

Gia’s head takes hours upon hours.  Her butt-length hair is three times as dense as mine and very coily. It loves itself so much that there is just constant strand hugging.  The detangling process took the usual hour or more, which is greatly reduced thanks to Oyin’s Oh My Glide and Honey Hemp Conditioner.  After rinsing her hair and drying for a bit in a T-shirt pineapple, I used the RevAir on her first.  For the first time in the life, I read an instruction manual.  The device itself is large and imposing.  But after reviewing the quick start guide, I could see that it was pretty intuitive.  I was nervous to put the first section of her hair near the nozzle, when I remembered the happy little girl on the FB ad.  I took a deep breath, and it gently sucked her hair in like a vacuum cleaner, drying it in a downward motion to seal out frizz in and seal in moisture.  It dries your hair the way you’re supposed to dry it with a regular hair dryer (angled down the hair shaft).  So after about 70 seconds, I released that section to find it smooth, shiny, and straighter than I ever could have got it with a regular blow dryer and hell brush.  About 20-30 minutes later, I was done! The styling process of her hair usually takes an hour or more.  So this was sorcery.  And for that, I am thankful. Also, she usually complains about the heat of our usual blow dryer, which I use on moderate heat.  I used the RevAir on low heat, and she said she couldn’t feel anything. Magic.

I then rinsed my monthly henna treatment, conditioned, and dried my clean, wet hair in a T-shirt for about 30 minutes before RevAiring myself. I spritzed my hair with a little Jane Carter Leave-in for heat protection.  It took me about 15-20 minutes to finish my whole head — it looked like the blow outs you get a salon before the flat-ironing commences.  Quite straight, very smooth. Minimal heat. Minimal manipulation.

I then made 4 bantu knots (two in the front and two in the back) using a teeny bit of Nairobi Setting Foam per section. 

I am very impressed and actually, with these results, can say, without a doubt, that this dryer is worth the hefty pricetag.  The accessories it came with are high quality and felt like splendid gifts and the dryer itself is solid and feels like it will be a durable friend. I’ll definitely update as I continue to keep it in rotation!

Have you tried the RevAir, yet? What has been your experience?  

DMTBeautySpot

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curlynikki, Khareem Sudlow

#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

SheaMoisture’s New Collection for Wigs and Weaves is Here to Protect Your Crown!

In true #BlackGirlMagic fashion, Black female entrepreneurs are completely disrupting the wig and weave game. They are serving up higher quality extensions that more accurately reflect our range of natural textures and rich colors–heightening our incomparable swag.

We are so here for this new generation of wigs and weaves making good on its promise of providing natural hair protection, trend-setting cuts and styles, and hair color versatility for women of color.

But we forget that even protective styles require regular maintenance. Similar to keeping that fresh blowout or curly hair routine that matches your hair type, it takes just as much time, preparation, and specialty products to keep extensions looking fresh.

But as per usual, SheaMoisture has pulled all the way up to protect our edges, our time, and our crowns. Check out how top content creators, beauty gurus, and hairstylists are using the new SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Collection to slay!

Jazmin Rudolph (@allthatjazzglam) is a beauty and cosmetics entrepreneur and hairstylist. She is best known for her beautiful, custom-made lace-front wigs. In this video, she braids up her gorgeous, natural curls, to install a flawless silky unit. But first, she carefully and thoroughly applies SheaMoisture’s Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Scalp Soother to the parts between each braid to ensure a healthy and happy scalp. This necessary step helps to alleviate scalp tension and discomfort associated with protective styles and moisturizes the skin with nourishing aloe vera.

 

Angela C. Stevens (@angelacstyles) is an Emmy award winning hairstylist, author, beauty consultant, and founder of Conscious Curls Hair. Angela has built her career around her passion to educate women by offering style solutions and hair care tips for extensions wearers and naturals alike throughout her 15 year career. Watch as she executes a flawless, curly look by defining and blending her partial leave-out with SheaMoisture’s Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Flyaway & Wrap Mousse! 

 

Nne Aderonke (@nnestyledyou) is an entrepreneur and hairstylist who specializes in lace sew-in installments, custom units, and natural hair care. Her clientele includes R&B singer Ari Lennox and rapper Rico Na$ty. In this video, she’s rocking a rich and shiny burgundy lace front unit. To achieve the same high shine, voluminous finish, without any of the heavy, greasy feel, apply SheaMoisture’s Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Shine Spray. Remember that a little goes a long way! 

 

If you’re new to this, we got you! Here’s a quick look at how to install a lace front unit at home: 

Step 1. Prep your natural hair by cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, and bonnet drying before cornrowing and donning a stocking or wig cap. This protects your real hair and creates a smooth surface for the unit application. 

Step 2. Place the wig on your head to test the fit and to carefully cut away extra lace from the wig’s hairline using sharp scissors. Remove the wig and place it to the side for now. 

Step 3. Apply SheaMoisture’s Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Bond Glue around your entire hairline, making sure to avoid your actual hair. Allow the glue to dry down and become tacky. This edge-friendly formula, enriched with tea tree oil, borage seed oil, and aloe vera, is water-based so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. The moisturizing glue helps you avoid the usual dryness and breakage experienced at the hairline from harsh adhesives. 

Step 4. Position the unit in place, matching up your hairline with its hairline, and press it against the tacky glue, working your way slowly around the entire hairline until it is completely secured. 

Step 5. Lay them baby hairs with SheaMoisture’s Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Flyaway & Wrap Mousse, wrap your hairline until dry, style the length, and GO! 

Check out the complete SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Collection at Target and beauty supply stores! 

Do you wear Wigs and Weaves?

Have you tried the SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Collection yet?

Share your experience in the comments below! 

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curlynikki, Khareem Sudlow

#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

10 Curl Creams for Natural Hair That Really Work, Really!

by Jacqueline Samaroo

It’s no lie – curl creams have to work harder than most other natural hair products. We depend on them to do so much: add shine, limit frizz, stop flyaways, hydrate, moisturize, AND nourish hair. And, we haven’t even mentioned their biggest job – enhance curly hair’s natural curl pattern and give it plenty of bounce.

Here are 10 curl creams that are sure to get the job done!

Best for Dry, Damaged Hair

1. SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
If you’re transitioning your curly hair to its natural state, then this is the curl cream you’ll want to be using. Its rich, nourishing oils give your hair the shine and bounce you’re looking for and the healthy, nutrients it needs to repair damage caused by relaxers and perms.

What’s in it? Shea butter, coconut oil, neem oil, and silk protein

2. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream
This leave-in defining cream packs in lots of the moisture textured hair needs for shape and definition. Its lightweight formula provides maximum hold and is made up of ingredients that help to strengthen hair, too..
What’s in it? Rice amino acids, avocado oil, quinoa extract, and tomato fruit ferment extract

Best for Type 4 Hair

3. Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter
This heavy, butter-like curl cream gives type 4 hair the moisture it thrives on. Its heavy consistency helps it stretch the tightest of coils and coat them in rich botanical oils. Use it for twist outs and enjoy the way it softens, smooths, and adds curl definition.

What’s in it? Almond milk, almond oil, honey, and pumpkin oil

4. African Pride Moisture Miracle Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream
Finding the right natural haircare products for type 4 hair can be like finding the Holy Grail. That’s because type 4 is often dry and can be quite fragile. It needs the kind of moisture, hydration, and strength this curl cream gives as it styles hair into a curly, kinky miracle.

What’s in it? Grapeseed oil, Shea butter, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil

Best for Controlling Frizz

5. DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler
Curls plus frizz and are far from the ideal combination but it’s what most of the natural hair community is faced with. This is the curl cream to reach for when you need a super curly style without all of the distracting frizz. It softens strands, adds volume, and defines curls then throws in just the right amount of bounce.

What’s in it? Coconut oil, jojoba protein, and starch

6. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
Formulated for wavy to curly hair, this curl cream won’t change your natural curl pattern – just enhance it. Its essential fatty acids and antioxidants also work nourishing your strands. Possible frizzes are held in place, leaving you with well-defined curls that last for hours.

What’s in it? Argan oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein

Best for Thick Hair

7. TGIN Twist and Define Cream
This curl cream is a popular twist out choice that keeps flyaways in their place so hair looks smoother. It gives enviable curl definition, leaving hair soft and shiny in the process. It works very well with thick, natural hair that’s in need of hydration.

What’s in it? Coconut oil and vitamin E

8. Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream
A crown of thick, curly hair can be difficult to manage but it’s a thing of true beauty when those curls are well-defined, shiny, and bouncy. This curl cream helps take thick and curly hair to the top of its game. Its frizz-stopping formula also includes plenty of protective antioxidants.

What’s in it? Tapioca starch, oat peptide, and sea buckthorn berry

Best Budget Buys

9. Afro Sheen Texture Gel Cream
For some brands, curl definition and flaking hair go hand-in-hand – that is NOT what we want! This choice may be priced lower than most but it delivers what a really great curl cream should – curl definition and lasting hold without unsightly flakes.

What’s in it? Flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and Shea butter

10. Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activating Cream
This curl cream will make both your budget and your hair happy. It’s a lightweight formula that gives hair plenty of moisture without weighing it down. It smooths, softens, and nourishes your strands as it defines curls with a lasting hold.

What’s in it? Shea butter and essential oils

Love curl creams? What’s your favorite one?

curl creams  curl creams curl creams 

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curlynikki, Khareem Sudlow

#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

Black Women and Relationships- Avoiding Fake Friendships & Cultivating Sincere Sisterhood

by Shawna Murray-Browne via NoSugarNoCreamMag.com

When we’re talking about Black women to Black women relationships, the way that we treat each other is usually a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. And so an underlying thing that has to be addressed when we’re talking about folks being mean, talking down, going behind someone’s back to destroy this other Black woman–it is usually due to a sense of our own inadequacy. And there are certain aspects that a particular Black woman is amplifying. Either something we don’t like about ourselves or something that we wish we had and haven’t been able to achieve.

And so, instead of addressing our own insecurities and addressing what’s inside of us that is making us feel inadequate, we project our own negative self-talk onto someone else.

Black women, from a historical perspective, have had to deal with the lack of sovereignty and the experience of scarcity. It has made us believe that everybody can’t be considered good by massa. Some of us might be enduring more abuse, when we add the complexity of colorism to the way we engage with folks.

Then there’s the historic pacification in how we interact with men, the fear of losing a male figure–this is the cis-gendered, heterosexual mean girl.

We can also point to the fact that there is a lot more effort put into our romantic engagements than we put in sister to sister, woman to woman relationships. I think those are the beginning parts of generational trauma. It can be rooted in our concept of self from enslavement.

We project our own negative self-talk onto someone else.

I think it’s important for us to consider, specifically as things are more amplified– cuz ain’t shit new–racism, colorism, internalized racism or injected oppression. We feel like we have to fight to survive at a more alarming rate. So creating the falsehood of having it together–one of my friends used to say, ‘Looking good losing.’ Wearing the mask on social media is more amplified.

Unless you are specifically deciding that you’re going to cultivate the relationships with your sisters or other women in your life during this pandemic then the isolation is real. And we’re not allowed to say that we’re in pain. Some of us have a hard time articulating that we need help. A good amount of us have not experienced the kind of village, community, unconditional love. And unconditional love can mean a sista that’s going to call you out or call you in. And having an ego to still hear that from your sis without saying, ‘Fuck her. I don’t like her anyway.’

Without the intention to preserve it, we are becoming more disconnected. We are a collective people. When I talk to my god-sister virtually now, I can’t read her body language all the way because I’m only seeing her from the head up. I’m not feeling her energy in the same way. So that breeds space for communication issues, especially if you already sucked at it when we were seeing each other face to face.

We also have to talk about grief. This already existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s being illuminated further now because of the tendency of Black women to take on the role of caregiver, leader, first-generation x,y,z or you have assumed what Dr. CL Woods-Giscombé calls the superwoman schema. Superwoman schema is feeling an obligation to present an image of strength no matter what. Feeling an obligation to suppress your emotions, resistance to being vulnerable.

A drive to succeed, even if you don’t have a whole lot of resources–which is good. And then feeling an obligation to help other people at the expense of yourself. The grief that comes up when we’re talking about Black women as caregivers, Black women as moms, Black women that feel like they’re bearing the weight of the world.

Looking good losing.

We have to think about the relationship that the Black woman has had with their mother or mothering figure.

When I think about my own personal experience, my mother struggled with addiction. My grandmother struggled with addiction. My auntie was a caregiver but wasn’t always happy about that. My aunt has sister-friends that she’s kept for years. But my other family, not so much. When we’re talking about what it would take to cultivate genuine sisterhood, it actually means that you have to be willing to do a lot of your own healing work and address the things that impact your personal and interpersonal relationships.

Am I talking about it? How is that grief inflaming the relationships with the women who are a reflection of me? Oftentimes, our issues with mother figures are reenacted in the relationships with our sister-friends.

Many of us have shallow as shit relationships with our sister-friends then we’re wondering why we feel alone. We are quick to backbite them. We’re not trusting of ourselves, we’re not trusting of the women around us. We don’t feel comfortable exploring ourselves and we don’t feel comfortable having her see because if I think that about myself, I don’t want her to think that about me, so I’m not going to tell her.

NSNC: I remember hearing growing up, ‘I don’t have a lot of female friends.’ And that used to be a cool thing to say. People accepted it. Now, it’s like the opposite I have all these friends. My friends are my sisters but for a lot of women nothing’s really changed at the root of how we feel about one another.

It’s important to also frame this within the understanding that is fashionable to have sister-girlfriends. We’re talking about social media versus real life. ‘Look at me, I’m with my sisters. Look at me, I’m with my friends.’ But it doesn’t require the level of depth that it actually takes to actually have healthy, healing relationships.

Be willing to do a lot of your own healing work.

We can accept that we have to do healing work and talk in our intimate relationships. We don’t talk about that in sisterhood relationships. I don’t think it’s because we don’t want it. We really want real sisterhood. But I also don’t think we know what to do with big emotion.

We’re not being taught how to deal when our sister really, really hurts us. So we call her a bitch and cut her off so we don’t have to feel the emotion. When in all actuality, a conversation like: ‘Sis, when you did this I felt like this. It also made me think about this and I don’t know why you keep saying that. I’m crying now but don’t judge me because I’m being vulnerable.’

Many of us don’t have the words for that or we’re interacting with other sisters who don’t know how to receive it. They’re taking it as a time to be defensive instead of a time for growth. There are sister circles that are so cool now. Folks are hashtagging. There are healing circles, sister spaces. It’s profitable and most of those spaces are very short term.

So we’ll talk about this for 12 weeks and then bye. But we know that you don’t really know somebody for real until you go through all of the seasons and all of the emotions. And how many of us have been put in the position naturally– not sorority experiences. I’m not discounting that–But I’m talking about the natural progression of relationships.

How many of those sister circles are fortifying and teaching us how to deal with conflict? And how to recognize when you are being triggered emotionally? What do you do with that? How do you address it helpfully? How do you take care of yourself? How do you grapple with I don’t let no one see me cry but I’m going to let her see me cry. It’s a risk.

NSNC: To that point, how do you know when you should be vulnerable with someone? Should you lead with vulnerability and then remove it when they prove they’re not trustworthy?

I’m going to tell you how I deal with it and how I’ve noticed other folks deal with it. I’m a straight shooter. Maybe it’s because I’m a Leo. Maybe it’s because I just don’t like bullshit. I don’t know. When I was dating my then-boyfriend, now husband I was like, ‘Ok, what are we doing? Are we just hanging out? Are you looking for a relationship? If you’re not looking for something serious, this won’t work.’ In the same way I set certain boundaries through the dating relationship, I similarly have candid conversations with my sister-friends about their expectations in friendship.

And some of my friends have been like, ‘Shawna, nobody be doing that, yo.’ Some of my friends have said, ‘I really appreciate that you did that. And this is the reason why our relationship is so deep and nobody else does this.’

I have candid conversations with my sister-friends about their expectations in friendship.

If a sis says something, ‘Uhnn nnnhh that’s making me feel like I can’t trust you, I just say it out loud.’ Most people think it. I make sure I say it–not when I’m feeling emotional or pissed but later, I’ll say, ‘So when you said that, that sounded like some real gossiping ass…for me to feel secure in our friendship. Ima need to know that you’re not going to be out here running your mouth or speaking bad about me.’ So I am assertive in that.

As a result of that, the friendships that I have, none of them are shallow. Every one of them learns my personality. I know myself really well, so I can listen, do you want the truth or do you want me to just listen. Do you want Shawna lite or do you really want me to say it? Because I’m going to be honest. I’m not going to destroy you. It’s going to be out of love but it’s going to be honest. So I also ask permission. What do you need in this sisterhood relationship?

Then it’s about time. If I am in a sister-friend relationship, I study my friends in the way I study my partner. Like ‘Mmm sis you did that thing. Your facial expression is looking like something is wrong. What’s wrong? What’s going on? I feel like you’re lying. Stop lying boo.’ I use humor but this is how I am in real life.

And because of that transparency and the fact that I’m the same every time allows space for the number one thing which is building trust. Trust is earned through multiple life experiences and being able to count on that person to show up each time. All of my friends have told me that they’ve learned from our sisterhood relationship and applied those same concepts in their other friendships. But most of the time, I think what we do is, ‘If a sister falls off, we make the assumption I guess she don’t want to talk to me.’ And I think a healthy way to do that, instead of just assuming is to say, ‘Hey are you okay? Did I do something to hurt your feelings?’ Communication.

A good signal that you know it’s okay to open up is when the other person has opened up. Another good signal is how do you find they are talking about their other friends. If they’re telling you all of their friends secrets–sometimes we need spaces to vent–but if there’s no caveat like, ‘I need your insight.’… How is she talking about her other friends? Is she downing her? Would you say that to her face? Don’t say anything about me that you wouldn’t say to me.

Reliability, honesty and a commitment to growth. So if you say something that hurt my feelings–however you want to say it. ‘That blew the shit outta me.’ ‘That pissed me off.’ Are they willing to have the conversation about something small? If it’s a small thing that they do that irritates you, can you talk about it? It doesn’t mean that she’s going to change. But if you’re able to talk about the little things, oftentimes that gives you a glimpse if you were able to share some of the bigger stuff.

Don’t say anything about me that you wouldn’t say to me.

NSNC: A lot of us just don’t know. We think we’re good communicators but we’re not. And a lot of times we don’t know how to say things without feeling like it will hurt someone else so we keep a lot of it in.

One of things I think is important to remember is that you can’t control how other people feel. You can be thoughtful. You can even preface it with, ‘I was thinking a lot about this because I didn’t want it to hurt your feelings. I’ve been trying to find the words for this.’ And then you say it. Utilize other friends in your circle. Not the ones you know suck at saying stuff. But calling on a friend and asking, ‘Does this sound mean?’  In the same way we might say, ‘Listen, I’m ‘bout to email my supervisor. How does this sound?’ Seeking counsel and insight around how we communicate is also really helpful.

And then, if you’ve been gifted an elder woman that you’ve found has been very sisterly to you or has really solid friends, ask them for insight. The older women in my life, they’ve gone through sister-friends. They can give insight. They can tell you one time when they really messed up a friendship. And things that they wish they knew. You can ask older women how to navigate it–those that we think have some wisdom to share. Because you can be older and still suck at this. You only really learn it by acknowledging that all relationships require some vulnerability.

NSNC: We talk about this concept of a mean girl but we don’t always see ourselves in it. But we all have the potential to play that role in somebody’s life. So how can you recognize when you’re being a mean girl to another Black woman?

The process of knowing yourself is really big. So the way that I sort of teach and hold the space for Black women to get a look inside themselves is to do some reflection about times they’ve been on the receiving end of mean girl behavior and then to acknowledge how they felt about it.

Acknowledge what was triggered in them and then to also acknowledge what are your triggers? What makes you go 0-100 real quick? What makes you feel defensive or some type of way? Because we don’t always have words to describe our emotions. What makes you feel really uncomfortable? What are things anybody can do that does that for you?

After you get to a level of consistency about checking in with yourself about those sorts of things, then you can think about when you’ve been on the receiving end of mean girl experiences and when have you done some of those things to other people?

It’s important to start with when you were on the receiving end because some of us don’t have the foresight to see ourselves in other people. Having empathy is really important in recognizing when you’re replicating that behavior. So when you recognize how it feels for you, you can ask yourself, ‘Damn, when did I hurt my sis? When did I withhold information? When did I call sis out her name? When did I lie? When did I ignore what she said because I didn’t have the capacity to handle it?’

Seek counsel and insight around how we communicate

And then doing some self forgiveness so that you can address the defensiveness that can come if you decide to make reparation. Repairing the relationship doesn’t mean she has to accept your apology. You just want to make it so there’s not bad energy in the air.

Do an assessment of past experiences. I’ve found that also looking at your teenage self is really, really helpful. Because listen, we all was assholes. We might have thought that we’re reformed but that’s a good question. When you think about yourself in high school–because we can be really honest about that. ‘Oh, I was a child.’ Then juxtapose that with your experience now as an adult and ask, ‘How is the way that you’re in relationship with women the same or different?’

Then you’re able to have a clear understanding of who you have been and sit with who you’d like to become. What behaviors are there and then you can get to the root of it.

NSNC: Can you speak to the richness of having close, sister-friends? What is it that we miss out on when we forsake our community and ourselves by not having deep friendships with other Black women?

I’m speaking to this from having a history of having horrible relationships up through college with other women. I was yearning for sisterhood. I was grieving, still, the mothering I didn’t get as a child because of my mother’s addiction. I wanted other mothering so that I could heal. So my perspective comes out of a place where none of my relationships were deep. All of them were shallow and I didn’t really know what to do.

Now, I’m on this continued journey–because it isn’t a destination–of doing my healing work and then holding space for other folks.

I was yearning for sisterhood.

What I can now speak to is– like my godsister Camille, who I met through a year-long rites of passage process. We wasn’t all the way that tight in the first year. But she’s like my biological sister, basically when you think about what you really wish for in a biological sister.

She loves my daughter like her own child. I can call her in the middle of the night, at the end of the night, in the middle of any sort of whirlwind and she will arrive no matter what. Questions asked but later. Many questions asked.

So I have someone to have fun with–snot because I’m laughing so hard and snot because I’m grieving so deeply.

And our families have become family. Our husbands function like brothers. They hang out because of our ongoing growth and relationship.

My other sister-friend Vanessa, we laugh sometimes about that first good argument that we had. And it was not cute. It was bad. We were in Brazil, in the middle of nowhere, broke a little bit. It was our first real good, ‘I don’t know if I want to be your friend no more’ conversation.

What we have now, she reads my body language. We have dreams about each other. We support each other in our goals. She’s building her business and she’s going to come to me. We’re visioning for our future and our greatest selves together. We’re able to acknowledge both of our skills. We’re able to call out when somebody’s envy is showing and what that is really about.

We’ve said to one another, ‘That didn’t make me feel good when you said that.’ And to be able to glow and grow together.

We went house shopping together so her house is walking distance from mine. You begin to have a kind of thing where you are building your family relationships around the support of each other.

Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C, is a liberation focused community healer whose work began with teaching young girls and eventually grown women how to be sisters. You can follow her @HealASista on Instagram and learn more about her courses and services here.

Veronica Wells-Puoane is the creator of the website NoSugarNoCreamMag. She is the author of “Bettah Days” and You’ll Be All Write, a question and answer journal for Black women. She is also the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. 

Find more of her articles by Veronica on Curlynikki.com, HERE!

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DMTBeautySpot

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Recreating the Iconic wet-looking curls of the Jheri Curl for Natural Hair 

by Jacqueline Samaroo

The Jheri curl was THE Black hairstyle of the 1980s. Celebrities like Lionel Ritchie, Ice Cube, and Michael Jackson sported the style. The Black community was swept up in a wave of glossy, springy, curly hair and bottles of curl activator were flying off store shelves.

Yep, the Jheri curl had its heyday, lasting into the 1990s. It then faded away and became just a distant memory to most of us.  Fast forward to the present time and we see a new wave sweeping through the Black community – the natural hair movement. So, it comes as a surprise to many that the Jheri curl of all things is back AND that there are naturalistas who are embracing it. After all, the style was dependent on the use of harsh chemicals – the very thing naturalistas strive to avoid.

But here’s the thing – there is a natural hair, heat-free, chemical-free version of the Jheri curl. It uses natural hair products to recreate the iconic wet-looking curls of the Jheri curl.

Let’s take a look at the flat twist/twist out version of how it’s done.

CLASSIC!

Start with clean hair

The first step (as it is with the original Jheri curl) is making sure your hair is clean. Select a good shampoo for natural haircare and for that a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice. It won’t dry out your hair by stripping it of its natural oils.

Use a leave-in conditioner

The Jheri curl is all about curl definition. Getting defined curls means your hair needs to be well moisturized. You can do that by applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair while it is still wet.

Add curl cream

The traditional Jheri curl uses a chemical softener to permanently change the curl pattern of the hair. This new natural Jheri curl is not a permanent style. It uses a curl cream, a kind of styling cream, to make natural hair softer while defining its natural curl pattern.

Note: Curling creams are natural hair products designed to work with different types of curly hair. Be sure to use a curling cream that matches your hair type.

Add the curl cream to your hair, one section at a time. Work it into your hair then wrap and twist small portions of your hair around your finger to help the curls take shape. Clip the hair in that section together and move on to another section

Flat twist your hair
In the traditional Jheri curl, two more chemicals would be needed – a solution to set the curls and another chemical, a neutralizer, to make the new curl pattern permanent. In this all-natural version, flat twists are all you need.  Make several flat twists in one section of your hair then twist those twists together. Repeat for all the sections.

Add perm curlers Jheri Curl for Natural Hair Jheri Curl for Natural Hair Jheri Curl for Natural Hair
Roll the twisted sections up in perm curlers, going from tip to scalp. Leave the curlers in overnight, making sure to protect your hair with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

Take the curlers out and moisturize Jheri Curl for Natural Hair Jheri Curl for Natural Hair 
Remove the curlers one at a time and use your choice of hair oil for natural curly hair to moisturize each section as you carefully separate the curls. Don’t overdo this step as it might make the curls fall apart.

Now, you have your 2020s, all-natural version of the 1980s Jheri curl – without the chemicals!

Do you like the wet look?! Would you try the Jheri Curl for Natural Hair? Tell us below! 

Jheri Curl for Natural Hair Jheri Curl for Natural Hair 

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Intentional Healing Frequencies with Maejor 

Intentional Healing Frequencies and the Power of Music

On this episode of New Growth, Nikki Walton speaks with music artist and producer Maejor about how he’s bringing the power of intentional healing frequencies into mainstream music.

Maejor is a music producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter who has worked with Justin Bieber, Trey Songz, Monica, Frank Ocean, and many more. Check out his latest video, Tell Me That You Love Me Again, right now on YouTube. Learn more about Maejor and his music at maejor.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram.

Intentional Healing Frequencies
Nikki welcomes Maejor to New Growth, and they quickly dive into why music is such a valuable tool for staying present in the moment. They discuss how Maejor works with different frequencies in his music, and how he’s bringing these intentional healing frequencies into the mainstream. Maejor talks about how his intention with his music is to inspire people.

“For me, music is one of the tools that I use to get into the present moment.” – Maejor

Mantra Practice (11:30)
Nikki asks Maejor about his journey to realizing the healing power of music, and about the teachers and artists who inspired him along his path. Nikki talks about her daily mantra practice and the amazing changes it has produced in her life. Maejor asks Nikki if she finds mantra to be more beneficial than her affirmations practice.

“The mantra makes it so that I’m aware of love.” – Nikki Walton

The Power of Consistency (20:23)
Maejor continues his take over of the show and asks Nikki for more details about her daily mantra practice. They discuss the power of consistency, and Nikki asks Maejor about his daily practice. Maejor talks about how he turns to the power of gratitude whenever he encounters negative emotions.

“Progress comes through consistency, not intensity.” – Maejor

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What I Said To My White, Male Coworker Who Asked If My Black Hair Was Dirty

Black Hair, Microaggressions, and Corporate America 

As told to Veronica Wells-Puoane NoSugarNoCreamMag.com

I’m always trying to be diplomatic in these racial situations, especially when they happen at work because I like my job and also my reputation is me. So I don’t want to be seen as some “crazy Black person” but this may be the third or fourth conversation that struck me as odd over the last year, I would say. This one particularly because this individual, we’ve had several drinks together, we work together, I know who he is. I would consider this person an associate. But I think that false comfort allowed him to say something that he shouldn’t have said.

So I jumped on the call (video conference) and he was on the call with another lady, a White lady. And they’re both nice people, whatever.

And he said, ‘You know D., you’ve had a hat on in your meetings all week and I’m just wondering like, why? Is your hair dirty?’

Initially, in my mind I was just like malfunctioning. What???

Then I caught myself and I said, ‘No, it’s not dirty. It’s in a protective style. You’ve been on calls with me from last week until now and I’m sure you noticed that I had my hair in Bantu knots. I’m Black–and you clearly know that just by looking at me–But as a part of the Black culture, Bantu knots are a protective style. On the contrary my hair is actually clean and it’s up and clean because I’m not trying to have my hair be dry.’

I felt like I had to go through this process of the teaching which we have to do all the time. Because I don’t have the time for you to go to Google right now and potentially find something stupid written by someone who knows nothing. Let me just take these 30 seconds and give you some knowledge. It’s a process when you have Black hair. It doesn’t get oily like White hair does. You’ve got to wash it, you’ve got to oil it. You’ve got to tie it down. You’ve got to do certain things.

So I’m walking through this process with him and his response was like, ‘You know, as a White man, I would never have known that much work goes into getting Black hair done.’

I said, ‘Yeah, it’s a process…’

Literally, right before our meeting we took 7-10 minutes talking about Black hair care because he thought it was okay to ask this question.

Initially, when he said it to me, the red flags were raised in my mind but I am aware of the ignorance. So I was like let me just break this down because this lady was on the call as well. She’s a woman so I said let me go a little bit further and give some knowledge. I’m not going to act crazy on this call because you want to be stupid.

So when we wrapped it up and ended the meeting, I spoke to your sister after and I was telling her, ‘It’s crazy what just happened.’ And she said, ‘The comfort level that is there that he thought he could say that to you is something that needs to be addressed.’

And I’m listening to her and I’m like you know what? That’s so true. Now, he thinks if I didn’t correct him, based on what he said, that it could be acceptable to say that to somebody else. And while I might not act out, somebody else will and it will not be nice.

NSNC: Because the assumption that it’s dirty is what gags me. He could easily ask why have you been wearing a hat? But why would he assume your hair is dirty?

So I asked him that. I called him back.

NSNC: Umm hmm!

And I said, ‘I want to go back to the conversation that we had earlier.’ I said, ‘I’m truly never one to take things offensively off the cuff because I understand human beings and I understand human error and I’m not perfect so I could say something that could be offensive to someone.’ But I said, ‘You have a certain level of ignorance that you could just say things and think it doesn’t have an impact. You would never ask a White person, a Spanish person why their hair looked dirty. It’s inappropriate. Also, you should never make comments on someone’s appearance in the work place. That can get you in trouble with a quickness.

It’s one thing to say these things to me because you think you and I have a relationship but I don’t want you to think that it’s okay to then go outside and say that to somebody else. That will get you caught up in a whole bunch of stuff. That’s like people who say I have Black friends and they allow me to say the N word. No! You say that with your group of friends and that’s okay but then you say that in the streets and you get fucked up. You have to be conscious the things that you’re saying.’

I don’t say everything I want to say because I see dirty hair all day. But I keep it to myself. Okay?! And I don’t tell you anything about that because it’s inappropriate and it’s wrong. It’s none of your business.

We work where we work but it’s embedded. People want to touch your hair, they want to talk about your hair. To be working at one of the ‘so-called’ most inclusive places, the people that work there still have to work on themselves.

It’s the little things. People sometimes think it’s these huge over-arching initiatives that make a difference but it’s like, it’s base-building things like, Keep the negative thoughts you might have in your head to yourself.

I told him, ‘You didn’t even have to ask me. If you really wanted to find out about Black hair care, you could have Googled it. But you weren’t trying to do that. You were just trying to get free education. Black hair black hair Black hair black hair Black hair black hair Black hair black hair Black hair black hair Black hair black hair 

NSNC: You said that?

Yes! I was over it. I told him you don’t want to take the time to find out. But I told him, ‘The thing about Black people, we’ve spent our whole lives researching everybody else and figuring out how we traverse that. You’ve never had to do that. So you don’t have to worry about learning about my culture. Cultural differences are cultural differences and it’s up to everybody to respect that. And if you’re not going to take the time to find out about me, while I’m doing so much research trying to find out how I fit in this society, I’m always going to be at a disadvantage because you’re not working as hard as I am.

NSNC: Girl, what did he say?

He just sat there and nodded his head the whole time. He said, ‘I don’t want you to think I’m going outside and saying these off the cuff things to people because that’s not the case.’ Then he started stuttering, ‘I..I..I would never.’

He was malfunctioning because people don’t say those things to him.

Then he said, ‘If that was offensive, I’m sorry. That was not my intent.’

And I said, ‘Just as long as you know that this is not something that is acceptable to do moving forward.’

Veronica Wells-Puoane is the creator of the website NoSugarNoCreamMag. She is the author of “Bettah Days” and You’ll Be All Write, a question and answer journal for Black women. She is also the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. 

Find more of her articles by Veronica on Curlynikki.com, HERE!

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How to See More Growth in Your 4c Natural Hair in One Month

4C Natural Hair Length Retention is Easy with these tips:

Our unique curls and kinks are oh so beautiful ’til we get to that awkward phase where it looks like our hair growth has plateaued and we can’t seem to get past a particular length.  A lot of us seem to get stuck at collar bone or even chin length hair and find ourselves wondering how we can promote healthier hair growth, hang on to said growth, and finally see some hang time!

Don’t worry. We wrote this article just for you, and we came ready to help!

How to Grow your 4C Natural Hair Faster in ONE MONTH!

Massage your Scalp
Scalp massages do more than just make you feel calm and relaxed. They can also help stretch your hair follicles. Your hair follicles are the life force of your hair strands; stretching them will stimulate the growth of thicker and longer strands. Scalp massages also help dilate your blood vessels beneath your scalp, which also encourages hair growth.

Now, the big question is: How can you properly perform a scalp massage? Using the pads of your fingers only — not your finger-nails — or a scalp massager, gently massage your scalp in a circular motion for 4-5 minutes every day.

A scalp massage is one of the many natural hair growth tips that can increase your hair’s thickness and length. So, if you haven’t already, get to it! Make it a habit from today to massage your scalp everyday for 4-5 minutes, especially around your problem areas. There’s nothing to lose aside from frail, thin, and unhealthy hair.

Use Products with Growth-stimulating Ingredients
It’s not enough to use just any hair care product, especially on your edges and nape. We advise that you use products with growth-stimulating ingredients — like tea tree and peppermint oils — and apply them directly to your scalp.

These ingredients will help promote growth by dilating the blood vessels beneath your scalp, causing them to stimulate your hair follicles. The result? More and thicker growth!

So, before you purchase that growth oil, shampoo, or scalp cream, make sure it has a growth-stimulating ingredient or two — the more, the hairier!

Clean your Scalp
Let’s start by debunking the myth that dirty hair grows faster than clean hair. The truth is leaving your hair dirty can lead to an irritated and bacteria-infested scalp, which can further cause scalp diseases.

These diseases can then put a pause on your hair growth or cause your hair to fall out! So, if you’re pushing your wash day forward because you think the dirt will help grow out your hair, this is your sign to go wash your hair ASAP!

Keep your scalp clean by either washing your scalp and hair or cleaning your scalp regularly, especially if you installed a protective style. With a clean scalp, you can expect to have healthy, luscious, growing 4C natural hair!

Install Protective Styles
How do you install a protective style, and how does it protect your hair? The trick is to leave your hair in a state that encourages very minimal manipulation, which helps protect the fragile and sensitive parts of your hair, like your edges and ends.
Styles like box braids, cornrows, twists, etc., that don’t either cause tension to your scalp or weigh your hair down can save you a lot of growth!

With protective styles, your hands won’t always be in your hair, and you’ll be able to let your hair breathe for about 1-2 months or however long you plan to keep your protective style. This will help limit the level of breakage and damage to your hair, leading to length retention and, ultimately, hair growth!

Our Final Thoughts
If you want to further improve your hair growth, watch your diet. There are specific foods for hair growth. If you’d like to discover them, we have an article for you here.

There will always be hope for your 4C hair. It’s not “too thick,” “too coarse,” or “too difficult;” it’s just the right amount of unique and perfect.

So, have fun growing out your hair and smashing your hair goals with these natural hair growth tips! 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 4C Natural Hair 

What are your top tips for maintaining and retaining length?! 

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Are Baking Soda and ACV Really Good for Your Natural Hair?

by Jacqueline Samaroo

One natural haircare routine that’s been getting plenty of attention lately is the use of baking soda instead of shampoo. We know there are plenty of arguments out there for and against going the baking soda route – some swear by its benefits while others send out a warning to avoid it at all costs. So, which is true?

The fact is, when done right, baking soda (with the help of ACV- apple cider vinegar) can promote healthy, natural hair growth.

How Baking Soda Works
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an alkali – the opposite of an acid. Acids have a pH less than 7 and alkalis have a pH greater than 7. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 and drinking water is usually somewhere between 6.5 and 8.5. Your scalp and hair have a pH of about 5.5 and 3.7, respectively.

Both acids and alkalis can cause skin damage, such as burns, if they are strong enough. Also, it is possible for an acid and an alkali to cancel out, or neutralize, each other. When mixed, an acid and an alkali form a salt and water.

So, what does that mean for haircare?
Baking soda has a pH of 9, making it very effective at deep cleaning your scalp and hair follicle. It can remove dirt, excess natural oils produced by your scalp, and product build-up from your hair. Without all the grime, your hair is able to grow healthier and quicker.baking soda and acv  baking soda and acv baking soda and acv baking soda and acv baking soda and acv baking soda and acv baking soda and acv 

Baking soda can, however, leave hair strands dry and damaged. This happens especially if it’s used too often or not diluted enough, or if any residue is left in your hair after use.

What about ACV?
No doubt, you’ve heard that apple cider vinegar (ACV) is frequently used as a part of the baking soda natural haircare process.

Here’s why.

Remember earlier when we mentioned acids and alkalis reacting and neutralizing each other? Well, ACV is acidic. It has a pH somewhere in the region of 2.8 to 3. That’s why many DIY baking soda haircare routines include a follow-up ACV step. It’s a way to bring your scalp and hair back into the region of their natural pH levels

How is it done?
Before we begin, here are a couple of points to keep in mind if you decide to use baking soda and ACV to help you achieve your goal of healthy, gorgeous natural hair.

• Focus on your scalp. Baking soda is great for deep cleaning your scalp but it can damage natural hair strands.
• Don’t overdo it. Think of the baking soda/ACV method as a special treatment for your scalp. It’s quite sufficient to do it just a few (1 – 3) times a year.

1. Method:
   1. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of distilled water in a squeeze bottle.
   2. Apply this directly to your scalp and massage in.
   3. Rinse (then shampoo and rinse again, if desired).
   4. Mix 1 ounce of ACV with 7 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle.
   5. Spritz the ACV mix over your hair.
   6. Run your fingers through your hair to evenly distribute the ACV.

Another method is to simply mix the baking soda with ACV and work with that. In this case, what you will actually end up using (as the acid and alkali react) is a DIY saltwater treatment with a pH much closer to what is considered safe for your scalp and hair shaft. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice depending on your natural haircare needs.

Do you use ACV or Baking Soda in your natural hair routine?

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Reparenting Yourself- Give Your Adult Self The Things You Needed As A Child

byVeronica Wells-Puoane NoSugarNoCreamMag.com

Reparenting 101: We can extend the love we needed. We can provide the safety that was taken from us.

This past week, my husband and I were watching a documentary on Netflix called The Mind Explained. It’s a series of episodes about the functions of our brain. We watched a few of them, but the one that stood out to me was the episode on memory. As complex and fascinating as our brains are, a majority of the episode focused on how unreliable and inaccurate our memory can be.

So as the episode concludes, they ask the audience, if our memory is so faulty what’s the point of having it at all? They answered the question with the results from a study that found using brain mapping. The study found that when people were asked to remember something and when they were asked to imagine their futures, the same areas of the brain lit up.

Essentially, our memories serve as a guide line for what we can expect to happen to us in the world. They ended the episode on memory saying that with the memories of our past and the imaginings of our future, we develop a picture of ourselves, our personhood, our identities.

As the credits rolled, I said to my husband, “That’s why childhood is so important, man.” Soils is good for challenging or questioning quite a few of my thoughts. But this time, he just offered a brief but affirming “Mmm hmm.”

If you were a child who didn’t feel safe in your home there’s a good chance that you’ll carry that expectation of danger into your adult life. I’ve witnessed this with people who grew up like this. They perceive innocent interactions with defense. I’ve watched with shock and concern as mundane, non-threatening things truly scare them. If I’m being honest, I’ve even judged that fear. A lot. But the more people tell you about their childhoods, the more their “adult” personality starts to make sense.

Tune In: 10 Mental Health Podcasts for Black Women

Working in media, I’ve been astounded–and to keep it a hundred–disgusted by the things people say and do seeking attention, affirmation, and accolades. But as these people, often in casual conversation, share stories from their childhoods, I’ve noticed patterns. They’re marked by parents who were too preoccupied with work, romantic relationships, or survival to give their child the type of attention they needed and are still perpetually seeking.

Women who didn’t connect to their mothers “don’t have female friends.” Men who were disappointed by the mothers struggle to respect women in the world and the women in their beds. People who rarely have anything positive to say about themselves were the product of overly critical environments.

In her documentary, the late Toni Morrison said that when a child enters your presence, they, like all human beings, are seeking your approval. She shared that if you’re always pointing out what’s “wrong” with them, their cleanliness, their clothes, their posture, their behavior, you can actually see a child deflate. And I would argue that if you’re looking closely enough, you can see the same behavior in adults. The only difference is that by this point in life, some of us so used to be being picked apart that even when we’re being celebrated, we find a way to belittle ourselves.

My parents did an excellent job raising me and my sister. Given what I know about other people’s childhoods, it’s a fact I share humbly. For a long time, I kept that to myself not wanting to seem like I was bragging or being insensitive to the people who feel real pain from that period of their lives. But generally, I don’t have to say anything about my upbringing for people to see it when they saw me.

As a child, if I knew nothing else, I grew up with the knowledge that my parents would ride out for me and my sister. Throughout my life, until today, I know that I can expect that support from them. But more importantly, their love, support, patience, forgiveness, and encouragement taught me how to give those gifts to myself.

So much so, that when my parents stepped out of character and said something belittling to me–as a child–I knew to advocate for myself.

When I was a freshman in high school, my mother was taking me to get my hair braided. I was in the backseat squished in between my sister and cousin, laughing loud, and long and free. While we were having a grand old time, we must have been grating on my mother’s nerves; because in an attempt to get me to be quiet, she called me stupid. (I can’t remember how she phrased the remark. I just remember the word.) She didn’t use it jokingly because we didn’t joke like that.

As much as I still respect and admire my mother, I knew that lady was dead ass wrong. Not only did I know that she was wrong, that night I told her she needed to apologize for saying that. In a real paradoxical way, the only reason I knew to do that, to dismiss negative, demeaning messages–no matter the source– and advocate for myself was because my mother and father had taught me to do so.

Her moment of natural, human weakness was offset by years of affirmation, years of watching my parents go to war with family, friends, coaches, and complete strangers on my behalf.

It took my mother two months to apologize for that slick comment. She rationalized taking so long with the fact that she knew that I knew she didn’t mean it. I did know she didn’t mean it. But I had been taught, partially by her, not to accept messages like that–from anyone. reparenting reparenting reparenting 

When my mother finally did apologize, I remember feeling a sense of relief and satisfaction. Not in the sense of being vindicated or even having been the one to parent my own mother. I felt relief because our minds want to make sense of our worlds. Her comment and refusing to apologize for it was incongruent with everything I believed and expected from the world.

If there is any thing “adult” about us, it’s our ability to recognize the innocence and purity of children. We see and increasingly understand how much they need to be protected. Honestly, the same could be said for all of us. As older kids, there are still parts of us that are innocent, pure, hungry for love and nurturing. reparenting reparenting reparenting

If there is any benefit to being an adult, it’s the power to give the child within ourselves the things we lacked growing up. We can speak kindly and lovingly to the older and younger versions of ourselves. We can extend the love we needed. We can provide the safety that was taken from us.

The beautiful thing about our minds is that they’re adaptable. They’re always collecting new information, learning from it and adjusting to it. Unlike the days of our childhood, when we had little say over what we were exposed to, as adults, we can choose what we feed our minds today to determine who we’ll be tomorrow. reparenting reparenting reparenting reparenting reparenting reparenting reparenting reparenting 

Veronica Wells-Puoane is the creator of the website NoSugarNoCreamMag. She is the author of “Bettah Days” and You’ll Be All Write, a question and answer journal for Black women. She is also the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. 

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Natural Hair Styles: Taking Care of Your Hair After the Big Chop

6 Things You Must Do After the Big Chop!

Exhilarating to terrifying. The decision to go for the big chop, whether it’s your first time or your third, can send us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It is a good style option if you are going from processed to natural hair or if you need a fresh start after your curly hair has suffered excessive heat damage.

Of course, there are many who decide to go for the big chop and rock the TWA (teeny weeny afro) it brings because they are looking for a new, awesome style. It can be a way of welcoming a major life change or a new stage of your life, too.
Whatever the reason, the TWA is a great opportunity to get to know and understand your natural curly hair while developing your own natural haircare routine.

Moisturize
Among the many different lengths and textures of Black hair, short hair is notorious for how fast it dries out. Prevent drying by moisturizing your TWA daily. Your curls look healthier and you get better results for twist outs and Bantu knot outs when your hair is properly moisturized.

Practice the LOC method of liquid (water-based moisturizer) followed by a sealing oil and then a cream. Also, have a bottle of moisturizer handy to spritz your hair as needed throughout the day. Deep conditioning once a week or every two weeks really helps to hydrate and moisturize curly hair, too

Protect
Hats. wigs, braids, and extensions can protect your ends while limiting moisture loss. Other protective measures include wrapping your curls at night, sleeping with a bonnet, and using a silk or satin pillow case. Remember, too, that your hair and scalp still need to be moisturized if you decide to go with a protective style.

Trim
Trimming your short hair is necessary for it to grow back stronger and longer (if new length is what you are after). Damaged ends also negatively affect curl definition. A 6-8-week trim is often recommended but you can lengthen the time between trims if you reduce breakage by moisturizing regularly and aiming for low manipulation of your curls.

Wash
Clean hair and scalp are best for healthy natural hair growth. Wash your hair weekly or every other week, as needed, keeping in mind that product build up makes hair harder to style. If having shorter hair makes gives you the urge to wash it each time you are in the shower, then co-washing (conditioner washing) is a good option for you.

Product Selection
The best piece of advice here is to find what works for you. That will probably mean a lot of experimenting in the beginning of your TWA to find a good combination of what you like and what works.

Your basic natural haircare products will include a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to cleanse your hair; moisturizer (such as a leave-in conditioner); sealing oil to lock all the lovely moisture in; and a styling gel.

Style
Short hair is NOT equal to boring hair. There is a myriad of natural hair styles that go really well with your TWA. Twist outs, Bantu knots, finger shingling, finger coiling, and a wash and go are just a few. And, you may decide to do an all-over color or just highlights. For the cut itself, consider a taper or fade with a side part (or two).
Embrace and Enjoy!

You have a brand new look and many natural hairstyles that go with it. You also have healthy hair (or you’re working to get it there) – so enjoy it and yes, even flaunt it a bit!

Did you Big Chop? What your tips for a newbie?! 

big chop big chop big chop big chop big chop 

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