Natural Brides to Be: More Glam Styles to choose

Okay, I have only 7 more months until my wedding. Planning is getting tight! I barely have anything accomplished other than my dress and honeymoon plans. Helloooo, I haven't even paid for the actual wedding yet, but got the honeymoon down? Anyway, one thing that is still bugging me is MY HAIR!!! What am I gon' do? I have had so many ideas. I want to cut it all off and go Eva Pigford short because I have fallen in love with birdcage veils and they look excellent on short hair! However, my hair is so long now. It took me four years to grow it down to the middle of my back. I would hate to cut it all off and start over. Oh the dilemna...do I cut it and rock the Eva Pigford short, curly funky look, or do I keep it long and rock a nice twist-out with a curl updo (pictured above) and a flower in my hair (the two styles I've been going back and forth with)?

Eva Pigford short hair look

On my never ending quest to find a new look, I stumble across some very nice styles that I am definitely considering and I just HAVE to share this with my fellow naturally curly/kinky brides to be. Please, please, please if you have any more pics you would like to add, don't hesitate to send them to me, I'd love to post what I can. Trust me, there will me many more posts like this!

Flexi-rod set

We've covered this style a million times. Pictorial will come soon!

Denise Vasi-model- slick back with pin curl/twist combo

I haven't totally figured this one out yet, but can we pause for a moment and celebrate because THIS MIGHT BE THE WINNER!!! That would be fantastic because I don't have to cut my lovely hair. Chick is fabulous and this hairstyle is too. I think Denise is going to be my feature natural beauty of the week....:-)

Locked Diva Bride

For all my locked divas this one is for you! My mother wears locs and I am definitely doing her hair like this for the wedding!

Twisted Ringlets

This can be achieved with a twist-out and curl or a flat-twist-out. This is yet another candidate for the wedding! Stronly considering this style. Tutorials will soon come!

Sisterlocks: A Natural Lifestyle

For those who haven't a clue about Sisterlocks, let me give you a little description (from culturedlocs.com)

"Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locs that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locing formation. The Sisterlocks method does not require the use of waxes or jells. The small size and parting grid form a loc that is easily
styled."

The system was created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell (pictured above). I LOVE her hair! Fabulous!

Sounds interesting right? Looks pretty enticing too! As you can see from the picture, this style allows you to create many unique styles as the locs are so small that they mimick free-flowing strands of hair. For busy women like me, this could be a miracle! My curiosity is continuing to rise! I'm one of those girls who likes to do everything for myself, if I can help it. I became instantly interested in learning the technique and typed on over to the Sisterlocks website to learn more. They provide training classes, which are approximately $1500....yikes! Not in my budget at the moment, but a definite candidate for the near future.

As a natural hair stylist, I've obviously heard of Sisterlocks. I guess since I've been sort of stuck in my own ways of doing things, I've only peeked into the idea of adding Sisterlocks as a service. The thought of individually crocheting small strands of hair together to form tiny locks all over the heads screams "MICRO BRAIDS" which I sincerely HATE doing with a passion! After checking out the Tomoka's Twist blog (by Carmen) yesterday, I've gotten a little more curious about how to do them (she does Sisterlocks in Atlanta and they look pretty cool).

Here are some interesting FAQs that will make a sista think before making the sisterlock commitment (from the culturedlocs.com).

How long does my hair need to be to start Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks can be started with 1 1/2 inches of natural unprocessed hair.
Where shorter hair can be caught in a locing pattern, 1 1/2 inches will ensure the first stages of locing will be easier to manage during your home care.


Do I need to cut my relaxed hair?
No, you don't have to cut your hair. Sisterlocks can be started with your
relaxed length left untouched as long as you have 1 1/2 inches of natural hair at the root. As your hair grows, and is set into a loc pattern, your relaxed hair will be trimmed away.

How long will it take to start my Sisterlocks?
In an idea situation, your "Initial Locking Session" will take about 13
hours. Your hair length, density, and head size determine the actual amont of time it will take to start your Sisterlocks. A better time frame will be given at your consultation.

Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks?
All hair with a curl or wave pattern is the right type for Sisterlocks.
Sisterlocks has developed several "locking patterns", one of which is just right for your hair type.


Are Sisterlocks permanent?
During the first 6 months of development, Sisterlocks can be removed.
Removal will likely take more time, and be more costly than your Initial Locking Session. Most Consultants will not loc your hair if removal is a great concern. You should be sure that the Sisterlocks method is right for you.

Sounds even more tempting right? Everything accept for the part about them being ((((GASP))))...PERMANENT excite me! I am just too indecisive about my hair and I have SERIOUS commitment issues when it comes to my hairstyles, that permanence makes me RUUUUUUUn for the border. Besides, I love my curly q's too much to lock them up permanently.

"The company motto says it all: 'Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.' "

Sooo, ladies (and gents) if you are interested in learning the technique or getting them done by a certified Sister Loctician, check out the official website http://www.sisterlocks.com/ for more info.

Just wanted to share. Ciao.

p.s. I know I know, I was supposed to upload my Twist out video tutorial, but I haven't had the time. I am making a commitment to get it done this weekend. Stay tuned!

Rock your natural in the Workplace!

Have you ever felt uncomfortable rocking the natural look at work? Are you rocking blowouts during the week while rocking twists on the weekends for fear of not blending in at the workplace? I've been there. I hated the redundancy of my colleagues' questions like, "How did you get your hair like that?" or the comment, "You always have such crazy hair." I didn't know whether to take it as a compliment or a diss. Yet, people fear what they don't understand. Thus, instead of hiding behind my hair in a straight facade, I decided to embrace this head of mine and rock it with confidence at work. When people ask questions that are deemed silly, just answer the question with confidence. Allow them the opportunity to "understand" so they won't fear your hair; instead they will accept and many times will even embrace your look. No biggie. Your colleagues and bosses at work will embrace your hair if you do. They won't have a choice :)!

Here are some looks that work in the workplace:

The Modern Puff

Created by curling the hair on a curling iron, then pinning the curls and slicking down the front with a headband

Locked Corporate Diva
Created by rolling hair on rollers while wet and setting the hair until dry

Flexi Sexi (created by using the Flexi rod set)

Pin Curled Diva

(created by using pin curls)

The original Puff

These styles were all taken from Essence.com (accept for the bottom pic). Visit Essence for more great styles in their hair gallery!

Stay tuned, PICTORIALS TO COME!

Beauty of the day: Gelila Bekele

Ethiopian model Gelila Bekele and rumored girlfriend of Tyler Pyler (giving the "YBF's *side eye* on that rumor) is absolutely gorgeous! I love beautiful, thick, curly manes! She's fierce and of course we love her because she rocks her natural without shame.

Hair by Nedjetti Salon
Bloomfield, NJ

Give it up for Miss Bekele ladies and gents!

Product Spotlight: Ultimate Detangler

Some of you have tried my products and have given good feedback (as well as some constructive criticism) and I THANK YOU! But I'd love more feedback from more of you.

Today's feature product is the NEW and IMPROVED Ultimate Detangler (keep reading there are FREE goodies ahead)!

Tired of fighting with tangles and knots? Well, this is the solution to tangle-free hair! The nourishing and detangling properties of slippery elm and aloe will allow you to detangle your hair effortlessly, making styling much easier.

What makes this product great:

• You can use it on wet or dry hair
• Very Moisturizing
• Dries Fast- a must, especially for the colder seasons
• Thicker, creamier solution (the former Ultimate Detangler was little runny) that provides GREAT SLIP and EASE.
• Works great with other curl enhancing creams, such as CoCo Curly Butter,when styling and enhancing your curls.

To celebrate the new and improved product, everyone will receive 15% off when you purchase the Ultimate Detangler now until Friday!!!

So if you haven't tried it (or you wanna try it again) now is an even better chance. I'll also throw in a FREE PRODUCT SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE! Just add the product sample of choice in the "notes" section at checkout.

Oh and you do NOT need a paypal account to purchase products. We use paypal as our merchant and paypal allows you to purchase without opening up an account. Just follow the link.

Accessory Spotlight: Headbands

It was spring and summer's hottest hair accessory, but we don't have to let the love stop there. Headbands and hairties are stylish accessories that can do everything from keeping your head warm to hiding hair "imperfections"! When you have a limited amount of time in your schedule, headbands can be a lifesaver (they are indeed mine). Some of my BEST hair days have been accomplished from trusty head bands. BUT...


....BE CAREFUL.




DON'T Wear them daily. Why? Because headbands will pull your hair tight and can cause breakage over time.


DON'T Tie them too tight- well, for the same reason as rule #1.

DO spice them up- That is, get some in various colors and/or designs like the specialty headbands/hair ties by Tomoka's Twists (pictured above). I've heard good reviews and they look great.

DO wear ouchless headbands such as these ouchless headbands made by Goody. They contain no metal clasps and are great for creating styles without pulling and snugging the hair.

Are you ready for the Big Chop?

Calling all transitioners! There's comes a point in time where your natural hair and your permed ends will battle. Your hair will start to tangle and knot, and sadly your hair also is at risk for major breakage, marking a pinnacle moment in your transitioning period. What should you do? CUT IT OFF! Yeah, I said it. When two completely different hair textures (i.e. straight vs curly) are battling on one head, this is a sign that the you need chop those permed straight ends off and let the natural hair flow. This process is better known as the Big Chop.

Some of us haven't a clue about how to cut your natural hair properly. No need to do the big chop yourself. I have compiled a list of the top natural hair salons in major cities across the nation to help you find your natural hair haven. I hear these places are simply fantastic in they specialize in naturally curly kinky and wavy hair. Check them out!

New York City

Khamitkinks
www.khamitkinks.com

Miss Jessies Salon
www.missjessies.com

Washington DC

Honey Styling Salon
www.honeystylingsalon.com

Cornrows and Co.
www.cornrowandco.com

North Carolina
Lockstar
http://www.lockstarsalon.com/

Atlanta

Urbanbella
www.urbanbella.com

Curltopia
www.curlopia.com

Too Groovy Salon and Spa
www.toogroovy.net

Houston

Uncle Funky's Daughter
www.unclefunkysdaughter.com

Chicago

Honey Child Salon and Spa
www.spasalon.com/honeychild

Los Angeles

Oh! My Nappy Hair Salon
www.ohmynappyhair.com

Florida

Bamboo Hair Studio
www.millenniumsol.com

Feel free to make suggestions as I would love to add more cities and more salons to the list!

Spotlight on Naturallycurly.com

Check out the article on Donna Marie Products in the "spotlight" section on Naturallycurly.com this month!