Spotlight Monday: Milan

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Milan; I am from the Bronx, and New York City is my home.  I am a Junior at Syracuse University and I am studying Communications and Rhetorical Studies.  I am also an active poet on Syracuse's Campus.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> I have been natural for 2 years now; it will be 3 years next summer!  For sometime, I didn’t know I was going natural (officially) until after a small chop of my hair.  I completely decided to stop getting perms.  Within those two years, I didn’t fully embrace my natural hair.  Instead, I would just flat iron it or get it blown out.  When I began to my rock my natural hair, I discovered that I had multiple curl patterns.  To my surprise, I am a 3c, 4a, and 4b, leaving me with three textures all around, providing me with different curls.  Some of my curls are super defined at times, and some of my curls can be loose, but not so much. My hair is thick so the different textures compliment each other.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I began to embrace my natural hair after 2 years when I had some kind of length.  I didn’t big chop; I transitioned by letting my perm grow out through box braid installations.  I took this route because when I used to get perms in high school, the chemicals were too strong for my hair so it started to break after a while.  My mother would treat my hair like it was her prized possession because my hair was long and soft.  I miss it sometimes, but going  natural was a big step for me and I knew it was my time to treat my hair like my prized possession, and I definitely do.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> It was crazy; it was like those who knew I was natural for that time always wanted me to embrace it.  When I finally wore my hair out in an actual style, it almost felt like “the wait” was over.  However, I was very insecure about it because I didn’t know how I would actually look.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)

> My favorite products are Cantu Coconut Oil leave-in conditioner, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, and Olive Oil.  I haven’t become a product junkie yet, but I can feel it coming soon.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My go-to styles are definitely box braids (when it’s a colder-- you can never go wrong), and my 'fro!  I do two strand twists and wash & gos with JUST conditioner and my curls come out defined!

How do you feel about your hair today?
> Honesty, I love my hair, and I never thought of turning back to the chemicals that once damaged my hair before.  I felt like it was going to be harder to maintain my natural hair, and at the beginning, it was.  I didn’t know what I was doing, and I didn’t have any sort of guidance.  Now this blog happened and, I can connect with some women on here, whether its their hairstyles or different texture types.  When I visit the blog, I see some similar products that I've used, and some that I can use in the future to produce some of the same results as these lovely women have.  I feel like I am apart of this glorious resurgence of natural beauty and embracing it.  It makes me feel like the movement is here to stay.  This is only the beginning of my journey.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Milan about her natural hair?  Leave a comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Maya

Tell us about yourself.
> I'm a 22-year-old Syracuse University alumna working in Chicago with at-risk freshman and sophomore males through University of Chicago/Match Education.  I'm addicted to fashion/beauty blogs and shoes.  I love to dance, sing, cook, and anything DIY/arts & crafts. Oh, and I like long walks on the beach... (LOL!)

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I've been natural 4.5 years.  I'd say my hair type is a mix of 3b/3c/4a.  My curls are looser at the nape of my neck, and around the front, but tighter at the crown.  In some areas, my hair curls in a corkscrew pattern, but in other areas it's more of a s-shaped pattern.  I have fine textured hair, but there's a lot of it!

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I did a little bit of both.  After prom/graduation, I decided I wanted a change and got my hair cut somewhere between a pixie and a short bob.  Because my hair was longer in the front, I still had some relaxed hair, but not much.  After my first semester of college, I cut the remainder of the relaxed hair off.  It grew out into a medium length bob and I had it cut again into a short bob.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> I loved it and hated it.  I loved that I was brave enough to cut my hair so short.  I also loved not spending hours styling my hair.  I would literally wash my hair, comb a little conditioner through it, and go!  When I decided to straighten it, it only took about 45 min from start to finish.  On the flip side, when I wore my hair curly, I wasn't as confident about my short hair.  I felt like a little boy some days and other days like a wet poodle.  My hair being done and "in-place" is borderline an obsession, so I didn't know how to just let go and let my hair do what it wanted.  I felt like I was having a bad hair day everyday I wore my hair curly.  

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> When I was getting relaxers, I never got my hair bone straight.  So my hair was always curly through high school.  I'd only get a touch-up once or twice a year. That's pretty much how I knew I could go without the creamy crack.  When I'd style my hair, I actually liked the outcome of the natural sections more than the relaxed ones.  And when I'd wear a wash-n-go, I'd have to spend a half an hour scrunching my ends so that they wouldn't be straighter than my roots.  So when I went completely natural, I fell in love with my hair.  It was healthy, versatile, and most importantly, it curled without coercion.  I was so committed to having the healthiest hair that I'd schedule a hair appointment every six weeks to get my ends trimmed and a deep conditioning treatment.  Now, I'm not as irrational.  I can do both at home and not as frequently without feeling like I'm abusing my hair.  

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> - Trader Joe's Tea Tree Shampoo and Nourish Spa Conditioner.  My scalp always feels great and my hair doesn't drink up the conditioner and dry out like most conditioners. 

- Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner always leaves my hair silky and moisturized.  I love that I don't have to use the whole bottle to feel the difference in my hair. 

- Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel - I use it for EVERYTHING.  Wash-n-go, bun, two strand twists, twist outs... EVERYTHING.

(I'm teetering on the product junkie line, so I mix in other products depending on the style.) 

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> The first few years, I only wore wash and gos or two braided pigtails.  I've experimented a lot more in the last 18 months.  I love flexi rod sets! (I just hate how uncomfortable they are, so I don't do them frequently). I do a lot of variations of buns.  I try to switch the position of my bun every couple of days and I only tie the elastic bands once or twice (depending on the style) so that I don't put too much stress on my hair.  Sometimes I do two flat twists in the front and pull the bun down to the nape of my neck. Other times I do two strand twists on the front half of my head and pull my hair into a high bun.  I also do a lot of wash and gos.  I like to put two flat twists in the front of my wash and gos to take some hair off my face.  If I'm going out, I usually diffuse my hair a little, slick down my edges with eco sytler, and throw on an elastic head band. 

When my hair started growing out, I had a routine down to the minute almost.  I'd wear my hair straight one week, the next my natural hair in two braids or a puff, straight hair, then natural hair.. and so on.  Over the last year, I've been trying to limit the heat styling, so I'll go a couple weeks without straightening my hair.  I went the entire summer with no heat, so I learned a lot of protective styles that I've been able to incorporate into my routine.  Now, I try to straighten my hair one week out the month, the next week I'll wear my straight hair in a bun, and the next two weeks I wear my hair natural or in a protective style. (keyword: try.)

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I still have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  I get so many compliments on my hair especially when I think it looks terrible.  I'm learning to embrace my curls a little more.  That's been the biggest struggle throughout my natural hair journey - finding the confidence in owning my hair.  Even though I've been natural for 4.5 years, I'm still learning what works best for me and my hair.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Maya about her natural hair?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Toni

Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Toni; I’m a Syracuse University alum, NYLS law student, and Bronx native.  My love for music has influenced me to pursue a career in entertainment law-- hopefully working with musicians *fingers crossed*.  I’m completely obsessed with my hair and researching, and buying, products for my hair; I’m a little bit of a geek.  Oh, and I’m a recovering sneakerhead (very little emphasis on recovering). 

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I’ve been natural for a little over a month.  I’m pretty sure I have about 2-3 different curl patterns in this curly 'fro of mine.  If i had to pick, I’d say i have a mix of 3b and 3C-- at least those are the ones I can identify.  My tightest curls are along my hairline, and the curls at the crown of my head are, by far, the most defiant.  Because of all my researching, I’ve realized that I have low porosity hair!  Being low porosity makes wash days and styling considerably interesting (lol)! 

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned for a year and 4 months.  My last relaxer was just 2 months after I graduated from Syracuse University.  After that year and 4 months, I was over it!  Long term transitioning is a challenge to say the least!  I was too terrified to have short hair.  I’ve never had hair shorter than shoulder length, so the thought of shorter hair literally gave me anxiety.  I didn’t know what I’d be able to do with it-- and God forbid-- a bad hair day and I couldn’t have a ponytail!  I spent the majority of my transitioning time doing flat twist outs.  Occasionally, I did some braid-outs and straightening.  I tried bantu-knots twice; that was a no-go for me!  I even got Senegalese twists over the summer thinking I’d do some protective styling-- they lasted a week! 

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?
> I’m not sure if I even did a big chop, but when I finally cut my hair on November 1st, I felt free!  As cliché as that sounds, it was literally one of the most liberating things I’ve done in a while.  I didn’t care about what anyone thought anymore; I just wanted those disgusting relaxed ends off!  I let my older sister, who has zero hair cutting experience, cut my hair for me.  We recorded the entire process!  I was sooo excited; I kept sticking my hands in my hair when it was over.  I did a wash and go right after and took my hair out for a drink! 

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> I can’t lie and say it was easy!  When I looked in the mirror the morning after I cut it, I laughed!  I got my first relaxer at the age of 6 for my mom’s wedding, so finally seeing my curls was weird.  I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I let the wash and go-- styled by my sister-- rock out for another day or two.  I LOVED my hair though.  The laughter I experienced was definitely joyous!  I still constantly look at the pics of my BC and actually laugh.  I still can't believe I did it sometimes.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I live by Aussie Moist as a rinse out conditioner!  The slip is insane and it smells tropical-- and I LOVE tropical scents!  I also love coconut oil.  It’s light enough that I don’t feel like my hair is weighed down by it or that it's building up on my hair.  Also, because my hair has low porosity, products tend to just sit on top of my hair.  Lastly, I loveee eco styler gel especially the clear one!  It defines my curls better than anything I’ve tried yet, but it’s only been a little over a month (lol)!  When I first did my wash and gos, they were too crunchy and I couldn’t stand it.  I tried scrunching my hair with coconut oil, but it just didn’t do it for me.  I tried layering my products-- a layer of coconut oil right under my gel-- and that did the trick!  Since trying that, my wash and gos are super soft! 

 What are your go-to hairstyles?
> Since BC’ing, I’ve retired my flat twists.  My go-to is definitely a wash and go!  I love seeing my natural curl pattern, so wash and gos work best for me.  I did a twist out since BC’ing and didn’t like it until I made it frizzy.  It was just a little too perfectly defined for my taste. 

How do you feel about your hair today? 
> I LOVE my hair!!!  I can say, without a doubt, I’ll never put another relaxer in my hair again!  I feel like my hair suits my personality better now than before.  I’ve become obsessed with myself since BC’ing.  Seriously-- the amount of selfies I have on my phone is slightly sickening.  A friend of mine actually reminded me that there’s a 'three selfie a week' rule for IG; I highly doubt I follow that.  I can’t wait to see how much it grows and how big it gets.  I’ve already noticed more growth since November 1st.  I think it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with my curls!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Toni about her natural hair?  Comment below!

Briogeo Hair Care x Huetiful Hair Steamer Product Reviews

post Briogeo products x Huetiful steamer

I decided to give my hair some TLC on Friday night after not having done my hair in weeks (I honestly couldn't remember the last time I washed, detangled & deep conditioned my hair).  I was happy that I ordered my Huetiful Hair Steamer, at it's lowest price yet, a couple of weeks ago and I was also excited to try out a few samples that I received from Briogeo Hair Care.

Briogeo Hair Care products are a new brand of products created by Nancy Twine, "who was inspired by a family tradition of formulating luxurious personal care products, like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions, in the kitchen of her childhood home".  The word, Briogeo, itself is formed of two words: Brio, meaning vivid, full of life, distinct, and geo, meaning of earth, nature.  The name Briogeo "encompasses the soul mission of our brand: to create hair that is vibrant and full of life through the earth's very own ingredients" (Briogeo booklet).

During my wash process, I used the Briogeo 'Be Gentle, Be Kind' cleansing shampoo, my TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner to detangle, the Briogeo 'Don't Despair, Repair!' deep conditioning mask, and the Briogeo 'Curl Charisma' curl defining conditioner to style.

Briogeo 'Be Gentle, Be Kind' Cleansing Shampoo ($19):
The 'Be Gentle, Be Kind' cleansing shampoo is a sulfate-free cleanser for all hair types.  

The Details:
"Richly cleanse and refresh your scalp and hair with Be Gentle, Be Kind™ sulfate-free shampoo.  This award winning shampoo is fortified with green tea antioxidants, nourishing and shine-enhancing bamboo & palm extracts, soothing aloe, and vitamins B5 & E to give your hair the healthy boost needed to look its best.  Naturally-derived cleansers leave your hair soft, clean, and manageable."

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Polysorbate 80, Soyamidopropyldimethylamine Oxide, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Chitosan Succinamide, Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5), Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium 71, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Extract, Carica (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid

Review:
I liked the scent of the BG, BK shampoo; it was citrusy, yet light.  I would use this once a week, or if you have excessive buildup, but not daily, or every couple of days.  Anything more than that would be too much because I found it to be stripping; I wish it was a little more moisturizing.  I also noticed that I had some tangles after use.  I don't know if it was how I applied the shampoo-- getting some on my actual hair, or what-- but I noticed I had a harder time detangling my tuft (lol).  However, I did like how my scalp was clean afterwards.  I didn't have any residue and I felt that I was working with a clean slate, which is key for moisture retention!

I would definitely give this shampoo another shot.  I'm just going to be a little more careful with my application.  IF I notice tangles the second time around, I might have to give up the BG, BK shampoo and stick to my L'Oreal Hydracharge shampoo.

Briogeo 'Don't Despair, Repair!' Deep Conditioning Mask ($26):
The 'Don't Despair, Repair!' deep conditioning mask is a repairing mask for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.

The Details:
"Repair and treat dry, damaged and/or breaking hair with Don't Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask.  Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin.  This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength."

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate, Brassica Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Isopropyl Myristate, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5), Biotin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil*, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Oil, Abies Sibirica (Fir Needle) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Isododecane, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol * ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Review:
I don't know if it was the combination of the mask with the Huetiful hair steamer, or what, but I absolutely loved this stuff!  The scent was also light, but, IMO, it wasn't very distinct.  My hair was super dry before application and I noticed a huge difference after my steaming session.  My hair was super soft-- especially after suffering from the drying cold (shame on me)-- and so shiny!  I love how this DC mask is made with tons of organic ingredients and contains good alcohols.  It revived my dry, frizzy curls and gave me soft, shiny, and springy curls.  I must admit that $26 is a bit steep, but I can see myself using this deep conditioning mask again especially after these results!

Briogeo 'Curl Charisma' Curl Defining Conditioner ($23):
The 'Curl Charisma' curl defining conditioner is a hydrating curl definer for curly to wavy hair.

The Details:
"Define, de-frizz, and enhance your curls with Curl Charisma™ conditioner, specially formulated for curly to wavy tresses.  This super-conditioner is fortified with frizz-deterring rice amino acids, ultra-hydrating rosehip & sweet almond oil, moisturizing shea, and shine-boosting rosehip oil.  Mollis leaf and tomato fruit extract help to ensure consistent curl formation and highlight the texture and form of each curl, boosting the vibrancy and liveliness of your hair."

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate, Brassica Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Esters, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang) Flower Oil, Polyquaternium-69, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Isopropyl Myristate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol (ProVitamin B), Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Amino Acids, Stearoyl CoA-desaturase (SCD-1), Lactobacillus/Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Ferment Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Isododecane, Chitosan Succinamide, Acanthus Mollis Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol * ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Review:
I like how this curl definer smells; it's a sweet smell (I cannot put my finger on it), but it smells really yummy (lol)!  But I loved how this product defined my curls.  They were very shiny, there was less frizz, and they were very well defined.  The packaging suggests that this is a wash out conditioner, but you can rinse the conditioner lightly from the hair for extra moisture retention.  However, I used this product as an actual leave-in conditioner and did not rinse any of it from my hair.  I loved the results!  Although this definer is retailed at $23, I can definitely see this as a treat to myself.  It's not going to replace my SMCES, but it would be a great product to alternate with.

Huetiful Hair Steamer Details:
I was so happy to finally be using my hair steamer.  I had been wanting one for a while, especially after I heard about the benefits.  The Huetiful Hair Steamer was one of the most talked about steamers on the blogs and YouTube videos and I had to have one!

The Huetiful Hair Steamer helps to

• Restore moisture to dry hair, up to 5x better than deep conditioning alone
• Retain length and strengthen hair (by replenishing moisture lost to relaxers or heat straightening)
• Reduce breakage and split ends (significantly)

by lifting the hair cuticle layers to allow for the deep conditioner to penetrate deeply rather than sitting on top of hair strands.

Review:
Assembling the HHS was extremely easy!  It comes in 4 parts including a facial steamer, which I have yet to try, but I will soon.  After assembling the steamer, I washed and conditioned my hair, set a station in my mom's room using a foot stool, book & blanket for my seat, and began to steam.

The steamer heats up within 2 minutes, which I thought was reasonable.  I only wish the steamer was adjustable so that I didn't have to strain to make sure I was under it.  However, next time, I'll be using the steamer on an actual tabletop instead of a snack tray (so much for QT with mommy, lol) and make adjustments as necessary.

After my steaming session, I washed the deep conditioning mask out with cold water.  No-- cold water is never fun, but it's best for sealing in all those goodies we just steamed into the hair!  After my steaming session, my hair was super soft and it felt completely hydrated.  I will definitely be incorporating more steaming sessions into my regimen especially during the cold winter months to help with moisture retention.

Taking the HHS apart was a little more time consuming as you have to drain the basin (cup required) and allow for the parts to cool done and dry before storing them away.  But once the items cool, dry and they are drained properly, dismantling the HHS is just as easy as putting it together!

Overall:
I definitely enjoyed testing out the Briogeo Hair Care products and the Huetiful Hair Steamer.  I can definitely see some of the Briogeo products in my lineup and I will definitely enjoy using my steamer.

Make sure that you are deep conditioning and moisturizing your hair especially in drying-- cold or hot-- environments.  The cold winter air is just as bad as dry heat and heated indoors.  Using a great deep conditioning mask and steamer can definitely help soften and moisturize those dry curls and revive them!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Have you used Briogeo Hair Care products or the Huetiful Hair Steamer?  Share your experience below!

Spotlight Monday: Christinia

Tell us about yourself.
> I am a Syracuse University Alumna pursuing a career as a Criminalist-- one laboratory position at a time.  I love to dance, watch movies (action & horror), paint my nails, do hair, shop and EAT!  I just enjoy having a good time with good people.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been fully natural for 2 years & 7months, but began the process April 2010 (my last relaxer was for my 20^th birthday).  My hair type is 4a/4c; my hair is very tightly coiled yet soft.  However, the middle of my hair is so thick and tightly coiled that it lacks definite shape while the sides of my head have more defined curls that are springy when pulled.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> In May of 2011 I did my Big Chop!  Prior to, I would just wear braid outs, but running out of patience, I was ready to cut all of the remainder of my relaxed hair off.  I thought and found it to be easier to deal with one texture of hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> After my BC I felt like a new person.  I had given myself a new look; however, I was still shy to show it off because it was very different than what I was used to.  It was definitely a style I would have to get used to being that it was only my natural hair.  I also felt like I had accomplished a goal being that I had been talking about going natural for a long time.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
>  As time went on, I was surprised at how much I began to fall in love with my hair.  Not only was it easy to maintain, as far as saving time on doing my hair, the compliments I was getting played a part on it growing on me.  But when it came time for me to style my hair differently, I did think "OMG! what did I do?!" because it was so thick, and short, and I thought there was no way I could straighten it as good as it could have been straightened with a relaxer-- glad to know I was wrong.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I love using curling lotions and smoothies especially the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  Prior to washing my hair, I apply Taliah Waajid’s The Great Detangler while twisting my hair (I wash my hair while its twisted), and I wash and condition with Crème of Nature’s Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> I love, love, love wearing Bantu knot outs, regular twist outs and my wash-and-go 'fro!  As a protective style, or a style when I know I’m not going to want to do my hair for a long time, I braid my hair in goddess box braids.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I love my hair!  I find it simpler to maintain than if it was relaxed.  I am so glad I became natural because my hair is much healthier.  I know I can still do as many styles as I want, as well as styles I have done prior to becoming a Naturalista!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Christinia about her natural hair?  Comment below!

You Did What?!

Yes, folks.. I did it again, and by it, I mean I big chopped for the second time and it felt good!

So I had been having these thoughts about a tapered haircut for quite some time and after a conversation with a friend about haircuts via Twitter, and a quick talk with my mom the same night, I decided that I should just do it and be done with it.  I had been looking at pictures of tapered cuts, stalking McKenzie Renae's blog and her cute cut, and tweeting every now and then, "I want a tapered cut!".  After some research on my bus ride home, I decided that I was going to cut my hair and as soon as possible!

I went to the salon on Friday to discuss the cut and price with my stylist, and I made sure I was the first person at the salon on Saturday.. ready.  She used the clippers for most of the cut-- along the back and sides of my head and she used scissors only to even off the tuft of hair that was left to create the shape I wanted.  I couldn't really tell if I was liking the cut at first because my hair was combed out and not curly.  I kind of started to worry, but I had to wait until it was 100% done before I panicked.

After the cut, she washed my hair with my L'Oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo.  I forgot a conditioner-- I seriously don't know how-- so she went straight for my deep conditioner and applied my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask.  She combed it through, I donned a plastic cap, and sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes.  Once the timer went off, I had her rinse the deep conditioner out with cold water and headed straight for the chair.  While in the chair, she applied my Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in/Detangler and a little bit of my Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls gel.  Then, I sat under the dryer, again, for about 10 minutes.  I just wanted to make sure my hair wasn't soaking wet before I headed home.

Once I got home, I snatched my hood off and I headed for the bathroom.  I rinsed out the product, reapplied some leave-in and a little more gel and diffused my hair.  Now, I was definitely liking it.

I wanted to cut my hair for a while especially because I had always liked the tapered cut look.  It was actually the first cut I looked at when I planned to BC.  I also got a little tired of my big hair.  Yes, I did love it and I was happy that it grew out-- as much as it did, and as fast as it did-- but I wanted something different.  I wanted something spicy, and I felt that the tapered cut was the right amount of spice for me.  I also missed my super curly coils.  I noticed that as my hair grew out, it became less curly and more wavy.  I missed my springy curls and I was happy to have them back.

I got a lot of questions about why I cut my hair especially because people couldn't understand why I would do it.  I had to do what I felt was right for me.  I definitely got asked 'why' a few times, but it is my hair. :)

If you are interested in cutting your hair, do your research!  Don't be afraid to look up tons of pictures and take some with you to your stylist.  Make adjustments as you feel necessary so that the cut fits your face.  And do not be afraid!  It's just hair and it will grow back :)

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Are you thinking about a tapered cut?  Do you have a tapered cut and want to share your experience?  Comment below!