Spotlight Monday: Isabel

Tell us about yourself.
> I’m a New York City native, and a recent Syracuse University graduate.  I studied Television-Radio-Film, and I will be pursuing a career in film production.

Bentonite Clay Review by Melissa

Melissa & 'Le Puff Zaddy' the day after the Bentonite Clay use, a bigger & more defined 'Le Puff Zaddy'

Melissa has previously appeared on Curls Fo' The Girls as a Spotlight Monday feature.  This time, she's bringing a product review on a natural clay that can be used to cleanse and help define curls!

Product: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay - Bentonite clay ($4.99, Vitamin Shoppe)

Why did I purchase this product?
> I decided to buy this clay because of all the amazing and satisfied reviews I read and heard from so many different people (on and offline).  When I heard that your hair gets so clean that your curls soften and become more defined, I said "that's it, I have to try it!"  The clay is fairly inexpensive so I was lucky enough to purchase a pound from the Vitamin Shoppe for only $4.99!  I have had so many failed attempts at trying to define my curls with different products and retain the definition after my hair dried, that I was becoming discouraged.  After detoxing with the Bentonite Clay, I was absolutely more in love with my hair than ever!  I didn't even need anything else in my hair after I used it.  I was really impressed with the results and happy that those reviews steered me in the right direction.

Clay Mix and Application

> I measured each ingredient by eye instead of precise measurements.  Luckily, I've been managing to make the exact amount for one use-- not too much and not too little.

I mixed the clay powder, some castor Oil, aloe vera juice and apple cider vinegar together because this is what works for my hair.  I used the castor oil to give my hair a little more moisture, but you can use any oil that works for you.  This mixture works better than water and the clay alone.  The ACV also made a fizzing sound when it touched the powder!  I highly recommend that you don't use water and the clay alone because there is a possibility of dryness.  However, everyone's hair is different!  When you mix the clay, do not use metal bowls and utensils because the chemical reaction can actually mess up your dishes.  I used a plastic bowl and a plastic spoon until I got a heavy paste.  I sprayed my hair with some water and aloe juice.  Then, I applied the clay section by section-- from the back of my head to the front.  I applied it from my scalp to the ends of my hair almost like I was applying a relaxer LOL.  I also made sure to rub the mixture along my scalp to ensure that my hair and scalp were as clean as possible.  When I was done, I applied a little more to my edges and then I let the clay sit until it was about 80% dry.  I left it in for a little over an hour, but you can leave it in for as little or as much time as you want.  Your hair will start to get hard while the mixture is drying, but once it's time to rinse, it will come right out!  I rinsed my hair in the shower and refrained from disturbing my curls until I saw clear water.  This knocked out the shampooing and conditioning process!  However, I did do a deep conditioning treatment to add more moisture although my hair was super soft.

Results & Recommendation

post treatment

> When I was done, it was safe to say that my hair was amazeballs!  It felt really soft, my coily curls popped, and I saw definition I had  never seen before.  I cowash more than I shampoo, but after using this, I do not think I will ever buy shampoo again.  I like the fact that it's a natural powder from the earth (literally from deposits in the ground from old volcanic ash) and you can use it as a weekly facial and body detox, a twice a month hair detox, to remove dead skin from your feet and calm bug bites, stomach aches, etc.!  It balances the pH in your hair, removes toxins and product buildup from shampoos, conditioners and other products, and it releases minerals in your hair.  It does a lot for $5 so I definitely recommend that every natural try this hair detox at least once.  I am a frugal person, and I am happy that I found something very affordable and simple to add to my already simple regimen.  I believe your wallet and hair will thank you if you use this clay.  I now have hope my first "wash and go" instead of a "wash and no".

Do you have any questions for Melissa about the Bentonite Clay detox?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Natural Hair Junkie, Sie

Tell us about yourself.

> I go by the moniker "A Natural Hair Junky" AKA NHJ, but some call me Sie; I am 23 years old.  I am the mother of one, a full-time student, and a business owner.  I am the ONLY person behind the Natural Hair Junkies brand.  I “aspire to inspire”-- that is why I’m here.  I am super shocked that people have valued my opinion the way they have. It's amazing!

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been completely natural since February 19th, 2013.  This is my third and final attempt at going, and staying, natural, LOL Sad, huh?  I am a type 4 a/b chick (Kinky/Coily me!!).  My curls clump together for the most part and my hair shrinks up 85% of its length. *sigh* lol  So you can't really see my curls when I Wash & Go.  I have really soft, thick hair.  My hair has a high porosity level.  I actually just dyed my hair a 'cool, soft black' so we shall see, lol.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned for a few months and then decided to big chop in February.  My transition went pretty smooth.  I did a lot of research and developed a lot of patience.  I decided in February, once I had all of my "essentials," to big chop.  I bought a pair of hair shears and some butterfly clips, and spent two hours cutting my hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I decided to big chop after a few months of transitioning.  It was about 4 months after quitting the creamy crack.  I was tired of not really seeing my natural hair; dealing with two textures was starting to become more of a hassle.  I chose to free myself from all of the extra work and just go completely natural.  I wanted to see my hair for what it was and finally rep that #TeamNatural, lol.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Lawd, when I experienced my natural hair for the first time, I HONESTLY, wanted to fall out... on the ground, LOL.  I couldn't believe that I had done that to myself.  Even though it was freeing, I was shocked; I was just like wow!  My hair was super soft and very healthy, but I felt boyish.  However, it was definitely an experience I do not regret.  If it wasn’t for my big chop, I would have never learned the true value of healthy hair.  That drastic change inspired and motivated me to remain natural.

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

> My top three favorites?  This is a hard one, BUT I loveee the honey shea twist and curl cream by www.prettykinkynaturals.bigcartel.com & their co-wash truffles.  I love the www.anunaturals.com Vanilla Capuaçu Daily Hair Lotion & the LCO kit.  And my third choice would have to be the www.mainelementlove.com Herbal Styling balm, and the citrus hair smoothie.  I have never had my edges laid the way this product lays them.  I pick and choose every week from these three products when it comes to doing my hair.  They are always in rotation.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to hairstyles would have to be flat twists and puffs.  I love rocking flat twists with a cute start, a full flat twist out, or doing some form of flat twist out with some flat twists left in for style.  My hair is still a tad bit too short to do twist outs, (I don’t have hours to do mini twists, lol) and I haven’t really tried braid outs or “cornrow” outs, lol.  I also do puffs and flat twist combos or just puffs.  That’s my go-to whenever I am having a bad hair day.  I make it cute and keep it moving.  I plan on experimenting now that I have more length.  I am almost at a year without heat.

How do you feel about your hair today? 

>  Every time I look at my hair, and its progress, I start singing, “Started from the bottom now we here.” Cliché, I know, but over the last 10 months, my hair has grown so much.  I can honestly say that I have learned the true meaning of beauty, being unique and what it means to have confidence.  I am very proud of how far I’ve come.  Most importantly, I love my hair more every day.  I am very proud to tell people that I have type 4 hair, and I honestly couldn’t complain.

*Be sure to check this NHJ out on http://www.naturalhairjunkies.com/ & on Instagram at @naturalhairjunkies, #naturalhairjunkies!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Sie about her journey?  If so, comment below OR send her an email at naturalhairjunkies@gmail.com!

Spotlight Monday: Melissa

Tell us about yourself.
> Hello Naturals!  My name is Melissa; I dance, I love cats and I am a "Natural Hair" And "Black Self Love" enthusiast!  I am pursuing my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.  I have strong aspirations of not only being an advocate in the Mental Health Community, but also of bringing more Mental Health services, and awareness, to our disregarded communities of color in any way that I can.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> Well (brace yourself! Lol), I am one of those naturals who "went natural" more than once.  As a freshman in college, I made the decision to change a lot of my habits including relaxing my hair, especially because I didn't get them often.  My first relaxer was forced; I was only 8yo!  After attempting my 1st transition, a fresh relaxer and weave called my name.  After almost 9 months, I went back!  When I saw how TERRIBLE the perm was, and how weak and stupid I felt, I said "that's it for this!" and ever since the summer of 2009, I never got another relaxer. :)  My hair type is mixed, but overall I think I am a 4A & 4B with BEAUTIFUL tight coils and tight S shaped curls.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned with multiple trims, braids, and weaves.  Then I cut my hair to my ears when I saw how unhealthy my hair was.  I decided to transition because I wanted to see the difference in my hair as it grew, and I was honestly too afraid to cut it all off.  Now I feel that because I went through a lot of phases and heat damage, and even though my curls are coming back to life and I'm way more comfortable, I definitely want to cut it again in the future.

 What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Like many transitioning naturals, I thought I would have Tracy Ellis Ross hair or something (lol), but I didn't.  I didn't know what I was doing with my hair and I felt kind of lonely in my journey.  It took me years to stop using heat and to embrace my TRUE natural texture after giving up crazy chemicals like relaxers (No lye, No lie lol).  However, when I decided to be 100% true to my naturalness, I was very happy when I saw how curly my hair was, and I was ecstatic for my freedom! - I felt so strong because this was one thing about me that NOBODY or NO social norm could continue to control. 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I'm still in a trial and error phase because I feel like my hair is a complicated girl, but to name three products:

- Raw Shea butter (my whole body swears by it)

- Eco Styler Gel

- Cantu Shea Leave-in conditioner

I know it says to name three, but the Tresemme Naturals Conditioner is really good, too! LOL

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> As much as I love twist outs and Bantu knot outs, I have too many failed attempts with them.  So my go-to hairstyle would be my Beautiful, coily puff aka "Le Puff Zaddy".

How do you feel about your hair today?
> Today-- I love my hair!  Even though I am still not 100% confident with every hairstyle I do or try, I rock it with love and pride because I do love and value my return to natural.  I love to use water in my hair everyday now, and I will never turn back to relaxers, which just didn't work for me, or even heat.  I am fully in love with the versatility of my hair, and the hair textures of all people of color!  I feel like I can make a stance with my hair in so many ways and I love it.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

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

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: 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!